**Halifax Firefighters Union Calls for Leadership Change Amid Abuse Claims** HALIFAX - The president of the Halifax firefighters union is demanding a complete overhaul of the municipal firefighting department's leadership. Brendan Meagher, who leads the Halifax Professional Firefighters, claims that the department has repeatedly failed to address allegations of abuse within its ranks. Meagher stated that union members have lost trust in the current leadership due to a long-standing culture of indifference. For several weeks, the union has been vocal about its concerns regarding workplace conditions. Recently, Meagher participated in nearly a dozen interviews with firefighters who spoke to an investigator appointed by the city to evaluate the department's workplace culture. He described hearing deeply troubling statements from his colleagues, including comments like, "this has taken the joy out of my life" and "this is ruining my family life." He noted that many firefighters were emotional while recounting their experiences. However, he expressed disappointment that the investigator's report did not fully capture these sentiments, stating, "when the report came back, it was rinsed of all those comments." Meagher criticized the leadership for not adequately responding to reports of racist, misogynistic, and homophobic behavior. He highlighted a particularly serious incident earlier this year involving two women who reported three separate instances of abuse by the same manager. In these incidents, the manager allegedly approached the women, forcibly moved their chairs, and stated, "you’re sitting in my chair." Although that manager is no longer with the department, Meagher emphasized that this resolution only occurred after the union escalated the matter. The union also claims that leadership has not effectively prepared for the increasing number of wildfires each season. They allege that promised training has not been delivered and that the time firefighters must actively engage in fighting fires before taking breaks has been extended. Meagher pointed out that staffing levels have significantly decreased over the past 30 years, stating, "For a highrise, something over seven floors, your minimum effective response is 43 firefighters in 11 minutes. We send 14 people to what the industry standard says calls for 43." He also raised concerns about inadequate medical supplies, specifically the lack of epinephrine autoinjectors, which are essential for treating anaphylactic shock. Meagher noted that firefighters have requested these supplies for years but were told the cost was prohibitive. He argued that the expense would be minimal compared to the department's overall budget, saying, "To put them on 50 trucks would be under $6,000 a year in a $90-million budget." In light of these ongoing issues, the union is advocating for a change in leadership. Last week, Fire Chief Ken Stuebing announced his retirement, effective December 1. It remains unclear whether his decision was influenced by the union's calls for change. Meagher stressed that the problems extend beyond one individual, stating, "We are concerned the problem remains." Bill Moore, Halifax’s commissioner of public safety, will oversee the search for a new fire chief. In a statement, Moore acknowledged the concerns raised by the union and indicated that he is reviewing the issues. He committed to working with both the union and the department to gather relevant information and promised to provide updates once a plan is established.