Government Must Show Support For Ontario’s Fire Fighters

QUEEN’S PARK – Today in the Legislature, Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown called on the Premier and her Liberal Government to better support Ontario’s fire fighters.

“Fire fighters, and their paramedic and police officer colleagues, continue to tell me that this Government is holding up access to care for post-traumatic stress disorder,” stated Leader Patrick Brown.  “It has been 72 days since I first asked the Premier to work with me and the NDP to fast track the third party’s bill.”

Bill 2, An Act to amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, was first introduced in the Legislature by NDP MPP Cheri Di Novo.  The Bill seeks to lower barriers for first responders in need of post-traumatic stress disorder support and treatment.

“The Government should show Ontario’s fire fighters that the Government stands behind them and their health,” Leader Patrick Brown added. “Will the Premier bring the Bill back for Third Reading and pass the bill today?”

Leader Patrick Brown also highlighted the families of fire fighters who lost their life in the line of service, and the lack of government action in providing sufficient supports.

“The danger is very real for fire fighters in the line of service; many of our community have sadly seen that first hand,” Leader Patrick Brown continued.  “Will the Premier support a Hero’s Fund – survivor benefits for the families of first responders who have fallen in the service of our province?”