New Benefits Introduced for Firefighters

The Nova Scotia government has introduced a bill that will give better workers' compensation coverage for both paid and volunteer firefighters who develop job-related diseases.

Firefighters who contract certain types of cancers will be eligible to collect workers' compensation benefits. Studies show that firefighters are more likely to develop cancer from exposure to certain chemicals in fires.

"Firefighters perform a valuable service to their communities that unfortunately puts their health at risk. We want to ensure they have the best possible insurance and health coverage available," said Environment and Labour Minister Ron Russell, who is also the minister responsible for Workers' Compensation. "This new legislation will ensure firefighters and their families are taken care of by supplementing their wages, providing medical care, and covering medical expenses."

While Manitoba and Alberta have similar legislation, Nova Scotia will be the first to cover volunteers. More than seven professional and 130 volunteer fire departments covered by Workers' Compensation will be eligible to benefit from the new legislation. Benefits can include a pension up to a maximum of $41,800.

The incidence of cancer is, on average, three times higher for firefighters than the normal population. The increased incidence has been linked to exposure to plastics and other chemical-based products that are now common in homes, industrial sites, and businesses. Today's paid and volunteer firefighters are required to use protective equipment, including special breathing apparatus, when fighting fires.