Montreal fire-fighters try for Toronto wages

Julien — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:20:37 +0100

A Montreal fire engine with the altered Toronto emblem

Montreal fire-fighters are arguing for a pay rise to equal their Toronto counterparts- who have just received a three per cent rise. But because of a law in Quebec that prohibits emergency services from going on strike, the workers have had to find a more innovative way to complain. To get their message across the stations are plastering a new emblem on their engines. An altered version of the Toronto motif, where the original features Toronto's landmark CN Tower; Montreal's version has the equally famous Montreal Olympic Stadium in its place. Their message to the council is clear: we want equal pay.

This story reflects greater concerns for Montreal. Since the late sixties Toronto has taken the lead over the city in economic and cultural development, draining the former industrial and financial centre of its resources and creating a bitter rivalry between the two major cities.