UBCM 2025 adopts Resolutions Supporting First Responders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

BCPFFA Celebrates Support from Local Government at UBCM 2025 with Endorsements to Enhance First Responder Safety and Protect Public from Building Code Risk 🚒

Thanks to North Vancovuer City’s Councillor Jessica Mcllroy who moved resolution NR12: Health and Wellbeing of BC's Public Safety Personnel. Unanimously supported.

Vancouver, BC – October 13, 2025 – The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters' Association (BCPFFA) is celebrating the endorsement of two critical public safety resolutions at the 2025 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention, marking a unified call from local governments for urgent provincial action.

The BCPFFA extends its sincere appreciation to the City of North Vancouver for submitting NR12: Health and Wellbeing of BC's Public Safety Personnel, and to the City of Burnaby for championing NR42: Request to Repeal the Single Exit Stairway Building Code.

Action on First Responder Mental Health (NR12)

NR12 Health and Wellbeing of BC’s Public Safety Personnel Endorsed

Resolution NR12 addresses the escalating crisis of mental health among public safety personnel. Psychological-only injury workplace claims have increased five-fold in British Columbia since 2018, with fire and police personnel suffering from occupational stress injuries at rates four times that of the general population.

The resolution, which the BCPFFA was a key partner in supporting BluePrint, successfully mandates UBCM to ask the Province to take the following steps:

  • Provide two years of funding for the BC First Responder Resiliency Program (FRRP) to ensure continuous support while a longer-term funding model is developed4. The FRRP, which has served over 500 first responders across BC since 2019, has demonstrated positive, evidence-based outcomes lasting at least six months. (Source: BluePrint, UBC)

  • Ask the Ministries of Health, Labour, and Public Safety and Solicitor General to collaborate with FRRP interest holder organizations to develop mental health and wellness policies, regulations, and funding mechanisms for the program’s long-term viability and expansion across the province.

 

NR12 Health and Wellbeing of BC’s Public Safety Personnel Endorsed

Suspending the Single-Exit Stairway Building Code (NR42)

Resolution NR42 submitted by the City of Burnaby demands immediate suspension of a controversial change to the British Columbia Building Code (BCBC), effective August 27, 2024, which permits the construction of residential multi-family buildings up to six storeys with a single exit stairway under certain conditions.

The BCPFFA, alongside other groups like the Fire Chiefs Association of BC (FCABC) and the BC Police Association (BCPA), has publicly voiced opposition, citing elevated risks to occupant and first responder safety. The resolution urges UBCM to call on the Province to:

  • Suspend the implementation of the single exit stairway provisions in the BC Building Code.

  • Conduct a comprehensive safety review that includes consultation with UBCM, emergency service stakeholders, and a reference to BC-specific data.

The resolution's background context highlights the dangers: single-egress designs reduce redundancy in emergency evacuation routes, and data shows that 68 percent of residential fire deaths result from smoke inhalation, which can rapidly compromise a single stairwell exit. The increasing risk of lithium-ion battery fires adds another layer of urgency. (Source Len Gairs, University of Fraser Valley, 2024)

The Path Forward: Activating the Direction of Local Government

Todd Schierling, President of the BCPFFA, stated: "The collective endorsement from local governments on both NR12 and NR42 is a clear and powerful mandate for change. We thank North Vancouver City and Burnaby for leading these critical public safety efforts. Now, we need to see it through and work with the provincial government to activate the direction of the municipalities. The health and safety of our first responders, and the very safety standards governing the homes of all BC residents, depend on swift action from the Province on these endorsed resolutions."

About the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters' Association

The BCPFFA is committed to working with all provincial ministries to ensure these essential changes are translated from municipal resolution into decisive provincial policy and action.

The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters' Association (BCPFFA) is the provincial voice for the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) in British Columbia. Affiliated with the IAFF since 1929, the BCPFFA is dedicated to protecting the health, safety, and working conditions of its members and ensuring the highest level of public safety for all citizens of British Columbia.

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Experience the magic of Bright Nights at the Noël Holiday Light Festival in Surrey

For Immediate Release

Experience the magic of Bright Nights, now happening at the Noël Holiday Light Festival in Surrey

Surrey B.C. - The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is proud to announce the return of the 28th annual Bright Nights light display to its roots in Surrey. This year, our beloved light display will be a featured part of the second annual Noël Holiday Light Festival, which runs from November 28 to December 28 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. This homecoming is a special moment, and we’re excited to bring this holiday tradition back to the community where it all began.

