A wave of resignations has struck the North Saanich Fire Department, as firefighters voice concerns about a toxic work environment and management decisions that could impact taxpayers. Since April 2024, 13 paid-on-call (POC) firefighters have left the department, citing workplace challenges following the leave of Chief John Trelford for personal reasons.
The unrest began when the POC firefighters became the first on-call group in British Columbia to unionize with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) on May 29. The unionization was driven by ongoing frustrations with management practices and workplace culture.
Several firefighters told investigators that the environment at the station had become unhealthy and divisive. Rick Say, a former POC firefighter, described the department as “not a healthy place,” highlighting what he called a “mass exodus” of staff over the past months.
Marika de Haitre, another former firefighter, said she faced personal attacks and bullying from supervisors. She explained that when she requested her original firefighting certificates for future employment, her request was met with resistance and then ignored. She described the experience as a deliberate attempt to intimidate her.
Other sources within the department corroborated these accounts, pointing to low morale, division, and a culture of intimidation. Some raised concerns about discrepancies in how call statistics are calculated, which they argued could misrepresent the department’s needs to justify funding from the district.
The mass resignations have drawn attention to how leadership transitions can impact a fire department’s operations. Seven of the departing firefighters specifically cited issues with the new management team as their reason for leaving. Sources said that without a clear strategy to address workplace culture, recruitment and retention could continue to suffer.
The departures are seen as a warning to local officials about the potential costs of unresolved management issues. Beyond staffing challenges, a loss of experienced firefighters could affect emergency response times and community safety.
Union leaders have called for a review of workplace practices to ensure staff are treated fairly and that policies promote transparency and accountability. The IAFF has emphasized that proper support for firefighters is essential, not only for their wellbeing but also for effective emergency services.
Experts note that small fire departments, particularly those relying on on-call staff, are highly sensitive to management shifts. When morale falls and staff leave, recruitment can be difficult, leaving departments short-handed and potentially stretching resources thin.
Some former employees also mentioned that the department had previously struggled with communication issues. Firefighters said they were often unsure how decisions were made, and some expressed frustration that supervisors did not address complaints in a meaningful way.
Community members have expressed concern about how these departures may affect service delivery. The district relies on the North Saanich Fire Department for emergency response, and gaps in staffing could affect response times in urgent situations.
While Chief Trelford remains on leave, officials have yet to announce a permanent leadership plan. In the meantime, the department is facing the dual challenge of maintaining operational readiness while addressing staff dissatisfaction.
Observers say that the situation highlights the importance of strong leadership and transparent management in public safety organizations. Failure to address these issues could result in further resignations and long-term operational challenges for the department.
As North Saanich firefighters continue to raise concerns, the community and district officials are watching closely. Addressing workplace culture, providing clear communication, and ensuring staff feel supported may be critical to stabilizing the department and preventing further resignations.
