Minister Vince McKay spoke today following the introduction of legislation to strengthen presumptive coverage for firefighters and first responders at the Legislative Assembly.
The minister spoke on the importance of firefighters and other first responders, saying the people who work to protect northern communities deserve to know support will be there for them when they need it.
“They do this work with courage and commitment, and they carry risks that do not always end when the call is over,” said McKay.
The legislation introduced today would expand presumptive coverage for first responders, expanding the list of illnesses and injuries which are assumed to be related to their work.
This eases the burden on first responders and their families by removing the need to prove an illness was caused by their profession before it is covered.
This legislation would expand the number of cancers under presumptive coverage from 14 to 27, expand coverage for heart-related conditions, and introduce presumptive coverage for PTSD.
“These changes recognize that emergency response work can affect workers in different ways, including physically and psychologically, and that those impacts can appear right away or years later,” said McKay.
The minister says this legislation builds on Bill 29; the First Responders Workers’ Compensation Amendment Act, which did not reach a third reading.
Update: As of June 4 Bill 48, An Act to Amend the Workers’ Compensation Act, No.2 has been passed in the Legislative Assembly
