President LeBlanc, Executive Vice President McKinnon and Secretary – Treasurer Quinn, along with members from Locals within District 6, were in Kapuskasing Monday, September 21st, to show our brothers and sisters they are not on their own when it comes to the high costs of representing their members.

At a press conference (see link below for President LeBlanc's full statement) President LeBlanc presented the Kapuskasing Local with a cheque for $24,762, which represents the balance of a loan the association's eight members had to take out from the International Association of Fire Fighters last year to cover the cost of a labour arbitration for their 2007-2009 collective agreement.

The money is being given to the fire fighters as the result of an inspirational show of solidarity during the OPFFA's annual Convention in June. Local fire fighter unions from across Ontario, upon learning the Kapuskasing Local had accrued a large loan in order to achieve a fair contract at arbitration, moved an emergency resolution for a one-time assessment of $2.50 per member to pay off the Kapuskasing fire fighters' loan. The resolution was adopted unanimously by delegates representing all of the OPFFA's 11,000 members.

"I'm proud of our 11,000 members from across Ontario for reaching out once again to our brothers and sisters here in Kapuskasing and showing them they're not alone," President LeBlanc stated. "We band together when there's a need and we bring the resources of our 11,000 members to bear wherever they're required, whether it's a local with three thousands members or a local of less than ten," LeBlanc said.

Mark Powell, President of the Kapuskasing Professional Fire Fighters Association, said he was grateful for the generous gesture shown by his fellow professional fire fighters from across Ontario. "We've faced some tough challenges in the past number of years as a union but we've never felt alone," he said. "We know that our 11,000 brothers and sisters are always standing behind us as we do the work of representing our members here in Kapuskasing."

While in Kapuskasing, members from OPFFA District 6, Kapuskasing fire fighters, and the Principal Officers of the OPFFA took part in a leaflet drop for Kapuskasing council hopeful Emilie Lemieux. Despite torrential downpours, approximately 90% of the Town's dwellings received Emilie's literature. At a gathering held after the drop, she thanked those assembled for their help and is very thankful for the Kapuskasing Local's support.

	Read President LeBlanc's Statement
	Link to article in Kapuskasing Times

 

View the Video of the press conference