Easier WCB coverage for 1st responders proposed under bill

The Alberta government introduced new legislation on Thursday that will make it easier for first responders like police officers and firefighters to receive coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder from the Workers' Compensation Board

The bill, which the government believes is the first of its kind in Canada, was one of the initiatives announced in Thursday's Speech from the Throne.

If passed, it will allow sheriffs, firefighters, police officers and paramedics to qualify for compensation without having to prove if their PTSD is work-related.

"I'm very proud of this bill," Premier Alison Redford said. "I think Bill 1 is very relevant to Albertans, to Alberta families."

Craig MacDonald, president of the Alberta Firefighters Association, believes the bill will encourage emergency workers to seek help.

"Emergency responders are not going to typically reach out," he said. "What this does in our minds is it opens up that door it gives the opportunity for those emergency responders to take away that hurdle and to go out and to seek the help that they need."

The speech, which was read by Lt.-Gov. Donald Ethell, also revealed the Redford government's plans to introduce new whistleblower legislation; open a new office in Ottawa to work more closely with the federal government and streamline the province's resource regulatory system.

Highlights of the Throne Speech:

• open a new office in Ottawa to help improve relations with the federal government and advocate on federal and provincial matters
• survey conflict of interest issues and introduce new laws including whistleblower legislation
• design and put a plan in place for more continuing care centres
• simplify regulatory "burdens" for businesses
• partner with industry on research and development in a second Alberta Oilsands Technology and Research Authority
• invest in public services and infrastructure
• continue expanding family care clinics
• launch, with the federal government, the new environmental monitoring system
• bring new fiscal discipline to budgets