On March 16, 2011 the PTSC-Online Community reached a major milestone in its development.  The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), Canadian Region, decided to become a gold sponsor of the PTSC.  The NFPA is the leading organization in North America for the development of standards and procedures for fire prevention effectiveness.  What this commitment means is significant to the cause of public safety.  NFPA's sponsorship is one of the key developments that the PTSC-Online Community needed to provide solid sustainability for the future.

The significance of the sponsorship was articulated by Sean Tracey, Canadian Regional Director of NFPA.  "As an international standards development organization it is very important that we network with those using our standards so that they can be aware of the standards, their changes and the impacts on their operations. By reaching a broader audience we get better buy-in and in return we get first responders that are better informed and thus better prepared. The PTSC Online forums represent one of the best ways for us to connect with this community across Canada."    

The NFPA is doing the fundamental work in fire prevention relating to standards development.  Its sponsorship of the PTSC-Online Community represents much more than just endorsement of an idea.  It means that the PTSC-Online Community is now in play as a purveyor of critically important information and resources about standards requirements and compliance solutions for fire and response personnel across Canada.  The NFPA has found it expedient to use the PTSC-Online for this purpose and they have shown the way for other organizations that are looking for similar solutions for other public safety applications and disciplines. 

As a Gold Sponsor, the NFPA Canadian Region will be the beneficiary of a number of special considerations.  Overall, the opportunity is there for the NFPA to use the PTSC-Online Community as a kind of private network with the dedicated proposition of providing standards based guidance to public and private fire services.  With private and controlled posting permission and feedback from PTSC-Online Community members, the NFPA will further develop its leadership in fire safety and response standards and procedures.

The Partnership Towards Safer Communities that was started a decade ago by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs has, over the past year and with the financial support of Public Safety Canada, developed into a vibrant, proven tool for emergency management, business continuity and critical infrastructure managers and practitioners.  The significance of the participation by the PTSC-Online Community's sponsors cannot be overstated as the sponsors define the programming of the PTSC-Online so it meets the sponsor's organizational goals.  In the case of the Canadian Regional NFPA, the fit is perfect.  Both the PTSC and the NFPA are dedicated to the ideas of standards development and implementation for the benefit of all Canadians.