IAFF leaders from across Canada advanced the union’s top federal priorities during the 32nd Canadian Legislative Conference, held Nov. 2–4 in Ottawa.
The legislative conference was the first since the April 28 federal election, when Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal minority government were elected, along with a new wave of MPs from all parties.
Delegates expressed strong support for two key legislative issues: deterring violence against on-duty fire fighters and paramedics and the need to strengthen the regulations that govern airport firefighting in Canada.
Protecting members from violence
General President Edward Kelly thanked delegates for coming to Ottawa to advance the union’s legislative agenda and emphasized the IAFF’s continued focus on protecting the health and safety of its growing membership.
“The people we represent, who take that oath to put their lives on the line, are recognizing the work that we do as a union,” he said, noting that the IAFF has taken on the chemical industry, the bunker gear industry and others whose actions stand to harm fire fighters.
“Wherever the fight is, we’re going to go there. And we’re going to go there unapologetically… that’s what the mission of this IAFF is.”
Kelly also addressed the safe staffing battles confronting affiliates nationwide, highlighting the recent 4 Fire Fighters 4 Your Safety campaign launched in Atlantic Canada in July.
General Secretary-Treasurer Frank Líma also addressed delegates, underscoring the IAFF’s growing membership in Canada and its commitment to providing a high level of service to Canadian affiliates. “People are seeing the value of being in this union,” he said.
Engaging policymakers
MPs from four political parties addressed the conference.
Federal Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience Eleanor Olszewski, Liberal MP for Edmonton Centre, Alberta, thanked fire fighters for their service to their communities.
Other speakers included MP and Conservative Party Co-Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman (Thornhill, Ontario), New Democratic Party MP and Interim Party Leader Don Davies (Vancouver-Kingsway, British Columbia) and Bloc Québécois MP and Justice Critic Rhéal Éloi Fortin (Rivière du Nord, Quebec).
Wherever the fight is, we’re going to go there. And we’re going to go there unapologetically… that’s what the mission of this IAFF is.
general president edward kelly
In the conference’s opening session, a panel of Local leaders detailed the growing violence in their cities, sharing incidents in which IAFF members were assaulted on duty during structure fires or medical calls.
The panel included Vancouver, BC Local 18 President Katrina Davison; Winnipeg, MB Local 867 President Nick Kasper; and Halifax, NS Local 268 Vice President and Atlantic Provinces Professional Fire Fighters Association President Joe Triff, who shared a disturbing video of an assault against fire fighters that occurred in Halifax in July 2021.
Senators Leo Housakos and Hassan Yussuff appeared before delegates to discuss Bill S-233, introduced by Housakos on Sept. 23, which proposes tougher sentencing provisions when the victim of an assault is a first responder. The bill is now before the House of Commons.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Sean Fraser has also introduced Bill C-14 in the House of Commons, which also includes similar provisions. During their lobby meetings, delegates urged MPs and senators to support the swift passage of both pieces of legislation.
Emerging issues
The conference featured information sessions on other emerging priorities in Canada. Vancouver, BC Local 18 member James Johnson, who serves the IAFF as a Building Codes and Standards Representative and sits on numerous Building Code committees, updated delegates on the growing push for single-exit residential buildings, a dangerous design concept being touted by developers in Canada and the U.S. as a solution to housing affordability.
Len Garis, an academic and former Surrey, British Columbia fire chief, joined representatives from Statistics Canada for a presentation about the Canadian Firefighter Cancer Registry – a tool that, once established, will help define the scope of occupational cancer in the fire service and facilitate research, prevention and informed decision-making.
Funding for the initiative is outlined in the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act, introduced in the House of Commons by Montreal-area Liberal and IAFF ally MP Sherry Romanado and enacted in June 2023.
The Political Pundit Panel, featuring seasoned strategists Kathleen Monk, Tim Powers and Carlene Variyan entertained delegates with informative banter and useful insights into the current political landscape in Canada.
Danille Campo-McLeod, a decorated Paralympic swimmer and world record holder who serves as National Ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy Canada, inspired delegates with her story of courage and determination.
The conference concluded with the ever-popular IAFF Parliamentary Reception, where delegates continued their discussions with MPs, senators, parliamentary staff and other guests in an informal setting.
More information about the IAFF’s Canadian legislative priorities is available here.
The IAFF Canadian Legislative Conference will return to its usual spring timeframe next year, with the 33rd edition scheduled for April 19-21 in Ottawa.
