Vancouver firefighters to face millions in cuts

By Andrea Woo, Vancouver Sun September 1, 2010

The president of the Vancouver Firefighters' Union believes city firefighters may face a budget cut of up to $4 million next year, but the city manager said any cut will only be relative to the squad's growing expenses.

Union president Gord Ditchburn said sources within city hall told him Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services faces a cut of up to $4 million for 2011.

"We haven't confirmed that yet, as [city manager Penny Ballem] is just starting to propose her budget for next year ... but $4 million equates to a firehall," Ditchburn said. "$4 million is 40 jobs. If that's even close to being accurate, that's what it means."

Job cuts would in turn lead to decreased services and longer response times, he said.

"The council, mayor and city manager will have to take that risk, if that's where it ends up," Ditchburn said. "They're going to have to put the risk of the citizens on their shoulders. Will the citizens accept they will have to wait longer for services they are paying for?"

However, Ballem maintains Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services will be receiving more money than it did the previous year, and that any "cut" is only relative to expenses.

"Their budget will be higher than it was last year, but their total is bigger than the total we have available," Ballem said.

"When your hourly rates are going up, and your rental costs or fuel costs are going up, and you only have so much increase in your budget ... you've got to find out how you're going to find savings.

She was unable to provide an exact number as to how much Vancouver Fire and Rescue will be receiving but said the difference between that figure and the firefighters' expenses will likely be "a few million dollars."

Ballem said the service may have to consider structural and operational changes to make the most of its limited resources, citing for example the evolving role of a firefighter.

"The majority of work they do now is emergency medical services," Ballem said. "You see them using the big fire trucks to go and respond to a medical call. We have to rethink that. Do we have the right array of equipment? Because that doesn't seem a great way to respond to a medical call.

"We have an obligation to find smarter ways of delivering our services."

Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service will continue discussions with the city over the next few weeks.

Council is to approve the budget at the beginning of December.

awoo@vancouversun.com

Death of Canadian Soldier in Afghanistan
Son of Toronto Fire Captain

It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the passing of Pte. Kevin McKay - son of Captain Fred McKay of the Toronto Fire Department - who was serving his country in Afghanistan.

Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to Captain McKay and his family at this most difficult time.

Repatriation and Funeral details will be posted as soon as they become known.

Click HERE for further information.

Firefighters' union sounds alarm on cuts, points to Kerrisdale

Eleven positions at Kerrisdale fire hall could be eliminated

Published: Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Vancouver Courier

The president of the Vancouver Fire Fighters' union is concerned the Kerrisdale fire hall's response to emergencies might be slower because of budget cutbacks.

Gord Ditchburn, president of the Vancouver firefighters' union, said city council's decision last December to cut $2.6-million from the budget for Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services will mean 20 positions will not be filled. Through a process he called "layoffs through attrition," Ditchburn said positions for 11 firefighters at Kerrisdale fire hall could be eliminated.

"We want that money back," he said.

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Photograph by : Dan Toulgoet photo

Gordon Anderson Memorial BURSARY

Vancouver Fire Fighters and their Union, Local 18, International Association of Fire Fighters, strongly believe in education and the role it plays in the health of our community. To this end, we are providing three $500.00 bursaries to eligible graduating Vancouver high school students to assist them in achieving their educational goals.

Congratulations to the following students for being successful in their application to receive our Bursary:

• Dunja Kalaba - King George Secondary School
• Andrea Lam - Prince of Wales Secondary
• Alex Lindsay - Point Grey Secondary

We would like to thank all of the students who applied.  The high quality of applicants for this bursary made the decisions of the selection committee difficult.  We wish you all the best in your future endeavours!