The tradition of Bright Nights started in the mid-1980s with two generous Surrey residents, Bob Wingfield and Marg Barrett. With help from Surrey firefighters, they created an incredible light display at their Newton home that drew thousands of visitors and raised funds for burn survivors at Vancouver General Hospital. In 1997, Bob and Marg donated their lights to the Burn Fund, and we created what is now known as Bright Nights, which went on to bring holiday magic to Vancouver’s Stanley Park for more than 25 years.

 
 

This year’s event is made possible by the incredible support of the more than 800 firefighters who volunteer thousands of hours to create this magical display. Their dedication makes Bright Nights the single largest annual fundraiser for the Burn Fund, helping us continue our vital work for burn survivors across the province. A portion of the proceeds from the Noël Holiday Light Festival will also be donated to the Burn Fund, ensuring that we can provide essential services to those in need.

At Noël Surrey, guests can explore the stunning Bright Nights display, which features nearly three million lights along an accessible path around the pond at the Bill Reid Millennium Amphitheatre. We're thrilled to be part of an event that offers so much, including a massive indoor Noël Village with a Santa's workshop, live music, and a Christmas market.

"President of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, I’m excited to see Bright Nights light up the Noël Holiday Light Festival in Surrey,” said Todd Schierling. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to bring this tradition to a wonderful new setting at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, and to continue creating a magical holiday experience that supports burn survivors across the province.”

In keeping with our long-standing tradition, we will be accepting donations at the event to support crucial programs for burn survivors, including Home Away at the Burn Fund Centre. This facility provides a safe and welcoming place for survivors and their families while they undergo life-saving treatment in Vancouver. Every donation helps ensure that survivors get the support they need, especially during the holiday season.

President Schierling stated, “I really want thank Mayor Brenda Locke and the Noël Surrey organizers for their unwavering support and for including the Burn Fund in their festival. Your commitment to the Burn Fund and this incredible event truly makes a profound difference. He goes on to say, “the support from our 56 BCPFFA affiliate locals is essential to the success of the Bright Nights. I want to particularly thank the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society for allowing the BCPFF Burn Fund to operate in their jurisdiction - we could not do this without their support.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit noelfestival.com. We look forward to seeing you there to celebrate the holiday season and support a cause that is close to our hearts.

 
 

About the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund

From rescue to recovery, firefighters have answered the call to support burn survivors across B.C. and the Yukon since 1978. The Burn Fund is dedicated to assisting burn survivors throughout their recovery every step of the way. The Burn Fund empowers survivors through programs and retreats, provides accommodations to burn survivors and their families, enhances medical care at BC’s trauma hospitals, and fills the gap with vital resources and treatment.

About Noël Holiday Light Festival

The Noël Holiday Light Festival is Surrey’s signature holiday celebration, returning for its 2nd year from Nov. 28 to Dec. 28, 2025 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. This indoor-outdoor festival transforms the fairgrounds into a dazzling winter wonderland with millions of lights, live entertainment, a Christmas market, complimentary rides, free kids' activities, and seasonal food & drink. Noël creates a festive atmosphere perfect for families, friends, and all holiday enthusiasts. 

Media enquiries 

Jeff Sauvé

Executive Director

BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund

jeff@burnfund.org

(778) 228-9564

Event information 

Mary Rukavina

Manager, Special Events and Filming

Parks, Recreation & Culture  

mrukavina@surrey.ca  

(604) 591-4598

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Occupants & Firefighters at Risk

NR42 Request to Repeal the Single Exit Stairway Building Code

Fire Service associations across British Columbia, Canada and USA are requesting that these changes be reversed or paused, and we strongly recommend that this be deferred to the National Building Code revision process with the involvement of the National Research Council.

We urge the public to take immediate action. What can you do ?

  1. Contact your Mayor / Council support UBCM Resolution at UBCM Victoria September 22-26, 2025: NR42 Request to Repeal the Single Exit Stairway Building Code submitted by City of Burnaby.

  2. Contact your elected officials—including Premier of BC, Minister of Housing, Minister of Public Safety and Minister of Housing, and your local MLA—to voice your concern over the unsafe building code for both occupants and your fire fighters.

