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Drop sick time benefit for firefighters, paramedics:

Drop sick time benefit for firefighters, paramedics: CTF

Last Updated: Monday, January 18, 2010 | 4:40 PM CT

Colin Craig of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation says the practice of paying out sick leave benefits for paramedics and firefighters should stop.Colin Craig of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation says the practice of paying out sick leave benefits for paramedics and firefighters should stop. (CBC)

Firefighters and paramedics in Winnipeg should not be allowed to cash in unused sick time when they retire, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation says.

Colin Craig, Manitoba director of the CTF, says the practice is costing taxpayers millions of dollars every year.

Both paramedics and firefighters have a clause in their contract allowing them to cash in, upon retirement, up to 11 months of unused sick time. In 2009, that clause cost the city $2.1 million, Craig said.

"It's something very costly and no one else in the city or province have it," he said.

"The city says it doesn't have enough to fix roads [so] cut back on this lucrative benefit. Imagine what our streets would look like [with that money put into repairs]."

'It's something very costly and no one else in the city or province have it.'—Colin Craig, Canadian Taxpayers Federation

But Alex Forrest, president of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg (UFFW) union, said the hazards of the job force some firefighters to retire early with injuries and illnesses and they don't get severance pay when they leave.

"The sick time cash-out supplements the firefighters' pension because they [often] have to retire earlier," he said.

But Craig doesn't agree it's that necessary, otherwise it would be a more common clause in other collective agreements.

"It's a very, very rare benefit and our position is that it is simply too costly for taxpayers," he said.

The CTF is asking the city to take the clause out of a new contract with the UFFW.

The current deal expired in December and the union is currently in negotiations with the city.

Halton paramedics head to Port-au-Prince

Halton paramedics head to Port-au-Prince

GUELPH – Ten Halton region paramedics are on their way to Haiti for a one-week medical mission.

The mission is sponsored by Feed The Children (FTC) Canada and the paramedics began gathering at the FTC warehouse in Guelph at noon today to board a bus for Montreal’s Dorval Airport.

The team will fly out of Montreal Wednesday at 3 a.m.

The Halton paramedics will be joined by two FTC Canada physicians from Port Perry and will meet up with Halton paramedic Grant Rumford, of Burlington, who is already onsite at FTC’s in-country partner, Mission of Hope, with his own family.  

“The paramedics who are going down to help with the earthquake disaster response exemplify the dedication of Halton Region’s EMS staff,” said Halton regional chair, Gary Carr.

“All of our paramedics are highly trained and among the best of the best.  This group will be able to help hundreds or even thousands of people in Haiti.”

The Halton paramedics are going to Haiti as FTC volunteers. 

“This is a very difficult time for everyone in Haiti and expert volunteers such as these paramedics are so important,” says Ken Dick, president of FTC Canada.  “These volunteers will be providing emergency medical care to the thousands who have been injured in the earthquake.”

The team will also be bringing desperately needed medical supplies such as bandages and medications requested by FTC’s team on the ground at the Mission of Hope clinic.

FTC Canada responds to the needs of children and their families in Canada and around the world by providing food, medicine, education and other essentials.

If you would like to help, please contact FTC (Feed the Children) Canada at 1-877-382-2262 or visit www.ftccanada.ca.

Paramedics report successful toy drive

Paramedics report successful toy drive
January 19, 2010

SIMCOE COUNTY - Paramedics collected more than 5,700 new toys, 617 pounds of food and $13,750 in cash and gift cards during their annual toy drive.

"This drive has been a tremendous success," said County of Simcoe paramedic and event organizer Greg Sharp. "Residents gave so generously to those in need and thanks to their donations, we were able to assist so many families in need throughout our communities."

Since the toy drive began in 2002, paramedics have collected about 20,000 toys, $30,000 in cash and more than 6,900 pounds of food.

Paramedics volunteered more than 640 hours of their time to visit local communities during the Christmas season, collecting donations at Santa Claus parades and setting up displays at various retail locations. Community members volunteered an additional 275 hours.

"Volunteering within our community is vital to making a difference in the lives of people," said Sharp. "By giving just a few hours of our time to attend events we are able to meet residents, answer questions and raise awareness for the services we provide in Simcoe County."

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