NSGEU encourages members to support the campaign for PTSD legislation

The NSGEU represents a range of workers who are emergency responders: police, social workers, correctional workers, firefighters, Registered Nurses and more. These are the people you need by your side in a time of crisis.

The very nature of their work makes these workers vulnerable to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Unfortunately, these emergency responders aren’t receiving the supports they need when they develop PTSD as a result of their working environment and the calls they respond to.

In early October, 2014 MLA David Wilson introduced a piece of legislation that would allow these emergency responders to be automatically covered by workers’ compensation, so they can take time off to get the help they need without worrying about how they will make ends meet, financially. You can view the legislation here: http://nslegislature.ca/legc/bills/62nd_2nd/1st_read/b011.htm

It was a solid piece of legislation that would have supported the workers who deliver incredibly valuable services to Nova Scotians.

The government did not allow the bill to proceed in the Fall but said they would form an all-party Legislative Committee to explore this issue. To date, they have not done this. The Ministers of Labour and Health have also refused to meet with MLA Dave Wilson to continue the discussion.

The bill is still on the books and the NDP has created a campaign to put pressure on the government to pass this important piece of legislation in the Spring session. The campaign includes a petition and a Facebook campaign.

The NSGEU is encouraging our members to join in this campaign to put pressure on the government to enact this important piece of legislation that will give members who are emergency responders the support they need, when they need it.

You can find the petition and information about the campaign here. http://nsndp.ca/ptsd