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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.