On November 30th, more than one hundred representatives of Ontario’s professional fire fighters gathered in downtown Toronto to complete a 26 year journey to solidarity. As the role call wound up at the special convention and the resolution before this group was declared, “unanimously carried” by President LeBlanc, it marked the first time since 1983 that the OPFFA represents every International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local in the Province of Ontario.

LeBlanc stated after the declaration, "I am inherently proud and consider myself fortunate to be the first OPFFA President in 26 years to preside over a provincial organization where all IAFF Locals across Ontario are also affiliated with the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association. Since becoming the OPFFA President in June of 2002, complete unification has always been one of my goals. Today that goal has been fulfilled.”

LeBlanc went on to state it was a joint effort to bring this to fruition – “… but this was not a solitary effort and I want to publicly thank my Executive Board, IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger and IAFF DVP Bruce Carpenter, along with the Local Executive Boards involved in the recent affiliations, in particular the Executive Board of the Mississauga Local 1212 who went the extra mile on our re-affiliation efforts this past year …”

When asked later if the unification would strengthen the OPFFA’s position with its issues, LeBlanc was quick to respond, “… to be able to speak on behalf of all organized professional fire fighters across Ontario cannot be understated when it comes to dealing with the provincial government and other stakeholders."

Currently, there are 80 Locals represented within the Province – 77 municipal locals, 2 airport locals (Pearson and Ottawa international), and 1 industrial (AECL - Chalk River).

Among those marking this historic event were the General President of the IAFF Harold Schaitberger, IAFF 13th District Vice President Bruce Carpenter, and Assistant to the General President for IAFF Canadian Operations Jim Lee.

 

Read President LeBlanc's Opening Address to the Special Convention Delegates