OPSEU Paramedics came out in force on Thursday, February 27, for the second reading of Bill 67. OPSEU Ambulance Sector Chair, Jamie Ramage was in attendance for the reading along with Ambulance Division Executive members Jason Brearly, Mario Posteraro and Brad Thomson. Hamilton and Simcoe County EMS workers made their presence felt with front row seats in the galleries.
"We will remain vigilant to ensure we are present at the committee debate," said Jamie Ramage, OPSEU Ambulance Sector Chair. "This is great news as we seek recognition for the important work we do."
Bill 67 passed second reading with the support of all three political parties. It has now been referred to committee review, with the intention that it will be enacted by May 1, 2014, First Responders Day.
Bill 67, The Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act (PTSD), 2013 was introduced as a private member's Bill by the NDP's Cheri DiNovo, MPP for Parkdale-High Park.
This important Bill will introduce ‘presumptive’ legislation, making it possible for first responders, including paramedics, police and firefighters, to claim benefits based on post-traumatic stress from their jobs. First responders will no longer be required to prove that their job caused the trauma: This will instead be assumed based on the nature of the work.
Long wait times for processing claims frequently prevent Ontario first responders from receiving timely processing of benefit claims as well as access to the counseling and support required for people with PTSD. Claims currently can take as much as several years to be resolved.
OPSEU's Ambulance Division has been involved with supporting Bill 67 from it's first reading in 2010, and has attended numerous related media events.
Read the Ambulance Division's letter of support written to Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo, MPP Parkdale-High Park by Jamie Ramage.