About the First Responders Day Act
As per the First Responders Day Act, which was enacted in 2013, May 1st of each year is recognized as First Responders Day in Ontario. First Responders Day recognizes the valuable contributions of those who protect and preserve life, property and the environment during emergencies, which includes: police officers, firefighters, military personnel, paramedics, medical evacuation pilots, dispatchers, nurses, doctors, emergency medical technicians and emergency managers.
OAEM 3rd Annual Tribute - May 2024
Tribute messages from Caroline Mulroney, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for Emergency Management, Solicitor General Michael Kerzner and Wayne Gates, Member of Provincial Parliament for the Niagara Falls Riding (Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake).
"Every day thousands of Ontarians put their lives on the line for the safety of our communities," said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. First Responders Day provides an opportunity for the entire province to reflect and appreciate those who put in countless hours of stress and sacrifice for the sake of protecting our province including police, fire, paramedics and more. These individuals deserve our sincere gratitude and unyielding respect.
-Solicitor General Michael Kerzner
"It has been one of the highlights of my ten years and four terms as the Member of Provincial Parliament for the Niagara Falls Riding to be able to honor the commitments and sacrifice our firefighters, paramedics, police officers, and all first responders make, here in Niagara and across the province. First Responders are the backbone of our communities, courageously facing danger to protect and save lives every day.
I have been honored to take part in so many special events with our first responders, such as the Tour Paramedic Ride for a National Monument for Paramedics who have lost their lives in the line of duty, or working to support local non-profit and social service organizations with our Niagara Falls Professional Firefighters, or attending the unveiling of the Line of Duty Memorial in Niagara Falls. I have also been honored, as a legislator, to introduce important reforms at Queen’s Park to support our first responders, such as the ‘Justice for Victims of Occupational Disease Act’, or to work with my colleague MPP Jeff Burch on legislation to introduce changes to WSIB to allow more firefighters to access cancer care coverage with the Captain Bowman Act - honoring a local firefighter and hero, Captain Craig Bowman.
On this First Responder's Day, let us honor their unwavering dedication and sacrifice. They are the true heroes among us. As elected officials and leaders, we must do more to support our first responders in both their personal and professional lives, whether it is creating safer workplaces, ensuring they have access to the health care and benefits they need, supporting mental health initiatives and recognizing the impact their service has on their mental health, and honoring the sacrifices of those we have lost."
- Wayne Gates, Member of Provincial Parliament for the Niagara Falls Riding (Fort Erie & Niagara-on-the-Lake)
2nd Annual Tribute - May 1, 2023
Premier Doug Ford's Tribute Message
Click here to view Premier Doug Ford's message regarding First Responders Day.
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones Tribute Message Click here to view Solicitor General Sylvia Jones' message regarding First Responders Day.
Inaurgual Annual Tribute - May 1, 2022