Over the years, being a firefighter in Montreal has become more complex and a bigger risk. Every fire means exposure to toxic substances that cause serious illnesses, such as cancer. The high number of calls as well as the lack of decontamination procedures make it even worse. The consequences are tragic: 90% of firefighter deaths due to occupational illnesses in Quebec happen in Montreal. On average, eight deaths a year are caused by cancers recognized by the CNESST.

While Montreal has the second biggest fire service in Canada, our firefighters rank 153rd in salary. 153rd out of 170 – that’s shameful. They make less than firefighters in Laval, Châteauguay, Gatineau, and many other smaller municipalities that don’t have to deal with complexities such as Montreal’s multimodal transportation network. To make things even more unequal, the senior management of Montreal’s fire service earns more than their peers in Laval, while the firefighters – the people on the ground – earn less. Let’s be clear – that’s not right!

Given the risks of the job, it’s only right to expect strong support and a fair salary from the City of Montreal. After all, Montreal’s police officers are compensated for the risk and danger they face in the province’s biggest city, as well as for the unique level of service they provide. Our firefighters deserve the same!

With all the risks they face and a wage gap on top of that, we have to ask ourselves, why do Montreal’s firefighters stay in their jobs?

It’s simple. Firefighters are committed to their work and want to be there for us.
Montreal’s firefighters risk everything for us. It’s time we stood up for them.

Tell your City Councillors that it is time to pay our firefighters what they are worth.