Canadian Policy Conference Delegates Adopt 12 Resolutions

September 15, 2009 -- The IAFF’s Canadian leadership gathered to debate and vote on resolutions addressing a wide range of issues during the Biennial Canadian Policy Conference Aug. 30-Sept. 2 in Vancouver, B.C.

Delegates handled a total of 12 resolutions, all of which were adopted. The resolutions covered such important issues as in-building radio coverage, elevator access, cancer statistics, EMS, the National Building Code and vehicle mileage rates. A resolution empowering the IAFF to explore the potential of creating a legislative lobbying alliance with professional fire fighters in Quebec was adopted by delegates following a healthy debate.

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger, who attended the conference, thanked the delegates for taking the time to participate and used the opportunity to commend Canadian members for their ongoing political action efforts at the local, provincial and national levels.

Also addressing delegates during the opening ceremonies were Vancouver Deputy Mayor Raymond Louie, Vancouver Fire Chief John McKearney and federal New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Parliament Libby Davies, who has tabled two private members motions on behalf of the IAFF in the current session of parliament.

The conference also featured reports from the six Canadian provincial presidents, a report from Canadian Trustee Alex Forrest, an update on legal issues from Canadian Legal Counsel Sean McManus of McManus & Hubler,a fire fighter pension session and a report from the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which is raising funds for a permanent national monument in Ottawa.

Erin Townley-Smith of Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) thanked Canadian IAFF members for their tremendous commitment to fundraising, which totalled over $1.2 million last year. Townley-Smith introduced Fiona Galvani, a mother from West Vancouver who has three children who have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Her touching story about how MDC and the work of fire fighters have made their lives better drew a standing ovation from delegates.

Paul Smetanin, a risk analysis expert who is founder and CEO of the firm RiskAnalytica, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on issues related to pandemic influenza and the benefits that would arise from giving fire fighters priority access to antivirals during the height of a moderate flu pandemic.

The two Canadian members of the IAFF’s elected Human Relations Committee are elected at the Canadian Policy Conference. Current committee members Gerry Huget, from Regina, Sask. Local 181 and Paul Mogavero, from Toronto, Ont. Local 3888, were both acclaimed to new terms.

During the week, delegates and guests enjoyed a series of social events arranged by Local 18 including an evening boat cruise. Sunny and warm weather throughout the week served to highlight the famous natural beauty of the city and surrounding region.

A total of 126 delegates and alternates attended the conference in Vancouver, making it the second largest ever. The next Canadian Policy Conference will be hosted by IAFF Local 2727 in Markham, Ontario in 2011.

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