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Saturday, March 1, 2025

Volunteer Firefighters Building Strength and Solidarity

Volunteer firefighters from across Ontario came together for an engaging and productive session at the Ontario Stewards Conference in Niagara Falls this past February

Members from Local 911 in Hamilton and Local 920 in Quinte West and Sudbury participated in lively discussions, shared experiences, and built valuable connections with fellow volunteers.

The session provided a unique opportunity for volunteer firefighters to discuss the challenges they face in their respective municipalities, as well as the opportunities that exist to strengthen their collective agreements. By working together and learning from each other’s experiences, the group explored ways to improve contract language and enhance working conditions for volunteer firefighters across the province.

One of the highlights of the session was a presentation by Nicole Wachner, our in-house WSIB legal expert. Nicole provided valuable insights into workplace safety, injury claims, and the rights of firefighters under WSIB legislation. Her expertise helped members gain a better understanding of how to navigate WSIB claims and advocate for themselves and their fellow firefighters when dealing with workplace injuries.

The session was not only informative but also a great opportunity to foster camaraderie among volunteer firefighters. The shared stories and connections made will help strengthen solidarity among both locals and ensure that volunteer firefighters continue to support one another in the fight for fair treatment and better working conditions.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this important discussion. Your dedication and passion for the fire service are truly inspiring, and we look forward to continuing to build a stronger voice for volunteer firefighters in Ontario.