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“It’s times like these when the public is reminded of just how important public services are to our safety."
Winnipeg (23 May 2012) - As the public was enjoying the long Victoria weekend, firefighters throughout the province were battling flames throughout southeastern Manitoba, says the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU/NUPGE). At least 80 members who joined in the fight were MGEU/NUPGE members.
Shifting winds and hot weather hampered efforts to put out three wildfires in the forests of Southeastern Manitoba before the weekend. In response, the provincial government imposed a travel ban on recreational activity in the area. Travel was limited to provincial and municipal routes and officials with the province were turning back people on backcountry trails. With good rain in the eastern part of the province, these restrictions have now been lifted.
A statement on the union website thanked the firefighter for their work: “It’s times like these when the public is reminded of just how important public services are to our safety. I know many of us would like nothing more than to enjoy a nice warm, dry long weekend but for the safety of our members and those in the communities affected I’m hoping we see some cooler, wet weather to help fight these fires over the next few days. On behalf of all MGEU/NUPGE members I want to thank those who are busy fighting fires this Victoria Day long weekend and wish them well.”
Anyone wanting more information on the fires can visit www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire.
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The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE