Firefighters report a rise in violence on duty — IAFF calls for stronger federal protections
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Firefighters across Canada are reporting increasing levels of violence while responding to emergencies, prompting renewed calls for federal action to strengthen legal protections for first responders.
A national survey of 117 fire departments found that 40 per cent of firefighters experienced an assault in the past five years, according to Edward Kelly, president of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
Kelly was quoted in City News saying incidents range from verbal abuse to physical attacks, including a Toronto firefighter who was bitten by a patient, and 58 violent incidents reported in Winnipeg in 2025 alone. He warned that the true number is likely higher due to under‑reporting.
In a post on IAFF's home page in October 2025, a survey of IAFF affiliates was referenced which found that while 13% had reported that a member had been the victim of violence while responding to structure fires within the previous five years, the number jumped to 40% when it came to medical calls.
However, the true scope of the problem is, according to IAFF, potentially much greater due to lack of centralized data collection and the fact that a majority of incidents likely goes unreported.
“When a fire fighter or paramedic shows up, it’s because someone needs help,” General President Edward Kelly said. “Our members shouldn’t have to worry about being attacked while doing their jobs. It’s time for Parliament to take this threat seriously and strengthen protections under the Criminal Code.”
The IAFF says the rise in violence mirrors incidents seen in the United States, including cases where firefighters have been shot or fatally stabbed while responding to emergencies.
The union argues that assaults on fire and EMS personnel should carry harsher penalties, similar to those already applied when police officers or transit workers are attacked. IAFF leadership says first responders are increasingly facing threats, aggression, and physical harm on emergency calls, and calls on lawmakers to act quickly to ensure their safety.
Kelly travelled to Ottawa in November to urge lawmakers to advance proposed Criminal Code amendments that would classify assaults on firefighters and paramedics as aggravating factors during sentencing. The measures appear in both the federal government’s bail and sentencing reform bill and a Senate opposition bill.
Firefighters’ unions in other regions have echoed the call for stronger protections, citing similar increases in verbal and physical assaults on first responders.
Kelly has been pushing for reforms now embedded in two separate bills: the Liberal government’s bail‑sentencing and reform act, and a Senate Opposition bill. Both would amend the Criminal Code to extend to firefighters the same enhanced protections already afforded to police and transit workers.
The Senate bill, introduced in September, has yet to reach debate in the House of Commons. The government’s bail reform legislation, tabled by Justice Minister Sean Fraser in October, has cleared second reading and is currently under committee review.
In a statement, the Department of Justice said it “recognizes the importance of protecting emergency personnel from acts of violence,” adding that all workers deserve a safe environment.
Kelly said the IAFF hopes to see both measures passed.
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Further Reading:
https://fireandsafetyjournalamericas.com/iaff-canada-firefighters