May 27, 2008
VICTORIA – The Province has added primary site testicular cancer to the list of cancers recognized as occupational diseases for firefighters, Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Olga Ilich announced today at the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association’s biennial convention.
Ilich also announced the Province’s intention to add primary site lung cancer in non-smokers, subject to a legislative amendment.
“We have the utmost respect for the selfless and often dangerous work our firefighters perform on a daily basis to protect British Columbians,” said Ilich. “A career spent entering toxic environments can result in life-threatening cancers. It’s important we recognize these increased risks our firefighters face.”
The Firefighters Occupational Disease Regulation recognizes certain types of cancers as occupational diseases associated with long-term employment as a firefighter. Full-time, volunteer, part-time and paid on-call firefighters qualify for this coverage.
“I’m delighted that the Province has acted so quickly on our request that these additional cancers be recognized as risks for firefighters,” said Al Leier, president of the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association. “This is another example of government’s support for our members, and I’m very pleased that firefighters who are diagnosed with these cancers can concentrate on their health and not on having to prove that it was their work that caused their illness.”
In 2005, the B.C. government first recognized certain cancers as occupational diseases linked to firefighting. Those cancers already recognized are: primary site brain cancer, primary site bladder cancer, primary site kidney cancer, primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, primary site ureter cancer, primary site colorectal cancer and primary leukemia.
Firefighters Benefit from Additional Cancer Coverage |
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