IAFF urges Parliament to protect fire fighters and paramedics from rising violence

The IAFF is calling on the Canadian government to introduce legislation to protect the nation’s fire fighters and paramedics, who have increasingly become the targets of threats and violence while on the frontlines protecting their fellow citizens.

In cities across Canada, the list of violent incidents targeting IAFF members is growing, especially in urban centres and while fire fighters and paramedics are responding to medical calls.

In July, a Winnipeg, Man., fire fighter endured a violent attack when he was struck in the face with a metal pole while responding to a vehicle fire. Just days later, the city’s fire fighters had to disarm and restrain an overdose patient who brandished a knife and threatened to kill them. These were just two of 58 reported incidents of violence recorded by Winnipeg fire fighters and paramedics so far in 2025.

Last year, an ambulance was hijacked in Saskatoon, Sask., with two paramedics inside, both of whom were injured and forced off duty. In Montreal, a fire fighter has spent over a decade on long-term disability after enduring trauma from a knife attack. In Vancouver and other cities, fire fighters and paramedics regularly face combative individuals while responding to opioid overdoses.

A survey of IAFF affiliates found that while 13% had reported that a member had been the victim of violence while responding to structure fires within the previous five years, the number jumped to 40% when it came to medical calls. The true scope of the problem is potentially much greater due to lack of centralized data collection and the fact that a majority of incidents likely goes unreported.

“When a fire fighter or paramedic shows up, it’s because someone needs help,” General President Edward Kelly said. “Our members shouldn’t have to worry about being attacked while doing their jobs. It’s time for Parliament to take this threat seriously and strengthen protections under the Criminal Code.”

IAFF advocacy has put the issue on the Canadian Government’s radar in the past. In 2023, in a previous session of parliament, B.C. Conservative MP Todd Doherty introduced Bill C-321, an Act to amend the Criminal Code (assaults against persons who provide health services and first responders).

This IAFF-backed legislation proposed language requiring an assault victim’s status as on on-duty first responder to be considered during sentencing. The bill passed through the House of Commons with unanimous support and was before the Senate for final review when parliament was suspended earlier this year due to a federal election call.

On Sept. 23, similar legislation was introduced in the Senate as Bill S-233 by Conservative Senator Leo Housakos. The new bill must start the legislative process from the beginning.

The IAFF supports private members’ initiatives, such as Bill C-321 and Bill S-233, while emphasizing that the Canadian government, through the Justice Minister, can address the issue directly by introducing its own legislation to amend the Criminal Code to deter these assaults.

IAFF leaders from across Canada will be bringing the issue to Parliament Hill and pushing for legislative action during the 32^nd Canadian Legislative Conference, which takes place Nov. 2-4 in Ottawa. The conference will feature a roundtable of IAFF leaders  discussing acts of violence against their members and the toll it takes on their physical and mental health.

Delegates at the 32^nd Canadian Legislative Conference, which was moved to the fall this year as a result of the spring federal election, will also lobby their MPs and senators to amend the Canadian Aviation Regulations, which fail to meet international standards for airport firefighting.

The conference will be the first to take place since Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal Party were elected to a minority government. Conference registration and other details have been emailed to affiliate Local leaders.