Discover a curated selection of training materials, toolkits, and educational resources developed to support diversity, equity, and inclusion across the fire service. These tools are designed to empower departments, leaders, and individuals with practical strategies for building safer, more inclusive teams.
Visit the Organizational Directory below to explore the many fire service organizations we’ve partnered with to advance gender equity and inclusive leadership across Ontario and beyond.
2024 FSWO AGM Minutes -- March 19, 2025
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FSWO 2025 Executive Committee Treasurer Report
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2025 FSWO AGM Agenda -- February 11, 2026
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FSWO is pleased to share our 2024 Annual Report. We look forward to sharing our successes and working with you in the future.
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This document is the legally binding rules by which the FSWO is governed. They set forth the structure of the organization and guide the Board of Directors (“Board”) in the conduct of its business. They include details on membership, elections, and much more.
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In Ontario in 2015, women represented just over 5% of all firefighters and just under 7% of senior firefighting leadership. Insights from the Inside uses surveys and interviews with firefighters to explore the barriers to employing more women firefighters. It documents the stories and experiences of women firefighters from across Ontario using quantitative and qualitative data.
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October 2018 back issue of the FSWO Members magazine.
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March 2018 back issue of the FSWO Members magazine.
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October 2017 back issue of the FSWO Members magazine.
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March 2017 back issue of the FSWO Members magazine.
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July 2016 back issue of the FSWO Members magazine.
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March 2015 back issue of the FSWO Members magazine.
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July 2014 back issue of the FSWO Members magazine.
Download FileFACILITATED BY JESS CLERMONT
FACILITATED BY AUDREY-ANNE ROBINSON
FACILITATED BY MICHELLE VANDEVORD AND LAURIE SALLIS
FACILITATED BY JENN DAWKINS AND JULIE PETRUZZELLIS
Explore technical rescue through the experiences of our own members. This session will include information about various specialty training methods from women across Canada. Learn about HUSAR, High Angle, Heavy Rescue, Ice Rescue, Swift Water Rescue and Hazmat and how these disciplines are executed in a variety of departments.
FACILITATED BY JONA OLSSON
We’ll review the basics, the equipment, the logistics and the options for developing and sustaining a sufficient water supply in hydrant-free, rural areas. Chief olsson will share some operations and techniques used in rural, western U.S., Ontario, Alberta, the Yukon, and Australia. She hopes all who attend will share the tips, techniques and creative solutions they have developed when water and personnel are limited. Our goal is the same. No matter our location: keep enough water flowing for the fire attack.
FACILITATED BY ANDREA JOHNSTON AND KATIE PERGAU
FACILITATED BY JAMES MENDOZA
To control the fire environment and prevent flashover, a firefighter must understand the fundamental relationships between fuel, heat flux, air, and water application. A simple diagram outlining these relationships can help clarify tactical options used on the fire ground to control the fire. This class will take a look at these relationships and discuss how our tactical choices impact them. Thinking through the fire compartment diagram can help provide mental clarity to assist fire ground decision-making for all levels of firefighters.
FACILITATED BY JODIE GRISDALE
FACILITATED BY CHERYL HUNT AND CARISSA CAMPBELL-DARMODY
FACILITATED BY MIKE WOOD
The journey to becoming a firefighter is one of challenges. Obvious challenges and unseen obstacles. Positioning yourself for the best opportunity is one of the keys to success. It is not who you know but what you know – and practice.
FACILITATED BY MIKE WOOD
The journey to becoming a firefighter is one of challenges. Obvious challenges and unseen obstacles. Positioning yourself for the best opportunity is one of the keys to success. It is not who you know but what you know – and practice.
FACILITATED BY ANNETTE ZAPP
FACILITATED BY AMBER BOWMAN
FACILITATED BY TJ ROBBINS
Join TJ for an hour-long yoga class with special focus on meditation. Beginning with light movements meant to warm up the body and set a calming breathing pattern, participants will start with the basic form of each posture and progress, as they see fit, to either add challenge or create ease. Whether you’ve logged hours in downward facing dog or have never heard of it, everyone is welcome. The class will finish with a guided meditation that can help settle the mind and eliminate racing thoughts that keep so many people up at night. TJ will be available after the session for questions or guidance on how to meditate on your own.
FACILITATED BY MONIQUE BELAIR, MICHELLE FITZSIMMONS, JONA OLSSON, DEBBIE HIGGINS AND LOUISE HINE-SCHMIDT
FACILITATED BY MONIQUE BELAIR AND JENNIFER DELANEY
This online discussion will help you prepare for your next interview - for your first fire department job, your first promotional interview, if you are changing positions in your department or changing roles and applying to a new department. Board Member Chief Monique Belair and Training Instructor Jennifer Delaney will discuss preparation and steps to get you prepared, confident and ready to make a great impression with the interview panel. Our mock interview will give some examples of what to expect and how to respond and how NOT to respond. This session will provide you with several skills and tools for your 'recruitment toolbox'.