BCPFFA Calls for Action to Save First Responder Resiliency Program at Loon Lake

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BCPFFA Calls for Urgent Action to Save First Responder Resiliency Program at Loon Lake

Vancouver, BC – The BC Professional Fire Fighters' Association (BCPFFA), a proud partner in the Blueprint First Responder Resiliency Program, is issuing an urgent call for public support to save this vital initiative from closure. The program, which provides residential retreats to help first responders recover from the psychological toll of their work, is at risk due to a lack of provincial government funding.

Since 2017, in partnership with the BC Police Association (BCPA) and Blueprint, the program has provided a lifeline for more than 500 front-line public safety workers. The retreats offer a safe, group setting for fire fighters, police officers, and other first responders to address trauma, depression, and anxiety, and to build critical coping skills.

While we are deeply committed to supporting our members' mental health, the financial burden of these retreats is too great for individuals to bear. We have exhausted all options to secure sustainable funding, but the program was not included in the 2025/26 provincial budget. Without government support, this program—a crucial pillar of our mental health strategy—is not sustainable.

Fill the Seats at Loon Lake

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BC First Responders' Resiliency Program

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Fill the Seats at Loon Lake 〰️ BC First Responders' Resiliency Program 〰️

 

Loon Lake, Maple Ridge - Fill the seats

 

We urge the public to take immediate action. What can you do ?

  1. Contact your Mayor / Council support UBCM Resolution at UBCM Victoria September 22-26, 2025: NR12 Health and Wellbeing of BC’s Public Safety Personnel, submitted by North Vancouver City.

  2. Contact your elected officials—including Premier David Eby, Minister of Health Josie Osborne, Minister of Labour Jennifer Whiteside, and your local MLA—to voice your support for financial backing for this life-saving program.

  3. Please consider making a donation directly to the Burn Fund by contacting info@burnfund.org to help offset costs for participants. Learn more

Together, we can ensure that our first responders, who sacrifice so much to keep our communities safe, have access to the mental health resources they need and deserve.

Learn more

UBCM RESOLUTION

NR12 Health & Wellbeing of BC’s Public Safety’s Personnel, submitted by North Vancouver City

BC Labour Board Decision – Inclusion of Paid-On-Call Fire Fighters in IAFF Local 5509

Statement from the BCPFFA on the BC Labour Board Decision – Inclusion of Paid-On-Call Fire Fighters in IAFF Local 5509

The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA) reports that on May 29, 2025, the BC Labour Relations Board ordered the addition of Paid-On-Call (POC) fire fighters to the bargaining unit of IAFF Local 5509, as outlined in the wording of its bargaining certificate.

The agreement, which was accepted by all parties involved, including the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), and the District of North Saanich, led to CUPE retracting its request to add paid on-call firefighters to its bargaining unit.

Whether POC fire fighters are ultimately included in a local’s bargaining unit will depend on the specific language in the association’s certificate. The BCPFFA respects and supports the autonomy of IAFF affiliate locals in making decisions that reflect the needs, priorities, and values of their membership.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to collaborate in creating a safe and equitable workplace for our members,” stated Spencer Barkley, president of IAFF Local 5509.

“The inclusion of these members into Local 5509 represents a step toward greater fairness, unity, and equitable representation for all fire service personnel, regardless of duty status in the communities they serve.” — BCPFFA Secretary-Treasurer Brian Catinus

“We commend the leadership of Local 5509 for their continued advocacy and commitment to building a stronger, more unified fire service. The BCPFFA remains dedicated to supporting all IAFF Affiliate Locals and their members across the province.” — BCPFFA President Todd Schierling

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For any inquiries on this certification with IAFF, contact the IAFF 6th District Vice President, Mike Carter. 

ABOUT NORTH SAANICH FIRE FIGHTERS’ ASSOCIATION

North Saanich Fire Fighters chartered (6 career firefighters) with the IAFF in August 2024 and become Local 5509. The addition in May 2025 of 26 paid-on-call members now forms a 32 member association.

43rd BCPFFA Convention

43rd BCPFFA Biennial Convention 2025

Vancouver, B.C. – The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters' Association (BCPFFA) successfully concluded its 43rd Biennial Convention in Vancouver, where over 175 delegates from 56 International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) affiliate locals convened to shape the future of the association. The event, held from June 2nd to June 5th, 2025, Sheraton Wall Centre, and saw the election of the executive board, and the passage of 19 resolutions concerning the governance of the BCPFFA and the recognition of key contributors.

