racism in calgary fire department

Ward 3 Coun. Calgary Police Commission – Calgary Police Service – Calgary Police Association – Calgary Police Senior Officers Association As we listen to the public hearings underway this week at City Council, we see the courage demonstrated by many Calgarians who are bringing forward their experiences with racism in Calgary. Despite this, Calgary Fire Department continues to respond to EMS calls because Calgary operates a satellite dispatch centre (Calgary 911) that provides EMS, fire, and police dispatch services,” McMillan said. “To my BIPOC colleagues in the fire department, I want to say you should have — and you have every right to have — an extraordinary career. Calgary review finds city employees compensated less than private sector. This was a breach of trust, where I felt leadership had taken our commitment to anti-racism to heart. “Particularly disturbing is — because it’s such a horrific visual — hanging a stuffed animal from a noose,” Gondek said on Global News Radio 770 CHQR. Fire Chief Steve Dongworth appeared before the community and protective services committee on Wednesday. Calgary Anti-Racism Education (CARED) is a project run out of the University of Calgary by Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. Nenshi said there are investigations underway in each of the departments where problems were reported. In a statement Monday, Dongworth said harassment or discrimination “will not be tolerated” at the fire department. It offers numerous resources to individuals, businesses and attorneys on anti-racism. Calgary Fire Association vice president Matt Osborne said the union would be following up with the CFD and the City on the nine demands in the firefighters’ letter, as well as additional steps. A group of Black, Indigenous and People of Colour call for change inside the walls of Calgary’s fire halls saying they endured years of … He told the committee members he knows that acts of … Husband who pleaded for missing wife’s return charged with her murder, Man accused of swinging colostomy bag at police in Kid Rock’s bar, Evacuation order in Parkland County as wildfire rages west of Edmonton, Alberta woman dies of complications after receiving AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Ontario reports 3,166 new COVID-19 cases but says possible underreporting due to technical issue, Herd immunity for COVID-19 may not be reached in Canada, experts say, Wildfire rages west of Edmonton as a windy night is expected, Wales hopes to attract young voters, candidates by lowering voting age to 16, Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination rate, steady supply of shots brings cautious optimism, Family wants answers after Edmonton mother dies from vaccine-related blood clot, Struggling hospitals trying to force India’s government to take more action, Surrey farm that helps people with emotional issues evicted from current home, needs help to find new location, Calgary review finds city employees compensated less than private sector, Calgary Fire Department issues warning about storm ponds, EMS dispatch consolidation to result in call flow interruption, response delays: Calgary officials, Calgary Fire Department racism investigation. Matt Osborne of the Calgary Firefighters Association tweeted that the reporting “is being talked about” but said they had not received a letter from BIPOC members to CFD Chief Steve Dongworth outlining their concerns. • Ensure continued registration to the ISO14001:2004 Standard. “I cannot believe that somebody actually thought that was funny or cool or whatever went through their mind when they did that. CPHR. Anti-Racism Action Committee The Anti-Racism Action Committee is responsible for the development and implementation of a community-based anti-racism strategy that achieves the goals outlined in the Notice of Motion. Both Dongworth and the City of Calgary are well aware of the environment of racism and misogyny that has festered for decades in the city's 41 fire halls, the group alleges. He added that the CFD is working with the City to create a safe disclosure office where employees can report concerns. • Lead safety and environmental programs and initiatives. Introducing 5 FP Newsletters: Energy, Economy, Investor, Work and Finance, Financial Post: Introducing 5 Newsletters, Reports of racist abuse, harassment at Calgary Fire Department 'unacceptable': Nenshi. "We have a culture where people tend not to report things for fear of retaliation," he said in a telephone interview Tuesday afternoon. “In addition to the diversity and inclusion work that’s currently underway, there is also a working group that meets regularly on strategies to advance diversity and inclusion work within the Calgary Fire Department, as well as to monitor and receive updates and confidential investigations,” Black said. Calgary Fire Department Jul 2013 - Dec 2017 4 years 6 months • Reporting on departmental safety and environmental performance. “Systemic racism is so embedded within our institutions and organizations,” the Ward 3 councillor said. We encountered an issue signing you up. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. “They are exceedingly reasonable.”, Gondek called the CFD allegations an example of systemic racism and an institution that “needs to change the way (its) people act.”. EMS dispatch consolidation to result in call flow interruption, response delays: Calgary officials, The mayor said a report on the investigation’s findings will be completed “soonish.”. City council’s public hearings on systemic racism last year included stories about problems within City of Calgary workplaces. Tuesday evening, senior officials with the city responded to a CBC report alleging BIPOC firefighters were subjected to racism on the job, calling it a “toxic work environment.”, Read more: Ignoring harmful actions & the systems that perpetuate them is unacceptable. Due to the sensitive and/or legal subject matter of some of the content on globalnews.ca, we reserve the ability to disable comments from time to time. The City of Calgary has hired an independent investigator to look into allegations of racism in the Calgary Fire Department following the city’s anti-racism public hearings in July 2020. A piece of Calgary FIre Department apparatus from number one station is parked in front of number two station in downtown Calgary on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. — Matt Osborne (@Osborne255) January 19, 2021, “While the CFA did not receive the letter mentioned in the reporting, our board is following up with the CFD and the city regarding the nine changes,” Osborne wrote. Both city manager David Duckworth and community services GM Katie Black acknowledged the reporting and said all allegations are taken “very seriously” and investigated, but would not discuss specifics revealed in the CBC report. It’s disgusting.”. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. “To those who perhaps ascribe to an old-school, locker-room mentality in the fire department, what can I say other than, ‘Quit it,’ and understand that you serve every single person in this community.”. Read more about cookies here. The next issue of Calgary Herald Headline News will soon be in your inbox. “This is hard … It’s hard for everybody, but it’s so important,” he said. It’s not having a complaints office to go to. The Fire Chief (C1), under whom four deputy chiefs serve (C2, C3, C4, C5), are all based at 4330 Dufferin Street - the central headquarters for both Toronto Fire and Toronto Paramedic Services.The four division commanders (C6, C7, C8, C9) are each based in their respective commands - north, east, south and west. Calgary’s fire chief admits he has a problem with racism on his hands. Calgary's fire chief told members of city council on Wednesday that those who violate respectful workplace policies may find themselves out of a job. Unauthorized distribution, transmission or republication strictly prohibited. © 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. A file photo of a Calgary Fire Department fire truck. Please try again. You dreamed of being a firefighter, and let’s make sure that the career lives up to your dreams,” he said. 16 Station on 11th Street S.E. In the 1999, Removing Barriers: A Listening Circle Report, Systemic Racism and Discrimination was noted as a common theme in not only the Justice and Educational systems but in Housing, Health, Social Services, Employment and Human Rights. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Leader, Respect & Inclusion City of Calgary, Calgary Fire Department at City of Calgary, Calgary Fire Department Canada 445 connections. On Monday, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi said he was horrified to learn the charges of racism and abuse in the Calgary Fire Department, after a CBC News story published Monday. A group of current and former employees wrote to Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth last year, saying they've dealt with a 'toxic' work environment. — Jyoti Gondek (@JyotiGondek) January 18, 2021. The fire department sent Yaniv – who sometimes goes by the name Simpson – a letter telling her she will face charges if she continues to ask for help getting out of the bath. “One of my top priorities is to ensure that CFD focuses on enhancing diversity and inclusion and fostering a work environment where employees feel valued and respected,” Dongworth said. The Calgary Police Service is also undertaking anti-racism work. “It’s this process of not saying anything when you hear a racist remark. Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. He said the City should be a leader in supporting an “actively anti-racist” workplace, and that means having the right plans to address discrimination. Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Calgary Herald, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Calgary’s first female firefighter qualified for, and joined the department, in 1989. “The Calgary Fire Department recognizes work is needed and it’s working through a solid respect and inclusion work plan and making a number of strides in key areas,” Black told city council. As of April 2020, the department has 41 stations, with one additional station planned. Get a roundup of the most important and intriguing national stories delivered to your inbox every weekday. Click to share quote on Twitter: "Systemic racism is so embedded within our institutions and organizations," the Ward 3 councillor said. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Read more: Calgary fire Chief Steve Dongworth called reports of racism in his fire halls "concerning" and says problem employees are difficult to deal with because they're "very clever" and "very subtle" in how they operate. “We need to focus on the people who have experienced this and we have to ensure that as best as we can, we have support for them, their voices heard, and then we learn and continue the work that we need to do.”. Calgary Fire Department Chief Steve Dongworth speaks to media at #16 Station on 11 St SE in Calgary on Friday, July 26, 2019. tap here to see other videos from our team. Steve Dongworth has been addressing allegations of racism in his department since a CBC News story last month. CBC reported that two workplace reviews of CFD have been conducted since 2014, but they’ve never been made public. While the CFA did not receive the letter mentioned in the reporting, our board is following up with the CFD and the City regarding the nine changes. Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine effective at preventing severe outcomes from 2 variants: studies, Missing woman found alive, living off grass in Utah canyon after 5 months, Click to share quote on Twitter: "(The investigation) is underway and I think it's wrapping up quite quickly here.". There was an error, please provide a valid email address. The City of Calgary has hired an independent investigator to look into allegations of racism in the Calgary Fire Department following the city’s anti-racism public hearings in July 2020. 184k members in the Calgary community. A group of current and former “racialized or otherwise marginalized” CFD members wrote to Calgary Fire Chief Steve Dongworth last summer, saying they’ve dealt with a “toxic” work environment where “anyone who does not conform to an outdated image of the typical firefighter” is in danger. Females are treated no differently than males when being considered for a career with the Calgary Fire Department. Join to Connect City of Calgary, Calgary Fire Department ... MPA inspire workplaces to take responsibility to tackle racism internally. They are exceedingly reasonable. We regularly review our policies and use ongoing analysis and employee feedback to guide our work in these areas.”. The department currently employs 40 female firefighters who work in a variety of capacities from Firefighter to Assistant Deputy Chief. