The IAFF’s 56th Convention officially kicks off Monday, Aug. 8 in the Canadian capital of Ottawa, but the union’s principal officers, executive board, and committee members gathered earlier this week to refine the business and agenda ahead.
IAFF leaders and delegates will spend the week of convention making decisions that chart the path forward for the union and its members, all in line with the convention’s theme: Commitment to Excellence.
“It’s a commitment [to excellence] all of us – the principal officers, the executive board, and committee members – take seriously,” says General President Edward Kelly. “Convention week, I look forward to working with leaders and delegates to make key decisions which will ensure a bright future for our union.”
“Convention is an important opportunity for delegates to make their voices heard as we set the course for the future of the IAFF,” says General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma. “We are looking forward to great discussions on many important resolutions which fund the services and programs that our members rely on.”
The executive board has met to review the convention agenda and all planned union business to ensure that everything runs smoothly once delegates arrive.
In addition, the IAFF’s committees are discussing each of the 46 convention resolutions up for consideration, including those focusing on greater transparency, making it easier for locals large and small to participate in convention, increasing funding for cancer research, and improving IAFF day-to-day operations. During the convention, the committee members will advise delegates which resolutions they recommend for passage.
The Exhibit Hall will open beginning at 9 am on Sunday, Aug. 7. Delegates will be able to ask questions and meet with headquarters staff from each of the IAFF’s divisions and departments. Partner agencies and event sponsors will also have booths where delegates can get information to take back to their membership.
Host local, Ottawa Local 162 will also be on site to assist delegates throughout the week starting with the welcoming reception at the Lowertown Brewery 4 – 9 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 7. A list of activities to do after the completion of each day’s business can already be found on the convention web site.
