Winnipeg’s firefighters and paramedics should have the same legal protections as police officers, says Mayor Scott Gillingham, who is urging the federal government to amend the Criminal Code. A motion unanimously endorsed by Executive Policy Committee today demands that Ottawa act now, following the failure of previous legislation to be fully approved before Parliament was dissolved.
Gillingham’s motion calls on Ottawa to give paramedics and firefighters the same personal safety protections as peace officers, and to increase penalties for aggravated assaults against first responders. It also directs the City to advocate for these changes through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM).
“Paramedics and firefighters run toward danger every day to protect and save lives. They deserve to know that their country’s laws will protect them in return,” said Gillingham. “We’ve seen too many incidents of violence against these professionals in Winnipeg and across Canada, and it’s time for stronger measures that reflect the risks they face on the job.”
So far in 2025, the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service has reported at least 58 incidents of paramedics or firefighters being physically assaulted or threatened while responding to emergencies. In one recent case, a firefighter was assaulted while working to extinguish a fire.
The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg (UFFW) and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) have joined WFPS leadership in calling for updated laws to better protect their members.
“When first responders are under threat, the safety of everyone they serve is at risk,” said Gillingham. “That’s why I’m asking Council to speak with one voice and call for change at the federal level.”
If adopted by Council, the resolution will be sent to the Prime Minister, the federal and provincial Ministers of Justice, local Members of Parliament, and municipal associations across Canada.