Dear Member of Parliament:
Forest/Wildland firefighters risk their lives fighting longer, increasingly more dangerous conditions to protect us. As these frontline workers start yet another intense fire season, they need your help to ensure they have the protections, benefits, and recognition they deserve.
Right now, Forest/Wildland firefighters are excluded from being recognized as firefighters and receiving the same recognition, protections, and retirement benefits that urban/structural firefighters do. The federal government can fix this by ensuring Forest/Wildland firefighters are included in the category of firefighters in the National Occupational Classification (NOC), which is used to determine who is covered under the Public Safety Occupation provisions of the federal Income Tax Act.
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has been lobbying Members of Parliament, Ministers, and government officials to include Forest/Wildland firefighters in the proper classification, so all firefighters are treated equitably. This change has widespread support across Party lines and has been supported by Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
By addressing this built-in inequality, the federal government would be recognizing the work Forest/Wildland firefighters do, the inherent risks of this occupation, and the long-term health toll that serving our country in this way entails.
Signing this message will show Forest/Wildland firefighters across Canada that you support them and value the important work they do.
I support equity and fairness for Forest/Wildland firefighters
You can also share your support by using #Isupportforest/wildlandfirefighters on social media.
Thank you!