It was a busy week for the OPFFA as they swung from the Special Convention on November 30th into their annual Legislative Conference from November 30th to December 3rd. Each November the organization brings together representatives from across the Province and provides them with the opportunity to meet with their respective Members of Provincial Parliament for the sole purpose of advocating the issues of concern for professional fire fighters across Ontario.

A majority of consultants began arriving late evening on Monday the 30th. Tuesday was the educational component where the consultants engage the issues and are equipped with substantiating materials to formulate their lobby’s. In President LeBlanc’s opening address, he explained to the representatives that "… this conference presents us with an opportunity to lobby as a collective body, to reinforce previous priorities while introducing new mandates ...” He further explained “… many in this room have taken the time to host your MPP’s in a FIREOPS and introduced them to our workplace. This week it is our turn to enter into the MPP’s workplace.”

Among Tuesday’s guest speakers were Premier Dalton McGuinty, Official Opposition Leader Tim Hudak, and Leader of the Third Party Andrea Horwath. This week marked the first time all party leaders addressed the OPFFA representatives. Also addressing the assembly were Ministers Bartolucci and Fonseca.

Wednesday the representatives spent time with their Members advocating our issues explaining why they are important to fire fighters across the Province. LeBlanc encouraged the consultants that they “… do not underestimate the importance placed on the fact that you are actually here meeting with your MPP at Queen’s Park ...” before they departed for Legislature. This year there were visits with over 90 of the 107 MPP’s followed by a social event that evening where both parties have time to exchange riding stories in an informal setting.

Thursday is wrap-up day where the consultants exchange their Wednesday experiences with other representatives. In his closing remarks, President LeBlanc stated “I cannot underscore the significance of how our consistent and collective voice this week sets the stage for future political action to occur on our issues." The consultants were also encouraged to continue their relationship with their respective MPP upon their return home.

Congratulations to Executive Vice President Mark McKinnon who is the OPFFA lead for yet another successful lobby day at Queen’s Park!!