Statement from Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown on the Government’s PTSD Strategy for First Responders

The following is a statement from Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown regarding the Government’s announcement of initiatives to help prevent or mitigate the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among first responders:
“The Ontario PC Party applauds the government’s action to help protect the mental health of Ontario’s first responders. These individuals hold a crucial role in helping to ensure the public’s well-being and safety. Sadly, our first responders are diagnosed with traumatic mental stress at significantly higher rates than the general population.

Nobody should suffer PTSD in silence.  These initiatives are an important first step to help increase awareness and focus on prevention of PTSD among first responders, while also helping to reduce the stigma which surrounds this very real disorder. 

Unfortunately, the government’s announcement does little to help those who are already faced with the serious and debilitating challenges of PTSD.  Many of Ontario’s first responders who have been diagnosed with PTSD have had their claims rejected by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. 

The Ontario PC Party has continued to ask the Liberal Government to work with the Opposition Party and Third Party to fast track Bill 2, An Act to amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.  This bill, introduced by NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo, appropriately recognizes PTSD for the debilitating condition that it is, and seeks to lower barriers for first responders in need of support and treatment. 

The government must continue to show Ontario’s first responders that the government stands behind them and their health and provide the help they need, when they need it.  We urge the Liberal Government to bring back Bill 2 for Third Reading in the Legislature and get this bill passed promptly into law.”