Archives: May 2007

15th annual IAFF Legislative Conference

The 15th annual IAFF Legislative Conference was held in Ottawa on April 22-25, 2007. I had the privilege of representing the Lethbridge Firefighters Local 237 in Ottawa as we lobbied government to support firefighters issues. You can view these issues in detail at
www.iaff.org/canada/factsheets/index.htm .

President of the IAFF Harold Schaitberger opened the conference with a history of lobbying in Canada and how important it is for us to yield our "political hammer" in the House of Commons. Harold went on to say that:

Many victories have been won through our efforts such as the money the Conservatives have given to us in the 2007 budget for CBRN training

We have refined our strategies to make the most of our efforts.

We are non partisan meaning we do not support only one party. We are willing to work with any party that is willing to support firefighters issues.

If we do not lobby the government who will? Through our efforts firefighters have a powerful voice on Parliament Hill which never would have been heard had political action not been undertaken.


The Supreme Court Building


Jack Layton, leader of the federal NDP party, has been very supportive of our issues. He promised to keep our government accountable on our issues and to keep pressing them forward. His party's support is greatly accepted especially when it comes to voting on our issues in the House.

Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, gave glowing praise for firefighters and the IAFF. Mr. Day stated that they are trying to determine if there are any jurisdictional arguments for some of our asks (they need to determine if our asks are under provincial or federal control).

In the case of the PSOC (Public Safety Officer Compensation) the IAFF feels there are no jurisdictional arguments. As firefighters we protect all Canadians and therefore it is the Federal Governments responsibility to see that families of a Public Safety Officer (firefighter, police, paramedic, corrections, etc) that die in the line of duty are compensated for their loss. The US already has a PSOB that has been in place for 30 years. It is time Canada does it's duty and does the same.


The Justice Building Rick Casson's office

Dave Griffin, of the Canadian Police Association, appreciates the work that the IAFF has done. They look enviously at FirePAC (look it up on the website www.iaff.org and have adopted our political action format , especially our legislative conference. The Police have only begun lobbying Parliament in recent years and have looked to the IAFF as an example of how to lobby effectively. They are now helping us to lobby for the PSOC.


Parliamentary Library

Stephane Dion, leader of the federal Liberal party, gave a very good speech of what a Liberal government would do for us. They would pass all of our issues. He was very supportive of us, and I must point out he attended the memorial to our fallen Winnipeg Brothers.


Medicine Hat FF's Brian Stauth, Ryan Pinter, MP Ted Menzies, myself, (Dana Terry) and MP Rick Casson

Tuesday was spent meeting with the MP's. It is quite the feeling when you walk on the Hill and everyone takes one look at our red bags and knows the firefighters are in town. We have a reputation of being the best lobby group that comes to Parliament Hill.

Rick Casson has been a good supporter of us and his record of voting for our motions prove it. We had a very positive meeting with Rick. He is willing to do what he can to make sure that our issues are looked at and remain a priority. If you ever have the opportunity to meet him please thank him for his support.

This was the first time I met with MP Ted Menzies. He was aware of our issues and was very supportive of finding a resolution for them. Both Mr. Menzies and Mr. Casson appeared eager to help us get some resolutions to our asks. I have just receieved an email from Mr. Menzies office saying that he has already sent a letter to the Minister of Finance to inquire for his response to creating a public safety officer benefit. Thank you Mr. Menzies!


Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Monte Solberg

We had a brief meeting with Minister Solberg in the lobby of the House of Commons (very few are allowed in the lobby so we were quite honored) and discussed our issues. I had met with Minister Solberg last year and he remembered our meeting and the issues we discussed. Minister Solberg was sympathetic to our requests and encouraged us to continue our lobby efforts.

Everyone we met with was very supportive of our issues. Nothing happens fast in government so the key is persistence and patience. These meetings are important because they educate the MP's on our issues. Every time we come they realize we are passionate about our issues and we won't give them up.

Dana Terry
Treasurer
Lethbridge City Firefighters Local 237