PTSD bill

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Ontario has passed new legislation recognizing post traumatic stress disorder as a work-related illness for police, firefighters and paramedics.

The legislation passed the third and final reading today with a unanimous vote. Under old rules, first responders had to prove their PTSD was related to their job to be eligible for coverage under the work place safety insurance act. The government says first responders are at least twice as likely as the general population to suffer from PTSD and that the condition results in more suicide attempts than all other anxiety disorders.

Jeff Van Pelt, who is the chair of CUPE’s ambulance committee, says this bill will save lives.