Presumptive WCB Legislation

FIREFIGHTERS' PRIMARY SITE CANCER REGULATION

On April 09, 2003 Private Members Bill 202-WCB Presumptive Legislation for Professional Fire Fighters received Royal Assent. Alberta becomes the second province in Canada to afford its firefighters presumptive legislation and coverage for certain types of cancer under WCB, and the first Province in Canada to recognize seven forms of cancer as work related.

In 2006 the Legislation was amended and additional cancers were added to the Presumptive Legislation.

The Regulation can be viewed at the following link http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/documents/Regs/2003_102.cfm?frm_isbn=077971833X

The following is a description of the primary cancer and length of time exposure needed to be covered by presumptive Legislation

PRIMARY SITE CANCERS - MINIMUM PERIOD OF REGULAR EXPOSURE TO THE HAZARDS OF A FIRE SCENE

Primary leukemia - 5 years
Primary site brain cancer - 10 years
Primary site bladder cancer - 15 years
Primary site lung cancer in non-smokers - 15 years
Primary site ureter cancer - 15 years
Primary site kidney cancer - 20 years
Primary site colorectal cancer - 20 years
A primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - 20 years