Bill 201 – The Worker’s Compensation (Firefighters) Amendments Act
February 22, 2010
Mrs. Forsyth: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I’m pleased to rise in the House in strong support of Bill 201, the Workers’ Compensation (Firefighters) Amendment Act, 2010. As a result of our elected positions, many in this House have had the opportunity to meet with first responders or to watch them work together to help people in a time of great need. For their selfless sacrifice and willingness to help others without hesitation or equivocation, we owe them our thanks and the proper protection against the hazards they experience.
This is why I rise in support of this bill and why the entire Wildrose Alliance caucus stands in support of this bill. Being a firefighter is not a typical job. The people who serve as firefighters are not typical people. I cannot think of many who would willingly rush into a burning building to save someone’s pet or, more importantly, to risk their own life to save another, but they do this, and for this we are eternally grateful, Mr. Speaker. Many years ago we had a devastating fire in our home. From the eyes of a child these big, burly guys racing in and out of your house can be pretty intimidating. We lost everything, but what they did manage to save was really important: my dog and my turtles. From that day forward firefighters have and will always be my heroes.
In the course of their duties we know that they become exposed to materials that even the latest technology, building standards, workplace safety measures, or breathing equipment cannot protect them from. It is for this reason that the former Member for Calgary- North Hill proposed the original bill to help and protect firefighters. I supported the original bill, Mr. Speaker, because it was the right thing to do then, and these are the right things to support now.
Each member of this House could go on and on at length about the work that firefighters and all emergency workers do to protect life, limb, and property, but words will never do true justice to the risks they take, to the pride they feel, or to the care for the people of Alberta communities. Bill 201 is a small way that we can recognize their sacrifices, their willingness to race into the face of danger, and
to help us in times of greater need. My thanks to the sponsor, Leduc-Beaumont-Devon. I encourage all members to support Bill 201.