Provincial Announcement: Presumptive Cancer Coverage

For immediate Release:

On April 22, 2022, the BC Government officially announced the expansions to the presumptive occupational disease coverage for fire fighters in BC.. The changes to Workers Compensation Act received royal assent on March 31, 2022. This includes the following cancers now presumptively covered: Ovarian, Cervical, and Penile, along with reduced latency periods for Testicular and Colorectal Cancers (from 20 years to 10 years accumulation period); and Esophageal Cancer (from 25 years to 20 years).

Source: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022LBR0009-000637

BC Provincial Government Announcement Regarding Presumptive Cancer Coverage

On Monday, March 7, 2022, during the 11th Annual Robert E. Hall Legislative Virtual Conference Premier John Horgan and the Honourable Minister Harry Bains announced these expansions to the 100 IAFF delegates in attendance.

President Ditchburn says, “We are extremely thankful for the support of Premier Horgan, Minister of Labour Bains and all of Government in announcing the expansion of the presumptive list of occupational diseases recognized by WorkSafeBC — two of which are female cancers, cervical and ovarian. Our women fire fighters who are on the frontlines must be recognized, and we stand with them in our collective provincial advocacy for health, safety and support for all members. Further to this, the reduction in cumulative latency periods for Colo-rectal, Testicular and Esophageal cancers proves the government is listening and acting. This adds to our list of occupational diseases, which will now have eighteen illnesses/diseases as being recognized by the Workers Compensation Act, in being related to the profession of fire fighting.”

Cancer is an epidemic in Canada’s Fire Service. Fire fighters have two-and-a-half times the risk of developing cancer and acute coronary syndromes than the general population. Fire fighters face chronic exposure to heat, smoke, diesel exhaust, and toxic flame retardants. These carcinogenic chemicals are absorbed, inhaled, and ingested into the fire fighters’ skin, airways, and gastrointestinal system at building fires, car fires, dumpster fires, even kitchen fires. Carcinogens also accumulate on and inside the fire fighters’ protective bunker gear and in their fire stations.

Secretary Treasurer Todd Schierling goes on to say, “This announcement demonstrates that the BC government is listening and acting!  We have much more work to do in the area of prevention and education to ensure Fire Departments are following best practices to reduce exposures for fire fighters. The BCPFFA Occupational Health and Safety committee and local leaders continue to build resources and work with partners like WorkSafeBC, International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and Fire Fighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN).”

According to the IAFF, cancer is by far the number one cause of fire fighter line of duty deaths in Canada with more than 400 Canadian IAFF Fire Fighters succumbing to the disease as a direct result of their duties over a 10 year period (2012 to 2022).

Since 1987, 89 (eighty-nine) of the 151 (one hundred and fifty one) BC Fire Fighter Line of Duty Deaths listed here have occurred as a result of Occupational Cancer. Their families have received compensation benefits through WorkSafeBC, made possible by Government Legislation. The compensation although minimal overall does provide compensation to families in the loss of their loved one. The Federal Government also recognizes Line of Duty Deaths with a Memorial Grant Program for First Responders.

With the addition of the 3 cancers (Ovarian, Cervical and Penile) there are 16 presumptive cancers, plus heart injury/disease and Operational Stress Injury (OSI) recognized by WorkSafe for BC Fire Fighters.

Occupational Disease and Minimum Employment Years

  1. Primary Site Leukemia - 5 years

  2. Primary Site Brain cancer - 10 years

  3. Primary Site Colorectal cancer - 10 years

  4. Primary Site Testicular cancer - 10 years

  5. Primary Site Breast cancer - 10 years

  6. Primary Site Ovarian cancer - 10 years

  7. Primary Site Cervical cancer - 10 years

  8. Primary Site Penile cancer - 10 years

  9. Primary Site Prostate cancer - 15 years

  10. Multiple Myeloma cancer - 15 years

  11. Primary Site Bladder cancer - 15 years

  12. Primary Site Ureter cancer - 15 years

  13. Primary Site Non-smoker’s Lung cancer - 15 years

  14. Primary site Esophageal cancer - 20 years

  15. Primary Site Kidney cancer. - 20 years

  16. Primary Site Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma - 20 years   

  17. Operational Stress Injury - N/A

  18. Heart Disease & Heart Injury - N/A


-30-

For more information

Contact BCPFFA OFFICE

E: info@bcpffa.org

Ph: 604.436.2053

ABOUT ROBERT E. HALL

Robert was a fire fighter with Vancouver, Local 18 and he was a leading voice as BCPFFA Secretary-Treasurer in a decade-long lobby to have the BC Government recognize health risks in fire fighters. On October 31, 2005 Robert led us to the Legislature in Victoria and sat in the public gallery for the first reading of the Worker's Compensation Amendment Act. It recognized 7 cancers as occupational diseases for fire fighters {Brain, Bladder, Colorectal, Kidney, Ureter, Primary non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and primary leukaemia}. Since then, Testicular, Lung, Esophageal, Prostate, Breast and Multiple Myeloma cancers and Heart Disease have been added as presumptive.

