BC NDP commit to expanding presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters

Oct. 18, 2024, British Columbia — The BC NDP have committed to expanding presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters if they win the upcoming election.

“As a former firefighter, I’ve seen dear friends and colleagues find out they have cancer,” said Mike Starchuk, a BC NDP candidate for Surrey-Cloverdale, in a press release. “It takes a devastating emotional toll on the person and their loved ones. Getting the care and time off they need doesn’t have to be an added worry.”

The party would work with the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association to expand presumptive coverage for all cancer types, set the cumulative employment periods for these cancer types at two years, and collaborate with the federal government on implementing a National Framework of Bill C224 on Cancers linked to Fire Fighting.

“Expanding presumptive cancer coverage, reducing cumulative periods and collaborating on the national framework through the recent Federal Bill C-224 ensures firefighters get the recognition and support they need,” said Todd Schierling, president of the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, in a media statement.

The B.C. election will be held on October 19.