Calls to amend Criminal Code amid violence against first responders, health-care workers
An increase in violence against Manitoba first responders and health-care workers has sparked a call to the federal government for assistance.
In a joint letter to Attorney General Sean Fraser, two provincial ministers are expressing support on behalf of the Manitoba government for amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada.
'Recent incidents in Winnipeg involving violent attacks against firefighters, paramedics and nurses underscore the urgent need for enhanced legal protections for all first responders and care providers,' reads the letter signed by Matt Wiebe, Manitoba's Minister of Justice and Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.
The letter references Bill C-321, federal legislation that aimed to include assaults against health-care workers and first responders as an aggravating factor during sentencing, adding it 'would have been a step toward addressing these concerns.'
Though the legislation received support from the House of Commons in the previous Parliament, it never completed third reading in the Senate prior to prorogation, according to the letter dated July 24.
'This important work ought to be urgently considered for re-introduction,' reads the letter.
'Such an amendment would signal national support for the health, safety and dignity of first responders and healthcare providers and provide a stronger legal foundation to deter violence and safeguard the functioning of essential health and emergency services.'
The letter notes that the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg called for legislative amendments to ensure that 'the penalties for offences against first responders properly reflect the seriousness of these acts.'
In a statement from the Department of Justice, a spokesperson acknowledged the proposal for legislative changes but said sentencing courts already take such circumstances into consideration.
'Sentencing courts recognize the need to appropriately denounce and deter acts of violence against firefighters, health-care workers and emergency responders and have considered such circumstances to be aggravating for the purposes of sentencing,' said the statement.
'The Criminal Code further provides it is an aggravating factor for sentencing where an offence was committed against a person who, in the performance of their duties and functions, was providing health services, including personal care services (paragraph 718.2(a)(iii.2)).'
-With files from CTV's Daniel Halmarson
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBC
22 minutes ago
- CBC
How should Canada respond to U.S. tariff increase?
As U.S. President Donald Trump bumps up import tariffs on non-CUSMA-compliant Canadian goods to 35 per cent, the Power & Politics panel of party insiders discusses how Canada should respond and whether there should be an expiration date on negotiations.
Winnipeg Free Press
24 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Disappointment mixed with cautious optimism, resolve in Manitoba as Trump makes good on tariff threat
Manitoba business and labour leaders expressed disappointment Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump hiked his tariff on many Canadian goods to 35 per cent, bringing further economic uncertainty. They remained hopeful ongoing trade talks between the two countries will strike the right deal for Canada's economy. 'We were hoping to avoid this escalation in our current trade tensions with the U.S.,' said Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Loren Remillard. 'We remain confident, in time, we will find common ground with the U.S. administration. The most important thing is getting the right deal for Canada, not necessarily getting it done right now.' MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES The steel-producing city of Selkirk, just north of Winnipeg, is bracing for potential impacts. Trump increased the tariff (on imports not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA) after a deal wasn't struck before a deadline he imposed. Manitoba Federation of Labour president Kevin Rebeck agreed no deal is better than a bad one for Canada. 'I think there are a lot more businesses that are watching this with great uncertainty and unease, and that's not good for anyone, but we can't let the U.S. just dictate a deal that's only good for them and hurts our economy,' he said. 'I'm glad our prime minister (Mark Carney) is working towards a deal that puts Canadians first.' Rebeck said tariffs are hurting both countries' economies, with about 200 Manitobans — largely in the steel sector and some in food production — on work-sharing measures or laid off. Alan Arcand, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters' chief economist, said the U.S. is Manitoba's No. 1 trading partner, with 80 per cent of the province's exports going to its southern neighbour. Manitoba's exports to the U.S. were down by 30 per cent between January and May, he said. 'That's definitely a huge problem for the Manitoba economy,' Arcand said. 