Liberals, NDP stalling effort to protect health care workers, MP Doherty says

Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty's bid to expedite passage of his private members bill through the House of Commons fell short on Wednesday.

Doherty needed unanimous support of the House for that to happen when the matter was considered for second reading. Instead, it was advanced to the committee stage for more study, a step the MP called redundant.

The MP is seeking to make an assault against a health care or emergency worker an aggravating factor when the perpetrator is up for sentencing.

"Bill C-321 was born out of the 2019 Health Committee study recommendation. It is not necessary to study this topic again. Every day, first responders and healthcare workers experience unprecedented levels of violence in their workplaces, simply for doing their jobs," Doherty said in a statement.

"Instead of sending the clear message to those on the frontlines that parliamentarians value them and that we want to prioritize their safety; the Liberals and NDP played political games."

If passed, the bill will amend the Criminal Code to consider an assault against a nurse, paramedic, firefighter, or other frontline health care staff an aggravating circumstance during the sentencing of the perpetrator.

Had the bill been expedited, it would have been sent on to the Senate for review.

“Violence should never be a part of the job description," Doherty continued. "Everyone has the right to a safe and respectful work environment. We need to work together, to ensure all nurses, paramedics, firefighters, and other frontline staff are safe at work.”

Debate on Doherty's bill was held on the last day of the parliamentary session. When speaking to the House, Doherty said he has heard talk that parliament will be dissolved or prorogued. If that happens "we will be back at square one with no protections for those who protect us."