FACILITATED BY BRONNIE MACKINTOSH
This presentation will provide an overview of how the Australian fire sector has been “embracing change”. The content will include changes to LQBTIQ+ inclusion; how gender quotas have shifted the needle on workplace diversity and our recent focus activities on Aboriginal inclusion. Joining me, will be my colleague Peter Jensen in to give an acknowledgement of country at the start of the presentation.
FACILITATED BY SHILOH SPENCER AND KATE DURST
Spin coaches Shiloh Spencer and Kate Durst will open the multi-week virtual symposium with a traditional land acknowledgment ceremony. As a celebration of healing and empowerment, the two will host a one-hour class of music, motivation, and heart-pumping cardiovascular movement. Feel free to join using whatever cardio equipment you have access to: spin bike, treadmill, stepper, elliptical or rower. No equipment? No problem. You can participate by running on the spot, doing burpies or anything else that gets you moving.
FIT BY FIRE
Fundamentals of Functional Fitness for Fire Fighters
Presented by Amber Bowman
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FACILITATED BY KERI MARTENS, LAURIE VANDESHOOT AND TINA SARYEDDINE
In this presentation, Board Member Chief Keri Martens and Diversity and Inclusion
Co-Chair, Laurie VandeSchoot and Executive Director Tina Saryeddine will speak to the recently released action plan that is being implemented to help make a “Fire Service for All” in the context of the broader work of the CAFC in the fire sector.
FACILITATED BY JONA OLSSON
Why are so many firefighters - who will enter a burning building - afraid to even talk about homophobia? Homophobia, unchallenged, can be used to discredit all women in the fire service and discourage male responders from showing compassion or dealing with their emotions. Transphobia challenges fire service leaders, from bathroom facilities to the kitchen table, from preferred pronouns to policies. How can we confront these prejudices, or even begin the conversation about sexual orientation and gender identity in our company, our department? This interactive session offers attendees, of any rank or role, information and concepts to break open the taboo on these issues, to decipher the “alphabet soup” – LGBTQQI, and to break down some of the common myths and stereotypes about LGBT people. Language, tools and skills to challenge this form of bigotry will be offered.
FACILITATED BY ANDREW MCCUAIG
-Agricultural Silo Types
-Silo Fires
-How People get trapped
-Lock-Out/Tag-Out
-Air Monitoring/PPE
-Silo Extrication
-Cutting Grain Bins
-Basic Machinery Extrication
FACILITATED BY JOY MACDERMID AND SARA A JAHNKE
The focus of this presentation is to discuss new FIREWELL studies that identified sex and gender differences in firefighting task performances, prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, and critical incident exposures. This presentation will also discuss gaps in knowledge and where we need to go in the future.
FACILITATED BY AARON FIELDS
In this two-part program, Aaron will break down engine company operations into an algorithmic model. It will provide a basis from effective fireground operations. It is a simple, robust, expanding system, that is adaptable to regional/local demographics. In addition, this program will provide a backdrop from which to isolate skills and skill sets for preparation and training.
FACILITATED BY AARON FIELDS
FACILITATED BY KEY NOTE SPEAKER: ALI ROTHROCK
Ali will begin this presentation by sharing the challenging experiences she had early on in her volunteer fire service career and have a further discussion about fire service culture. Ali will normalize the stress reactions we all have to doing our job and will talk about everyday stressors, infrequent stressors and extreme stressors. Ali will help participants create a personalized list of resources and coping skills they can implement in order to have a long and healthy career.
FACILITATED BY MIKE WOOD
Professional firefighting. The path to gaining a position as a firefighter and how to be prepared mentally, emotionally and with a great resume. Overcoming those days when you just feel
beaten.
FACILITATED BY DENISE ROY
Join us to review the results of our 2020 study on the prevalence and impact of Imposter Syndrome in female fire responders in Canada. Completed in partnership with York University and FSWO. We will address an overview of Imposter Syndrome, study methodlody, results and next steps.
FACILITATED BY DENISE ROY
Join us to review the results of our 2020 study on the prevalence and impact of Imposter Syndrome in female fire responders in Canada. Completed in partnership with York University and FSWO. We will address an overview of Imposter Syndrome, study methodlody, results and next steps.
FACILITATED BY MICHELLE FRASER, PT
This workshop will provide a strong, basic understanding of the anatomy and function of the pelvic floor, and how it works with the rest of the inner core. Connect with your pelvic floor and learn how to integrate it into your functional activities. This will enable you to perform effortful activity more safely, reducing the risk of low back or hip injury, and protecting against the development of genitourinary symptoms such as incontinence. The relationship between the pelvic floor, trauma, and emotions will be discussed. The physical practice in this workshop is simple and accessible to persons of various physical capabilities.
