Firefighter debate fueled by councilor

The flames of controversy surrounding the issue of whether Rimbey firefighters are volunteers or employees have been sparked once again by a town councillor.

The issue is inflamed even more so by the fact that Coun. Paul Payson, also a volunteer firefighter, would be exempt from serving on council if he were an employee.

Coun. Joe Anglin raised his concern about firefighters being employees at council’s regular meeting Feb. 13. He was prompted to bring the issue to light after attending a conference in Edmonton earlier this month.

“With a dozen lawyers attending, the employment specialist of the firm of Brownlee LLP stated categorically yes, they are employees of the town,” Anglin said.

Later, Anglin said the issue is not about Payson, although he believes the councillor is being paid as an employee of the town, and therefore, should not sit on council.

“”We need to get beyond that,” he said. “We do have a duty to make sure we’re in compliance with labor laws. We should be remunerating our volunteer firefighters as volunteers and not as employees. By bringing our firefighters back into compliance as volunteers we would resolve numerous issues and avoid future headaches. I think we owe this to our volunteer firefighters.”

However Anglin’s motion requesting council obtain a full legal opinion on liability associated with firefighters remunerations was defeated.

“What’s the point of pushing this issue,” said Payson. “Why spend money when it’s a Municipal Affairs problem,”

“I think it’s a can of worms we don’t want to get into,” added Coun. Gayle Rondeel. “As far as I’m concerned we should let sleeping dogs lie. Opening it up is not of benefit to this community at all.”

During the meeting, Payson circulated a letter from Sharek & Co. Barristers & Solicitors to William Purdy, the executive director for the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association.

The letter stated it is the opinion of the law firm that smaller municipalities have fewer numbers of people from whom to draw eligible nominees at a local election. The letter went on to say people ought not to be discouraged from seeking election as councillors merely because they have chosen to fulfill a civic duty as a volunteer fire chief or member.

However, council did agree to talk to its auditors about the issue.