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 for presumptive coverage for skin cancer. This reduction from the current fifteen years makes Ontario a leader in Canada for firefighter health and safety.
Firefighting is classified as a group-1 carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. This means firefighters routinely face harmful chemicals, diesel exhaust, and the added stress of shift work – all factors directly linked to an increased risk of cancer. CCSN welcomes Ontario’s announcement and looks forward to collaborating on further protections for these brave individuals.
CCSN has long been a leading voice for occupational safety, and has worked extensively with organizations, individuals, and governments at all levels to push legislation that will protect firefighters. We were proud to see the passing of Bill C-224, the National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act, on June 22nd, 2023. This landmark legislation, championed by MP Sherry Romanado, is a major step forward in ensuring firefighters have the protections they deserve.
The legislation includes an action plan put forward by the Government of Canada in 2021 to protect firefighters from harmful chemicals. Key measures focus on protecting firefighters from harmful chemicals, such as banning hazardous flame retardants and investing in safer alternatives. The plan also emphasizes research, best practices, and raising awareness. In response, CCSN established a list of recommendations for the federal government to consider when implementing and strengthening the Framework:
- Implement and enforce stricter exposure limits for carcinogens encountered by firefighters.
- Develop workplace-specific toxic use reduction policies and encourage the use of safer technologies.
- Establish a registry of workplace exposures to track them over time.
- Enhance workplace safety training with a focus on prevention and identification of carcinogens, along with training on spotting the early symptoms of cancer and when to seek medical advice.
- Add more research funding into investigating the link between firefighting and cancer so areas of improvement can be found.
- Streamline and standardize the process for recognizing occupational cancer and make compensation and treatment equitable across the board.
- Review the effectiveness of these policies on a regular basis.
- Collaborate with international partners to learn best practices from other countries.
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 per cent increase in less than a year. With these worrying statistics, CCSN began working on ensuring that all firefighters, whether they are structural or wildland firefighters, have access to presumptive coverage.
Despite overwhelming scientific evidence linking wildfire exposure to higher cancer risks, these brave individuals see themselves excluded from presumptive legislation that recognizes and identifies cancer as an occupational disease across Canada.
While an estimated 5,500 wildland firefighters previously lacked presumptive WSIB coverage, Ontario’s announcement brings this number down to approximately 4,500. This represents a significant 20 per cent reduction, ensuring greater protection for these courageous individuals.
Although the government is beginning to take the right steps, there still remains some large concerns for firefighter safety, namely the lack of proper breathing equipment for wildland firefighters in Ontario. These brave individuals are currently advised to rely on soaked bandanas or positioning themselves upwind, which offers limited protection from harmful smoke and carcinogens. Mark Belanger, a veteran firefighter with OPSEU Local 713, spoke to the Globe and Mail and highlighted the urgency of the situation. He said that he has witnessed firsthand colleagues develop cancer and emphasizes the need for Ontario to equip wildland firefighters with the same level of protection as their municipal counterparts.
CCSN remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure all firefighters – municipal, structural, wildland, volunteer, etc. – receive the full protections they deserve. These brave individuals risk their lives for our safety, and we must ensure they have the resources and support needed to maintain their health and well-being.
We must protect them, so that they can protect us.