The Editor:
Everyday our news reports and social media feeds are filled with stories of yet another violent attack on a first responder.
The unfortunate reality is that our front-line heroes’, our nurses, firefighters, paramedics, police and other healthcare workers are confronting an epidemic of violence while serving and providing essential services to our communities.
The rates of verbal and physical assaults continue to rise.
We are failing our front-line heroes and this must change.
I introduced Bill C-321, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (assaults against health care professionals and first responders), in the House of Commons as a first step in curbing the escalating violence.
This piece of legislation, if passed, will amend the Criminal Code to consider an assault against first responder or healthcare personnel an aggravating circumstance during the sentencing of the perpetrator of the assault.
Violence should never be a part of the job description.
Everyone has the right to a safe and respectful work environment.
We need to work together to ensure all healthcare providers and other front-line staff are safe at work.
Bill C-321 will be up for debate on May 2, 2023. I urge you to write your MP or use the hashtag #321GO to voice your support of this important legislation.
Our front-line heroes shouldn’t have to fear for their lives as they care for you and me.
- Todd Doherty, MP for Cariboo–Prince George
Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
