Victoria firefighter Josh Montgomery was recently disciplined by the City of Victoria for writing an open letter to Premier David Eby about the placement of a new service hub for unhoused community members.
In his letter, Montgomery raised concerns over the safety of first responders when providing services to unhoused Victorians.
For writing this letter, Montgomery was suspended for one day off without pay.
Premier Eby made a statement about Montgomery’s letter after news broke regarding his punishment, in which he disagreed with how the City handled the situation.
Mayor Marianne Alto then held a press conference to answer questions about Montgomery’s discipline, but claimed she had nothing to do with decision-making processes that led to his punishment.
More on Montomery’s open letter and Mayor Alto’s response here.
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Now, the union representing Montgomery and his colleagues, Victoria Firefighters Association Local 730, have set up a meeting with Premier Eby in order to have the punishment repealed.
“The safety of the people of Victoria remains the highest priority of the members of the Victoria Firefighters Association,” said Jeremy Wilson, President of the Local 730.
“We believe our workers have the right to a safe workplace in the station or while responding to emergencies.”
He also noted that Montgomery’s views that were documented in his letter to Premier Eby are a part of a larger issue facing the city.
Wilson says that the union continues to be in communication with the City and Fire Chief Daniel Atkinson.
More to come following the union’s meeting with Premier Eby.
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