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International Association of Fire Fighters Alberta
IAFF Alberta
Advocacy in Action
Not every priority has a single moment or deadline. These are advocacy items IAFF Alberta continues to work on in the background, always in progress, even when they're not this year's leading focus.
Fire-Based EMS
We believe fire-based EMS is the best delivery method for the communities we serve and the first responders serving them. We believe paramedics are first responders who render emergency care to the community members they serve; not health care providers. Fire-based EMS returns them to the first responder designation and to the communities they serve.
NFPA 1710
We know to effectively suppress a fire, having an adequate number of fire fighters on scene is important to build the necessary effective force to suppress the fire, evacuating the public and keeping fire fighters safe. We encourage all employers of professional fire fighters to abide by the recommendations of NFPA 1710 that include four person fire apparatus.
Wellness Fitness Initiative
IAFF Alberta supports the Wellness-Fitness Initiative, the industry's leading resource for Fire Fighter health and wellness programming since 1997. The IAFF, in partnership with the International Association of Fire Chiefs, is currently updating the initiative to better meet the profession's evolving needs, with Calgary Local 255 directly involved in shaping the new edition.
Provincial EMS Steering Committee
As Alberta’s healthcare system has had its challenges and shortcomings, so has its provincial funded and operated Emergency Medical Services. Through this committee, we advocate for improved working conditions for all of Alberta’s paramedics so they may have long healthy careers and retirements.
Alberta Safety Codes Council, Fire Sub Council
As the end user of all building codes, fire fighters rely on codes to keep them and building occupants safe in the event of an emergency. Through our participation on the Safety Codes Council, Fire Sub-Council, we contribute to the development and implementation of Alberta Building and Fire Codes.
Supporting Psychological Health in First Responders (SPHIFR) Grant
Each year, the Government of Alberta awards 1.5 million dollars worth of grants to successful vendors that focus on research and programs for Alberta’s first responders. Through this committee, we are able to ensure the frontline fire fighter perspective is considered when selection is made.
Peer Support Training
Beyond our provincial priorities, IAFF Alberta is active in the programs, committees, and positions set at the national and provincial level — from Fire Fighter wellness and peer support to pension governance and emergency response standards. These reflect where we stand, and where we show up, on the issues that shape the profession.
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