Professional firefighters who develop certain types of cancers will be presumed to have contracted them because of their work under proposed amendments to the Workers Compensation Act announced by the B.C. Government.
Under the changes, firefighters diagnosed with certain cancers will be presumed to have developed an “occupational disease”, thereby entitling them to WCB benefits, unless the WCB or the employer is able to prove otherwise. The government intends to make the changes retroactive to April 11, 2005.
The government has stated it will also consult with the Government of Alberta on how the legislation could apply to volunteer firefighters, noting that Alberta is looking at this issue as well.
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British Columbia is observing a Day of Mourning today in response to the heartbreaking events in Tumbler Ridge earlier this week and we invite our community to honour the lives lost and stand alongside everyone affected.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims, the students and staff at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, the first responders, and the broader Tumbler Ridge community.
Resources, guidance for supporting conversations with children, a donation link, and a public condolence book can be found at gov.bc.ca/TumblerRidge.
