Latest news with #firstResponders
CTV News
5 hours ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Calls to amend Criminal Code amid violence against first responders, health-care workers
Firefighters at the scene of a fire in Winnipeg. Uploaded July 29, 2025. (CTV News Winnipeg) An increase in violence against Manitoba first responders and health-care workers has sparked a call to the federal government for assistance. In a joint letter to Attorney General Sean Fraser, two provincial ministers are expressing support on behalf of the Manitoba government for amendments to the Criminal Code of Canada. 'Recent incidents in Winnipeg involving violent attacks against firefighters, paramedics and nurses underscore the urgent need for enhanced legal protections for all first responders and care providers,' reads the letter signed by Matt Wiebe, Manitoba's Minister of Justice and Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care. The letter references Bill C-321, federal legislation that aimed to include assaults against health-care workers and first responders as an aggravating factor during sentencing, adding it 'would have been a step toward addressing these concerns.' Though the legislation received support from the House of Commons in the previous Parliament, it never completed third reading in the Senate prior to prorogation, according to the letter dated July 24. 'This important work ought to be urgently considered for re-introduction,' reads the letter. 'Such an amendment would signal national support for the health, safety and dignity of first responders and healthcare providers and provide a stronger legal foundation to deter violence and safeguard the functioning of essential health and emergency services.' The letter notes that the United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg called for legislative amendments to ensure that 'the penalties for offences against first responders properly reflect the seriousness of these acts.' In a statement from the Department of Justice, a spokesperson acknowledged the proposal for legislative changes but said sentencing courts already take such circumstances into consideration. 'Sentencing courts recognize the need to appropriately denounce and deter acts of violence against firefighters, health-care workers and emergency responders and have considered such circumstances to be aggravating for the purposes of sentencing,' said the statement. 'The Criminal Code further provides it is an aggravating factor for sentencing where an offence was committed against a person who, in the performance of their duties and functions, was providing health services, including personal care services (paragraph 718.2(a)(iii.2)).' -With files from CTV's Daniel Halmarson
CBS News
2 days ago
- CBS News
2-year-old drowns in pool at Stowe Township home
A 2-year-old died after drowning in a pool at a home in Stowe Township, authorities said on Monday night. The Allegheny County Police Department said in a news release that officers were called around 7 p.m. to a home on 12th Street for a reported drowning. When they arrived, first responders found people performing CPR on the child. The 2-year-old was then taken to a local hospital, where they died. Their identity was not released on Monday night. Police said preliminary information shows the child drowned in a neighbor's pool. Law enforcement did not say how the child gained access to the pool. No other information was released on Monday night. Anyone with information can call the county police tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.
CBS News
22-07-2025
- CBS News
One person killed, another injured in head-on crash in North Bethlehem Township
One person was killed and another was injured in an early-morning head-on crash in Washington County. The crash happened just after 5:15 a.m. on Tuesday along Rt. 40 near the intersection with Valleyview Road in North Bethlehem Township, according to dispatchers. One person has died in the crash and another is being flown by medical helicopter from the scene. The extent of their injuries wasn't immediately known, dispatchers said. The road is being closed in both directions as first responders are on the scene and is expected to be shut down for a significant amount of time. Pennsylvania State Police out of the Washington barracks will be leading the investigation into the deadly crash.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Yahoo
Ottawa man dies after falling into the St. Lawrence River
An Ottawa man has died after falling into the St. Lawrence River near Gananoque, Ont., according to Ontario Provincial Police. In a news release Sunday, OPP said their officers got a call just after 6:30 p.m. Saturday that someone had fallen out of a stationary boat on the river. The 20-year-old man likely did not know how to swim and was not wearing a life jacket, according to a police spokesperson. Other people on the boat tried to rescue him, OPP said. The man ended up being underwater for nine minutes before being brought to the surface. First responders tried to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said they would not release the man's identity. Their investigation is ongoing. Gananoque is around 30 kilometres northeast of downtown Kingston, Ont.
CBC
20-07-2025
- CBC
Ottawa man dies after falling into the St. Lawrence River
An Ottawa man has died after falling into the St. Lawrence River near Gananoque, Ont., according to Ontario Provincial Police. In a news release Sunday, OPP said their officers got a call just after 6:30 p.m. Saturday that someone had fallen out of a stationary boat on the river. The 20-year-old man likely did not know how to swim and was not wearing a life jacket, according to a police spokesperson. Other people on the boat tried to rescue him, OPP said. The man ended up being underwater for nine minutes before being brought to the surface. First responders tried to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful, police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said they would not release the man's identity. Their investigation is ongoing. Gananoque is around 30 kilometres northeast of downtown Kingston, Ont.
