Proposed changes would expand workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters

The Provincial Government is proposing changes to workers’ compensation legislation that would expand presumptive coverage for wildland and volunteer firefighters and remove the age restriction for colon cancer coverage.

Bill 32, which would amend the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act, 2022, advanced to second reading in the House of Assembly.

The proposed amendments would extend presumptive workers’ compensation coverage to wildland and volunteer firefighters, recognizing the occupational risks associated with their work.

Under presumptive coverage, certain occupational diseases or conditions are presumed to be work-related when legislative requirements are met. This can reduce the burden on firefighters and their families to establish a connection between an illness and their work when applying for compensation benefits.

The legislation would also remove the existing age restriction for presumptive coverage for colon cancer among firefighters.

Wildland and volunteer firefighters can face prolonged exposure to smoke, extreme heat and difficult terrain while working in unpredictable and rapidly changing conditions. The government says the occupational risks can continue beyond the immediate dangers of fighting fires.

The proposed amendments are intended to make the workers’ compensation system more responsive to the risks firefighters face and provide a clearer path to benefits when they develop recognized occupational diseases or conditions.