On August 27, 2007 Rob succumbed to Occupational Cancer. BC Fire Fighters will be forever grateful of his leadership and vision in working with the provincial government to recognize and improve fire fighters' health and safety.

With the recent announcement, the Workers Compensation Act will recognize eighteen occupational diseases as being related to the profession of fire fighting.

Delegation and guest government speakers at the 11th Annual Robert E. Hall Virtual Conference

Bill C224 Support for National Framework for Cancers Linked to Fire Fighting

The IAFF 29th Canadian Legislative Conference 2022, Ottawa

Lobbying for issues impacting Canada’s professional fire fighters and medical personnel.

April 4, 2022 - Update

The IAFF has advocated for the support of Bill C-224, which first reached the House of Commons at the end of January, put forward by Quebec MP Sherry Romanado.

On April 4, 2022, there was overwhelming support for Bill C-224 by a number of members of parliament at the 2nd reading. Supported by

  • Don Davies, MP - Vancouver - Kingsway, NDP

  • Chris Lewis, MP - Exon, Conservative

  • John Aldag, MP - Cloverdale - Langley City, Liberal

  • Todd Doherty, MP - Cariboo - Prince George, Conservative (deferred to 3rd reading due to time limits)

Bill C-224 proposes a national framework for cancers linked to firefighting act that will assist with prevention, treatments, and ensuring adequate support is there if a fire fighter develops job related cancer.

2nd Reading of Support for National Framework for Cancers Linked to Fire Fighting

2nd Reading of Support for National Framework for Cancers Linked to Fire Fighting

Canadian Government Announces Funding for IAFF Response to Wildland Interface Training

Canadian Government Announces Funding for IAFF Response to Wildland Interface Training

April 8, 2022 Update

The 2022 Budget allocates $37.9 million over five years for improved wildland firefighting resources, including $600,000 in ongoing funding to bring the IAFF’s Responding to the Interface (RTI) wildland training program to Canada, where it will be used to help the federal government honour its commitment to provide wildland response training to 1,000 fire fighters.

Learn More About IAFF Wildland Response… 

Development Manager, Burn Fund

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

About the job

From rescue to recovery, fire fighters have answered the call to support burn survivors across BC and the Yukon since 1978. Established by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, the Burn Fund is dedicated to supporting burn survivors throughout their recovery every step of the way. From enhancing survivor care at BC’s trauma hospitals to providing emotional support for survivors of all ages, the Burn Fund empowers, supports, and builds resilience for burn survivors and their families.

More than 4,200 professional fire fighters from 53 communities across BC and the Yukon champion the Burn Fund’s vision. They dedicate their time and skills to support burn survivors and increase the public’s knowledge about fire and burn prevention. The Burn Fund supports these fire fighters through mental health and resilience-building programs and the Home Away Program.

A champion for the Burn Fund resides in all 53 professional fire fighter associations around BC and Yukon. Whether these fire fighters give of their time at Burn Camp, volunteer at Bright Nights, support Burn Fund outreach in their home communities, or raise funds and awareness, they become a vital part of a province-wide network of support for burn survivors.

Opened in March 2016, the Burn Fund Centre is a testament to the vision of fire fighters, donors, volunteers, and staff who brought it to life. The Burn Fund Centre is an iconic building nestled in the heart of Main Street. Located within the Burn Fund Centre is the Home Away program, where eight furnished suites with common amenities are available to burn survivors and their families, and fire fighters, while undergoing medical treatment in Vancouver.

For the past 22 years, the Burn Fund has partnered with the Vancouver Park Board to present the magic and illumination of Bright Nights in Stanley Park. This popular event marks the beginning of the holiday season for many BC families as they take in the many displays and participate in activities while waiting for an enchanted train ride. Fire Fighter and burn survivor volunteers transform the park into a winter wonderland with more than three million twinkling lights. The Burn Fund’s latest fundraiser is the Bright Nights 50/50, an extension of Vancouver’s favourite holiday tradition.

About the Position

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this newly created role of Development Manager will lead and oversee all aspects of fundraising and philanthropic endeavours for the Burn Fund. This key leadership position will work towards building long-term relationships with donors and corporate sponsors, leading to a significant increase in long-term revenue. This role will be responsible for identifying prospects, developing cultivation and solicitation strategies, soliciting, and closing on donor gifts and ensures appropriate stewardship of donors.

