Ontario is set to introduce legislation that would expand presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters, reducing the required years of service for kidney cancer claims from 20 to 10 — the lowest requirement in Canada — and removing the age limit of 61 for colorectal cancer diagnoses.
The proposed changes aim to make it faster and easier for firefighters, including wildland firefighters and fire investigators, to access benefits through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
“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.
Presumptive coverage under the WSIB streamlines the assessment of certain claims by presuming the injury or occupational disease is work-related. Firefighters die of cancer at a rate up to four times higher than the general population, according to provincial data.
“While some people run away from danger, firefighters, investigators and volunteers run towards it. These heroes keep our families and communities safe, and they deserve a government that values their service and sacrifice,” said David Piccini, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development.
The proposed legislation builds on previous measures to protect firefighters, including expanding coverage to include primary-site thyroid and pancreatic cancers, and reducing service duration requirements for esophageal and skin cancers.
Greg Horton, president of the Ontario Professional Firefighters Association, welcomed the announcement. “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,” he said.
Deputy Chief Rob Grimwood, president of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, also expressed support. “This government’s commitment to the early detection and prevention of firefighter occupational cancer, and taking care of firefighters who have been diagnosed, or sadly succumbed to occupational illness, is incredibly commendable,” he said.
The proposed changes are part of a larger package to be unveiled in the coming weeks, aiming to grow Ontario’s workforce, support workers and their families, and keep costs down for businesses.
