It may seem weird, as Bill 163 (The Protecting Ontario’s First Responders Bill) isn’t technically passed until tomorrow, but I wanted to talk about how this accomplishment is only a piece of the puzzle when it comes to protecting and fighting for the mental health and well being of ALL of our healthcare providers across Canada!
I have read a few posts today with regards to how Bill 163 should not pass yet because it doesn’t include certain workplace mental health injuries or healthcare professions. And while I certainly encourage discussion of the expansion of legislation in order to protect the greatest number of individuals, I DO NOT support the delay of this Bill. For a few reasons:
I do agree that there are members of our peer community that should be included in this Bill. In fact, that is why my Wings of Change Peer Support Group is all inclusive. However… I am very wary of delaying a Bill that WILL help so many immediately. People are dying and I know of MANY people who desperately need this Bill NOW. There are other legislations in the works as we speak that have the opportunity to address a broader spectrum of peers, but the world of politics is slow because so many legislations are being brought forward every day.
I will not stand by and see another peer battle PTSD without hope. I will not stand by and learn that my peer can’t afford their mortgage and needs to go bankrupt. I certainly will not stand by to hear another family cry when they learn that the demons of PTSD have taken their loved one away from them forever. That is why I do not support any delay of this Bill.
I wish our fellow healthcare provider peers didn’t feel ‘left behind’ in Bill 163’s process. The fact of the matter is that politics and legislations are not easy to steer, and at this moment we need to celebrate that Bill 163 is a blessing that will save lives. But rest assured, there is a bigger fight happening already. I am a stakeholder in Bill C-211 which is the Federal PTSD Bill, and I will be fighting to include ALL healthcare providers in this legislation.
If you would like to join me in this next fight, feel free to send me a message. ALL voices are imperative in order to keep this positive mental health momentum going!
Bill 163 is just the beginning, (and a great one at that). But the Canadian Government hasn’t heard the last of me yet 😀
UpTalk Podcast
Paramedic Nat 
April 4, 2016 at 9:51 PM
Aaand here come the tears. Thank you Nat for all you’ve done. Tomorrow is a huge day for first responders in Ontario. I hope those who are in desperate need of help can get it quickly. Our family needs to stop losing people we love.
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April 5, 2016 at 3:21 PM
Big hug Lisa!! 😊 Thank you!
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April 4, 2016 at 10:57 PM
Good for you Nat I’m not a first responder but i am so proud of you.
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April 5, 2016 at 3:22 PM
Thank you John!! The Bill PASSED!!
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April 5, 2016 at 6:03 AM
This is a starting point. Don’t forget that there is a focus here on prevention as well. That is desperately needed and long overdue. I would rather keep our people from needing the diagnosis whenever possible.
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April 5, 2016 at 3:22 PM
Amen! Totally agree!
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April 5, 2016 at 11:22 AM
I could not agree with you more! My group You are not alone PTSD BC has just had our Private Members Bill M203 pass the first reading and we had to trim it down to increase the odds it will pass. It is always easier to make amendments. As for the Federal Government stepping up, I think that will be a long wait and as you said losing one more life to these agregous mental health injuries. Sadly BC has already lost 2 this year and that is far too many already.
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April 5, 2016 at 3:24 PM
I hope everything moves forward quickly for you! Thank you so much for your support!!!
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