HALIFAX: The province is partnering with Dalhousie University to launch a new Nova Scotia Fire Service Leadership Certificate, offering training that reflects the realities of modern firefighters.
“Our firefighters step up when their communities need them most. They deserve the training, tools and support they need to lead with confidence,” said Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management.
“This partnership with Dalhousie is about investing in the people who lead our fire departments and strengthening fire services in communities across Nova Scotia.”
The pilot program consists of six customized courses covering:
– station operations
– fire prevention and suppression
– municipal administration
– finance
– human resources
– organizational leadership.
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The required sixcourses can be completed online in about 18 months, with about three hours of study per week, along with virtual sessions.
Scheduled sessions will use case studies and examples from Nova Scotia and will create opportunities for firefighters from municipalities across Nova Scotia to learn together, share experiences and build a provincewide network of fire service leaders.
The courses are fully transferable and can count toward Dalhousie’s existing fire service leadership programs.
The new program is designed to support firefighters as they move into leadership roles and help current officers strengthen their skills.
Applications will open on Dalhousie’s website in September for the first two pilot cohorts, expected to begin in January and April 2027.
The Province is investing over $209,000 towards this program.
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Quotes:
“Strong fire service leadership is essential to the safety and resilience of communities across Nova Scotia. This certificate brings together Dalhousie’s expertise in leadership development with the lived experience of fire service professionals to provide practical, accessible learning that reflects the realities of their work.
“We’re proud to partner with the Province to create a learning opportunity that will help current and future fire service leaders build the skills and confidence they need to lead effectively.”
— Jennifer Hann, acting Dean, faculty of open learning and career development, Dalhousie University
“The Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia is pleased to be partners in the creation of the Certificate in Fire Service Leadership program offered by Dalhousie University.
“The continued learning of fire service members is very important for success in their diverse and challenging positions of fire service leadership”
— Rod Nielsen, President, Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
– the program was developed by Dalhousie University’s faculty of open learning and career development in partnership with the Department of Emergency Management
– the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia led a broad review of fire services governance focused on operations, training, communications, funding and more; it was released in September 2025
– the Province released the findings of a value-for-money audit of the Nova Scotia Firefighters School in August 2025 and ended its relationship with the school because of concerns about safety, governance and other issues
– the Nova Scotia Fire Training Advisory Committee was established in September 2025 to create an interim basic firefighter training plan while a long-term plan is established
– Dalhousie University has offered fire leadership training since the mid-1980s and updated its programs in 2025 to better reflect the skills fire service leaders need today
