MPP Arnott launches province-wide petition
to protect rights of double hatter fire fighters

With support from fire fighters, fire chiefs and concerned citizens, Ontarians are being asked by Waterloo-Wellington MPP Ted Arnott to sign a petition that calls on the Government to pass legislation that would protect the right of double hatter fire fighters to volunteer as fire fighters in their home communities and on their own free time.

“This is a problem that the Liberal Government can’t ignore. Volunteer fire fighters, who also work full time, are being threatened by their union leaders. They are being told to quit volunteering or lose their full time jobs and this is weakening volunteer fire departments in Ontario,” said Mr. Arnott.

As a solution to the problem, Mr. Arnott has introduced Bill 52, the Volunteer Fire Fighters Employment Protection Act. Bill 52 is his third Bill on this issue in three consecutive sessions of the Legislative Assembly.

“Through this petition we are calling on the Government to express public support for my Bill 52 and willingness to pass it into law,” Mr. Arnott stated. “If the Government is unwilling to do this, then it should introduce similar legislation that protects the right of fire fighters to volunteer in their home communities on their own free time.”

Those who support Bill 52 are being asked to help collect signatures on the petition. The launch of the petition coincides with Fire Prevention Week in Ontario, which runs from October 4th to the 10th. Mr. Arnott’s petition can be accessed on line at: www.tedarnottmpp.com