Executive Board Elected

The convention saw the acclamation of both the President and the Secretary-Treasurer. The newly elected BCPFFA Executive Board is as follows:

  • President: Todd Schierling (Acclaimed)

  • Secretary-Treasurer: Brian Catinus (Acclaimed)

  • Executive Vice President, Kootenays: Lee DePellegrin (Re-elected)

  • Vice President, Vancouver L18 appointment Adrian Sherriff

  • Vice President, Lower Mainland North: Wade Perret (Port Moody, Local 2399) - Newly Elected

  • Vice President, Lower Mainland South: Mike McMillan (Re-elected)

  • Vice President, Northern Region: Mike Holliday (Local 1372) - Newly Elected

  • Vice President, Island: Andrew Zado (Re-elected)

  • Vice President, Fraser Valley: Saverio Lattanzio (Re-elected)

  • Vice President, Okanagan: Kris Krutop (Re-elected)

  • Trustee: Stewart Dumont L1668 - Re-elected

  • Trustee: Shane Poole L256 - Re-elected

  • Trustee: Curtis Gibbons L1399 - Re-elected

Resolutions and Key Issues

Delegates debated and voted on 19 resolutions that will guide the BCPFFA's actions over the next two years. While a detailed list of all resolutions has not been made public, the discussions centered on enhancing the governance of the association and addressing critical issues facing firefighters.

Key topics of discussion throughout the convention's educational sessions included:

  • Labour Relations;

  • Health, Safety and Mental Wellness;

  • Members Rights;

  • Government Affairs;

  • Governance and Finance

Recognition of Service

A number of individuals were honoured for their dedicated service and contributions to the BCPFFA and the broader firefighting community. The following members and advocates were granted special status:

Emeritus Recognition

  • Steve Farina - Vice President Emeritus Status

Honourary Recognition

  • Ray Boucher

  • Peter Hansen

  • Allan Black K.C.

  • Lois Budd

Peer Recognition

  • Peter Julian, former MP New Westminster, Burnaby for his advocacy for firefighters.

  • Doris Mah, for her work as a government advocate for firefighters.

  • Jeff Sim, (Local 1271) Pipe Major for Surrey Fire Fighters Pipe & Drum Band / BCPFFA Mass Band

  • Ryan Stewart (Local 1183), served as BCPFFA Trustee

  • Matt Crompton (Local 2848), served as North Regional Vice President

  • Steve Farina (Local 1782(, served as Lower Mainland Vice President

  • Kris Anderson (Local 323), for his role as the Fire Ground Survival Coordinator.

  • Paul Rushton (Local 323), for his contributions to the OHS Committee.

  • Ben Lewis (Local 1763), for his service on the OHS Worker's Advocacy Committee.

  • Graeme Currie, for his eight years of service on the Burn Fund Board of Directors.

The convention concluded with a renewed commitment from the BCPFFA to advocate for the health, safety, and well-being of its over 4,000 members across British Columbia.

Photo Gallery
 
 

BCPFFA Executive Board

 
 

  • Back Row (left to right): Stewart Dumont, Andrew Zado, Curtis Gibbons, Mike McMillan,, Saverio Lattanzio, Kris Krutop, Adrian Sherriff, Shane Poole, (and newly elected Wade Perret, Mike Holliday)

  • Front Row (left to right): Lee DePellegrin, Todd Schierling, Brian Catinus

Todd Schierling, President

Todd is a Local 1271 Surrey member who held the position of BCPFFA secretary-treasurer (2016-2023) and president 2023-2025 term.

BCPFFA President Todd Schierling expressed his gratitude for the unified support from the association's 56 affiliates. "I am honoured to work with a strong leadership team," Schierling stated. "With all 13 positions being acclaimed, it demonstrates the confidence our members have in our commitment to continuing to move the agenda forward."

The acclamation of the entire leadership team underscores a period of stability and shared vision for the BCPFFA as it continues to advocate for the health, safety, and well-being of professional firefighters across British Columbia and Yukon.

Brian Catinus, Secretary/Treasurer

Brian who served the 2023-2025 term as Secretary Treasurer was re-elected by acclamation for another term. Brian brings a strong leadership skill set to the board in areas of labour relations and government affairs.

