Vancouver Firefighters Endorse Green Party Candidate, Citing Need for Leadership on Climate Change and Public Safety

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 13, 2013) - Vancouver Fire Fighters Local 18 has endorsed a slate of ten provincial political candidates, including Green Party candidate Damian Kettlewell, in Vancouver-Quilchena, citing his commitment to public safety and leadership on climate change.

"Our members are on the frontlines of public safety and are the first to experience the dangers and impacts of climate change," said Gord Ditchburn, President, Vancouver Fire Fighters Local 18. "We live in a city that in a split second could see its pristine beauty destroyed if the right steps aren't being taken to invest in public safety. Join us in supporting Damian Kettlewell to ensure strong leadership on one of the most pressing public safety issues of our time."

Last Thursday, scientists from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that concentrations of carbon dioxide, the primary global warming pollutant, hit 400 parts per million for the first time in human history, committing the earth to significant climate change, and threatening much greater danger should that level continue to rise in the years ahead.

"I am honored and proud to have earned the endorsement of Vancouver Firefighters," said Damian Kettlewell, Green Party candidate for Vancouver-Quilchena. "In the same way these brave men and women serve and support our communities, we must also support them, including taking strong positions against global warming pollution, and the public safety dangers that come with climate change."

Damian and his wife Charlene live in Kitsilano with their three young children. Damian is a past chair of the Rivershed Society of BC and is a member of the Burnaby Board of Trade and the Board of Change. A three-time Green Party candidate, Damian was recently endorsed by the Georgia Straight newspaper.