Mission critical teams are small, integrated groups that adapt to complex, time-sensitive problems where failure can result in catastrophic loss. At Mission Critical Team Leader Training (MCTL) 2025, Canada Wildfire brings world-class, research-backed resilience and leadership training to Canada. Led by world-class instructors Dr. Dan Dworkis and Dr. Art Finch from the Mission Critical Teams Institute, the tailored course is driven by a collaborative inquiry model, where participants actively engage and share expert insights and tools from teams around the world.

.

This training is an essential opportunity to...

▸Lead & adapt: Apply research-backed tools for complex situations, effective decision-making under pressure, and leadership.

▸Broaden networks: Build relationships with first responder teams from across agencies and sectors.

▸Fast-track recovery: Process your experiences for a much-needed reset.

This training is for you if...

✔ You're a member, leader, or instructor of mission critical teams.

✔ You work in or with a first/critical response organization, including emergency management/response, military, law enforcement, etc.

✔ Your role involves increasingly complex decision-making or team leadership in uncertainty.

✔ You're experiencing (or supporting others through) mental recovery or burnout.

  .

Questions? Learn more below, check our FAQs, or get in touch at [email protected].

---------------------------------------

MCTL breaks away from typical professional development by focusing on the human aspects of learning, sharing, decision-making, and psychological health to make a lasting impact.

Post-course feedback from MCTL 2024 found:

 Over 95% of participants say that... 

▸ They can better process challenging experiences, lead in complex and chaotic situations, and build community.

▸ The training was immediately relevant and applicable, with tools they brought back to their teams.

▸ There was high value, with an exceptional instructor and content.

▸ Attending in person offered irreplaceable benefits over an online format.

 100% of past participants would recommend the training to others or attend another similar course.

What participants are saying...

Increased well-being that supported career retention:

“There were many aha moments for me especially after a brutal couple years of wildfire. This training was like a jolt of energy like the paddles on a heart attack machine - it jolted me out of what I was in which was not a good place and allowed me to see that... I can stay in this profession if I take better care of myself [and] take care of my people and those around me.”

"[It] was fundamental to my transition from existing and barely surviving back up into the land of the living and looking forward to the land of thriving!”

Engaging course format:

“I most enjoyed the table and group discussions as well as the non-typical learning style of the whole session. Not having a rigid curriculum where you feel like you are being talked at... was a nice change and much more effective.”

Diverse community learning:

“I appreciated having members present from outside the typical hazards I deal with.”

“Diversity of group was key. A subject like this has to be done in person.”

Tools to share and communicate:

“I have already been talking about the transition into the critical world with my team and family, have already done significant personal reflection and work, and will be incorporating many of the teachings in [training] wildland fire professionals.”

Thanks to the Supporting Psychological Health in First Responders grant (Government of Alberta), we have enhanced the training offered in 2024 by adding an extra full day of instruction, an additional instructor, an extra night of accommodations, and a post-course follow-up—while cutting the cost of registration by ~20%!

Your registration package includes...

▸Course opening and networking event.

▸3 full days of expert instruction with a curriculum tailored to Canadian first responders (but applicable and beneficial to a wide range of critical decision-makers).

▸4 nights of on-site accommodations at Hinton Training Centre in Hinton, Alberta.

▸All meals (dinner on Mon Dec 8 through breakfast on Fri Dec 12).

▸Course and event materials to enhance your learning and bring back to your teams.

▸Post-event virtual follow-up session.

Transportation to and from Hinton is not included. Please book your travel independently.

We understand the importance of this training and are dedicated to providing the best possible value. Your registration fee directly covers event expenses. 

Rates (CAD)

▸$3,350 for Canada Wildfire members.*

▸$4,050 for standard registrations.

*Parks Canada, Canadian Forest Service, Government of the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency, Government of Alberta, BC Wildfire Service, Thompson Rivers University, University of Alberta.

Payment Options

Payment is available online via credit card. Please note that GST and a 2.9% + $0.30 processing fee will automatically apply. International cards will be subject to a 3.5% + $0.30 processing fee.

Cancellation Policy

Registrations cannot be cancelled or refunded as this event requires a minimum number of participants. Substitution of another member of your organization is permitted up to the course start date for no additional fee. Due to the limited availability of spaces and planning involved, we regrettably cannot offer refunds or transfers to future dates for no-shows. While we're confident in this opportunity, in the unlikely event the session is cancelled, we will notify you and issue full refunds.

Your registration helps make essential training like this possible. Thank you!