Cariboo—Prince George MP Todd Doherty welcomed the unanimous passage of Bill S-233 at second reading in the House of Commons, calling it an important step toward better protecting Canada’s frontline healthcare workers and first responders.
Bill S-233 would amend the Criminal Code to require courts to consider it an aggravating circumstance at sentencing when an individual assaults a healthcare worker or first responder while they are performing their duties.
“Today sends a message to frontline workers across Canada: Parliament hears you, values you, and stands with you,” said Doherty, in a news release. “Our nurses, paramedics, firefighters, correctional officers, and emergency personnel show up every day to care for Canadians, often during the most difficult moments in people’s lives. Increasingly, they are being met with violence, threats, and abuse. That is unacceptable.”
Violence against healthcare professionals and first responders has become a growing concern in communities across Canada. Frontline workers and their organizations have repeatedly raised alarms about rising assaults and dangerous working conditions.
Doherty emphasized that Bill S-233 is a measured and targeted proposal that strengthens accountability while preserving judicial discretion.
“This legislation does not create new offences and it does not impose mandatory minimum sentences,” Doherty said. “It simply recognizes that when someone assaults a person providing emergency or healthcare services, that offence deserves greater consideration during sentencing.”
Bill S-233 is the successor to Doherty’s previous legislation, Bill C-321, which passed unanimously in the House of Commons during the 44th Parliament.
“I want to thank colleagues from all parties who supported this legislation and recognized that protecting frontline workers should never be a partisan issue.”
Following today’s vote, Bill S-233 will proceed to committee for further study.
“Today’s vote is an important step, but our work is not finished,” Doherty added. “I look forward to continuing to work with colleagues and frontline organizations to ensure this legislation reaches the finish line expeditiously.”