Will Bouma
Will Bouma

Bouma’s Private Members Bill on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder included in the Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2019

Bouma’s Private Members Bill on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder included in the Budget

BRANTFORD – Brantford-Brant MPP, Will Bouma has been a leader in raising awareness to dispel the stigma around PTSD. As a volunteer firefighter with over 10 years of service with the County of Brant, he knows all too much about the struggles of post-traumatic stress.

On July 31 2018, he introduced his first Private Members Bill in the Ontario Legislature titled PTSD Awareness Day, 2018. The act would proclaim June 27 in Ontario as PTSD Awareness Day annually and help deal with the stigma attached to the disorder.

“We hear about PTSD a lot these days. We hear it used to describe problems facing the men and women in our armed services, we hear it used to describe the experiences of victims of spousal abuse or playground bullies.” Said Bouma. “PTSD affects those who have been hurt in tragic accidents or other traumatic events.”

Police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, probation and parole officers, nurses, justice sector workers and many others have incredibly difficult jobs and come face to face with difficult situations. Dispelling the stigma of post-traumatic stress disorder is a step in the right direction as we bring PTSD out of the darkness and provide some light to those who suffer from it.

“I know that marking a special day on the calendar isn’t enough when it comes to PTSD. This bill is another way for me to say thank you to our veterans and first responders. To all victims of PTSD, we’re saying, we know what you’re going through and there’s help for you.” Said MPP Bouma.

The Ontario government proposes to adopt this measure within the Budget Bill, proclaiming June 27 of each year as PTSD Awareness Day. This initiative is on page 123 in the document. http://budget.ontario.ca

-30-

For more information, contact MPP Will Bouma at 519-759-0361 or will.bouma@pc.ola.org