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Posted November 2, 2005 EST
B.C. Introduces Law That Recognizes Cancer As Job Hazard For Firefighters
Canada -
The B.C. government introduced a law Monday that recognizes cancer as one of the many hazards firefighters face while on the job. Labour Minister Mike de Jong said Bill 11 recognizes certain cancers as occupational diseases associated with long-term employment as a firefighter.
The law changes the Workers Compensation Act to make it easier for a firefighter with cancer to receive compensation benefits, he said. "It's a historic day," said de Jong at a ceremony with the firefighters. "We thought the laws in British Columbia should reflect the risk that your members run." The new law puts the burden of proof on the employer to establish why a cancer-stricken firefighter should not be eligible for compensation rather than requiring the firefighter to prove the case, said de Jong.
"The hazards that our firefighters face in the course of their duties can often be overcome by teamwork, training and courage, but occasionally we find that as a result of a career spent fighting fires, some of our brave first responders face yet another uphill battle, and that is a battle with cancer," he said. The law applies to firefighters who became disabled from cancer on or after April 11, 2005.
The law changes the Workers Compensation Act to make it easier for a firefighter with cancer to receive compensation benefits, he said. "It's a historic day," said de Jong at a ceremony with the firefighters. "We thought the laws in British Columbia should reflect the risk that your members run." The new law puts the burden of proof on the employer to establish why a cancer-stricken firefighter should not be eligible for compensation rather than requiring the firefighter to prove the case, said de Jong.
"The hazards that our firefighters face in the course of their duties can often be overcome by teamwork, training and courage, but occasionally we find that as a result of a career spent fighting fires, some of our brave first responders face yet another uphill battle, and that is a battle with cancer," he said. The law applies to firefighters who became disabled from cancer on or after April 11, 2005.
Written by Staff Writer
