William A. Laird Memorial Scholarship Information 2017

Bill Laird was a member of Local 867 for 37 years.  Bill served on the Executive of Local 867, starting as a Trustee, and ultimately held the position of Vice President for 12 years.  He served on various committees including pensions, bargaining, safety and compensation.

Provincially, Bill was President of the Manitoba Professional Fire Fighters Association from 1964 until his demise in 1992.  He was Vice Chairman of the Building Standards Board and a commissioner of the Workers Compensation board.  He successfully lobbied to have a presumptive Heart and Lung Regulation put in place.  That regulation was struck down by the Appeal Court in January 1988.  He represented all local unions in the Winnipeg area that resulted in the creation of the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg in 1974.  He was a fervent advocate of fire fighters rights in the Workers Compensation System.

Internationally, Bill was the Canadian I.A.F.F. Trustee from 1978 to 1992.

At the time of his demise, Bill held the rank of District Chief.

As a result of these and other achievements, it was decided by the membership at the Sept. 1994 General Meeting to provide for a perpetual scholarship fund in memory of William A. Laird.

General Information:

The William A. Laird Scholarship Fund is inviting applications for its scholarship awards.  The awards this year are:

Three Scholarships – $500.00 each

 Applicants must indicate financial status, community involvement, and demonstrate academic achievement.  Applicants must be in their second or subsequent year of study or have completed NFPA Fire Fighter Level II at an accredited Canadian Fire College.

Eligibility:

The competition is open to children of members in good standing of U.F.F.W., Local 867.  Children are defined as: sons, daughters and legally adopted children of members of Local 867.  Also eligible are children of disabled, retired or deceased members who were members in good standing at the time of their disability, retirement or demise.

Method of Selection:

A selection committee of individuals who are not members of Local 867 will review the applications and other information provided based on the following criteria: community involvement, academic achievement and aptitude promise.  Individuals who have not been awarded previous Laird Scholarships will be given first priority, although all are encouraged to apply.  The Selection Committee may choose to conduct interviews to determine the award winners.  The Executive of Local 867 has no input in the selection of winners.  The decision of the Selection Committee is final.

How to Apply:

Applications may be obtained from:

www.uffw.ca

Any Executive Board Member or

U.F.F.W., Local 867, I.A.F.F.  303-83 Garry Street, Winnipeg, MB. R3C 4J9

Phone 204-783-1733   Fax 204-772-2531

Each applicant must complete a questionnaire and provide a report showing courses taken, grades obtained and community involvement. All records and information shall remain confidential.  Each applicant is required to submit a typed essay of not less than 1000 words on the subject listed on the application form.

Closing date: 

Applications must be returned to the Union Office, be in the hands of an Executive Board Member or be   postmarked on or before July 28, 2017