Kamloops Fire Fighters announced their support for retired Kamloops Fire Rescue employee, Andy Philpot, in the 2011 Municipal Election today.
The International Association of Firefighters, Local 913 Union President, Kris Krutop, stated “we are excited that Andy has decided to run for a spot on Council. Andy has been a great community leader and is one of the most recognizable volunteers in our city. Mr. Philpot has spent the majority of his life serving his community as a municipal employee and as a St. John’s Ambulance volunteer. He has also committed countless hours to many other humanitarian efforts, such as Operation Africa; a Kamloops Firefighters charity initiative.
You are likely to see Andy at all major events we host here in Kamloops; like the recent summer games. Andy is the very definition of a humanitarian and we are proud that he is associated with our organization. Several people have suggested that our support for Andy is likely implied. This is an unfortunate perception. We are supporting Mr. Philpot because of who he is as a human being and because we feel that he will apply his conscience to representing our city. I have met few people who are as committed to supporting our community as Andy.”
The municipal election takes place on November 19, 2011.
Kamloops Fire Fighters announced their support for Pat Wallace in the 2011 Municipal Election today.
The International Association of Firefighters, Local 913 Union President, Kris Krutop, stated that supporting the veteran Councillor “is a sensible thing to do, for our union. Pat has repeatedly proven that she cares about our city and that she carefully considers all community issues. Councillor Wallace is a committed public safety advocate, with a long history of supporting initiatives that keep our community safer. She has also encouraged growth in all sectors of our city, while keeping a close eye on the municipal tax rate. Pat has been doing a tremendous job of representing our community for many years with common-sense and a conscience as her guide. Our organization admires the work that she does and is hopeful that the public will see fit to re-elect her so that she can continue to be a positive community leader. I had to laugh when I heard some people criticize Pat for running at her age. Good ideas and solid leadership are not reserved for the young. A five minute conversation with her will prove to most people that she has a great passion for our community and that she still has many ideas that she looks forward to working on. I am confident that Councillor Wallace’s experience will be a tremendous asset to Mayor and Council, and to Kamloops residents in the next three years.
The Municipal Election is on November 19, 2011.
Kamloops Fire Fighters announced their support for John De Cicco in the 2011 Municipal Election, this morning.
The IAFF (International Association of Firefighters) Local 913 Union President, Kris Krutop, stated that the main reason for backing the long-serving councillor is that “Mr. De Cicco is a consistent public safety advocate. Councillor De Cicco has always made sensible decisions when presented with public safety issues, while remaining fiscally responsible. This is a quality that our organization admires about John. Here is a guy who goes to work at his small business every day and works hard to earn a living. While he is obviously interested in protecting his interests as a small business owner, he still sees the bigger picture. Expanding the city’s infrastructure at a responsible rate is important to Mr. DeCicco, as is encouraging business growth and tourism. Our city has experienced healthy development with Councillor De Cicco’s support. We are encouraged that there has been steady growth in our city in general. These things are not accidents; they are examples of what can happen when Mayor and Council have a healthy vision for our city’s future.”
The Municipal Election takes place on November 19, 2011.
VANCOUVER - Premier Christy Clark announced the expansion of the firefighters' occupational disease regulation so that firefighters who develop esophageal cancer can more easily qualify for benefits under the Workers Compensation Act.
"Firefighters work tirelessly to save lives and protect the property of British Columbians - all in the line of duty," said Premier Clark. "Adding esophageal cancer to the list of occupational diseases associated with firefighting will help these dedicated men and women and their families by streamlining and simplifying eligibility for workers' compensation benefits."
Previously, in order to qualify for benefits, firefighters would have to provide additional medical or scientific evidence that the cancer was work-related. With today's change, this will no longer be necessary.
"We recognize the risks to both health and safety that firefighters face during their careers," said Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government Stephanie Cadieux. "With ten types of cancers now recognized under the Workers Compensation Act as occupational diseases associated with being a firefighter, we can be sure that if one of these brave men or women does get sick, compensation benefits will be there for them and their families."
"I would like to thank the government for supporting our efforts to add esophageal cancer to the list of cancers recognized as an occupational disease for firefighters," said BC Professional Fire Fighters' Association president Michael Hurley. "Firefighters across British Columbia will benefit from the steps this government is taking to recognize the risks firefighters face and making the necessary changes to help them and their families."
In addition to primary site esophageal cancer, the following types of cancer are included under the Workers Compensation Act: primary site brain cancer, primary site bladder cancer, primary site kidney cancer, primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, primary site ureter cancer, primary site colorectal cancer, primary leukemia, primary site testicular cancer and primary site lung cancer for non-smokers.
See Premier Christy Clarks Press conference below
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XQ9b33hiHc&feature=player_embedded