FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Unanimous Passing of Bill M 214, The Firefighters’ Health Act
VICTORIA, BC – On April 13, 2026, the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Association (BCPFFA) and the fire service achieved a notable advancement in first responder safety. Bill M 214, the Firefighters’ Health Act, received unanimous support from all parties during its third reading in the BC Legislative Assembly, marking a collaborative commitment to the well-being of those who serve our communities.
In the house gallery, professional fire fighters attended from Victoria Local 730 and Saanich Local 967, alongside BCPFFA President Todd Schierling. We were joined by Christina Austin, the widow of Vancouver Local 18 member Neil Austin, and Lynn Austin, Neil’s mother. Neil Austin, who was 54 years old, passed away from an occupational disease in late 2025. Their presence emphasized the urgent need to transition from a reactive approach to one that focuses on proactive prevention.
Today, British Columbia reaffirmed that the health and well-being of our firefighters is a top provincial priority," said BCPFFA President Todd Schierling. "With occupational cancer accounting for 85% of line-of-duty deaths (source: Samar Al-Hajj et al, 2025), moving toward mandatory health screenings is a lifesaving shift that allows us to detect disease early, rather than waiting until it’s too late."
“This is an important day, as this legislation paves the way to saving firefighters‘ lives. There’s much important work ahead and an opportunity for all partners to share ideas. We must ensure the implementation is carried out correctly so that this Act delivers on its promise to protect our members.”
Schierling added, "We would like to express our gratitude to MLA Misty Van Popta for authoring this bill and Local 4550’s advocacy work to advance this important legislation. We also thank the Legislative Standing Committee for Private Members' Bills for their careful efforts and amendments that helped bring the bill to the third reading. This bill supports our ongoing work with the provincial government and the Ministry of Labour by establishing a formal framework for the tasks necessary to ensure that our members are protected throughout their careers. Thanks to all those who submitted through the consultation process.”
Key Provisions of the Act
The Firefighters’ Health Act introduces landmark mandates designed to protect those on the front lines:
Mandatory Health Screening Plan: The Minister of Health must develop and table a comprehensive plan within 12 months for cancer and mental health screenings.
Workers’ Compensation Review: A formal review of section 140 of the Workers’ Compensation Act will be conducted to examine occupational disease presumptions.
Wildfire Health Equity: The Act establishes a specialized five-season (60-month) service threshold for health screening eligibility for wildfire crews.
Accountability: The plan will undergo a mandatory review every five years to ensure it remains current with medical science.
Next Steps
The bill has been referred to the Lieutenant Governor for Royal Assent. Upon signing, the Act will come into force immediately, initiating the 12-month timeline for the provincial government to deliver the promised health screening framework.
For more information and to track the progress of the health screening plan, please visit our new website at bcpffa.org.
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About the BCPFFA
The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association (BCPFFA) represents 56 IAFF Local affiliates and over 5,000 professional firefighters across British Columbia. Affiliated with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) since 1929, the BCPFFA is dedicated to the safety, health, and welfare of its members.
Media Contact:
BC Professional Fire Fighters' Association
President Todd Schierling
604.436.2053
info@bcpffa.org
3891 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P1