Brian expressed his gratitude by stating, “I am honoured to work with this board, as well as our affiliates and committee members across this province to ensure our focus never waivers from making the fire service safer for our members and the communities they serve.”

 

NEW AFFILIATION
We are also pleased to welcome North Saanich Local 5509 to the BCPFFA membership as the association’s 56th local.

 

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Media Contact

President Todd Schierling

Office: 604.436.2053

Email: info@bcpffa.org

ABOUT THE BCPFFA

The BCPFFA is a service provider for its affiliates offering training and education in areas of provincial legislation, occupational health and safety, WorkSafe advocacy, financial assistance, bargaining, labour law, and advocacy for best practices in both public safety and fire fighter safety. 

The BCPFFA executive board is comprised of thirteen elected representatives; Two principal officers (President and Secretary-Treasurer), eight regional Vice Presidents and three Trustees. They represent 56 Locals of over 4700 professional men and women in fire fighting - suppression, training, fire prevention, dispatch, mechanical, emergency preparedness, and clerical support staff.

British Columbia Professional Firefighters Will Honour Their Fallen Colleagues at the Provincial Capital

British Columbia Professional Firefighters Will Honour Their Fallen Colleagues at the Provincial Capital

For Immediate Release

February 27, 2025

Victoria, BC – On Monday, March 3, 2025, the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA) will honour twenty-seven (27) of the province’s fallen fire fighters in a memorial parade and service. The Memorial Service will welcome the families of the fallen fire fighters and more than 500 professional fire fighters who will participate in the parade through downtown Victoria. The parade culminates in a ceremony on the south lawn of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia.

Every day, fire fighters work to protect the lives and property of citizens in their communities. In doing so, some pay the ultimate price. The Biennial BC Fallen Fighter Memorial Service is held to honour and remember those British Columbia professional fire fighters who have died in the line of duty.  

This biennial, in collaboration with the Speaker of the House and BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU), we are unveiling a plaque at the base of the monument, recognizing the Wildfire Fighters, “who have lost their lives battling wildfires. Their sacrifice shall never be forgotten.”

"This memorial is both a tribute and a call to action. As the President of the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association, I urge everyone to recognize our duty to ensure every firefighter returns home safely after each shift. We need to enforce high safety standards, reduce exposure to toxic substances and trauma, improve mental health resources, emphasize early detection screening access, and strengthen training and education." - BCPFFA President, Todd Schierling

The memorial service starts at noon, with the Fire Fighters parade starting at 11:25 am from the Black Ball Ferry Line Terminal and ending at the south lawn of the BC Legislature building.  A map of the parade route and memorial location can be found here. More information can be found on the memorial webpage. The memorial will be live streamed on the following platforms: BCPFFA 2025 Memorial webpage, BCPFFA Facebook or bcpffa.net/live 

Memorial Program QR Code

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Media Contact

Jane Spitz

BCPFFA Communications Manager 

communications@bcpffa.org 

T: ‭(604) 916-8499‬


 

ABOUT THE BCPFFA

Established in 1929, the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA) is an affiliate of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).  The BCPFFA comprises 56 IAFF locals who represent over 4,700 professional men and women fire fighters, dispatchers, prevention officers and support members in BC, including the Yukon. 

ABOUT ROBERT E. HALL LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE

Robert was a fire fighter with the City of Vancouver and led a campaign as BCPFFA’s Secretary-Treasurer to have the BC Government recognize the health risks faced by fire fighters. On October 31, 2005, he led a group to Victoria's Legislature for the first reading of the Worker's Compensation Amendment Act. It recognized seven cancers as occupational diseases for fire fighters.

On August 27, 2007, Rob succumbed to Occupational Cancer. BC Fire Fighters will be forever grateful for his leadership and vision in working with the provincial government to recognize and improve fire fighters' health and safety.

Today, the Workers Compensation Act recognized eighteen occupational diseases as being casually related to the profession of fire fighting.

ABOUT THE BIENNIAL FALLEN FIRE FIGHTER MEMORIAL

The Biennial Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial is a solemn occasion where the British Columbia firefighting community, families, and the public come together to remember and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. This memorial serves as a tribute to their bravery and dedication, while also underscoring the inherent risks of the profession and the vital importance of continued efforts to enhance firefighter safety and well-being.