Firefighters union says ad wrongly claims it backs Gillingham

Winnipeg’s firefighters union says it hasn’t endorsed any mayoral candidate and was dismayed by a full-page newspaper ad that said it was supporting Scott Gillingham in Wednesday’s election.

“It came as a surprise and a disappointment to us to read that front page wrap today,” said Nick Kasper, president of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, on Tuesday. “At this time, we have chosen not to endorse any single mayoral candidate.”

A full-page advertisement on Tuesday’s edition of the Free Press claims the union is one of several groups to endorse Gillingham.

The ad was placed by the Canadian Union of Public Employees 500, which represents 5,000 city employees, and signed off by president Patrick Troughton.

The ad said Gillingham is also backed by the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, the Manitoba Métis Federation, CUPE 500 and “notable people” such as Jets owner Mark Chipman, Blue Bomber Brady Oliveira and former professional soccer player Desiree Scott.

Kasper said he doesn’t understand how the mistake was made. He said he found out about the ad Tuesday morning after someone texted him about it and asked whether the claim was true.

“CUPE is Winnipeg’s largest union. They’ve got a broad reach and significant influence, and with a platform like that comes a significant responsibility,” Kasper said. “In deciding to take out a full-page ad in our largest newspaper the day before the election, you’ve got to make sure that your communication is accurate and that didn’t occur this morning.”

In the 2022 election, the UFFW endorsed Glen Murray for mayor. This time around, the union partnered with the Winnipeg Labour Council to choose a candidate to endorse through its interview and panel discussion process. Kasper said the union met with nearly 50 mayoral and council candidates, including Gillingham.

“He has sought feedback and opinion from us, and we have sought the same from him,” Kasper said. “Whether we agree on all points or not, at the end of the day, I think acknowledgement that we’re working towards the same outcome that is improved public safety for Winnipeggers is probably the ‘take home’ point.”

CUPE spokesperson David Jacks called the inclusion of the union in the advertisement an “honest mistake” but wouldn’t explain.

CUPE posted a statement on social media that apologizes to UFFW leaders and members and said the firefighters union has been “at the forefront fighting for a better Winnipeg, and we commit to continue working together.”

Jacks said the union sticks by the public statement and a correction to the ad would be placed in Wednesday’s Free Press.

Gillingham’s campaign spokesman Colin Fast wouldn’t comment on the mistake. In a prepared statement he said Gillingham was grateful for the endorsement from the city’s largest union “along with dozens of other Winnipeggers from business, arts, sports and community service.”

Kasper acknowledged that mistakes happen and spoke with CUPE about correcting the mishap.

“I will give them the benefit of the doubt, and we’re going to move on and move forward,” he said.

nicole.buffie@freepress.mb.ca