FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2024
Updated October 16, 2024
Further details on expanding presumptive coverage under WCB for fire fighters
BC Conservative Party, John Rustad sends letter to BCPFFA President Schierling promising to address improving Cancer Coverage under the Worker’s Compensation Act, to include “All forms of Cancer” and reduce the cumulative employment period to 2 years.
It’s great to see the BC Conservative Party joining the commitment to protect firefighters and their families by improving presumptive coverage. Having this bipartisan support across the legislative assembly reflects the broad recognition of the importance of firefighter health and safety. With commitments from both sides, it strengthens the efforts to address critical issues like presumptive cancer coverage and reinforces the value of the work firefighters do in the community.
- BCPFFA President Todd Schierling
Photo Taken July 10, 2024
Left to Right: BCPFFA President Schierling, Premier Eby, L1271 President Lattanzio, MLA Mike Starchuk Surrey-Cloverdale
On October 16th, BC NDP candidate Mike Starchuk (Surrey-Cloverdale) has announced that if elected, the BC NDP will expand presumptive coverage for firefighters who experience higher rates of cancer.
Working with the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, the BC NDP would expand presumptive coverage for “all cancer types,” set the cumulative employment periods for these cancer types at 2 years, and collaborate with the federal government on implementing a National Framework of Bill C224 on Cancers linked to Firefighting. Read more…
“As a former firefighter, I’ve seen dear friends and colleagues find out they have cancer,” said Starchuk. “It takes a devastating emotional toll on the person and their loved ones. Getting the care and time off they need doesn’t have to be an added worry.”
"This is a significant step forward in safeguarding firefighters and their families. Expanding presumptive cancer coverage to all cancer types, reducing cumulative employment periods and collaborating on the national framework through the recent Federal Bill C-224 ensures firefighters get the recognition and support they need. We thank the NDP and David Eby for their commitment to our members' health and safety." - BCPFFA President Todd Schierling
BC NDP party platform announcement
Expand presumptive WCB coverage for firefighters who experience higher rates of cancer due to exposure to hazards
Source: https://www.bcndp.ca/actionplan
October 3, 2024: The announcement from BC NDP’s party platform about expanding presumptive coverage under WCB for fire fighters is a significant step towards protecting those who face higher rates of cancer due to their exposure to hazardous conditions at fire scenes. Fire fighters are regularly exposed to toxic chemicals, including carcinogens, that put them at an increased risk for various forms of cancer. Expanding presumptive coverage ensures that when a fire fighter is diagnosed with cancer linked to their occupation, they can more easily access compensation and support without having to go through the onerous process of linking their cancer to a specific acute exposure.
This commitment aligns with ongoing efforts to acknowledge and address the occupational risks firefighters face, and it represents a commitment to improving the safety net for those who dedicate themselves to public safety, often at great personal risk. - BCPFFA President Todd Schierling
Expanding this coverage is crucial to ensuring the well-being of firefighters and providing them and their families with the support they need when facing life-altering diagnoses.
This announcement resonates with the broader advocacy efforts for improving fire fighter health protections, including the push for recognition of other occupational diseases and stress injuries.
- Secretary Treasurer Brian Catinus
The BCPFFA continues to be advocates by informing the members of the legislative assembly in ways to safeguard fire fighters in BC from occupational risks. Learn more here about our Legislative advocacy.
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BCPFFA President Todd Schierling
T: 604.436.2053
E: president@bcpffa.org
About the BCPFFA
The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters' Association (BCPFFA) is the organization that represents professional fire fighters in British Columbia. It is dedicated to advancing the rights, working conditions, and overall welfare of fire fighters across the province. The BCPFFA advocates for issues such as occupational health and safety, including cancer prevention and mental health support for fire fighters, as well as improvements in legislation and policies that affect their members.