YEU President Justin Lemphers, Wildland Firefighter Alex MacPhail, former Dawson City Fire Chief Jim Regimball and Yukon NDP Leader Kate White are calling on the Yukon Government to expand presumptive cancer coverage. Photo Courtesy of Macklen Linke/CKRW.
Whitehorse, YT – Despite the health risks from exposure to toxic chemicals and smoke Yukon has yet to implement presumptive cancer coverage for wildland firefighters prompting renewed calls to adopt the protections already available in other jurisdictions.
Currently, 19 types of cancer are covered for full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters under Yukon’s Workers’ Compensation Act but wildland firefighters are not included. The Yukon Government maintains there is currently limited research to justify extending coverage.
Jim Regimbal, Dawson City’s former fire chief, says it’s disappointing that the coverage is not offered given that Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba recently amended their legislation to include wildland firefighters.
“If they get cancer, they have to fight two battles, one against their disease and another against a system demanding they prove their cancer came from their job. It’s not just unfair, it’s unacceptable,” said Regimbal. “Yes, the Yukon Government points to a lack of conclusive research but science takes time. Cancer doesn’t wait.”
He adds that the dangers of the job are often discussed at work and warned that a lack of cancer coverage could lead to firefighters choosing to work in jurisdictions that offer it.
The Yukon Employee’s Union has previously been pushing for presumptive cancer coverage and President Justin Lemphers argues that the Yukon Government’s argument is weak.
“Why are they not recognizing the actions of the other jurisdictions that have said, ‘Yes, this is a risk. There is a body of evidence, we can take the protections.’ This is an easy answer,” said Lemphers. “They should have made this decision long ago.”
