The mission to significantly expand Manitoba’s coverage for cancer and other diseases linked to firefighting took an important step forward June 24 during a key meeting between the IAFF and senior provincial government officials.
Evidence in support of a major expansion of the province’s current presumptions was presented to Labour Minister Malaya Marcelino and other provincial officials during a two-hour meeting, held in advance of a review of the province’s Workers Compensation Act. Among those at the table was Winnipeg fire fighter and elected member of the legislative assembly (MLA) David Pankratz.
Winnipeg Local 867 President Nick Kasper, who is leading the charge on behalf of the Manitoba Professional Fire Fighters Association (MPFFA), said details of the association’s specific asks must remain confidential for now. But, he said the goal is clear: make Manitoba a world leader in presumptions for occupational diseases linked to firefighting.
Kasper said he was encouraged by the meeting and hopes that it will result in favourable legislation for Manitoba fire fighters and their families. He also thanked the Manitoba NDP Government and Minister Marcelino for their willingness to “listen, engage and work collaboratively” on the issue.
The MPFFA is receiving key support from the IAFF’s Medical Assistance Program team including Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan Whu, MD, MPH, Physician Assistant Chris Pecori and Ottawa, ON Local 162 Executive Board member Neil McMillan, who were in Winnipeg for the meeting.
Kasper said he is grateful to have the Medical Assistance Program and its resources at the association’s disposal with the support of General President Edward Kelly.
“It’s a game-changer. Having the expertise, the experience and the resources that were afforded to us by the International really strengthened our submission, and put the necessary evidence in front of them,” he said. “I don’t think we could have accomplished that without the support of the Medical Assistance Program.”
Manitoba is the birthplace of presumptive cancer coverage in Canada. The province enacted coverage for five cancers in 2002 as a result of lobbying by the Manitoba Professional Fire Fighters Association and Winnipeg Local 867, setting the stage for broad coverage that now exists in all 10 Canadian provinces and three territories.
The province, which has five municipal IAFF locals and 1,614 members, has expanded its coverage several times since then following advocacy from IAFF affiliates and currently covers 19 cancers as well as heart injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Having the expertise, the experience and the resources that were afforded to us by the International really strengthened our submission, and put the necessary evidence in front of them.
Winnipeg MB Local 867 president nick kasper
Expanding occupational disease coverage will allow fire fighters to focus on being proactive instead of reactive, with preventive medical screenings and follow-up health care, Kasper said. The Local has implemented a comprehensive fire fighter health screening program that includes blood work, mental health screening, breast exams and mammograms, Pap tests, EKGs, chest X-ray, spirometry, colonoscopies, stress echocardiograms, dermatological screenings, and any follow-up diagnostics.
The program, which has already resulted in early diagnoses and intervention for Winnipeg fire fighters, is open to all active and retired members. So far, more than 600 have registered, with the goal of expanding it to all Manitoba fire fighters.
Manitoba fire fighters have an excellent relationship with the province’s New Democratic Party (NDP) Government, Premier Wab Kinew and Minister Marcelino, and Kasper says having Pankratz in the government is a major asset.
“His influence is tremendous,” Kasper said, adding that his presence speaks to the importance of fire fighter political action. Pankratz won his seat in a swing riding by a narrow margin with assistance from Local 867.
Details about individual state, provincial and territorial occupational disease coverage for fire fighters are available online through the IAFF Presumptive Health Initiative.
