Winnipeg Firefighters Express No Confidence in Municipal Budget
The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg has formally issued a vote of non-confidence regarding the city's proposed 2026 emergency services budget, citing persistent staffing shortages and operational deficiencies that compromise service delivery.
In a five-day internal ballot, nearly one-third of the city's 957 firefighters participated, with over 99 percent expressing disapproval of the municipal administration's budget proposal. The overwhelming rejection reflects deep concerns about the department's capacity to maintain adequate emergency response standards.
Budget Proposal Falls Short of Requirements
The city's 2026 draft budget allocates resources for a "resource pool" system, adding 10 firefighter positions annually over four years. This gradual approach aims to address staffing gaps and reduce overtime expenditure, which has escalated from approximately $2 million in 2018 to $10 million annually in recent years.
Union President Nick Kasper identified an 80-position staffing deficit as the core issue affecting both personnel welfare and public safety capabilities. "This shortage creates detrimental impacts on the psychological and physical health of our members and our ability to deliver service to Winnipeggers," Kasper stated.
Operational Challenges Mount
Current operational pressures have resulted in firefighters working up to 70 additional shifts annually to maintain essential services. Approximately 200 department members remain off duty, creating substantial strain on active personnel and affecting response capabilities.
Fire incident rates have increased 13 percent since 2020, rising from 1.66 to 1.87 residential structural fires with losses per 1,000 households by 2024. This upward trend coincides with reduced staffing levels and extended response times.
Proposed Amendments Rejected
A motion to accelerate hiring by doubling the annual position allocation to 20 new firefighters in 2026 and 2027 was presented during Friday's standing policy committee meeting. The proposal, estimated to cost between $300,000 and $400,000 annually, was ultimately rejected by city council.
Deputy Fire Chief Scott Wilkinson supported the acceleration, noting its potential to significantly reduce overtime costs and operational stress. However, municipal leadership maintained the original timeline for budget implementation.
Service Delivery Concerns
The total Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service budget is projected to increase to $262 million, representing an $8 million rise from 2025 allocations. Despite this increase, union representatives argue the funding structure fails to address fundamental operational requirements.
The budget includes provisions for a wellness clinic with nine full-time positions and 11.5 community paramedic support roles funded through Shared Health. However, union leadership questions whether these additions effectively address core staffing shortages affecting emergency response capabilities.
"Winnipeggers deserve to have an appropriate level of emergency response when they call 911, and that's not what they're receiving with budget 2026," Kasper concluded, emphasizing the union's commitment to maintaining service levels despite institutional constraints.