A union’s strength comes from members standing together.
On July 1, more than 500 Québec City fire fighters strengthened that collective voice when the Association des pompiers professionnels de Québec Local 988 officially reaffiliated with the IAFF.
The return of Local 988 brings one of the province’s largest fire departments back into the union and expands representation for French-speaking fire fighters.
Québec holds a unique place within the IAFF as the only Canadian province where French is the sole official language.
“Québec City’s return to the IAFF gives Local 988 members a stronger voice on the job and in their community,” General President Edward Kelly said. “As fire fighters, we achieve more when we stand together, and I am proud to welcome them back to our union.”
Québec City’s return to the IAFF gives Local 988 members a stronger voice on the job and in their community. As fire fighters, we achieve more when we stand together, and I am proud to welcome them back to our union.
General President Edward Kelly
“Bringing a major metro department like Québec City back into the fold signifies that despite our linguistic differences, what we do as fire fighters unites us,” said 15th District Vice President Chris Ross.
For Ross, the moment reflects years of work to ensure Québec fire fighters have access to the resources, advocacy, and support that come with being part of the IAFF.
“This achievement is the direct result of a tireless, collaborative effort to ensure our French-speaking brothers and sisters are fully supported, respected, and represented. It sends a clear message to all fire fighters across the province: we are stronger when we stand together, and we are committed to ensuring every member has the resources they need to serve their communities safely,” Ross said.
That commitment includes French-language services and representation from Ross and District Field Services Representative Richard Lafortune, both of whom speak French and understand the needs of Québec affiliates.
The addition of Local 988 continues for a period of renewed momentum for the IAFF in Québec. The province is now home to five predominantly French-speaking IAFF affiliates in Montréal, Québec City, Shawinigan, Lachute, and Saint-Paul-de-l’Île-aux-Noix.
Bringing a major metro department like Québec City back into the fold signifies that despite our linguistic differences, what we do as fire fighters unites us.
15th District Vice President Chris Ross
Building a stronger collective voice
The IAFF was absent from Québec from the late 1970s until recently.
In December 2017, the Association des pompiers de Montréal Local 125 reaffiliated with the IAFF, becoming the largest IAFF affiliate in Québec.
“Montréal’s return was the critical first milestone,” Ross said.
Ross credited the leadership of General President Edward Kelly, who has prioritized expanding French-language services, translating materials, providing training, and offering support. This demonstrated a genuine commitment to Québec’s fire fighters and ignited renewed interest throughout the province.
“As the second-largest fire department in Québec, we recognize the importance of having a strong voice and access to the best resources available to support our members. Rejoining the IAFF provides both,” Local 988 President Alexandre Arturi said. “This affiliation enhances our ability to advocate for fire fighters. We are proud to once again stand alongside our IAFF brothers and sisters.”
