The addition of six new types of cancer to the list of those deemed occupational in Quebec fire fighters is a welcome advance that brings the province closer to the national average for Canadian provinces and territories.
With presumptive coverage for brain cancer, colorectal cancer, leukemia, esophageal cancer, breast cancer and testicular cancer coverage made official on April 11, Quebec now recognizes 15 types of cancer as occupational for the purpose of workers’ compensation benefits.
“Although we are still lagging behind some Canadian provinces including Alberta, Saskatchewan Ontario and certain territories, Quebec has made giant strides in this area in the name of justice and respect for all our fire fighters who risk their lives to save those of citizens,” said Chris Ross, Montreal, QC Local 125 president and 15th District Vice President.
Ross, who was instrumental in advocating for the added coverage, says he is thankful to the Quebec government and in particular to Labour Minister Jean Boulet. Ross adds that he will continue to advocate for additional occupational disease coverage for Quebec fire fighters.
Since Manitoba became the first to establish presumptive cancer legislation for fire fighters in 2002, all 13 provinces and territories now offer the protection, which facilitates compensation when fire fighters are diagnosed with cancers after a specified number of years on the job. Most provinces also include presumptions for heart injuries and post-traumatic stress injury.
Cancer is the greatest threat we face on the job. We must do everything we can to end this epidemic in the fire service – and until that day, we have to ensure that our members have the benefits they need if they develop occupational cancer.”
General president edward kelly
Saskatchewan currently lists 22 cancers in its presumptive regime, while Alberta includes 20. Several other jurisdictions, including Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Yukon and Newfoundland and Labrador, cover 19 cancers.
“Cancer is the greatest threat we face on the job,” said General President Edward Kelly. “We must do everything we can to end this epidemic in the fire service – and until that day, we have to ensure that our members have the benefits they need if they develop occupational cancer.”
The IAFF represents close to 2,500 fire fighters in Quebec who are members of Montreal Local 125 and Shawinigan Local 5209.
Detailed information about fire fighter occupational disease coverage in Canada and the United States is available online through the IAFF Presumptive Health Initiative.
