After years of advocacy, the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association (BCPFFA) is celebrating a landmark victory that significantly expands occupational cancer coverage and compensation for more than 5,000 IAFF members in the province.
On March 3, B.C. Premier David Eby and Labour Minister Jennifer Whiteside announced a regulatory change that will add eight cancers to the province’s presumptive regime, bringing the total to 26 covered cancers – a new national benchmark.
The update adds five respiratory cancers – tracheal, bronchial, laryngeal, nasal, and pharyngeal – as well as skin cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, and mesothelioma, a cancer associated with asbestos exposure.
The regulation will also reduce the required years of service to qualify for esophageal cancer coverage from 20 to 15, reflecting a precedent set by the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association in 2023.
The announcement was made before delegates at the BCPFFA’s annual Robert E. Hall Legislative Conference in Victoria.
BCPFFA President Todd Schierling said the expansion recognizes the risks fire fighters face.
“The BCPFFA has been a tireless advocate for these changes, and this is the strongest set of protections in the country,” he said. “It means our members won’t be left fighting the system at the same time they’re fighting cancer.”
Schierling added that the union’s ultimate goal is to prevent occupational illness for all fire fighters, including structural, wildland and Indigenous.
“This comprehensive approach reinforces the provincial government’s unwavering commitment to those who protect the public, ensuring they return home healthy at the end of their service.”
Cancer remains the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service. Strong presumptive laws are an important part of confronting that reality across Canada.
General President Edward kelly
General President Edward Kelly welcomed the announcement.
“Cancer remains the leading cause of line-of-duty deaths in the fire service,” he said. “Strong presumptive laws are an important part of confronting that reality across Canada.”
Eby stated those who protect others deserve to be protected themselves. “Fire fighters so often face hazardous situations. We’re making sure they have support when they need it most.”
Occupational cancer claims the lives of more than 60 Canadian IAFF members each year, including 84 IAFF members in British Columbia over the past 10 years.
Presumptive cancer coverage streamlines the workers’ compensation process by reversing the burden of proof, ensuring fire fighters and their families receive the support and compensation they deserve if they are impacted by occupational cancer.
First enacted in Manitoba in 2002, presumptive legislation for fire fighters is now in place in every province and territory in Canada, covering cancers and other illnesses linked to the profession, including heart disease and post-traumatic stress injury.
B.C.’s first presumptive legislation for fire fighters, established in 2005 with eight forms of cancer, has been updated several times. It also includes coverage for heart injury and operational stress injury.
Sixth District Vice President Mike Carter said the change will have an immediate impact. “This advance will ensure that more fire fighters who get job-related cancers, and their families, get the support and compensation they deserve,” he said.
More information about presumptive laws and the coverage available to fire fighters in each province, territory and state, province and territory is available through the IAFF’s Presumptive Health Initiative.