Firefighters like plan to change workers’ comp

The Brandon Professional Firefighter Paramedic Association has welcomed Manitoba’s plan to expand presumptive workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters.

The changes could strengthen protections for those who develop occupational illnesses, president Gage Wood said.

“Our focus will be ensuring that the commitment announced translates into legislation that provides meaningful, accessible protection for firefighters and their families,” Wood told the Sun.

The Manitoba government announced Saturday it will make legislative changes to expand presumptive workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters and wildfire fighters diagnosed with occupational illnesses.

Premier Wab Kinew said the changes recognize the health risks firefighters face, including exposure to smoke, hazardous chemicals, carcinogens, extreme temperatures and physically demanding working conditions.

Under the proposed changes, firefighters diagnosed with occupational illnesses would have an easier path to Workers Compensation Board benefits by presuming the illness is work-related unless evidence demonstrates otherwise.

Existing Manitoba legislation already provides presumptive coverage for certain firefighter illnesses, but those presumptions are rebuttable, meaning evidence can be used to challenge the presumption.

The government said the legislative changes will expand the scope of occupational illness covered and recognize the risks firefighters face on the job.

Wood said the government’s move is historical.

“The province was the first jurisdiction in Canada to establish presumptive cancer legislation for firefighters,” he said.

He said the current changes build on the work of previous firefighters and advocates who pushed for those protections.

“Today is about building on that legacy — honouring the Manitoba Model, raising the standard, and once again positioning Manitoba to lead not only Canada, but North America and the world in legislative protections for firefighters,” Wood said.

Kinew said firefighters should not have to fight for support when they develop serious illnesses linked to hazards encountered at work.

“Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep Manitobans safe,” Kinew said. “When firefighters develop serious illnesses linked to hazards they encounter at work, they shouldn’t have to fight for support.”

The changes recognize the risks faced by firefighters and are intended to provide greater protection for workers who put themselves in danger to protect others, Labour and Immigration Minister Malaya Marcelino said.

The government said the proposed changes are part of its broader commitment to supporting first responders and ensuring workers suffering from job-related illnesses can access compensation and support in a timely manner.

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