May 30 2025

May 30, 2025 (Ottawa) — As wildfires continue to sweep across Canada, the president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), Bert Blundon, is extending support and thanks to the thousands of wildland firefighters and public safety workers who once again, are putting themselves on the front lines to protect lives, homes, and communities.

“These are not just fires on the news,” Blundon said, “these are personal battles for the workers risking their lives to defend their neighbours. We want every one of our wildland firefighter members, and all those working alongside them, to know: your fellow NUPGE members, and people across the country have immense respect for everything you do to protect others. We are with you, and we wish you safety.” 

NUPGE wildland firefighter members work across provincial services, providing critical expertise in some of the most dangerous and demanding conditions imaginable. Their work has been central to evacuation efforts, fire suppression, and the protection of vital infrastructure as wildfires have intensified across regions including Labrador, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Blundon pointed out that fire seasons are growing longer, hotter, and more unpredictable. “But no matter how extreme the conditions, our members show up. Their courage demands not only our thanks, but also and most importantly, the strongest possible supports from all our governments and employers.”

NUPGE extends its solidarity to everyone affected by the fires, especially the thousands currently under evacuation orders. “To every family forced to leave your home, every community facing this uncertainty, we wish you safety and protection”, Blundon said.  “And to every wildland firefighter out there, we offer all our thanks, and our determined commitment to advocating for all the supports and recognition you deserve.”