The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN) commends the Government of Ontario for committing to introduce legislation that, if passed, will ensure wildland firefighters have the same presumptive WSIB coverage for cancers, heart injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that other firefighters do. The proposed legislation also includes positive steps for early cancer detection. Firefighters will only need to meet a ten-year service requirement to be eligible
Category: Firefighters and Cancer
Ontario to Expand Cancer Coverage to Wildland Firefighters
The following release is from the Government of Ontario. To read more about CCSN’s work on this critical topic, visit our Firefighting and Cancer page. NEWS RELEASE Ontario Strengthening Protections for Firefighters Province expanding coverage for occupational cancer, heart injuries, and PTSD to help safeguard the health and safety of frontline heroes April 29, 2024 Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development BRANTFORD –
Rising Wildfires, Rising Injustice: The Battle for Fair Compensation for Firefighters
In a startling revelation, forest and wildland firefighters across the country find themselves not only battling rampant wildfires but also an unjust system that denies them fair access to compensation in cases of job-related cancer diagnoses. In 2022, wildfires scorched 1,379,632 hectares of Canadian land. However, the situation took a dramatic turn in 2023, with wildfires engulfing a staggering 16,441,400 hectares, representing an astonishing 1,091%
Cancer Can’t Wait: Governments from across Canada should expedite the implementation of a new cancer framework for Canadian firefighters
New federal legislation aims to protect firefighters from cancer. OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 5, 2023 /CNW/ – The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN) is urging governments across the nation to make good on their promise to protect firefighters from cancer. “As we’ve said before, Cancer Can’t Wait,” says CCSN President & CEO Jackie Manthorne. “During COVID-19 we witnessed the interruption of cancer care delivery to patients.
New Legislation Aims to Tackle Firefighter Cancer
( Left to Right: Nir Hagigi, CCSN Public Policy Analyst; Senator Hassan Yussuff; Lindsay Timm, CCSN Community Engagement Manager; Gabriel McDonald, CCSN Social Policy Researcher ) We have discussed before about the dangers of Firefighting as a profession, and now the federal government is helping mitigate those risks. On June 22nd, Bill C-224 received royal assent and was put into law. The bill is called
Ontario Expanding Cancer Coverage for Firefighters
The following is a press release from the Government of Ontario. TORONTO — The Ontario government is working for workers by expanding cancer coverage for firefighters. These changes will make it faster and easier for these heroes and their families to access the compensation and supports they deserve for thyroid and pancreatic cancers from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). “In every community, firefighters