Canada's largest province of Ontario makes legislative move towards better cancer coverage for firefighters
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The government of the largest province of Canada, Ontario, has introduced legislation which may significantly expand presumptive coverage for firefighters diagnosed with primary-site kidney and colorectal cancer.
If passed, key provisions in the new legislation include reducing the minimum duration of service required for presumptive coverage of primary-site kidney cancer from 20 years to 10 years. This change would set a new national benchmark, making Ontario the province with the shortest duration of service required for such coverage.
Additionally, the proposed legislation will eliminate the age restriction for primary-site colorectal cancer diagnoses, removing the current requirement that a diagnosis must occur before the age of 61.
These measures aim to ensure that firefighters—including municipal, wild land, and fire investigators—can more readily access benefits and support through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). By addressing barriers to compensation, the government is acknowledging the elevated cancer risks firefighters face due to exposure to hazardous substances in the line of duty.
These reforms represent a significant step toward improving the health protections and financial security of Ontario’s firefighting community.
“Firefighters and investigators make major sacrifices to keep our communities, property and families safe and we owe it to them to always have their backs,” said Premier Doug Ford in a press release.
“We’ve already expanded presumptive cancer coverage to reflect the long-term risks firefighters take on as part of their job every day and we’re building on that progress to help our frontline heroes get the coverage they deserve.”
Photo Credit: Illustration showing a Canadian firefighter. By Bjorn Ulfsson / CTIF - Executed by Chat GPT.