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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
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| Backgrounder(s) & FactSheet(s): | Backgrounder |
VICTORIA – Changes to the Workers Compensation Act put B.C.
among the leaders in recognizing the increased cancer risks faced by
professional firefighters, Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Mike de Jong
announced today.
De Jong has introduced legislation that recognizes
certain cancers as occupational diseases associated with long-term employment
as a firefighter. These are: primary site brain cancer, primary site bladder
cancer, primary site kidney cancer, primary non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, primary
site ureter cancer, primary site colorectal cancer and primary leukemia.
“The core of a workers’ compensation system is that
it must be responsive to workers’ and employers’ needs,” de Jong said. “The
contributions our firefighters make in communities all over B.C. should never
be underestimated, and it’s important we support them in every way we can.”
The government informed WorkSafeBC (the Workers’
Compensation Board) of its intent to legislate this amendment on April 11,
2005. This change to the Workers Compensation Act creates what is called a
“rebuttable presumption.” This means the onus will be on WorkSafeBC or the
employer to bring forward proof to establish why an injured worker should not
be eligible for compensation rather than placing the burden of proof on a sick
firefighter.
“This is an important day for B.C.’s firefighters,”
said Al Leier, president of the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Association.
“Having the risk of cancer recognized as one of the hazards of our job is
welcome news.”
Support has also been expressed by the Union of B.C.
Municipalities, along with a number of municipalities, including Vancouver,
Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Nanaimo, Prince Rupert and Kelowna.
Similar presumptions have been enacted for
firefighters in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia.
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Communications Director Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services 250 387-2699 |
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Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
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