Firefighters contribution finally recognized by Commons

'A long-overdue victory for families of firefighters
who have lost loved ones.' NDP MP Peter Julian

OTTAWA - The House of Commons has passed a motion calling for a Canadian firefighter's monument to be constructed in a prominent position in Ottawa and for a national benefit system to be created the families of fallen and injured firefighters.

Approximately 10 firefighters lose their lives every year across the country. In the United States, firefighters' families are compensated $275,658 by the federal government in the event of death or total disability.

"This is a long-overdue victory for families of firefighters who have lost loved ones," says NDP MP Peter Julian (Burnaby-New Westminster), sponsor the motion. The proposal passed 161-112 with the NDP and Conservatives voting in favour and the Liberals and Bloc Quebecois against.

"It's unfortunate that the Bloc and the Liberal Cabinet chose not to support this initiative for all firefighters' families across the country," said Julian.

"But we've successfully demonstrated that we can make this minority Parliament work for Canadians if the majority of MPs decide to get to work on important issues, instead of playing political games."

In Canada, the vast majority of fire departments do not provide benefits for the families of fallen or disabled firefighters. This means that families are saddled with financial hardship and uncertainty after their loved ones have given their lives to save others.

It's not clear how the government will respond to the motion or what level of benfefits may ultimately be established. NUPGE

Web posted by NUPGE: 28 October 2005

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