Lance Bushie
MA
Senior Associate – Emergency Management & Crisis Communications
Lance Bushie is a highly experienced emergency management leader with over 30 years of international, national and local expertise in fire services, military operations, and strategic planning. His career began in 1989 with the Peace River Fire Department, where he steadily rose through the ranks to become the Director of Protective Services and Regional Fire Chief for the Town of Peace River and the County of Northern Lights. He later served as Fire Chief for the Town of High River, guiding emergency response and preparedness through complex situations.
In addition to his firefighting and leadership roles, Lance dedicated 15 years to the Canadian Armed Forces’ Land Force, gaining valuable military experience in discipline, logistics, and crisis management under demanding conditions. His military background instilled a strong foundation of resilience, strategic thinking, and teamwork.
Most recently, Lance served as Fire Chief at Canmore Fire Rescue in Alberta until 2024, overseeing operations, training, and emergency response for a rapidly growing community. His leadership style emphasizes clarity, empowerment, and continuous learning – traits that have earned him recognition in the field.
Lance is a recognized expert in live fire dynamics, with 12 years of developing, instructing and a Train-the-Trainer certification with live fire trainers. He has had the opportunity to teach and train across Canada as well as the Chinese Fire Service, sharing best practices in live fire management and rescue techniques. He also teaches firefighting courses at Lakeland College, contributing to the development of the next generation of fire service professionals.
He specializes in emergency management – certified as an ICS Canada instructor, he trains, designs, and evaluates emergency exercises, and mentors organizations across North America. During the migrant crisis in 2016 and 2017, he led a Canadian boat rescue tam on the Greek island of Lesvos and taught ICS courses to Greek NGOs, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to humanitarian efforts.
Lance holds a Master’s Degree from Royal Roads University in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Global Leadership, as well as a Post-Graduate Diploma in Disaster and Emergency Management. A dedicated leader, Lance believes in inspiring others to develop their skills and confidently meet the challenges of toady’s complex emergency landscape. He is passionate about fostering resilient communities, empowering teams, and sharing knowledge through engagements, workshops, and mentorship.
Outside his professional realm, Lance thrives on outdoor adventures. He relishes hiking, kayaking, and overland expeditions. Drawing on skills honed as a Canadian Ranger, he has completed self-guided, 10-day kayak expeditions in Haida Gwaii, travelling lightly equipped and self-sufficient. Lance’s spirit of exploration is continually fuelled by the pursuit of new challenges.