Winnipeg Mayor Wins Third Term Thanks to Fire Fighter Support

From Left: Local 867 President Alex Forrest, Mayor Sam Katz and IAFF 13th District Vice President Bruce Carpenter

October 28, 2010 – Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz won his third term, thanks in large part to the support of Winnipeg, MB Local 867 fire fighters. He beat his most competitive challenger –Judy Wasylycia-Leis – by 15 percent.

“Mayor Katz has been a strong supporter of fire-based EMS and adequate staffing,” says Local 867 President Alex Forrest. In fact, Winnipeg is the only large city in Canada to have fire-based EMS. “We returned the favor by dedicating our members to the campaign.”

Fire fighters’ efforts were acknowledged prominently in Katz’s victory speech. Speaking directly to the fire fighters, the mayor said, "I know it's been a long time since you did what you did, endorsing a candidate, and I can't tell you how proud I am that you chose me to be that candidate that you endorsed so that we can do what we can to make Winnipeg a safe city.”

With a large population of 700,000, the Katz campaign deployed campaign staff in each of 15 wards, five of which were covered solely by fire fighters.

“Heading up each of our five assigned wards was a fire fighter who had graduated from the IAFF Political Training Academy,” says Forrest. Political action is so important to Local 867 that the local sends a member to the academy every year.

He adds, “Because of the training academy, our fire fighters have learned how to deliver the complete package when it comes to campaign planning. They know how to be effective campaign managers, raise money and hammer signs. They do it all.”

On Election Day, IAFF 13th District Vice President Bruce Carpenter, Local 867 President Forrest and 150 Local 867 fire fighters went door-to-door to encourage people to cast their vote to re-elect Mayor Katz. Voters responded overwhelmingly.

Local 867 fire fighters’ campaigning efforts also helped elect or re-elect 10 City Council members. “We are really proud of the hard work we put into this successful campaign cycle,” says Forrest.

The Winnipeg fire fighters are no strangers to political success. Over the last five years, Local 867 has supported 60 candidates and 52 of them won their seats. “I attribute our success to the guidance and advice of IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger,” says Forrest. “He has long stressed how political action is the gateway to the future success of the International. We take that seriously.”