Ontario Increases Cancer Coverage for Firefighters
The process for claiming Worker’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits once a firefighter is diagnosed with cervical, ovarian, or penile cancers will be expedited, and the individual will not be required to prove that their cancer is work-related.
Ontario is adding cervical, ovarian, and penile cancers to the list of diseases that are presumed to be work-related in the Firefighter Regulation under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act.
The addition of these three cancers to the list of cancers presumed to be related to their work means fire investigators and firefighters will be able to gain better and faster access to the care they need. The process for claiming Worker’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) benefits once a firefighter is diagnosed with cervical, ovarian, or penile cancers will be expedited, and the individual will not be required to prove that their cancer is work-related.
“Firefighters are vital to keeping our communities safe from life-threatening dangers. Every day, they risk their health and their lives to protect us and our communities. In return, we must protect them,” Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn said. “That’s why the government has made it easier for firefighters and fire investigators to qualify for workplace safety and insurance benefits.”
Claims related to cervical, ovarian, and penile cancers will be made retroactive to Jan. 1, 1960. This will apply to full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters, firefighters employed by band councils, and fire investigators.