The union local representing Red Deer fire medics overwhelming supported a motion of non-confidence related to the city's delivery of emergency services and support for emergency personnel.
The vote, held about two weeks ago put forward by members of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 1190 Red Deer, showed members were 99 per cent in favour of the non-confidence motion, with almost 80 per cent eligible to vote.
"This is years in the making. Our membership were to the point where they weren't feeling heard or supported," said Stephen Belich, local IAFF president, adding the vote was a last resort and didn't know of a non-confidence vote being held by the Red Deer local before.
"It is an unfortunate situation that it's got to this point. Our goal has always been to work closely with our chief, administration and council for the end goal of public and member safety."
On Monday city council made the vote public and passed a resolution affirming confidence in Red Deer Emergency Services leadership, budget decisions, and the new dynamic staffing model for emergency services.
"Public safety remains our highest priority," said Mayor Ken Johnston, in a statement.
"City council has every confidence in the decisions being made by Chief McMullen and our emergency services leadership team. They are balancing operational needs with financial responsibility while ensuring Red Deer remains well protected."
The city said the non-confidence vote and censure does not carry legal or operational authority, and the city continues to meet or exceed provincial and national response times and staffing guidelines.
Belich said the last straw for members was the implementation of the dynamic staffing model earlier this year.
Under the city council approved initiative, the full 31-strong complement staffing fire trucks and ambulances does not always have to be met, reducing the pressure on off-duty fire-medics to come back to work and overtime costs.
But IAFF members say the new policy allows lower than safe and appropriate protection for the community and puts firefighters at risk.
Belich said dynamic staffing was rolled out as a mental health initiative for emergency staff, but it's had the opposite effect.
"We want to make sure the public is safe and we want to make sure our members are safe."
He said that, through the years, overtime shifts increased because of increased call volumes, which increased the strain on members who were asked to do more with less.
"At the end of the day, we're asking for enough firefighters and fire trucks and fire halls to make sure we can still provide the service we've always provided."
He said the cost is not lost on members, but a four or five-year plan towards increasing staff and equipment is needed.
"This is a situation that won't turn on a dime, but we have to start," Belich said.
In 2024, Red Deer Emergency Services had the highest per capita overtime costs in Alberta, exceeding $3.2 million. As part of the 2025 budget process, city council approved a $600,000 reduction in overtime spending within emergency services through dynamic staffing. It was one of many cost adjustments made to address an $18 million shortfall in the city’s budget.
No fire stations have been permanently closed and no firefighter jobs have been eliminated.
Both the city and IAFF Local 1190 say they are committed to continuing discussions.
