Bill S-233 is an Act to amend the Criminal Code (against persons who provide healthcare and first responders).
Dan Mazier, Conservative Shadow Minister for Health, called on Parliament to fast-track the bill.
According to a recent survey by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions, six in ten nurses experienced violence on the job in the past year. Nearly half faced physical violence, and almost one in five reported sexual abuse.
"Healthcare workers, nurses, front-line workers, parademics, the assaults, and what they are going through every day to serve the Canadian public is absolutely horrific," said Mazier. "It's absolutely time that Parliament recognizes this and has this bill go through as fast as possible. It would send a very clear signal to our healthcare workers that we have their back."
Todd Doherty, Conservative Shadow Minister for Addictions, has requested the unanimous consent of the House of Commons to pass the bill at all stages so it can become law before Christmas.
In 2024 alone, there were 812 Workers' Compensation claims from nurses for assault. That's nearly triple the number from 2015.
Peter Poirier is the chief of the Ottawa Paramedic Service.
"This is an important bill. S-233 is an important bill because, as has been said before, violence is not a part of the job. No one expects to be assaulted at work," said Poirier. "It really is important that all healthcare workers feel safe at work and at home. Paramedics are assaulted daily, and healthcare workers are assaulted daily. It's unacceptable."
Violent incidents have occurred at Health Sciences Centre, St. Boniface Hospital, Grace Hospital, Thompson General Hospital, and in Dauphin.
