Doherty’s Bill Up for 3rd Reading
Prince George, B.C.- Bill C-211, a private member’s bill brought forth by Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty returns to the House of Commons today for third reading.
If the members of the House grant third reading, the Bill, which calls on the Government to develop a national framework on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder treatment for veterans, armed forces members and first responders, would then be put to the Standing Committee on Health for review.
The Bill passed 2nd reading on Monday. MP Doherty spoke with first responders and veterans who were in the gallery at the time of that second reading “I said, if you are a football fan we are 3rd and goal. We still have to get this to the vote, and to committee for review and any revisions there area.”
Doherty expects thee will be changes to his bill, ” I hope that whatever revisions there are, that it doesn’t water down the intent of the bill, that it only strengthens and continues to hold this government and any successive governments, responsible to our great men and women.”
Doherty is aware there are a number of health programs already in place to address issues that may be a result of PTSD such as family violence and child abuse, but says the framework he is pushing for “would make sure we have that cohesive and consistent framework or strategy is in place nationally so it helps those provincially that are delivering these programs, or organizations that are delivering these programs. It will be interesting to see, there’s been a lot of work that’s been done even in the year since we tabled the bill, just how much we’ve come forward with the dialogue and the conversation, so it will be interesting to see how we move forward.”
He notes the Public Safety Committee’s report tabled late last year, also talked about a national framework.
“This is a non partisan issue” says Doherty “I think we need to make sure that whatever revisions are put in place, makes sure to hold this, or any other, government’s feet to the fire.”
He says there has been a lot of study already done to get to this point, ” We can now get our feet on the ground and get moving.”
Comments
Hope to hell that ‘first ‘responders incorporates Corrections, maybe search and rescue, and a few other silent professions that are usually ignored as they are not in the spotlight. If it is just a select few he can jam his bill far as I am conerned!
Maybe a tad too harsh as it is a positive start, just don’t forget. And if I run into him, which I sometimes do, I will ask him about this bill and its specifics.
What a difference between Doherty and Zimmer. Todd’s doing the right thing and Zimmer should join the Liberal Party.
Good point, so will I.
You can review the bill and all its specifics on line, no big deal. Look it up and do some reading.
Actually it is a private members bill and the member writes it up and submits the bill for reading and if it passes the 3 required readings in the house and senate it generally goes to a committee to clean it up and add or subtract before being submitted a final time for discussion before it is made into law.
Remember Jay Hill’s private members bill about drunk driving that was made into law it went through several changes before made into law I expect Todd’s bill will receive similar treatment
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