Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist

GASPÉ – The organizational assessment commissioned by the Town of Gaspé on its Fire Protection Service contains 15 recommendations, but the Town refuses to release the report despite an access to information request. 

The fire brigade has been plagued by allegations of a toxic climate that has poisoned the work environment in recent months, leading to the suspension of Director Carl Sinnett and the announcement of his departure last November. 

Two factions were at odds: those who wanted him to stay on and those who demanded his departure. 

The assessment, conducted by the firm Layran Services Conseils, was submitted on November 16, and Mr. Sinnett’s departure was announced on November 21. Director General of Gaspé Jocelyn Villeneuve indicates that upon his arrival two years ago, he initiated a major analysis of the various departments. However, given the more complex nature of the situation, a report was commissioned for the fire department. 

“There were some elements reported previously, but what led us to conduct the assessment was to gain a good understanding of our department and be able to improve everything,” says Mr. Villeneuve. 

The 15 recommendations submitted were presented to the fire department at the end of February.  “There are a few that I can’t share because they may affect groups of individuals or contain personal information, but the major recommendations shared with the fire department range from implementing expectation management processes, optimizing operational guidelines, reactivating the labour relations committee, and establishing an employee consultation committee,” the Town Director quotes. Mr. Villeneuve refuses to make any connection between the filing of the report and Mr. Sinnett’s departure. 

“I couldn’t confirm or deny that this is a logical next step. Since it concerns one person, I can’t go into any more detail about the information I could provide,” says the director. 

The CNESST had opened a prevention-inspection intervention file for the Town of Gaspé fire station, and an intervention was carried out on July 23, 2024, to verify the implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations applicable to psychosocial risks, the organization stated last summer. 

According to Mr. Villeneuve, the climate has returned to normal within the brigade. 

Refusal to share the report 

Even though the director general agreed to share the document’s conclusions, the Town refused to make it public, despite a request for access under the Access to Information Act. The Town indicates that, after analysis, the report contains personal information about the individuals interviewed and who testified as part of this process, pursuant to sections 53 and 59 of the Act respecting Access to Documents Held by Public Bodies and the Protection of Personal Information. 

The Town also believes that the report contains opinions or recommendations made at the request of the Town of Gaspé, and that this information may be kept confidential for 10 years, as permitted by Section 37 of the Act. 

Finally, since the report substantially consists of personal or confidential information that may be protected by Section 14 of the Access Act, the Town of Gaspé reserves the right to refuse to release the entire report in question. 

Improvement of equipment 

One of the criticisms heard during the period of tension within the brigade was the quality of the firefighters’ equipment. 

The director is aware of this and notes that the Town is investing to improve it. The Town is considering equipping the department with a ladder truck since the town centre and its outskirts contain tall buildings such as the hospital and the Mgr Ross CHSLD. 

“For the moment, we need a fire station to accommodate a ladder truck, and it’s on the drawing board. It’s not on the agenda. However, the station is included in the three-year capital plan. It’s something we’ll work on,” Mr. Villeneuve maintains. 

The investment will be significant 

“Once the plans and specifications are completed, we’ll need to find funding to be able to do something within the citizens’ ability to pay,” says the director general.