PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT EXPANDS PROTECTION FOR FIRE FIGHTERS

Legislation expanding workers' compensation protection for full time, professional fire fighters was introduced in the Saskatchewan legislature today. Under The Workers' Compensation Amendment Act, 2003, leukemia, brain, bladder and kidney cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are assumed to be occupational diseases for Saskatchewan's full-time, professional fire fighters under the Act, unless there is clear evidence to the contrary.

"The amendments introduced today ensure that The Workers' Compensation Act adequately addresses the link between specific occupational diseases and the occupation of fire fighting," Labour Minister Deb Higgins said. "We have the utmost regard for the critical services provided daily by fire fighters to save lives and protect our communities."

Higgins said that once the legislation is passed, regulations establishing minimum employment requirements, based on existing scientific evidence, will be enacted. As new information becomes available on these cancers and their latency periods, the regulations can be readily changed to keep abreast of the new scientific evidence.

Fire fighters can apply to have previous decisions of the Workers' Compensation Board reconsidered according to the standards in place under the new legislation. As well, retired fire fighters of the families of deceased fir fighters who have not made a claim may still do so.

"Fire fighters in Saskatchewan face dangers of exposure to toxins, carcinogens and cancer-causing agents daily through the course of their duties," President of the Saskatchewan Professional Fire Fighters Association Gerry Huget said. "This legislation is the right thing to do for this province's full-time fire fighters and their families."

There are close to 700 full-time, professional fire fighters in Saskatchewan. The WCB has stated that there will be no incremental cost attributable to this legislation.

"The Government of Saskatchewan and the Workers' Compensation Board are committed to ensuring the provision of the most accountable and responsive workers' compensation system possible," Higgins said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Greg Leake Labour Regina Phone: (306)787-4156 Email: gleake@lab.gov.sk.ca