Features Mental Health
Manitoba bolstering mental health support for first responders

Manitoba is providing improved access to trauma-informed support services for first responders across the province, Premier Wab Kinew announced this week.

“First responders are there for Manitobans when they need help the most, and we need to be there for them,” said Kinew. “Firefighters, paramedics, and police officers are exposed to traumatic and sometimes dangerous situations, and we’re committed to making sure they have more support when they need it.”

As an initial step, the province is ensuring that first responders across Manitoba will be able to receive mental health support by dedicating three counsellors to work with firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement, the premier noted.

“The tragic death of Winnipeg firefighter Preston Heinbigner has only highlighted the need for more support for our first responders,” said David Pankratz, special envoy for military affairs. “I know firsthand how tough being a firefighter and paramedic can be on your mental health. We need to continue to reduce the stigma around post-traumatic stress and remove barriers for people to access support.”

The premier added that since 2016, if a worker in Manitoba is exposed to certain types of traumatic events and is diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the Workers Compensation Board can presume the PTSD is caused by the worker’s employment.