The Fire-fighter Protection from Liability Act
Mr. Wall: — Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Later today in
the Assembly I’ll introduce a private members’ Bill entitled
The Fire-fighter Protection from Liability Act. The Bill is aimed
at filling a major gap that exists in current urban and rural
legislation . . . municipal legislation in our province.
It is not driven by partisan politics in any way, Mr. Speaker, but
rather by the need to afford Saskatchewan municipalities
protection from legal action when they respond in good faith to a
call from a neighbouring jurisdiction.
Mr.
Speaker, in March of 1998 the city of Swift Current fire
department responded to a call for help from a neighbouring
municipality. They were able to put out the fire, Mr. Speaker, but
for various reasons, none the fault of the department personnel,
it re-ignited and further damaged the structure. Despite the best
efforts of the firefighters and the adherence with proper
procedure, the insurer of the property filed a lawsuit against the
fire department in the city of Swift Current.
Had
the fire occurred within the city boundaries, provincial
legislation would have prevented such action. This Bill will
simply afford that same protection to municipalities who chose to
help their neighbours. It is tragic, but entirely understandable,
that in the absence of such protection the city of Swift Current
has indicated it can no longer respond to calls for help from
neighbours with which it has no mutual agreement.
Mr.
Speaker, we can fix this problem right here today in this
Assembly. We can set aside partisan politics and help facilitate
inter-municipal co-operation. I respectfully ask for the support
of all members of this Assembly and of all parties in supporting
this legislation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Some Hon.
Members: Hear,
hear!
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