NSGEU urges Minister to honour promise, establish PTSD Working Group for first responders

Liberal government in Nova Scotia has yet to introduce any measures to address PTSD among first responders.

Halifax (29 Oct. 2014) — The Nova Scotia Government and General Employees Union (NSGEU/NUPGE) represents a range of workers who are emergency responders: police, social workers, correctional workers, firefighters, registered nurses and more. These are the people you need by your side in a time of crisis.

Post-traumatic stress disorder a serious issue for first responders as a result of working conditions

The very nature of their work makes these workers vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unfortunately, in Nova Scotia these emergency responders are not receiving the supports they need when they develop PTSD as a result of their working environment and the calls they respond to.

In early October, MLA David Wilson introduced a piece of legislation that would allow these emergency responders to be automatically covered by workers’ compensation, so they can take time off to get the help they need without worrying about how they will make ends meet financially.

It was a solid piece of legislation that would have supported the workers who deliver incredibly valuable services to Nova Scotians.

The Liberal government did not allow the bill to proceed to Law Amendments which would allow Nova Scotians to have their say on the matter. Instead, Health and Wellness Minister Leo Glavine committed to establish a legislative committee to explore potential steps and actions to support emergency responders who are in need.

But so far, the Minister has done nothing to act on his promise.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE