National

Would-Be Firefighters Flood B.C. Wildfire Service With Applications

The Canadian Press, 27 Jan, 2016 01:23 PM

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — There is no shortage of candidates to fill the estimated 200 vacant positions expected this summer with the B.C. Wildfire Service.

Provincial information officer Kevin Skrepnek says just under 1,500 applications were received by the Jan. 24 deadline.

He says the number is above average, exceeding applications received in 2015.

But Skrepnek notes submissions usually climb in the year following a busy fire season.

More than 1,800 blazes were recorded during what the Wildfire Service calls a "major" season in 2015, with homes lost in Rock Creek and Puntzi Lake, while total fire fighting costs topped $282-million.

Successful 2016 Wildfire Service applicants must first survive a rigorous interview and screening process before being invited to boot camps slated for Merritt in April and May.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Ontario First Nations Chiefs Raise Funds To Pay For Inquiry Into Missing Women

First Nations Chiefs in Ontario are launching an online fundraising campaign to pay for their own public inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women.

Ontario First Nations Chiefs Raise Funds To Pay For Inquiry Into Missing Women

Family, Friends Gather To Remember University Student Police Say Was Murdered

William Sandeson, a 22-year-old varsity track athlete who was about to start classes at Dalhousie's medical school, was charged with first-degree murder on Aug. 20, four days after Samson was reported missing.

Family, Friends Gather To Remember University Student Police Say Was Murdered

Provincial Calls For More Syrian Refugees Misses Money Question: Expert

University of Toronto sociology professor Monica Boyd said such requests amount to asking the federal government to pay the tab — about $35,000 per refugee family in the first year.

Provincial Calls For More Syrian Refugees Misses Money Question: Expert

Bank Of Canada Keeps Key Rate On Hold At 0.5 Per Cent As Resource Sector Adjusts

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada kept its key interest rate on hold at 0.5 per cent on Wednesday and said the country's resource sector continues to adjust to lower prices for oil and other commodities.

Bank Of Canada Keeps Key Rate On Hold At 0.5 Per Cent As Resource Sector Adjusts

Syrian Refugee Queries Draws Catcalls From Conservative Supporters

A Conservative supporter at a Stephen Harper campaign event heckled a reporter Wednesday who was asking about the government's handling of the Syrian refugee crisis.

Syrian Refugee Queries Draws Catcalls From Conservative Supporters

Jury Selection In Dennis Oland's Second-degree Murder Trial Enters Day 2

Jury selection continued Wednesday for the trial of Dennis Oland, who has pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder in the death of his father, high-profile businessman Richard Oland.