Firefighters' union drive creates potential threat to public safety, say PC MPPs
Queen's Park – Recent union threats facing volunteer firefighters have led two PC MPPs to bring their fight to Queen's Park.
Known as “two-hatters,” the firefighters who serve as volunteers in their home communities while working for full-time city fire departments have, in many cases, been forced to quit their volunteer positions or risk losing their jobs.
Sylvia Jones, the newly elected MPP for Dufferin—Caledon, was first to raise the issue in the new session of the Ontario Legislature. Ms. Jones reminded the Minister of Community Safety of the situation now playing out in Orangeville, where seven firefighters have had to resign in just one week.
It's a familiar problem for Wellington—Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, who has been speaking out in support of two-hatter firefighters for the past five years. Mr. Arnott joined Ms. Jones in pressing the Minister to respond.
“The Minister really has only two options to protect the public interest,” observed Mr. Arnott. “He can either give small municipalities the substantial funding they need to train and hire full-time firefighters, or he can defend volunteer firefighters' right to assist their own communities. It's as simple as that.”
Ms. Jones and Mr. Arnott also pointed to the Adams Report , which was the product of an effort to mediate a solution to the problem. Justice George Adams recommended that a regulation be passed to protect at least some two-hatters, as the majority of provinces across Canada have already done.
“The Minister's response was unsatisfactory,” said Mr. Arnott. “By supporting the status quo, the Minister is rejecting the Adams Report and, most importantly, is showing his unwillingness to act on behalf of small and rural municipalities.”
On behalf of the Firefighters Association of Ontario (FFAO), Mr. Arnott is pushing for a meeting with the Minister.
“This past Sunday morning in Elmira, I met with the executive of the FFAO. They are very concerned about the loss of these experienced firefighters in Orangeville, which represents a potential threat to public safety,” said Mr. Arnott. “That's why I'm insisting the Minister meet with us soon.”
To view today's Hansard record, please click here
|
