Wednesday, March 29, OTTAWA, ON – Today, Todd Doherty, Member of Parliament for Cariboo-Prince George and Shadow Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, sent the following letter to Justice Minister David Lametti regarding assaults against first responders, healthcare workers, and transit workers:
Dear Minister Lametti,
I am writing today in support of Toronto Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie’s request to amend section 269.01 of the Criminal Code.
As you are aware, my Private Members Bill C-321, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (assaults against health care professionals and first responders), would extend the same protections afforded transit operators to firefighters, nurses, paramedics, and health care workers. My bill, along with the proposed amendments from Deputy Mayor McKelvie, would act as a strong deterrent by sending the message that abuse and assault against first responders, health care workers, and transit workers; will not be tolerated.
Recent violent attacks against first responders and transit workers have garnered nation headlines these past few weeks. It’s time we send a strong message to those who protect us and help us get to where we need to go each day. This not just a City of Toronto issue. This is a national issue that affects us all.
As a federal government we need to support our first responders, healthcare, and transit workers in a tangible way. We need them to know we are aware of the problems they face daily. We need to do everything we can to help them.
I look forward to working with you to get Bill C-321 passed. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
SOURCE MP Todd Doherty
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