‘Expanding the list of cancers they can receive coverage for is the right thing to do,’ says labour minister
Professional and volunteer firefighters across Saskatchewan now have access to workers’ compensation coverage for six additional cancers. Prostate, skin, breast, cervical and ovarian cancer as well as multiple myeloma have been added to the list of occupational diseases with presumptive coverage for firefighters.
“As our firefighters can be exposed to toxins and carcinogens when they are performing their duties, expanding the list of cancers they can receive coverage for is the right thing to do,” said Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan.
If a firefighter is diagnosed with a disease deemed to be “presumptive,” it is presumed that disease was caused by their work. Individuals need to provide a diagnosis and other required information from a doctor to apply for workers’ compensation.
“We would like to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for providing some of the highest numbers of presumptive coverage for firefighters in the country,” said Saskatchewan Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association president Lloyd Zwack.
The province now has presumptive coverage for 15 forms of cancers and heart injury for firefighters.
The amendments were first introduced last December and came into effect Nov. 15.
