“Yukon Government Proposes Cancer Coverage Expansion for Wildland Firefighters”

Yukon’s wildland firefighters scored a significant victory as the Yukon government introduced a bill to expand cancer coverage for them under the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act. Currently, only full-time and part-time structural firefighters are covered for 19 types of cancer, leaving out wildland firefighters. Laura Lang, the minister overseeing the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board, emphasized the need to reciprocate the support wildland firefighters provide to communities by including them in presumptive cancer coverage. This change would mean that when a wildland firefighter is diagnosed with a listed cancer and meets eligibility criteria, their cancer would be presumed to be work-related, simplifying the claims process. Official Opposition Leader Kate White expressed relief and gratitude for this development, acknowledging the efforts made to address the issue. Nick O’Carroll, a city firefighter in Whitehorse and a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters, praised the decision to extend coverage to wildland firefighters, highlighting the importance of equal protection for all firefighters. The proposed amendments to the act are pending approval in the Legislative Assembly.