@HeyLaiverd @baarda I am sure the Canadiens are extremely happy to have them there, but they are probably tired and worn out from fighting fires for weeks, not to mention there aren’t many Canadien personnel at the airport to welcome them anyway (because they are out in the field fighting fires - Canada’s huge). The South African firefighters are saying “hey, we’re here to help you get this done” and infuse some energy and appreciation into the situation. They know how hard the Canadiens have been working, they’ve been there themselves.

Just my guess, but I know how hard wildfire season is on our Californian firefighters.

@HeyLaiverd @baarda

I'm not sure having Nickelback playing for them on arrival would be the welcome they deserve.

@Geoffberner @baarda The conclusion was the same but the reason was opposite: Alberta demanded *higher* pay for the firefighters but their South African employer refused.

Alberta was paying $170/day each to the South African contractor, but the contractor balked and walked when told told they would have to pay the Alberta minimum wage ($11.50/hr, working out to $134.40/day). The contractor's position was that they would not pay more than laid out in employment contracts.
https://globalnews.ca/news/2755552/south-african-company-apologizes-over-firefighter-pay-dispute-in-alberta/