‘These additions to the coverage recognize the serious risks these workers face in the line of duty’
Prince Edward Island has included five additional types of cancer under presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters.
The following primary cancer types have been added to the coverage administered by the Workers Compensation Board (WCB):
- Cervical cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Penile cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Thyroid cancer
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe, and they deserve not only our thanks but our full support,” said Jenn Redmond, minister of workforce, advanced learning and population, and the minister responsible for the status of women. “Expanding presumptive cancer coverage to include cervical and ovarian cancers is a necessary step toward inclusive, comprehensive care for all who serve.”
Under the Workers Compensation Act, presumptive cancer coverage means that a primary cancer diagnosed in a firefighter or fire inspector is presumed to be work-related, unless proven otherwise.
With the latest additions, firefighters in the province are now covered for 19 types of cancer under the presumptive legislation.
Presumptive coverage is based on the following principles:
- Specified injuries or diseases are presumed to be work-related.
- Presumption applies to specific types of cancers, provided the firefighter has been exposed to the hazards of a fire over the minimum cumulative period of service.
Eligible firefighters include fire inspectors, paid firefighters, and volunteer firefighters who are members of a fire department or fire brigade.
“The PEI Firefighters Association appreciates these efforts made to increase health coverage for volunteer and career firefighters on Prince Edward Island,” said Gerard McMahon, President of the association. “This will give peace of mind to our firefighters and their families.”
National Framework on Cancers linked to Firefighting
Firefighters have a nine per cent higher risk of a cancer diagnosis and a 14 per cent higher risk of dying from cancer than the general population, according to the federal government.
In 2024, approximately 75 per cent of the line-of-duty deaths of International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) members were attributed to occupational cancer, according to the Firefighter Cancer Support Network..
The National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act (the Act) received Royal Assent in June 2023. The Act compels the Minister of Health to develop a national framework to raise awareness of cancers linked to firefighting and to improve access to prevention and treatment for firefighters.
The act also designates the month of January each year as “Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.”
