Victoria Firefighter Suspended Over Open Letter

Josh Montgomery, a firefighter in Victoria, was suspended for one day without pay for writing an open letter to Premier David Eby, expressing concerns over the safety implications of a new homeless services hub. The union representing Montgomery, Victoria Firefighters Association Local 730, plans to meet with Eby to contest the suspension and demand its reversal, citing the need for a safe working environment. Premier Eby publicly suggested that Montgomery deserves an apology if his discipline was related to his letter. Mayor Marianne Alto has distanced herself from the disciplinary decision, asserting it was a local matter handled by the fire department. Montgomery's letter criticized the location of the service hub, claiming it posed risks to public safety and that residents were not adequately consulted. The situation has sparked significant public interest and debate regarding the rights of first responders to express concerns.