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First responders will no longer be required to prove that their job caused the trauma to claim benefits.
Toronto (6 Mar. 2014) - Paramedics, members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) came out in force for the second reading of Bill 67, The Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act (PTSD).
OPSEU/NUPGE Ambulance Sector Chair, Jamie Ramage was in attendance for the reading along with Ambulance Division Executive members Jason Brearly, Mario Posteraro and Brad Thomson. Hamilton and Simcoe County EMS workers made their presence felt with front row seats in the galleries.
"We will remain vigilant to ensure we are present at the committee debate," said Jamie Ramage, OPSEU Ambulance Sector Chair. "This is great news as we seek recognition for the important work we do."
Support from all three parties in legislature
Bill 67 passed the second reading with the support of all three political parties. It has now been referred to committee review, with the intention that it will be enacted by May 1, 2014, First Responders Day.
The Bill was introduced as a private member's Bill by the NDP's Cheri DiNovo, MPP for Parkdale-High Park.
Allows first responders to claim benefits based on workplace post-traumatic stress
This important Bill will introduce ‘presumptive’ legislation, making it possible for first responders, including paramedics, police and firefighters, to claim benefits based on post-traumatic stress from their jobs. First responders will no longer be required to prove that their job caused the trauma: This will instead be assumed based on the nature of the work.
Long wait times for processing claims frequently prevent Ontario first responders from receiving timely processing of benefit claims as well as access to the counseling and support required for people with PTSD. Claims currently can take as much as several years to be resolved.
OPSEU/NUPGE's Ambulance Division has been involved with supporting Bill 67 from it's first reading in 2010, and has attended numerous related media events.
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