We are Stronger Together
The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA) is the unified provincial voice of your union and a dedicated service provider for all affiliated locals and their members. Our collective strength is committed to enhancing the well-being of every individual engaged in the fire service throughout British Columbia. We are stronger together.
LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
Since 1929, your BCPFFA has been the unified voice of professional fire fighters in Victoria, BC. When members of the provincial legislative assembly have questions or concerns, they reach out directly to us because all our 56 locals strength of over 5,000 members, coordinated by the BCPFFA, have been actively engaged in building relationships across the province. This is how we achieve provincial success;
Lobby for presumptive coverage such as occupational cancer, heart and occupational stress injury;
Assist Collective Bargaining;
Promote Best Practices in Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness
Elect candidates who support our issues in public safety / fire fighter safety;
Advocate for change to First Responder / EMS scope of practice;
Pension Advocacy: Under the authority of both BC Police and BCPFFA, we share 2 seats on the Municipal Pension Plan Board of Trustees.
Eg: As Plan Partners, we were able to negotiate Group 5, an accrual rate of 2.12% is based on your best 4 years, an improvement where a full 70% pension is achievable before age 60.
Eg: A plan sponsor of the Supplemental Pension Pay Allowance (SPPA) to assist with post-employment Extended Health Benefits Premiums that members can access upon retirement.
We are stronger together!
Education & Training
BCPFFA affiliate leaders benefit from educational & training programs, resources, and networking opportunities at Events & Programs;
BCPFFA Regional Meetings
Affiliated locals retain access to these events and the knowledge and fellowship that goes with them, applying the practices within their associations.
We are stronger together!
Leadership and Accountability
BCPFFA financial documents—budgets, reports, annual independent auditor reports—have been and continue to be available to all BCPFFA members on the affiliate members website or by request.
Three elected trustees routinely inspect BCPFFA records, report on their findings and offer recommendations, which are also posted for all to review.
We are stronger together!
BCPFFA Committees
BCPFFA work is member driven. Standing committees help guide us. Committee members, appointed from large and small locals, urban and rural areas, municipalities and regions, provide diverse perspectives that are invaluable in shaping our agenda.
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
DATABASE & RESEARCH
FINANCE & AUDIT
GOVERNANCE & POLICY
GRIEVANCE OF MEMBERS RIGHTS, AND LEGAL SUPPORT
HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELLNESS
HUMAN RELATIONS
LEGISLATIVE ADVOACY
We are stronger together!
Supplemental Pension Plan Allowance (SPPA)
The BCPFFA is a sponsor of the SPPA, a tax free savings account. The plan supports but not limited to, medical / dental premiums in retirement. The plan is controlled and managed by the BCPFFA executive board, and the funds are managed by investment firm agent is Manulife Financial.
The BCPFFA partners with WE Consulting & Benefits Services as their agent of record. This partnership helps the BCPFFA and its local affiliates with benefits consulting, bargaining assistance, and educational training to ensure fire fighters have comprehensive benefits and effective representation.
The BCPFFA endorses First Responder Health as your Occupationally Aware Healthcare Provider for counselling support. Healthcare providers in this directory have completed at least one of our occupational awareness training courses.
The BC First Responder Resiliency Program (FFRP) is a peer-based initiative that shows significant improvements in depression, trauma symptoms, social and occupational functioning, and personal well-being, with lasting effects observed six months after completion.
We are stronger together!
BCPFFA Per Capita
The $17.67 monthly per capita pays for, though is not limited to the following BCPFFA work:
Affiliate Leader Education & Training
Building Code Standards
Cancer, Heart & Mental Health Support
Database and Research
Fallen Fire Fighters’ Memorial
EMS / Scope of Practice
Health, Safety & Wellness
Human Relation Initiatives
Legislative Advocacy
Member Resources
Public / Media Relations
Retirement Security: Pension and SPPA
Safety Standards
We are stronger together!
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The BCPFFA partners with several firefighting organizations, safety organizations and various labour groups who share similar missions in public safety and fire fighter / worker safety. Partners we collaborate with but not limited to are:
International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF): A leading North American voice for professional firefighters, crucial for national and provincial policy influence.
BC Federation of Labour (BCFED): A central organization for organized labour in British Columbia, representing over 500,000 members. They advocate for workers' rights, including a safe workplace, and provide health and safety training.
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is the largest labour organization in Canada, bringing together dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and community-based labour councils to represent more than 3 million workers across the country.
Fire Chiefs Association of BC (FCABC): Represents over 300 BC fire departments, highly influential in implementing changes and advocating for best practices. We work together on common health / safety initiatives.
BC Fire Training Officers of BC: Responsible for developing and delivering training, integrating research into future programs.
BC Fire Prevention Officers of BC: Their role aligns with fire prevention and safety outcomes of the research.
BC Municipal Safety Association: Supports municipal safety operations, including fire services, and helps disseminate best practices.
Volunteer Fire Fighters’ Association of BC: Important for extending research reach to volunteer firefighters.
BC Wildfire Service (BCWS): Provides training to enhance wildfire response, especially in wildland urban interface areas.
BC General Employee’s Union (BCGEU): The BCGEU is a trade union in British Columbia, Canada which represents over 95,000 members.
We are stronger together!
BCPFF Burn Fund
Your BCPFF Burn Fund is the charity arm of the BCPFFA. It supports for burn survivors and families through their journey of recovery from burns and trauma.
It is governed by an elected board of directors with members from each BCPFFA including representatives from hospitals and other specialties. The majority of affiliated members make up the board.
BCPFFA per capita dues DO NOT fund the Burn Fund. It is funded solely on donations, local contributions, fundraising, estate bequests and grants.
