History

IEFM’s history is closely linked to that of the Académie des pompiers, which first came into being in 1979 in Mirabel, near Montreal, Canada. Named at the time Académie québécoise des pompiers, it was the first non-profit school to provide part-time training in firefighting.

In 1997, new administrators purchased the school, making it a private enterprise and investing in installations. Martin Ruel and Bernard Bélair, who are the owners still today, obtained approval from Quebec's Ministère de l'éducation, du loisir et du sport for the institution’s vocational diploma in fire safety. At first, only municipal firefighter training was offered, but a great business opportunity was soon discovered: training programs for industrial sector employees. This was a winning business strategy since, over the years, demand has grown so significantly that a dedicated centre was required to meet industrial sector needs.

Thus, in 2007, the Centre de formation industriel de Bécancour was inaugurated ($2 million investment) to provide the training previously given by forerunner IRESP (Institut de Recherches et d'Expertises en Sécurité Publique). In 2009, with this sector of the business growing by leaps and bounds locally, nationally and internationally, the institution was given a name that better reflects its purpose: IEFM Canada (Industrial Emergency, Fire and Management). The corporate name change allows IEFM Canada to position itself internationally as a leader in fire safety training.

What's more, in 2007, IEFM Canada had already distinguished itself in the business world! Indeed, it was awarded the Seigneurial prize in the "Best New Business of the Year" category. With over $2 million in infrastructure investments and ongoing development, the Centre de formation de Bécancour is now considered a leader in North America.
In November 2008, the Académie des pompiers and IEFM Canada inaugurated their first international training centre in Manila, The Philippines, under the name IEFM Philippines.

Since it opened its doors, IEFM Canada has trained over 5,000 industrial employees from 119 companies and its Philippine subsidiary has trained 12 Philippine instructors in fire safety with a view to eventually train industrial brigades in that country. IEFM Canada has some great plans for the coming years! International demand for fire safety training is on the upswing, giving the company excellent potential for development and growth.

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