The Fire Companies Regulations under Prince Edward Island’s Fire Safety Act (EC2025-654) set out the process and requirements for the incorporation, governance, and operation of fire companies within the province. These regulations define key terms such as “authorized officer,” “member,” and “rural community” to clarify eligibility and roles within fire companies. The regulations allow individuals to apply for incorporation of a fire company to serve a specific area by submitting an application to the Minister. Depending on the area served—rural community, municipality, or both—the application must be signed either by at least ten adult residents or by an authorized officer of a municipality, following specific forms outlined in Schedule A.

Each application must include the proposed name of the fire company, a statement of its purpose and service area, the location of its head office, names and addresses of applicants, and details of at least five provisional directors. The Fire Marshal’s approval is also required. The application must be accompanied by a memorandum of agreement detailing the proposed bylaws of the fire company, covering topics such as meeting procedures, quorum, voting rights, bylaw amendments, appointments, audits, and corporate seal custody.

The provisional chairperson is determined based on who submits the application—either the first rural signatory or the authorized municipal officer. Upon receiving the certificate of incorporation, the provisional chairperson must convene an organizational meeting of members within 30 days, with at least five days’ notice. During this meeting, members elect directors, including a president, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer.

Fire company directors generally serve without pay, though they may be reimbursed for legitimate expenses. However, members may vote to approve or rescind a rate of remuneration for directors during a general meeting. Each fire company is also required to submit an annual report to the Minister and Fire Marshal within 30 days of its annual meeting. The report must include a balance sheet and profit or loss statement prepared by a qualified individual. Additionally, the company’s financial records must be audited annually, either according to its bylaws or at the Minister’s request. The auditor’s report must also be filed with the Minister and Fire Marshal within 30 days of receipt. These records are available for public inspection at the Fire Marshal’s office.

Fire companies must comply with specific provisions of the Companies Act, including those related to corporate governance and recordkeeping, treating the certificate of incorporation as if it were letters patent. In interpreting the Companies Act provisions, the terms “company” and “shareholder” are understood to mean “fire company” and “member,” respectively. These regulations aim to establish a clear legal and administrative framework for the formation and oversight of fire companies in Prince Edward Island.

Prince Edward Island (654/2025) July 19, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.