David Reed, a Canadian Armed Forces veteran and advanced care paramedic, has spent years advocating for the creation of such a medal. He joined Saskatchewan NDP Policing, Corrections and Public Safety Shadow Minister Nicole Sarauer at the Legislature today to press the government to take action.
If adopted, the medal would be the first of its kind in Canada.
“There’s no way to fully repay the sacrifices our police, paramedics, and firefighters make to keep us safe — but that shouldn’t stop us from trying,” said Sarauer. “Families who’ve lost loved ones in the line of duty deserve lasting recognition they can carry forward for generations.”
Reed’s campaign has earned the formal backing of key first responder groups, including the Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers, the Paramedic Services Chiefs of Saskatchewan, and the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police.
Despite this broad support, Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Tim McLeod rejected the proposal in a letter to MLA Sarauer — offering instead to pursue a memorial.
“We can and should do both,” said Sarauer. “A medal is personal. It’s something a family can hold, display, and pass down. That kind of recognition matters.”
The Saskatchewan NDP is urging the Sask. Party to reconsider its position and commit to a medal for first responders.
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