Monthly Archives: May 2011
Fire Fighter Cancer Legislation
Local 3021 Spruce Grove Firefighters with Premier Ed Stelmach and Minister for Employment and Immigration Thomas Lukasuk supporting the new additions to presumptive fire fighter cancer legislation.
Alberta Fire Fighters Receive Enhanced WCB Cancer Coverage
List of cancers eligible for coverage among the best in Canada
Alberta’s firefighters have more work-related coverage than ever before now that four more cancers are being added to the list of cancers with presumptive WCB coverage.
The four cancers added to the presumptive coverage list are prostate, breast, skin and multiple myeloma, bringing the total to 14. If a firefighter is diagnosed with these, or any of the other 10 cancers on the list, and the firefighter meets the exposure criteria, the cancer is presumed to be work related.
“Our firefighters dedicate their careers to protecting us,” said Minister Thomas Lukaszuk, speaking to the Alberta Fire Fighters Association annual convention in Calgary. “We have an obligation to do what we can to protect them - and that’s what we’re doing. Alberta firefighters, along with those in Manitoba, now have access to the most comprehensive list of presumptive cancers in all of Canada.”
Although there are many factors that can contribute to the risk of contracting cancer, firefighters are at greater risk than the general public of being exposed to a variety of toxic or cancer-causing agents when they approach burning buildings. In May 2010, esophageal and testicular cancer were added to the list of cancers considered to be “presumptive” or presumed to be work related without requiring proof.
WCB-Alberta provides compensation to all covered workers if they are injured or contract an illness as a result of work. More information on WCB presumptive coverage of cancers for firefighters can be found online at: wcb.ab.ca/pdfs/workers/WFS_Firefighters_with_cancer.pdf
The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening our health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.