'It's been a challenge the entire year, and increasing the tariff rate from 25 per cent to 35 per cent adds on to those difficulties.' Arcand said CME supports the federal government's decision to 'remain firm' and pursue a better deal. Canada's automotive, steel, aluminum, copper and softwood lumber industries have been most affected by the trade war, he said. In Manitoba, the advanced manufacturing sector could be among the most affected by the increased tariff, Remillard said. He said a vast majority of Manitoba's exporters is compliant with CUSMA and therefore will not be subject to the increased tariff, but a significant percentage will be impacted. Remillard said he expects eligible companies that haven't filled out the necessary paperwork will make a 'significant move' to become compliant in the coming days. He said Trump's changing trade policy has had a chilling effect on business. Arcand said it has been nearly impossible for businesses to plan. While some groups or politicians encouraged Ottawa to retaliate, Remillard said the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is hoping 'calmer approaches' by the federal government continue, and it doesn't take any action that will hurt Canadians. All levels of government should provide supports or resources to affected sectors to help them weather the storm, he said. Trump already applied 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The move left the steel-producing city of Selkirk, just north of Winnipeg, bracing for potential impacts. 'You just can't do business at a 50 per cent tariff. It's just out of the question,' said Mayor Larry , who's been monitoring Brazil-based Gerdau SA's steel mill in Selkirk. 'Every time I go by there, I'm looking at the yard to see how many employees' cars are parked there, and how many trailers are there loaded with steel and ready to go. 'Of course, it's been very, very busy before this latest increase to the tariffs. We were seeing a lot of double trailers loaded with steel coming out of the mill.' Johannson said he saw some trailers — destination unknown — ready to go when he drove by Friday morning. 'We're seeing back and forth in there, and that's a good thing. Honestly, as mayor, I just can't see doing business with a 50 per cent tariff,' he said. 'Fifty per cent tariffs is not a fair rate. It's a ludicrous rate.' When Premier Wab Kinew visited the mill in March, he said the Manitoba government will source Canadian steel for all its infrastructure projects and relevant equipment purchases. Wednesdays A weekly dispatch from the head of the Free Press newsroom. Johannson, whose father and grandfather worked at the mill, is hoping that approach is mirrored across Canada. 'We want Manitoba steel to have equal opportunity in any projects in Canada,' he said. 'We can supply the steel.' In the meantime, Johannson wants negotiations between Canada and the U.S. to be 'ramped up.' 'We have to get (the tariffs) down,' he said. 'I wish I could lock the door until they come out of there with a good deal that is beneficial to both.' Chris KitchingReporter Chris Kitching is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He began his newspaper career in 2001, with stops in Winnipeg, Toronto and London, England, along the way. After returning to Winnipeg, he joined the Free Press in 2021, and now covers a little bit of everything for the newspaper. Read more about Chris. Every piece of reporting Chris produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
CTV News
24 minutes ago
- CTV News
Sudbury swimmer in critical condition after allegedly being struck by a boat
The shore of Lake Nepahwin near Stewart Drive after the police presence cleared on August 1, 2025. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News Northern Ontario) A 52-year-old woman is in critical condition after allegedly being struck by a boat while swimming in Lake Nepahwin on Friday morning. The Greater Sudbury Police Service, along with paramedics and fire crews, responded to the incident just before 11 a.m. 'According to witnesses, a 52-year-old woman was swimming in open water when it appeared that she was struck by a passing vessel,' police said in a news release. The victim sustained significant injuries and received immediate aid from bystanders before being transported to Health Sciences North. She remains in the ICU in critical condition. Ongoing police investigation Sudbury police's traffic and forensic units are leading the investigation. Officers are using aerial imaging via a remotely piloted aircraft system, commonly referred to as a drone, and conducting interviews to gather evidence. 'We extend our thoughts to the individual and her family during this difficult time,' police said. A visible police presence remained for several hours near Stewart Drive and Nepahwin Beach as the investigation continued. CTV News confirmed police had cleared the area as of 5 p.m. Authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage of the incident to contact police at 705-675-9171. Police said further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. With files from journalist Angela Gemmill
