| MPP
Arnott Asks Minister at Question Period For Legislation
to Protect the Right to be a Volunteer Fire Fighter
In
Question Period on May 5th, Waterloo-Wellington MPP
Ted Arnott asked Public Safety and Security Minister
Bob Runciman to bring in Government legislation to protect
the right to be a “double hatter”. Double hatters are
typically professional fire fighters who also serve
as volunteer fire fighters in their home communities.
In some instances, they have been forced by their union
to quit their volunteer posts or face the loss of their
full time jobs.
Ted
Arnott’s Bill 30, the Volunteer Fire Fighters Employment
Protection Act, was defeated at Third Reading on December
11th. More than two-thirds of the Conservative members
present voted for Bill 30, three opposition members
defied their Whip to support it, and the rest of the
Liberals and NDP members present were opposed. In January
2003, Mr. Runciman appointed the Hon. George Adams to
conduct discussions with the fire services stakeholders,
and make recommendations to solve the issue.
In
his question, Mr. Arnott also called on the Minister
to table Justice Adams’ report on double hatter fire
fighters.
“The
Minister informed the House that Justice Adams did not
reach a consensus among the stakeholders. I appreciate
this effort to negotiate, however, it appears that nobody
so far can convince the union leadership that it is
wrong to force volunteer fire fighters to quit. That
is why it continues to be clear to me that legislation
is needed to protect their rights,” said Mr. Arnott.
“The
Minister also indicated that he has recommendations
from Justice Adams and was hopeful that something can
be brought forward to the House. He didn’t indicate
if the report would be tabled, but, if Justice Adams
recommended measures like those in my Bill 30, there
is no time to lose. The Minister should bring forward
legislation to protect the right to volunteer immediately.
Delay means that Ontario’s small towns and rural communities
may continue to face the loss of experienced and strongly
dedicated volunteer fire fighters,” added Mr. Arnott.
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