Ontario Proposes Expanded Cancer Coverage for Firefighters

The Ontario government has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at expanding cancer coverage for firefighters. If passed, this legislation would reduce the required service duration for primary-site kidney cancer coverage from 20 to 10 years, the lowest in Canada. Additionally, the proposal includes removing the age limit of 61 for primary-site colorectal cancer diagnosis for firefighters. These changes are intended to facilitate faster access to benefits through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for firefighters, including wildland firefighters and fire investigators.

Currently, firefighters face a cancer mortality rate up to four times higher than the general population. The proposed legislative changes are part of a broader initiative to enhance occupational cancer coverage, which already includes 19 types of cancer under WSIB presumptive coverage. Other proposed changes include reducing the required service duration for primary-site esophageal cancer from 25 to 15 years and for primary-site skin cancer from 15 to 10 years.

The Ontario government has previously expanded coverage to include thyroid and pancreatic cancers and has included wildland firefighters under the same presumptive coverage for occupational cancers, heart injuries, and PTSD as municipal firefighters. These measures are part of the ongoing efforts under the Working for Workers Acts, which aim to improve conditions for workers across the province.