November 10, 2019

Dear ROFFA members in the OMERS pension plan,

The ORFFA has recently been made aware of several proposed by-law amendments that would fundamentally change OMERS, weakening the voices of workers and their unions. Click here to read a joint letter issued by the Employee-side Sponsors of OMERS in response.

With less than 3 weeks’ notice and no consultation with Sponsor Organizations, we have been informed that the OMERS Sponsor Corporation (SC) Board is scheduled to vote on these amendments on November 14th. The Employee Sponsors of OMERS have requested that this vote be deferred until more information is provided to us for consideration and consultation.

Should these by-law amendments pass, the OMERS SC Board would no longer be appointed by and accountable to Sponsor Organizations and their members – like you. The OMERS SC Board is responsible for determining plan benefits and contributions and some of these proposed changes are unprecedented in Canada. No other pension plans have attempted to take away the representation rights of workers in the way that is being proposed here. These changes could undermine the political viability and sustainability of OMERS as a jointly sponsored pension plan, where unions and employers have equal voice.
 

We will keep you informed of developments and opportunities to take action.

Regards,

Gerry Pedwell

President

October 27, 2019

Retired brothers and sisters,
 

This grant is available to the families of first responders who have died as a result of their duties on or after April 1, 2018. Please share with any family who may be eligible so they may apply if they haven’t already.
 

“The Memorial Grant Program for First Responders recognizes the service and sacrifice of responders in keeping Canadians safe. Through the program, families of first responders who die as a result of their duties can receive a one-time lump sum, tax-free direct maximum payment of $300,000.” Read More >

July 27, 2018

Fire Prevention Canada is looking for Directors and Sponsors. 
Read More >

Ebert Dicks, the founder of the Ottawa Fire Department Band had a vision to form a band staffed with fire fighters. He was a stern man with a gruff voice that was intimidating. Perfectly suited for his position of Chief of the Ottawa Fire Department Drill School, which is the present day Training Division. Read More > 

• Original 1969  Bandmember
   

• One of the few firefighters that had any musical experience at the time, which was needed to form the new band.
   

• First instrument played - Glockenspiel
   

• Became President of the Band after founder Ebert Dicks passed. Read More >