Cancer compensation benefits expanded for Alberta firefighters
CALGARY – Alberta firefighters facing heightened cancer risks on the job, will soon have expanded benefits
There are currently more than 14,000 full-time, part-time, casual and volunteer firefighters in the province. Of that number, about 0 per cent are volunteers, and eight per cent are women.
The Firefighters’ Primary Site Cancer Regulation came into effect in 2003 and is part of the Workers` Compensation Act. It states that firefighters suffering from a primary site cancer, as specified in the regulation, that the cancer is presumed to be an occupational disease, and therefore eligible for Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) benefits.
The province is moving to ensure regulatory amendments, which will reduce the minimum exposure period for testicular cancer from 20 to 10 years. As well, female-specific cancer types, such as ovarian and cervical cancer, will have a minimum exposure period at 10 years. The expiry date of the regulation will also be removed.