Death of Winnipeg firefighter prompts calls for more mental health supports
A Winnipeg firefighter's tragic death is prompting calls for more mental health support in Manitoba.
Preston Heinbigner is being remembered as a loving husband and father, and will be recognized in the Manitoba legislature next week.
Flags at fire stations across Winnipeg are at half-mast to honour the life of Heinbigner, who was a firefighter for 17 years.
Advocates say they are hearing from first responders at an unprecedented rate. While they say it's a step toward eradicating the stigma surrounding support seekers, people like Heinbigner need those supports sooner.
"In our world, our job, we see things that are unnatural. And we get put in situations that are unnatural, sometimes for extended periods. And these things can have a negative effect on our members," said Tom Bilous, the president of the United Firefighters of Winnipeg.
Bilous said Heinbigner's death has rocked Winnipeg's firefighter community to the core.
"We need more resources, more mental health responses. We need the capacity to see more of our members in a timely fashion."
Advocates also want to make it more socially acceptable to ask for help.
"It's OK to not feel OK," said Scott Maxwell, the executive director of Wounded Warriors Canada. "It's OK to maybe struggle with what they've done as a trauma exposed professional person."
According to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS), psychological claims made by members to the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba have been on the rise in recent years, with 118 claims made in 2023.
"I think that's just the tip of the iceberg," said Bilous. "I think the number is far higher than that, and that is very concerning."
The Manitoba government said it's committed to supporting first responders, but wouldn't say how it plans to do that.
"As of right now, the focus for me is on the member's statements," said Waverley MLA David Pankratz. "Bringing community together, and making sure that we're really honouring Preston and his family."
The WFPS and United Firefighters of Winnipeg say they are working together to support Heinbigner's family during this incredibly difficult time.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.
3 law officers serving warrant are killed, 5 wounded in shootout at North Carolina home, police say
Three officers on a U.S. Marshals Task Force serving a warrant for a felon wanted for possessing a firearm were killed and five other officers were wounded in a shootout Monday at a North Carolina home, police said.
'Shocked and concerned': Calgary principal charged with possession of child pornography
A Calgary elementary school principal has been charged with possession of child pornography, authorities announced Monday.
Health authority confirms cockroaches at B.C. hospital, insists they 'do not bite'
The Vancouver Island Health Authority is downplaying what staff describe as a cockroach infestation in a medical unit of Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
Toronto police arrest 12 people, lay 102 charges in major credit card fraud scheme
Toronto police say 12 people are facing a combined 102 charges in connection with an investigation into a major credit fraud scheme.
Winner of US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot is an immigrant from Laos who has cancer
One of the winners of a historic US$1.3 billion Powerball jackpot last month is an immigrant from Laos who has had cancer for eight years and had his latest chemotherapy treatment last week.
Britney and Jamie Spears settlement avoids long, potentially ugly and revealing trial
Britney Spears and her father Jamie Spears will avoid what could have been a long, ugly and revealing trial with a settlement of the lingering issues in the court conservatorship that controlled her life and financial decisions for nearly 14 years.
WATCH 'Double whammy': What happens if you don't file your taxes by the deadline
The clock is ticking ahead of the deadline to file a 2023 income tax return. A personal finance expert explains why you should get them done -- even if you owe more than you can pay.