August 11, 2008 -- A Canadian leader who has become a great friend of professional fire fighters addressed delegates Monday, thanking fire fighters for their dedication while praising the IAFF’s political action efforts.

“Thank you to all of you for protecting the most important people in the world to us, our families,” Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said. “Thank you for protecting our properties, our businesses, our jobs. Thank you for the millions you raise for MDA and for creating the IAFF Burn Foundation.”

“Political action takes courage and conviction,” he said. “You support those who support you, of any political stripe, and when I say support I really mean it.”

In 2007, on his way to a decisive re-election victory, McGuinty became the first Ontario Premier to be endorsed by the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association (OPFFA). “What that endorsement recognized was the work we’ve done together, our Ontario fire fighters and our Ontario Liberal government,” he said.

Since McGuinty first came to power in 2003, his government has acted on a number of fire fighter issues, including pension reform and infectious diseases. In May 2007, Ontario became the sixth Canadian province to enact presumptive cancer legislation for professional fire fighters.

“Politics is how we come together to overcome challenges that are too big to overcome alone,” McGuinty said. “I urge you to stay involved, and keep leading.”

IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger presented McGuinty with a commemorative fire fighter sculpture. “I hope when you look at this you’ll remember who stands behind you — the men and women of the IAFF,” Schaitberger said.