Centre Wellington firefighters shocked to find out they lack life insurance they bargained for
ELORA, ON, Feb. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - On July 20, 2011, after 27 years of firefighting for his community in Elora, Ontario, John Alles passed away while on-call for the Township of Centre Wellington's Fire Department. After his passing, his wife and fellow firefighters were shocked to find out that there was no life insurance coverage available to Mr. Alles' widow despite what they thought to be the clear wording of the firefighters' agreement with the Township.
That agreement, between the Elora Firefighters' Association (along with the Fergus Firefighters Association) and the Township was made a Township by-law, the most recent of which provides that "The Township shall provide $100,000.00 Life Insurance and 24/7 Accident & Sickness Premium Coverage with the Township paying 100% of the premiums." Similar agreements have been in place since at least 2000. The firefighters believe that the agreements provide that every firefighter should have $100,000 in life insurance coverage in place, in addition to accident and sickness insurance, which is fully paid by the Township.
However, as a result of the sudden passing of one of their own, the firefighters became aware that the Township has not maintained any basic life insurance coverage for them for years. Mr. Alles' widow is now without the life insurance benefits her husband thought would be in place for her when he passed.
The firefighters and Township have not been able to resolve this issue at this time, which has forced the firefighters to seek an interpretation of the agreement by the courts, where it is now pending.
**Mr. Alles' widow and the Elora Firefighters' Association ask that all inquiries regarding this matter be directed to their lawyers, Koskie Minsky LLP, Attention: David Rosenfeld (416-595-2700).
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