Vancouver Fire Fighters Proudly Stand With Vancouver-South Candidate Harjit Sajjan And Justin Trudeau!
“Today we were proud to stand with Harjit Sajjan the Liberal candidate for Vancouver South, and Justin Trudeau, the Leader of the Liberal party as they announced a commitment to restore funding to Canada’s HUSAR teams. In light of the tragic events in Nepal and the earthquake risk here in BC, we are reminded of the critical need for rescue teams like Vancouver’s HUSAR. HUSAR is a critical part of Fire Fighters response to natural disasters designed to save the lives of our citizens.” said Robert Weeks, President of the Vancouver Fire Fighters’ Union, Local 18-I.A.F.F.
OTTAWA – A Liberal government will offer greater support to Canada’s public safety officers, said the Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau, in a speech this week to the International Association of Fire Fighters’ Canadian Legislative Conference.
“The Liberal Party firmly believes that when fire fighters, police officers and EMS put their own safety and security on the line, they are acting in service of all Canadians,” said Trudeau. “That is why I am announcing our plan to create a much-needed public safety officer compensation benefit of $300,000 to support these courageous women and men and their families.”
“Today we were proud to stand with Harjit Sajjan the Liberal candidate for Vancouver South, and Justin Trudeau, the Leader of the Liberal party as they announced a commitment to restore funding to Canada’s HUSAR teams. In light of the tragic events in Nepal and the earthquake risk here in BC, we are reminded of the critical need for rescue teams like Vancouver’s HUSAR. HUSAR is a critical part of Fire Fighters response to natural disasters designed to save the lives of our citizens.” said Robert Weeks, President of the Vancouver Fire Fighters’ Union, Local 18-I.A.F.F.
The public safety officer compensation benefit would be paid to the families of fire fighters and police officers killed or permanently injured in the line of duty. In addition, a future Liberal government would immediately reinstate federal funding to Canada’s four Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) teams, which was cut by the Conservative government; and create a national action plan on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which disproportionately affects public safety officers. Mr. Trudeau also reaffirmed the Liberal Party’s commitment to repealing Conservative anti-union bills, C-377 and C-525, which are meant to diminish and weaken the labour movement in Canada.
“Having served as a police officer and a HUSAR technician, I have witnessed first hand the hazards and horrors our firefighters encounter on a regular basis, I welcome this great initiative” commented Harjit Sajjan, Liberal candidate for Vancouver South.
“While the adverse effects of service can never be fully compensated, this fund will provide an increased level peace of mind, not only for the firefighters but also for their families and dependents.”??”We ask public safety officers to stand in harm’s way to protect us and keep us safe,” said Mr. Trudeau. “They deserve nothing less than the highest level of support and care from a grateful country, and that is exactly what they will get from a Liberal government.”
