Sask. wildland firefighters receive presumptive cancer coverage

Changes to Saskatchewan's Workers' Compensation Act came into effect at the beginning of August, expanding presumptive cancer coverage to wildland firefighters.

This simplifies the process for workers to receive benefits, assuming that many forms of cancer stem from their occupation.

Originally, there were 16 forms of cancer under Saskatchewan's presumptive coverage. Amendments in the fall added six others: laryngeal, pancreatic, penile and thyroid cancers, as well as soft tissue sarcoma and mesothelioma.

Now, 22 forms of cancer are covered under the act for urban and wildland firefighters. 

"It just gives you peace of mind that you're going to be taking care of," said North Battleford Fire Chief Lindsay Holm. "I think that goes a long way not only for the firefighters themselves, but also their family that would have to deal with those types of occupational injuries after the fact."

Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board Jim Reiter said in a release that the province is, "committed to supporting our wildland firefighters, who have been putting themselves at risk to protect their communities." 

Holm said it's good to see the government step up for wildland firefighters.

"They're doing a fantastic job, and it is a hard job," he said. "The exposures that you have when you are doing those jobs can have some adverse health effects down the line, and it's very comforting to know that they will be taken care of."

Canacer is the leading cause of death for firefighters. This is likely due to the exposure to smoke and various toxins on the job, but their protective equipment, along with certain extinguisher foams, also contain carcinogenic materials.

Justin Priel, chair of the Saskatchewan Government and General Employees' Union's Public Service/Government Employment bargaining unit, said there's always room to further improve safety for firefighters.

"These are risks that these firefighters are taking going into this job," Priel said.