Volunteers will receive same workers’ compensation benefits as professionals
The Government of Saskatchewan is extending presumptive coverage for workers’ compensation benefits to volunteer firefighters. The 6,500 volunteer firefighters in the province will have the same coverage as professional firefighters.
“We thank firefighters for the work they do every day to keep us safe,” said Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan. “We are extending presumptive coverage to volunteer firefighters to make it easier for them to access the supports they need.”
Expanded presumptive coverage was introduced for professional firefighters in December and includes six additional cancers – prostate, skin, breast, cervical and ovarian cancer as well as multiple myeloma.
These changes, as part of Bill 165, the Workers’ Compensation Amendment Act, will come into force on proclamation.
To apply for workers’ compensation, applicants will need to provide a diagnosis and other required information from a medical professional to support their claim.
