CANADIAN UNION PRAISES FIRST RESPONDER TRAUMA LAW

The president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), described it as great news for all Ontario first responders. “I’m particularly pleased for the correctional and ambulance staff represented by OPSEU. Now the government has finally woken up to the fact that first responders also put their emotional and mental well-being on the line,” noted Warren Thomas.

The legislation includes a presumption that PTSD diagnosed in first responders is work-related, leading to faster access to resources and treatment. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) would process claims faster, the provincial government indicated, allowing first responders to get the help they need sooner.

The union leader applauded the activism by first responders and opposition politicians that led the Liberal government to take action. “Finally, the Liberals seem to have come to their senses, thanks in part to the media, who helped lay bare the PTSD crisis among first responders,” Thomas said.