Ontario government expanding cancer coverage for firefighters

Nov. 25, 2024, Ontario — The government of Ontario is introducing legislation that, if passed, will expand presumptive coverage for firefighters in the case of primary-site kidney cancer by reducing duration of service from 20 to 10 years.

This change would introduce the lowest duration of service in Canada required to access presumptive coverage for primary-site kidney cancer.

In addition, the government will also propose to remove the requirement that a firefighter’s primary-site colorectal diagnosis must be made before the age of 61.

These changes will ensure firefighters, including wildland firefighters, and fire investigators can access benefits through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) faster and easier.

“Firefighters and investigators make major sacrifices to keep our communities, property and families safe and we owe it to them to always have their backs,” said Premier Doug Ford in a press release. “We’ve already expanded presumptive cancer coverage to reflect the long-term risks firefighters take on as part of their job every day and we’re building on that progress to help our frontline heroes get the coverage they deserve.”