| MPP
Arnott Continues Fight for his Bill to Protect the Right
to Serve as a Volunteer Fire Fighter
Waterloo-Wellington
MPP Ted Arnott is continuing his fight for Bill 30,
the Volunteer Fire Fighters Employment Protection Act,
a position that he put forward again in a statement
to the Ontario Legislature on November 27, 2002. The
Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association (OPFFA),
or the union representing professional fire fighters,
are opposed to Bill 30 and want Mr. Arnott to withdraw
his Bill. Mr. Arnott made the following statement while
the OPFFA had a significant number of union representatives
in the Gallery. They were at Queen’s Park to lobby MPP’s
on that particular day.
“Thank
you, Mr. Speaker.
Today,
Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association representatives
are at Queen’s Park lobbying MPPs. While I respect all
fire fighters, and appreciate their dedication, I continue
to speak out in favour of my Bill 30.
Bill
30 is intended to stop tactics of harassment and intimidation
used by the fire fighters’ union leadership to threaten
their members who also serve as volunteers in their
home communities. The damage is done as these double
hatters succumb to the threats and quit their volunteer
posts.
Tim
Lee, and he’s with us in the Gallery, is a fire fighter
who works in Whitby and volunteers in Kawartha Lakes
was recently convicted by his union for the so-called
“offence” of volunteering.
Mr.
Lee’s courage is an inspiration, he isn’t quitting,
and every member of this House should agree that Tim
Lee (and hundreds like him) should have the right to
volunteer on their own free time. Bill 30 would preserve
that right.
The
Fire Marshall has stated that this type of legislation
is needed to avoid putting public safety at risk.
The
Association of Municipalities supports swift passage
of my Bill, and have said so repeatedly.
The
Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs last week called
a General Meeting to discuss Bill 30 and urged the government
“…to schedule Third Reading and passage of Bill 30,
as amended, in as timely a fashion possible.”
Mr.
Speaker. I’ve been encouraged by the Premier and the
Minister of Public Safety and Security, and the interest
they have shown, but without action public safety is
left at risk. We can’t turn a blind eye to this issue
of public safety. That is why we need to call this Bill
for Third Reading and passage into law right now.”
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