Bold statement: Expanding cancer coverage for firefighters isn't just policy—it's a lifeline that acknowledges the invisible risks they face every shift. And this is the part most people miss: the scope of protection here reaches beyond a single role, encompassing career and volunteer firefighters, provincial wildfire crews, fire investigators, and Indigenous organizations across British Columbia.
But here’s where it gets controversial: some may wonder whether adding eight cancers to the presumptive list equates to broader responsibility or potential overreach in workers’ compensation costs. Let’s unpack what this means in clear terms.
Overview
- British Columbia is expanding the workers’ compensation cancer presumptions for firefighters by adding eight cancers to the existing list.
- The eight new cancers are: skin cancer, mesothelioma, soft tissue sarcoma, and cancers of the larynx, trachea, bronchus, nose, and pharynx.
- With these additions, B.C. will have the most comprehensive firefighter cancer presumptions in Canada, covering more than 15,000 career, volunteer, and federal firefighters, provincial wildfire fighters, fire investigators, and firefighters working for First Nations and Indigenous organizations in the province.
What this means in practice
- When a firefighter develops one of the listed cancers after a specified period of employment, it is presumed to be work-related. This shifts the burden of proof to the employer, making it easier for the firefighter to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits without needing to demonstrate causation.
- The province will continue to monitor scientific research and update the framework as new evidence emerges.
- The changes are implemented through amendments to the Firefighters’ Occupational Disease Regulation under the Workers’ Compensation Act.
Historical and current context
- The Workers’ Compensation Act introduced presumptions for firefighters in 2005, listing eight cancers at that time.
- The minimum employment period required to qualify for the existing esophageal cancer presumption has been reduced from 20 years to 15 years.
- Even with presumptions in place, firefighters remain eligible for workers’ compensation for work-related cancers outside the presumptive list, or for cases that don’t meet the minimum employment period.
Voices from the field
- Todd Schierling, president of the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA), emphasizes that expanding the presumptions and shortening the service period for esophageal cancer reflect the real risks firefighters face and reinforce the government’s commitment to health and safety. He notes this as the strongest protections in the country and pledges ongoing advocacy.
- Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, highlights that firefighters protect communities in crises and deserve robust support as exposures evolve with the job.
- Sebastian Kallos of the BC General Employees’ Union points out the growing risks with longer, hotter fire seasons and recognizes BC as one of five provinces offering this coverage for wildland firefighters.
Quick facts to contextualize
- Firefighters represent 0.5% of the provincial workforce but account for about 35% of accepted cancer claims at WorkSafeBC from 2010–2025.
- Coverage extends to professional and volunteer firefighters in B.C., including those employed by First Nations or Indigenous organizations and wildland firefighters employed by the Province.
- Population scope includes roughly 4,320 career firefighters, 8,800 volunteers, 700 Indigenous organization firefighters, and more than 1,500 wildland firefighters.
- Since 2018–2019, the presumptive coverage has also included fire investigators and federal firefighters operating in B.C., including those with the Department of National Defence on provincial bases.
Next steps
- The government aims to implement the changes as soon as cabinet approval is granted, while continuing to review new scientific findings to inform future updates.
Discussion questions
- Do you see this expansion as a necessary step to safeguard those who risk their health for public safety, or do you worry about potential cost implications and eligibility nuances?
- How should the system balance evolving scientific evidence with timely protections for workers on the ground?
Learn more and explore related resources
- WorkSafeBC: Occupational Disease Claims overview
- BC Government: Strengthening Health Care initiatives
- BC Legislation: StrongerBC legislative information
