2009 IAFF Canadian Legislative Conference

----Dana Terry -- MP Rick Casson --Dan McDonald -------- Dana Terry--Senator Joyce Fairbairn--Dan McDonald

On April 26-29 myself, and Dan McDonald had the honour of attending the 16th Annual Canadian Legislative Conference in Ottawa. This was the largest Legislative Conference that has been held in Ottawa with 138 delegates from all over Canada.

On the first day of the conference we were addressed by several speakers on various political topics and how they related to the issues we were bringing forward to our MP's. The IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger talked to us about the history and importance of political action. He shared about the successes they have experienced in the US by lobbying the political leaders. He also reiterated the wins we have experienced through political action.

Jack Layton, leader of the federal NDP party, made it very clear that his party supports all of the efforts of the IAFF and they have attempted to introduce legislation into the House to reflect our current lobbying asks. Mr. Layton, along with nearly every other speaker that addressed us, reinforced that the firefighters lobby efforts are the most respected on the Hill (we also put on the best reception of anyone!).

Rob Simonds, fire chief of Saint John, NB, brought greetings on behalf of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. This year three of our five issues are being added to the lobbying efforts of the CAFC and revolve around firefighter safety. Chief Simonds stated that having a common voice on issues, brought to the politicians, is far more beneficial and will produce better results sooner.

Charles Momy, president of the Canadian Police Association, stated that this was the first year that they have worked in coordination with the IAFF on the Public Safety Officer Compensation issue. This effort was mentioned by several of our MP's that may prove to be the initiative needed to finally get this legislation passed.

Elizabeth May, leader of the Green Party, Michael Ignatieff, leader of the Liberal Party, and Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, all addressed the delegates and promised us much without promising all.

Sheila Copps was our keynote speaker and outlined the best steps to effective lobbying:
- As lobbyists, if we want to accomplish our goals we need to make the politicians are our friends.
- If at first you don't succeed, try, try again - this is a long term approach
- Don't affiliate with only one party. This is something we already do well - we will support those candidates that support us and our cause
- Build relationships not demands. It is more beneficial to support your friends (it pays you back in other ways).
- Keep it simple and come prepared. The IAFF has done an excellent job preparing it's documentation and it's delegates for lobbying our MP's.

A rundown of our legislative issues can be found at - http://www.iaff.org/Canada/FactSheets/index.htm

We met with MP Rick Casson first thing Tuesday morning and were able to go over our issues with him. Mr. Casson was knowledgeable about our subjects, showed genuine concern about our issues and his voting history proves this. Senator Joyce Fairbairn (MP Ted Menzies was unfortunately unavailable this year) was pleasant and went out of her way to meet with us. We were able to explain our issues with her and her assistant and then visit the senate to hear some of the debates.

The statements we heard from both of our visits and from our guest speakers were consistent; the key to successful lobbying is persistence. The firefighters lobby efforts have already been successful on several issues and will continue to be effective if we deliver consistent messages to our decision makers. Political action is the only effective means of achieving the goals that we have set and the message we hear on parliament hill confirms that.

Dana Terry
Treasurer - Lethbridge Firefighters Local 237
IAFF 6th District EMS Representative