With OPSEU paramedics looking on, Cheri DiNovo, MPP Parkdale-High Park, presented the first reading of private member’s Bill 11, Workplace Safety and Insurance Amendment Act (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), on March 23, 2010.

The Act is to amend the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997, with respect to post traumatic stress disorder. Once amended, the Act will provide a worker who sustains mental stress arising out of and in the course of his or her employment entitlement to benefits under the insurance plan. The Bill also specifies that post traumatic stress disorder is a type of mental illness.

Jamie Ramage, Chair of OPSEU’s Ambulance Division, was among those present in the gallery at the Ontario Legislature, as DiNovo presented the private member’s bill. OPSEU represents 2200 paramedics, who are among those immediately effected by working conditions that may lead to post traumatic stress disorder.

To view the letter written to Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo, MPP Parkdale-High Park by Jamie Ramage, please click here.