CMHA Ontario shared a number of key recommendations on Bill 163 – Supporting Ontario’s First Responders Act this week at the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s Standing Committee for Social Policy. While CMHA Ontario supports Bill 163, we believe that the list of identified workers supported by the legislation should be expanded to include additional groups. Workers such as probation and parole officers, privately contracted security professionals, and individuals who provide security services outside of correctional institutions are routinely exposed to stressful situations and traumatic incidents as a result of their daily work. CMHA Ontario recommends that these individuals be included in Bill 163.
A joint effort by Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn, and Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Yasir Naqvi, Bill 163 is aimed at preventing and mitigating the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among first responders. The proposed legislation would establish a presumption that PTSD diagnosed in first responders is related to their work, easing their access to Workplace Safety and Insurance Board benefits and better supporting their recovery.
In her presentation to the committee, CMHA Ontario policy director Uppala Chandrasekera commended all parties in the legislature for their unanimous support of the bill during second reading, and especially MPP Cheri DiNovo for her efforts on this issue.
To learn more about our recommendations for Bill 163, read our submission letter.