Citynow Rise in violence prompts bill to protect first responders

NewWestminster-Burnaby MP Peter Julian pushes for tougher laws against attacks on firefighters and other emergency personnel

TheresaMcManus

TMcManus@ royalcityrecord.com

The stabbing death of a young police officer in Burnaby and the assault of a firefighter attending a routine call are being cited as examples of why first responders need added protections under the Criminal Code

On June 19, NewWestminster-Burnaby MP Peter Julian tabled Bill C-345 in the House of Commons, legislation aimed at protecting firefighters, paramedics and other first responders. At a July 5 news conference, Julian said firefighters, paramedics and other first responders put their lives on the line to protect communities across Canada

“Yet, we have seen a striking increase in aggravated assault of firefighters, paramedics and other first responders,” he said “What my legislation does is add firefighters and paramedics under the definition of first responder in Section 2 of the Criminal Code so their safety is being protected ”

Julian said it’s been “disturbing” to see the increase in violence against firefighters and paramedics.

“A recent study in Manitoba actually showed that 50 per cent of all firefighters had at some point, been kicked or hit or pushed. And we see 75 per cent-figures for paramedics,” he said. “So that is disturbing to see this rise in violence against firefighters and against paramedics And that is the primary reason why I tabled Bill C-345.”

According to Julian, his private members bill would result in an automatic charge of first degree murder in cases where an assault of an on-duty first responder, firefighter or paramedic leads to their death

“This is very similar to the language in the Criminal Code that exists now for police officers,” he noted. “Secondly, what it does is increased penalties for assaults against firefighters and paramedics. And thirdly, it creates an offense in the Criminal Code of assault against a firefighter or paramedic, assault against a first responder. What this bill does is en- sure that firefighters and paramedics are protected to the same extent as police officers.”

At a July 5 news conference, NewWestminster and Burnaby fire departments offered their support for the bill and encouraged Canadian MPs to support the bill.

The NewWestminster Firefighters Association, Local 256, the Burnaby Firefighters Association Local 323 and the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association joined New Westminster and Burnaby fire chiefs, including Burnaby chief Chris Bowcock, in supporting the proposed legislation.