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Join supporters of Bill 67, the PTSD bill for first-responders, for its second reading at Queen's Park on February 27. Help make this legislation reality.
Toronto (30 Jan. 2014) — On February 27, Bill 67, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act (PTSD) enters its second reading at Queen's Park. Fire fighters, police officers and paramedics and supporters of the legislation are being encouraged to attend to show support for this bill.
Bill 67 will make it possible for first-responders to claim benefits for post-traumatic stress due to their jobs
Known as the Post-Traumatic Stress Bill, Bill 67 was introduced by MPP for Parkdale-High Park, Cheri DiNovo in 2013.
This bill would introduce presumptive legislation, making it possible for first-responders to claim benefits as a result of post-traumatic stress from their jobs. This means that first-responders would not need to prove that their job caused the trauma; it would be understand it was a aresult of their work.
Currently, claims can take a very long time to process, while the worker goes without any counselling or support during this time.
Fire fighters, police officers and paramedics encouraged to show support on February 27 at 1 p.m. at Queen's Park
Workers are being encouraged to support DiNovo's bill at second reading at Queen's Park. A strong presence will send a message to other MPPs that this is a valuable and much-needed piece of legislation.
Dignity and support for First-responders
Working as a first-responder, exposure to traumatic events occurs regularly. In some circumstances, the level of trauma or the amount of traumatic experiences can become too painful for a person, resulting in PTSD.
DiNovo believes in the important work that first-responders carry out in our community. It is time for the government to support them in their recovery and make it possible for them to be able to return to work.
Members of the Legislative Assembly in Alberta passed a similar Bill in 2012, now presuming that the PTSD claims made by first-responders occurred during their employment.
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