August 4, 2022
Hello Ontario Trainers,
It has been a little while since our last BLAST! For many of us the lead up and inclusion of Mandatory Certification has dominated our landscape and here we are already in August. Hopefully everyone has taken advantage of some time off and is starting to get geared up for the fall push. Included in all that’s going on has been the provincial and now municipal elections that have the ability to change our work environment depending on successful candidates. Fingers crossed. Speaking of elections, read below on the upcoming OAFTO Executive elections being held this September.
Take a few minutes to catch up with the OAFTO Executive. Please reach out if you have any requirements, questions or comments.
TOW 2022 (Message from the President)
OAFTO Members,
I would like to take this time to explain what is happening with the Training Officer Workshop. The province has moved to a Regional Training Center model and with that, the cost to attend courses has increased. The TOW is no different. Funding for the TOW has ceased.
We will run a small TOW this year virtually. Only one stream will be offered with only 20 spots. We will be hosting a TTT-Resilient Minds course over the week of September 19-23. September 22 we will have an all members day virtually to hear from stakeholders and have our OAFTO AGM. There will be correspondence coming out shortly detailing the week and how to participate.
We will be starting to plan for next years TOW. I would like to prepare people now for a severe cost increase. We are forecasting a cost of $1500 approximately for each attendee next year. This will include HOT classes, hotel rooms, different streams... for the five days.
We ask that you speak with your Chief officers and discuss this increase. Budgets will need to be prepared for this cost increase. OAFTO sent a survey out back in May asking for member participation to inform the executive of options for this year TOW. Many indicated that that the above cost was un-achievable this late into a budget year.
The last few years have brought great change and challenge to OAFTO. But we are adapting to this change. We understand that the TOW is the only training officer development workshop offered in the province. And we will ensure it is back next year! We have already had discussions with possible host and feel we will put on a fantastic TOW next year.
Thank you
Adam Rockall
President of OAFTO
Additional information regarding scheduling and enrollment will be provided shortly.
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OAFTO Executive Elections
Nominations are now open for the following OAFTO Executive positions. All nominations must be received by the OAFTO secretary no later than Monday August 22. Voting will be held during September with the results planned for the TOW.
The following positions are open for nominations:
· President
· 2nd Vice President
· Treasurer
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Fire Ground Survival Train-the-Trainer Sept 13-16, 2022
Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training & Research Center (WRESTRC) is hosting an IAFF delivered Fireground Survival Train the Trainer course. Please view the attachment posted on the website to learn more and direction on enrollment.
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Looking forward to seeing everyone during the week of the Virtual TOW.
Stay safe everyone and thanks again for your support!
The OAFTO Executive