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. A CBC report Monday detailed incidents of racism, bullying and harassment that BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of colour) firefighters allege they’ve been subjected to, at work. The story by Meghan Grant documented years of abuse reported by BIPOC members of Calgary’s Fire Department. He said he wanted to encourage firefighters facing racism or harassment to reach out for support. Nenshi said he also hasn’t seen the results of those investigations, and he also wants answers on what the City knew about the situation. Mayor Naheed Nenshi said reports of racist abuse at the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) are “unacceptable,”  and he wants answers about what the City knew and when. In a recent article from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), Calgary fire Chief " Steve Dongworth called reports of racism in his fire halls "concerning" and says problem employees are difficult to deal with because they're ´very clever´ and ´very subtle´ in how they operate". 60 votes, 53 comments. They include creating an independent body to investigate workplace misconduct, implementing cross-cultural anti-racism training for CFD members and establishing a zero-tolerance standard for bullying and harassment. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings. Chief Steve Dongworth said many reported incidents are under investigation. Pennington said the racism began the day he arrived at rookie school in 1976, with a slur written on the label of his desk. “Our competence and suitability for the job is constantly, irrationally, and discriminatorily questioned and scrutinized.”. Read more: An electrician for the New York Fire Department, Gregory Seabrook, second from left, with his lawyers at a news conference in 2011. It’s just accepting that these things happen and not trying to change it so it doesn’t happen.”. The city of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Jyoti Gondek told Danielle Smith that the allegations of racist actions and words disgusted her. We must assure Calgarians all of our departments actively respect ALL employees & citizens. Mayor Naheed Nenshi said reports of racist abuse at the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) are “unacceptable,” and he wants answers about what the City knew … © 2021 Calgary Herald, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. The general manager, whose division includes the CFD, said she expects a confidential report that she will review and act upon. Please see our Commenting Policy for more. 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4. The letter, which has also been viewed by Postmedia, outlines nine actions the group says need to be taken immediately. #leadership #diversity Liked by Angela Unger MA. They said concrete action hasn’t been taken to address workplace abuse. Summary. During his 26-year career, Pennington said he heard a variety of racial and ethnic slurs in the fire halls. “We have been ostracized, humiliated, degraded, slandered, undermined, ignored, verbally and physically assaulted, sexually harassed, and sexually assaulted,” the group wrote. in Calgary on Friday, July 26, 2019. The group of firefighters allege in their letter that diversity and inclusion efforts at CFD have amounted to “ticking of boxes,” and they’ve experienced PTSD because of workplace abuse. “(The investigation) is underway and I think it’s wrapping up quite quickly here.”. CALGARY (CityNews) – Allegations of racism and discrimination at an already stressful job. The investigation began in the fall of 2020, according to city officials. “I don’t have a lot of visibility into that, and I did ask… because my understanding was that it had been done, but I didn’t have that confirmed,” Mayor Naheed Nenshi said Tuesday. Former Calgary firefighter Shannon Pennington is sharing his experiences after a report surfaced this week showing rampant racism in the ranks of the Calgary Fire Department. Calgary Fire Department issues warning about storm ponds, “That group is comprised of the city manager, myself — the general manager of community services — the city solicitor, a second lawyer specializing in labour law, the manager of labour relations, members of the respectful workplace office, and an HR leader from business advisory services.”, Black said she regularly meets with CFD Chief Steve Dongworth, adding “we recognize change doesn’t happen overnight.”. Jan. 19, 2021, Calgary – Extreme racism festering in the city’s fire halls is “horrifying” and “unacceptable,” says Calgary’s mayor, reacting to a CBC News story about the toxic culture in the fire department. Calgary firefighter duty gear is shown at No. A former Calgary firefighter said he endured countless racism in his 26-year career. The department was created on 25 August 1885 as the Calgary Hook, Ladder and Bucket Corps. Those key areas include respect in workplace training, developing a safe disclosure office, and the continued review of programs and policies to make the fire department more equitable, inclusive and anti-racist. On Monday, CBC News published detailed accounts from seven current and former members of the Calgary Fire Department who confirmed that although it’s become less blunt over the years, BIPOC firefighters still experience insidious racism within the city’s fire halls. The core stream is outlined here, including a step-by-step guide on beginning your anti-racism … If you don't see it please check your junk folder. We are expanding our knowledge, acknowledging shortcomings, listening and learning. In 2016, Calgary lobbied for, and won, the right to retain control of its ambulance dispatch system. The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) provides fire services for the city of Calgary, Alberta. Nenshi said he was unsure if the investigator’s report will enter public domain, but said he thinks it “needs to be” in the public to follow the spirit of the July 2020 anti-racism public hearings. CALGARY -- A letter to the chief of the Calgary Fire Department outlining the alleged racism and discrimination members have experienced on the job has prompted a union response. “We are committed to creating lasting change and making ongoing improvements in our culture. He referenced the City’s respectful workplace policy and the CFD’s respect and inclusion team. 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