Two weeks ago, Peter Julian MP (New Westminster-Burnaby) tabled Bill C-345 in the House of Commons to protect firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders.
“Throughout Covid-19 pandemic, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders have shown their courage and put their lives on the line to protect communities across Canada. Particularly in 2021 during the heat dome in British Columbia that killed 619 people in just one week. Yet, we have seen a striking increase in aggravated assault of firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders. What my legislation does is to add firefighters and paramedics under the definition of first responder in Section 2 of the Criminal Code so that their safety is being protected. Thank you to New Westminster Fighters Local 256 and Burnaby Firefighters Local 323 who show every day their hard work and dedication to keep our residents safe. We must do better to make sure they are safe and can go home to their families at the end of their shifts,” said Julian.
