An Act to amend the Criminal Code (assault against persons who provide health services and first responders)

Summary#

This bill changes the Criminal Code to make assaults and threats against health workers and first responders more serious at sentencing. Judges would have to treat these cases as an aggravating circumstance, which means a reason to give a tougher sentence.

• Applies to threats and to all levels of assault, from simple assault to aggravated assault.
• Covers people who provide health services (including personal care) and first responders, when they are doing their job.
• Does not create a new crime or change what counts as assault or threats.
• Directs judges to consider tougher penalties when these workers are the victims while on duty.
• Aims to respond to rising violence against frontline care and emergency workers.

What it means for you#

• Workers who provide health services

  • If someone threatens or assaults you while you are working, the court must treat that as more serious when deciding punishment.
  • This includes people who give personal care (for example, care aides or support workers), as well as clinical staff.

• First responders (such as paramedics, firefighters, and similar roles)

  • If you are attacked or threatened while on duty, judges must consider a tougher sentence for the offender.

• Patients, clients, visitors, and the general public

  • If you threaten or assault a health worker or first responder who is doing their job, you could face a harsher sentence.
  • Normal complaints, disagreements, or poor service are not affected unless they involve threats or violence.

• Hospitals, clinics, long-term care, and emergency services

  • No new duties or reporting rules are created by this bill.
  • You may choose to update safety policies and training to reflect the stronger sentencing direction.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Sends a clear message that violence against health workers and first responders is not acceptable.
• Gives judges firm direction to impose tougher consequences in these cases.
• May deter attacks and threats by raising the stakes for offenders.
• Helps frontline workers feel recognized and protected by the justice system.
• Could support retention and morale in health care and emergency services.

Opponents' View#

• Existing laws already punish threats and assault; this may not change outcomes much in practice.
• Longer sentences may not address root causes such as mental health crises, addiction, or stress in care settings.
• Risk of harsher punishment for people who lash out while ill, confused, or in crisis (for example, dementia or severe mental distress).
• The term “provides health services” is broad, which could lead to uneven application.
• Focuses on punishment after harm occurs, not on prevention measures like staffing, training, and safer workplaces.