President of union representing Winnipeg firefighters will not run for re-election
The president of the union that represents Winnipeg’s firefighters and firefighter-paramedics is not running for re-election.
Alex Forrest announced his decision at the recent general membership meeting of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg (UFFW) and released a letter to the public on Monday.
He said he is proud of the support he has had from his members, adding that he has the best members of any union in Canada.
“We have changed the course of history when it’s come to health and safety issues on occupational disease,” Forrest said in an interview with CTV News Winnipeg.
Forrest will stay on as the president of Manitoba Professional Firefighters Association and as the Canadian trustee of the International Association of Firefighters. He said it is time for him to focus on issues across Manitoba, Canada, and the international union, as well as helping other countries ensure they have the same Workers Compensation Board benefits as the firefighters in Winnipeg.
Forrest said there will be a transition period next year so he can help the new leadership in any way he can.
“I’ve been asked to assist different locals from around the world and I’m going to be moving on,” Forrest said.
“I will always be available to assist the firefighters of Winnipeg, but it’s time for me to take a greater role provincially, nationally and internationally in regards to firefighter health and safety issues around the world.”
In September, Forrest will retire from the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service after 33 years as a captain.
The UFFW election will take place next spring, with the new president starting in April. There will be a four-month transition period.
- With files from CTV’s Jeff Keele.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.