Premier Rachel Notley announced new cancer supports for Alberta’s firefighters while visiting the Calgary Firefighters Training Academy Jan. 19.
“To the brave men and women who serve Alberta every day as firefighters: thank you.
“We have a deep respect for your work, as you protect our lives, environment and homes,” said Notley, “We stand with you and we will make sure you have the financial and medical supports you need if you are battling cancer.”
The new coverage focuses on improved protections for reproductive cancers.
Female firefighter will now be covered with workers compensation benefits and support if the contract either ovarian or cervical cancer.
The coverage begins for firefighters, who are regularly exposed to a variety of toxins as part of their job, after a minimum of 10 years of exposure.
Additionally, the exposure period for testicular cancer is being reduced from 20 years to 10.
Chestermere’s Fire Chief Brian Pomrenke is happy to see the changes made by the province to support firefighters, in particular that it creates an even playing field for all firefighters.
“I think the province has done the right thing to reduce those times,” he said.
Although there currently are no female firefighters on Chestermere’s Fire Service, Pomrenke is happy to see that female firefighters, who are exposed to the same toxins and dangers as their male counterparts, are finally receiving coverage.
“For a thousand female firefighters that are in the industry, it’s too long that they weren’t recognized for,” said Pomrenke.
These added supports for firefighters along with advancements in protective gear and strategies continue to raise the bar on firefighter health and safety.
“We look at ways to help prevent exposures,” he said of the fire service’s focus on safety on the fire ground.
