What can be done to further protect full-time firefighters who want to also serve as volunteers?
This was a question that Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris hoped to answer during his meeting with rural township mayors and fire chiefs in St. Jacobs last week.
“We want to get rid of the red tape,” said Harris. “We’re looking out for rural townships.”
Officials from Wilmot, Wellesley, and North Dumfries voiced their thoughts and concerns about the long-running “double-hatter” issue. The Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association (OPFFA) currently charges members who work as full-time firefighters at city departments for also volunteering at smaller departments.
The union decision was made with the intent to increase its membership. Firefighters found guilty can face up to $500 in monthly charges as well as suspension or expulsion from the union. A handful of members in Halton Hills and Caledon currently face up to $24K for the continued practice.
“We’re hoping to finally get the province to put this [double-hatter issue] to bed,” said Wilmot Mayor Les Armstrong. “There are over 19,000 dedicated volunteer firefighters in Ontario.”
Wilmot fire chief Rod Leeson declined to comment regarding the double hatter issue due to the sensitive nature and remaining respectful to all involved parties.
Harris also assured that volunteer and professional firefighter forces in the area continue to have a good relationship.
“The issue often comes up once in a while and then dies down, but has seen an upswing in attention due to union evaluations,” he said. “I want to be a champion for it.”
The intent of the MPP’s meeting was to get to know the issue before taking it to Queen’s Park for to discuss how possible action could become legislation.
“They want to be a value to their community,” said Harris on double hatters. “We want the experienced firefighters to be able to offer training as well.”
Bill 109 was passed by Queen’s Park in 2015 with the intent of protecting double hatters, stating firefighters could not lose their jobs if they were let go of the union.
As of 2016, the province has 19,363 volunteer, 11,318 full-time, and 274 part-time firefighters. Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador are the only two provinces who enforce the double hatter fine.
Link to original article in TheRecord.com: MPP, local leaders discuss firefighter double-hatter issue