Today we are thrilled to celebrate another milestone in firefighter health and safety. We started the year with 4 priorities regarding firefighter cancer coverage, and today the final 2 have been addressed by the government.  

The Ontario government will soon introduce legislation that, if passed, will expand presumptive coverage for firefighters in the case of primary-site kidney cancer by reducing the required duration of service from 20 to 10 years – the lowest in Canada. The province will also propose to remove the requirement that a firefighter’s primary-site colorectal diagnosis must be made before the age of 61. These changes will ensure that firefighters can access their WSIB benefits more easily. 

Greg Horton, President of the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association, commented “This year has been pivotal for firefighter presumptive coverage legislation in Ontario.  I am thrilled that today, the government announced legislative amendments addressing kidney cancer and colorectal cancer. 

On behalf of the OPFFA, I extend heartfelt thanks to Premier Ford and his government for these impactful changes. Reducing the required duration of employment from 20 to 10 years for kidney cancer and eliminating the 61-year age limit on presumptive eligibility for colorectal cancer are significant milestones. These important revisions are seminal and ensure that all firefighters who develop these occupational cancers while safeguarding Ontarians, will have better access to the support and coverage they need.”  

Why is this legislation important?   

• Firefighters die of cancer at a rate 2-4x higher than the general population.  

• Unlike other workers, firefighters cannot refuse work in dangerous and hazardous conditions where they are exposed toxic carcinogens.  

• Shortening the latency period allows firefighters who develop kidney cancers to access life-saving benefits and compensation more quickly. 

• The elimination of the 61-year age limit on presumptive eligibility for colorectal cancer means that retired firefighters are now rightfully protected for the work they did during active duty. 

“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. “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.”

Read more here: Ontario Expanding Cancer Coverage for Firefighters | Ontario Newsroom.