TORONTO, ON – The Ontario government introduced a bill on Thursday that would see post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) claims by first responders automatically approved by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). The move comes after years of effort by CUPE paramedics, other first responders and several attempts by the Ontario NDP to change legislation…
TORONTO, ON – The union representing workers at City of Toronto paramedic services called today’s announcement that Ombudsman Fiona Crean would conduct an investigation of operational stress injuries among workers of Toronto Paramedic Services (TPS) a “welcome development.” “We believe the Ombudsman’s announcement is a welcome development that sends a message that our members’ concerns…
ESSEX COUNTY, Ont. – Paramedics are raising concerns over a new policy passed by Essex County Council this past week, which addresses video cameras that have been installed inside ambulances among other locations. The new policy, which passed with little public debate or attention, spells out the types of locations where cameras will be placed,…
To all CUPE paramedic services members: Although May 1 is designated First Responders Day in Ontario, we at CUPE Ontario know that we should be recognizing the outstanding efforts of CUPE’s nearly 6,000 paramedic members, each day throughout the year. After all, paramedics and communications officers, respond to an average of 3,500 medical emergencies every…