FACILITATED BY MANUELA JOANNOU
First responders and military members who have been diagnosed with PTSD often also suffer from some degree of moral injury. Moral injury is less well known and less studied than PTSD, but also incurs significant distress to individuals and may be a factor in suicidal ideation and behaviours. The curriculum of Project Trauma Support is unique in addressing moral injury along with PTSD. Project Trauma Support offers a comprehensive program using evidence- based therapies for PTSD. The curriculum is tailored to the individual as well as to the group dynamic. In addition to the psychological components, the curriculum also includes physical exercise, meditation, and healthy nutrition. Experiential and educational sessions help the participants to develop a greater understanding of PTSD and moral injury. Workshops are included that assist individuals to clarify their values and priorities and set occupational, relational and life goals. Tools that aid in recovery, well-being and return to full participation in multiple life roles are introduced and practiced.
FACILITATED BY ADAM MCFADDEN AND CARA KABY
During our two-hour session, Firehouse Training lead instructors Adam McFadden and Cara Kabay will provide an overview of what leadership qualities are ideal in today’s aspiring firefighter candidates, as well as for those currently serving in the Fire & Emergency Services.
This specialized fire service leadership session includes:
-Defining Leadership Roles in the Emergency Services
-Understanding the Importance of Self-Leadership
-Leadership Strategies for a First Responder
-Roles of an Incident Management Team
-Leadership Development Skills
FACILITATED BY JESS CLERMONT
-Door size up
-Mechanical advantage of Halligan bar
-How to increase force
-Conventional forcible entry inward and outward swinging doors
-Terminology and Commands
This workshop will cover:
-Lock size up
-Discuss/use various tools i.e. shove knives, K-tool, adz rex, J-tool, force wedge, mod. Framing square
-Through the lock techniques on residential, commercial, and add-on locks
FACILITATED BY JENNIFER GORDON-HAUS AND AUDREY ANNE ROBINSON
For complete newbies considering a career in the fire service. Join Audrey-Ann Robinson and Jennifer Gordon-Haus as they give you a guided tour through questions from “Is this even for me?” and “What’s it like being a woman in the fire service?” to “How do I get hired?” and “Is there anyone that can mentor me through this process?” In this session we will discuss everything from bunker gear and tools found on different types of trucks to how to get hired and everything in between.
FACILITATED BY TJ ROBBINS
Join TJ for an hour long yoga class with special focus on meditation. Beginning with light movements meant to warm up the body and set a calming breathing pattern, participants will start with the basic form of each posture and progress, as they see fit, to either add challenge or create ease. Whether you’ve logged hours in downward facing dog or have never heard of it, everyone is welcome. The class will finish with a guided meditation that can help settle the mind and eliminate racing thoughts that keep so many people up at night. TJ will be available after the session for questions or guidance on how to meditate on your own.
General Motors and OnStar have partnered with the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) to deliver online training, at no cost, to prepare First and Second Responders to operate safely at incidents involving Battery Electric Vehicles.
When the weather is pleasant, there is no better way to spend time with your friends and family than hosting a gas bbq or charcoal barbecue. Whether you will be caravanning, camping, or simply firing up your barbecue in your backyard, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious meal prepared in the great outdoors. Unfortunately, many injuries involving barbecues and outdoor cooking occur each year, but by keeping the following tips in mind, you’ll be prepared to enjoy your barbecue safely.
As RVs become more popular for travel and recreation, it’s important to understand the potential fire risks and how to prevent them. RVs are at a higher risk of fires due to their smaller space, propane appliances, and electrical systems. It is crucial to take preventative measures and know how to respond to a fire emergency.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to stay safe and prepared on the road.
At Fire Service Women Ontario, we share in the mission of the Office of the Fire Marshal to build a safer Ontario—free from fire and public safety hazards. Through leadership, education, and advocacy, FSWO supports this goal by empowering women in the fire service to lead in prevention, response, and public safety innovation. Together, we are working to reduce risk and promote fire safety across Ontario’s diverse communities.
The Fire Fighters Association of Ontario provides representation, resources and education to and for firefighters across the diverse social and economical environments within the province of Ontario. Our core membership is comprised of both volunteer and career firefighters.
The Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association represents fire fighters in over 80 cities, towns, and regions, servicing over 85% of Ontario's population.
Cultural Bridges to Justice (CBJT) was founded in 1986 by jona olsson to provide anti-oppression and social justice workshops, keynotes, and consulting for not-for-profit organizations and communities. Programming specifically for fire and emergency services was added in 1999. cbtj has grown into a consortium of competent, highly effective, passionate trainers and activists from across the United States who believe that challenging oppression, while forging justice, is both a practical necessity and a moral imperative of contemporary life.
The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) represents the Chief Fire Officers from the 441 Fire Departments across the province in leading innovation and excellence in Public and Life safety.
Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO) is proud to collaborate with organizations like the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC), which represents Chief Fire Officers from Ontario’s 441 fire departments in advancing innovation and excellence in public and life safety. Together, FSWO and the OAFC are committed to fostering strong, inclusive leadership and supporting equity-driven progress across all levels of the fire service in Ontario.
FIREWELL is a health and wellness community for firefighters. FIREWELL offers access to information and resources on workplace safety and the opportunity to share ideas with firefighters and researchers.
An interactive non-profit network, Women in Fire provides education, support and advocacy for fire service women.