An AUPE rally held on May 1, 2023, to protest short-staffing and deteriorating working conditions for AUPE members. (Photo: LNN)

By Sarah Jones

AUPE calling on next provincial leader to restore firefighting services

May 7, 2023 | 5:33 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Ahead of the Alberta provincial election on May 29, 2023, the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) is calling on the next premier to reverse previous cuts to wildfire fighting operations.

According to AUPE, former premier Jason Kenney and his United Conservative Party (UCP) government made several cuts and disruptions to Alberta’s wildfire fighting services.

With an increase in wildfire activity across the province, and a recently declared provincial state of emergency, the AUPE is urging whomever forms the next government to re-instate all services.

AUPE Vice-President Sandra Azocar said in a news release, “Albertans are suffering and need help. The election is not what’s important right now. We need action and vision to save lives and our communities.”

The union has reportedly urged the UCP government repeatedly to keep wildfire fighting services properly staffed and in-house, but allege that the government has instead cut the number of wildfire lookouts, firefighters, and forest services personnel.

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During Kenney’s previous tenure in office from 2019 to 2022, the UCP had also eliminated Alberta’s world-class Wildland Firefighter Rappel Program. Under this program, highly specialized firefighters would rappel from helicopters to combat wildfires in areas too dangerous to reach by normal means.

Azocar explained, “AUPE members working in these services are doing their best with few supports. They are constantly working short, like many public service workers in Alberta. They are under immense pressure to keep Albertans safe without appropriate staffing levels.”

On Saturday, May 6, a provincial state of emergency was declared in Alberta by UCP leader Danielle Smith. New Democratic Party (NDP) leader, Rachel Notley, has since suspended local campaigns in areas impacted by fires.

READ MORE: Alberta NDP suspending local campaigns for evacuated areas

Azocar added, “Smith must do more than just respond to the current wildfire emergency. Smith has the opportunity to right her party’s wrongs and actually do something to prevent future disasters.

She continued, “When will politicians learn that cutting services to save a quick buck only makes things more costly, and dangerous, down the road?”

READ MORE: Alberta declares provincial state of emergency due to wildfires