April 1, 2025 – Vancouver, BC – ABC Vancouver is proud to announce the Vancouver Firefighters’ Union, IAFF Local 18, has officially endorsed Ralph Kaisers and Jaime Stein, the ABC Vancouver candidates running in the upcoming city council by-election.
The union, which represents close to 900 firefighters in Vancouver issued a statement throwing its support behind Kaisers and Stein for their commitment to public safety, community leadership and practical solutions that will strengthen Vancouver.
“We are absolutely honoured to have the support of the Vancouver Firefighters’ Union, IAFF Local 18,” said Ralph Kaisers. “These men and women put their lives on the line every day to protect our city. Ensuring they have the resources, support and leadership they deserve is one of our top priorities.”
“Firefighters are the backbone of our community,” added Jaime Stein. “I’m proud to have earned their trust and I’m grateful for their confidence in us. We’re ready to work alongside them to make Vancouver safer, stronger and more resilient.”
The Vancouver Firefighters’ Union’s endorsement adds to the growing momentum behind ABC Vancouver’s platform, which is focused on public safety, affordability and smart investments in infrastructure and services.
For too long, Vancouver’s first responders were underfunded, making it harder to tackle crime effectively. That’s why ABC Vancouver made it a top priority to support our police and fire services:
- Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) was fully-funded for the first time in 8 years, ensuring they have the resources needed to protect us when we need them most.
- Approved a budget increase to make VFRS the first fire department in North America with PFAS-free bunker gear, which protects our firefighters from the potential cancer-causing materials commonly found in traditional bunker gear.
- Approved amendments to the Fire by-law, including:
- Prohibited the retail sale of continuous flame butane lighters following a VFRS recommendation, which has led to an 80% monthly decrease in related structure fires.
- Mandated sprinkler isolation valves to help protect residents in older buildings, especially those living in SROs, from deadly fire incidents.
- Approved folding style gates or doors to be installed on storefronts to deter theft.
The Vancouver City Council by-election takes place on April 5, 2025, with advance voting taking place on April 1. For more information, visit: https://abcvancouver.ca/byelection/
Media Contact
Tara Foslien
604-202-3038
tara.foslien@abcvancouver.ca