The Victoria firefighters union plans to meet with B.C. Premier David Eby over a member who was suspended after writing an open letter to the premier criticizing a city drug consumption site project.
Montgomery’s discipline came after he wrote a letter to Premier Eby in mid-July, asking the province to suspend a proposed drug consumption site in the Victoria neighbourhood where Montgomery and his young children live.
The city gave him a one-day suspension without pay but has not confirmed if it was related to the letter.
In its statement, Local 730 of the International Association of Fire Fighters said it has “commenced steps to refute the discipline as outlined in its collective agreement with the city, demanding a full rescission of the discipline along with all lost wages and benefits.”
In his letter to the premier, Montgomery called plans for a homeless outreach centre in Victoria’s North Park neighbourhood “outrageous” and “reckless,” saying residents had not been given a chance to voice concerns.
“We, the residents, were not given a chance to hear why the City of Victoria believes relocating services for the drug-addicted and substance users into a residential neighbourhood with children playing next door is a choice that keeps people safe and protects citizens from harm,” he wrote.
Union president Jeremy Wilson said the concerns Montgomery outlined in his letter are part of a bigger issue facing the city.
“The members of this Local strive to be leaders in their community both at work and while at home in their own communities,” he said in the media release. “When we became firefighters, we accepted a responsibility to be a pillar of safety, meaning that we not only respond when incidents occur, but we will also look out for those around us to avoid potential challenges or harm.”
Montgomery’s letter noted that firefighters in Victoria need a police escort when responding to emergency calls in the 900 block of Pandora Avenue, where a drug consumption site is currently located. A paramedic was recently attacked in the area and first responders were swarmed by about 60 street residents, he wrote in his letter.
Premier Weighs In
Premier Eby commented on Montgomery’s suspension during an Aug. 16 unrelated press conference, saying the firefighter should not have been suspended if it was because of the letter and he should receive his pay back and an apology.Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto told media she had been unaware of the suspension until it was reported but was critical of Premier Eby’s response.
“I am extremely disappointed that any provincial premier would feel it appropriate or necessary to make a comment on what is clearly an operational, personnel matter of a local government,” she told reporters on Aug. 16. “Particularly, as I believe he has said, since he is not in complete possession of the facts.”
