IAFF affiliates across Manitoba are celebrating a major political action victory after helping elect the province’s New Democratic Party to a majority government Tuesday, with a Winnipeg fire fighter among those who will be taking a seat in the provincial legislature.
Winnipeg Local 867 member David Pankratz was elected under the NDP banner in the province’s Waverley riding, defeating a Progressive Conservative incumbent who was also a cabinet minister. Pankratz will serve under Wab Kinew, who is set to become Canada’s first First Nations provincial premier. While Pankratz’s margin of victory was close, it is not within recount range, and his win is expected to be certified by Elections Manitoba.
The election of the New Democratic Party, labour’s traditional ally, bodes well for the province’s five IAFF locals and their 1,842 members. The win ends seven years of Progressive Conservative rule, marked by attacks on labour rights and heavy criticism of the government’s handling of healthcare and other issues.
In a message to his members, Winnipeg Local 867 President Tom Bilous celebrated the win and thanked his Executive Board and all the members who helped during the campaign. He praised Pankratz for his work ethic and desire to effect change for a better Manitoba and a safer Winnipeg Fire Department.
“I fully expect him to rise to great heights and be an invaluable member of Premier Kinew’s team going forward. WFD’s temporary loss of his services will be far outshined by his contribution to society at the provincial level,” Bilous said. “We look forward to a continued excellent relationship… UFFW will always be there to support you.”
The NDP’s election is also expected to pay public safety dividends, thanks to a provincial commitment to fully fund 40 new fire fighter positions to staff a fire station needed in the city’s fast-growing Waverley West neighbourhood. Local 867 has been urging the city to address public safety shortfalls by building a new station in the underserved area of the city for 15 years.
“This is a great day for our Manitoba affiliates,” said General President Edward Kelly. “No one fights for us like we fight for ourselves. Congratulations to Premier-elect Kinew, MLA-elect Pankratz, and all of our Manitoba leaders and members who worked hard to make this victory possible.”
IAFF 13th District Vice President Fred LeBlanc, who joined Winnipeg fire fighters on the campaign trail in Pankratz’s riding, said he was thrilled with the election result.
“I’m proud of our members’ efforts during the provincial election campaign, especially Winnipeg Local 867, which endorsed the NDP and was successful in gaining a commitment that the provincial government will fund 40 new fire fighters for the Winnipeg Fire Department,” LeBlanc said.
“I also recognize and congratulate Local 867 member David Pankratz, who won his seat in the Waverly riding, which desperately needs a fire station.”
Manitoba Professional Fire Fighters Association President Alex Forrest said he was proud of the work Winnipeg Local 867 and Brandon Local 803 did to support election candidates and said the win will lead to advances in health and safety, frontline staffing, and worker’s compensation benefits.
“This continues our never-ending commitment to political action,” Forrest said while commending Bilous for taking on the challenge and working every day on the campaign for months. “He’s a true leader.”
Pankratz is not the first fire fighter elected to the Manitoba legislature. Brandon Local 803 member Scott Smith sat in the legislature from 1999 to 2007 and served as a cabinet member in the NDP Government of Premier Gary Doer.
