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The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has reported that Manitoba fire fighters gathered on April 17 at the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg to support new mental health legislation.
The legislation, identified as Bill 29, the Workplace Safety and Health Amendment Act, was introduced by Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino.
The bill would require employers to prevent and treat psychological injury and illness with the same care as physical injury and illness.
The International Association of Fire Fighters stated that 30 fire fighters observed the passing of the bill’s second reading from the gallery, with others showing their support outside the building.
Bill 29 will now proceed to committee hearings before advancing to a third reading.
The rally was organized by IAFF Winnipeg Local 867 and included members from Portage la Prairie Local 1079, Brandon Local 803 and Whiteshell Local I160.
Members of Thompson Local 2200 supported the event remotely due to staffing shortages.
The International Association of Fire Fighters reported that fire fighters advocating for Bill 29 highlighted the results of a recent Psychological Safety and Health Survey involving 997 Winnipeg Local 867 members.
According to the survey, 98.1 percent of participants believe that job-related burnout is a serious concern and that work demands threaten their psychological health.
The survey also found that 98.3 percent of respondents reported that work-life stress negatively affects their home life.
Winnipeg Local 867 President Nick Kasper said: “We’ve known for years the increased risk fire fighters face for psychological illness and injury.”
Kasper added: “We’ve experienced that toll firsthand here in Winnipeg with a number of recent losses.”
Kasper stated: “The incorporation of Bill 29 into the Workplace Safety and Health Act is going to provide a framework and a roadmap to eliminating a number of those risks.”
The International Association of Fire Fighters reported that the rally coincided with the first anniversary of the death of Winnipeg Fire Fighter Preston Heinbigner, who died from psychological injury in April 2024.
The event honored Heinbigner’s memory and expressed support to his wife Shayda, children Oslo and Olympia, and parents Robert and Elaine.
Winnipeg Local 867 President Nick Kasper said: “We continue to stand with them as they navigate life without their beloved husband, father and son.”
The International Association of Fire Fighters reported that Manitoba Professional Fire Fighters Association (MPFFA) President Chris Perry attended the rally and expressed strong support for the bill.
Perry said: “Our members face unimaginable trauma every day, and this bill ensures they won’t have to fight for recognition or support when they need it most.”
Perry added: “This isn’t just progress – it’s a turning point for mental health in emergency services.”
Minister Malaya Marcelino was quoted in the media stating that the legislation is “trailblazing” and noted that it uses the 2013 Canadian Standards Association definition of psychological safety.
Minister Marcelino said: “We know that this is a necessary thing to do.”
The International Association of Fire Fighters noted that the MPFFA represents 1,240 active members in five Locals, and that Winnipeg Fire Fighter David Pankratz was among those elected to the Manitoba Legislature in October 2023 as part of the NDP Government.
The International Association of Fire Fighters reported that Manitoba fire fighters rallied on April 17 at the provincial legislature to support Bill 29.
Bill 29, the Workplace Safety and Health Amendment Act, was introduced by Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino.
The bill would require employers to prevent and treat psychological injury with the same focus as physical injury.
The rally was organized by Winnipeg Local 867 and included support from other Locals.
Fire fighters emphasized the results of a Psychological Safety and Health Survey involving 997 Winnipeg Local 867 members.
The survey found that 98.1 percent cited job-related burnout as a serious concern.
It also found that 98.3 percent reported negative impacts on home life from work-related stress.
The rally marked the one-year anniversary of Winnipeg Fire Fighter Preston Heinbigner’s death from psychological injury.
Winnipeg Local 867 President Nick Kasper and MPFFA President Chris Perry both voiced support for Bill 29.
Minister Malaya Marcelino described the bill as using the Canadian Standards Association’s definition of psychological safety.
The MPFFA represents 1,240 active members across five Locals.
Winnipeg Fire Fighter David Pankratz was elected to the Manitoba Legislature in October 2023.
