Manitoba Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) has announced changes to the benefits for firefighters who develop cancer on the job. The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg (UFFW) has been advocating for these changes for years, and they are now being implemented.
Under the new policy, firefighters who develop certain types of cancer will be automatically covered by workers’ compensation. This includes lung, bladder, brain, and breast cancer, as well as leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Previously, firefighters had to prove that their cancer was caused by their job in order to receive benefits.
This change is a significant victory for the UFFW, who have been pushing for this policy since 2016. According to UFFW President Alex Forrest, this new policy will provide much-needed support for firefighters and their families.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities. They deserve to have the peace of mind that if they develop cancer, they will be taken care of,” said Forrest.
The WCB has also announced that they will be retroactively applying this policy to all active and retired firefighters who have developed cancer since January 1, 2016. This means that those who were previously denied benefits will now be eligible to receive them.
In addition to the automatic coverage for certain types of cancer, the WCB will also be implementing a presumptive clause for all other types of cancer. This means that if a firefighter develops any other type of cancer, it will be presumed to be work-related unless proven otherwise.
This change brings Manitoba in line with other provinces, such as Ontario and Alberta, who have already implemented similar policies for firefighters. It is estimated that this new policy will cost the WCB an additional $2.5 million per year.
The UFFW is pleased with these changes, but they are also calling for further improvements to the workers’ compensation system. They are advocating for a universal presumption for all types of cancer, as well as better support for mental health issues among firefighters.
The WCB has stated that they will continue to work with the UFFW to address these concerns and ensure that firefighters are properly supported and compensated for the risks they face on the job.
This new policy is a step in the right direction for the protection and well-being of firefighters in Manitoba. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the UFFW in advocating for their members. With these changes, firefighters can now focus on their important work, knowing that they will be taken care of if they develop cancer.
