Fire Fighters are exposed to many different toxins during their career resulting in a higher risk of cancer. The list of cancers is long with Pancreatic and Thyroid cancers the most recent to be added. The Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association (OPFFA) continues to gather information on all firefighter’s cancers and illnesses, even those that are not on the list.
It’s always hoped none of our Scarborough brothers or sisters ever finds themselves in such a situation, but please keep in mind there is help to get any entitlements available to you should the unthinkable happen, and as mentioned it is important to document all cancers. To get assistance on all cancers you can reach the TPFFA 3888 WSIB Committee via the following email address – wsibretired@torontoprofessionalfirefighters.org.
Ontario Government proposes change (Nov 2024) - "The Ontario government will soon introduce legislation that, if passed, will expand presumptive coverage for firefighters in the case of primary-site kidney cancer by reducing the required duration of service from 20 to 10 years – the lowest in Canada. The province 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 that firefighters can access their WSIB benefits more easily".
You can read more here - OPFFA - Ontarios Presumptive Cancer Legislation
It is important to note that the committee should be contacted once a diagnosis is confirmed.
Also of note - Even if the cancer is not on the current list, we are asking for all members to share, so that they have case material to help add future illnesses for presumptive review. This also applies to illnesses like Parkinson's, ALS, Alzheimer's, and Dementia to name a few.
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