11/29/2023

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Metis, Winnipeg MB – MLA for Waverley, David Pankratz, has introduced a bill to officially recognize May 4th as Firefighters Recognition Day.

Pankratz, who served as a firefighter before being elected, has brought forward the legislation to acknowledge the contributions firefighters have made in our province. In rural and urban communities, firefighters are often the first responders to not only fires, but also vehicle accidents, high-angle rescues, medical emergencies, ice rescues, natural disasters, and more. Their courage and sacrifice are made evident every day through their actions to protect our communities.

Tom Bilous, President of United Firefighters of Winnipeg, was encouraged by the new legislation, noting that it “really speaks to the value that this Provincial Government puts on the amazing work at fire scenes, medical calls, motor vehicle collisions and all types of emergencies imaginable. I am especially grateful to see that the sacrifices and tragedies that occasionally befall Manitoba Firefighters are captured in the wording of the proposed bill.”

The bill has just completed its first reading in the house.

We thank Firefighters for their continued acts of bravery and dedication in service to the people of Manitoba.