24/04/2023 

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg MB – Yesterday the Legislature unanimously passed Bill 200, the Firefighters Recognition Day Act and has received royal assent today.

NDP MLA David Pankratz, who sponsored this bill and served as a firefighter before being elected, said his bill will help to celebrate the dedication and resilience of firefighters in Manitoba.  

“Manitoba firefighters are there for people across the province in some of the most challenging moments of their lives, and put themselves in harms way to keep us safe," said MLA Pankratz. "By coming together each year on May 4 to recognize their sacrifices and honour their work, my hope is we can also help to end the stigma around seeking mental health care.”. 

Yesterday, Pankratz hosted Manitoba’s first responder community and delivered a statement that honoured fallen fighter Preston Heinbigner’s family, his life and his sacrifice.  

“I am sincerely grateful by this bill and the formal appreciation it gives to all Manitoba firefighters,” said UFFW President, Tom Bilous. “In light of recent events, we are lucky to live in a province where the Government has our backs and is willing to be part of the solution that addresses the mental health challenges that we firefighters often face.”