On behalf of the BCPFFA executive board, we are proud to share that as of March 16, 2026, eight additional cancers are officially recognized in British Columbia. This milestone expands our presumptive cancer coverage to 26, the highest in the country. Including Heart Injury and Operational Stress Injury. B.C. fire fighters now lead the nation with 28 total presumptive protections. These additions remove critical barriers for our members, shifting the burden of proof to ensure faster access to care.
Correspondence Hon. Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour
Enclosed is a letter from the Hon. Minister Jennifer Whiteside addressed to the BCPFFA and Local leadership.
I want to highlight our strong collaboration with the Minister of Labour, Jennifer Whiteside, her ministry staff and the ongoing partnership with locals L256 and L1782, which are essential to fostering and maintaining healthy and productive relationships.
Amendments: (Effective March 16, 2026)
Worker’s Compensation Amendment Act: Fire Fighters’ Occupational Disease Regulation
Tracheal, Bronchial, Laryngeal, Nose and Pharyngeal (Respiratory System)
Skin Cancer, Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Mesothelioma (National Alignments)
In addition, the minimum service-year requirement for esophageal cancer has been successfully reduced from 20 years to 15 years.
MEMBER RESOURCES
We remain steadfast in our commitment to expanding presumptive protections. Our priorities include securing further coverage ie. all female reproductive and digestive systems, as well as reducing cumulative service periods based on the latest scientific data. We aim to achieve the bipartisan commitments: presumptive coverage for all cancer forms with minimal service requirements.
Parallel to these legislative efforts, we are dedicated to proactive health screening as a vital mission in the early prevention and detection of occupational disease.
On behalf of the executive board, thank you for your advocacy and for ensuring your members are aware of the update. We recognize the support of IAFF/BCPFFA local leadership, the Provincial Government, and Members of the Legislative Assembly for the dedicated advocacy and partnership that made these protections possible.
In Solidarity,
Todd Schierling
BCPFFA President
