Firefighters will have improved access to workers’ compensation benefits and support services, in recognition of their higher risk of developing work-related cancers.

“People in British Columbia count on firefighters in moments of crisis,” said Premier David Eby. “Whether battling house fires or wildfires, or responding to traumatic events, firefighters go above and beyond. We're making sure they have support when they need it most.”

Eight additional cancers will be added to the list of diseases presumed to be linked to the work done by firefighters. The changes will make B.C. the province with the most comprehensive coverage of presumptive cancers in Canada, applying to more than 15,000 career, volunteer and federal firefighters, provincial wildfire fighters, fire investigators and firefighters employed by First Nations and Indigenous organizations in the province.

“Firefighters put their lives on the line for us in our time of need,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour. “And they bear the toll of physical and emotional exposure to hazardous conditions in their work. The changes announced today continues the years of work we have done together with firefighters, to ensure that the supports provided by the workers’ compensation system keep up with the changing realities of their work.”

The Province is amending the Firefighters' Occupational Disease Regulation under the Workers Compensation Act by adding eight cancers to the existing list of 18 considered to be occupationally acquired for firefighters. The cancers being added are: skin cancer, mesothelioma, soft tissue sarcoma, as well as laryngeal, tracheal, bronchial, nose, and pharynx cancers.

If a firefighter develops one of the listed cancers after a certain period of employment, it is presumed that the cancer arose from exposure during their employment. The firefighter is then eligible for workers’ compensation benefits without having to prove the cancer is work-related. 

The Province will continue to look at emerging scientific findings and research when considering future updates.