Responsibilities/Accountabilities

  • Strategizes and executes on organizational fundraising targets

  • Develops and implements philanthropic business plan to help achieve fundraising goals

  • Responsible for the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of the assigned portfolios

  • Responsible for management, engagement and communication with key fundraising volunteers and committees

  • Manages the major and planned giving expense budgets; develops and manages the fundraising events expense budgets

  • Establishes and maintains effective relationships with appropriate external sources and represents the Society as required

  • Develops, cultivates, and solicits through on-going relationships with key donors, volunteers, and prospects

  • Oversees all aspects of and supports a strong volunteer team to deliver key events

  • Other duties as required to meet the needs of the role in relation to organizational goals

About you

As a seasoned development champion, you thrive in multi stakeholder environments, whereby your negotiation skills are only surpassed by your passion for supporting an amazing cause. You are extremely comfortable educating donors on how funds will be leveraged, and love encouraging ongoing financial support of the organization. Additionally, you genuinely enjoy assisting in the execution of key events that contribute to the overall development strategy and flourish in environments whereby you are able to support a group of extremely passionate and cause-focused volunteers

Experience/Skills/Education

  • 3-5 years of progressive Development/Fundraising experience

  • Proven ability to effectively interact with prospective and current donors with skill, tact, discretion, and compassion.

  • In-depth experience with the principles of effective donor cultivation and solicitation.

  • Excellent oral, written, analytical, project management and organizational skills. Intermediate MS Office skills

  • Familiarity with google suite would be an asset

  • Knowledge of fundraising, database software, preferably Raisers Edge

  • A post-secondary education with a focus on Not-for-Profit Management and/or Fundraising would be an asset.

  • Familiar with fundraising best practices, tools, programs, emerging trends, and potential issues.

  • A deep network of donors in British Columbia would be an asset

  • Able to contribute innovative solutions to complex challenges.

Benefits of collaborating with us

We offer a flexible, inclusive, and diverse work environment:

  • An excellent employee benefits package for you and your dependents

  • An office laptop and necessary equipment

  • Cell phone allowance

  • The ability to work from home on occasion

  • Support for appropriate training and development initiatives

  • Generous leave provisions (vacation, personal days and, typically, a Christmas holiday closure), as well as 12 paid statutory holidays per year

  • Competitive salary

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we would love to hear from you. Please email your cover letter and resume in a single word or PDF file to Shannon Okun at shannon@reimaginehr.ca, being sure to include the position title in the subject line. This posting will remain open until filled and screening will be ongoing. 

We kindly ask that applications be sent by email only—no fax or mail applications please—and request that you do not phone. Due to the high number of applications, we receive, only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in the Burn Fund.

Burn Camp Coordinator

About the job

BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund

Short-Term Contract Opportunity

The BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund is looking to fill a four-month contract position for the role of Burn Camp Coordinator.

About Burn Camp

Burn Camp is one of the oldest and most successful programs delivered by the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association Burn Fund. The camp is held at the Cheakamus Centre near Squamish, where approximately 75 children and youth from across British Columbia come together for a safe, fun summer camp experience. Supported by an amazing volunteer team, including both fire fighters and care professionals (nurses, social workers, counsellors), campers are provided the psychological and social support to best ensure future success at home, at school, and in their community. The camp provides a safe and comfortable environment where children make new friends, challenge themselves, learn new skills, and spend time in the great outdoors. For 2022, the Burn Fund intends to operate an in-person camp from July 17-22.

About the role

The Burn Camp Coordinator will provide administrative support for the camp committee and serve as the liaison to the committee on behalf of the Burn Fund. More specifically, key duties will include:

  • budgeting, committee meetings, itinerary, logistics (volunteer, facility, travel, etc.), registration, post-camp evaluations and reports, as well as other duties as required to support the committee to activate the camp.

The four-month contract to serve as the Burn Camp Coordinator will run from April to July 2022. The coordinator will be paid $11,200 + GST, based on a rate of $35/hour and an average of 80 hours/month.

The successful candidate will be highly organized and a superior communicator who is comfortable communicating across all mediums (in-person, email, Google meetings). Previous experience working with volunteers is essential, and experience working with/for the fire fighter and/or burn survivor community is considered an asset.

How to apply

The application deadline is Thursday, March 24th, 2022. Applications are to be emailed to info@burnfund.org and can be made to the attention of Jeff Sauvé, Executive Director. Applications should include a cover letter and resume. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Residents need fire fighters in Kitimat when they need them

Residents need fire fighters in Kitimat when they need them

Kitimat Fire fighters are at the breaking point, Kitimat Council needs to make public safety a top priority and ensure we have enough firefighter/paramedics to protect our community.

FIGHTING FIRES

Seconds matter during emergencies

  • House fires double in size every 30 seconds. It is important for firefighters to arrive on scene quickly with enough firefighters to be able to rescue you and your family.

  • WorkSafeBC requires us to have 4 firefighters on scene before we can go into a fire. We cannot rescue you and your family if we don't have 4 firefighters on scene.

  • Kitimat Firefighters do not have enough firefighters to provide for effective, efficient, and safe emergency operations as required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®) Standard 1710.

The Kitimat Firefighters are simply asking Council to give their firefighters the tools they need to do their jobs and to keep you safe.

Firefighting is a science, and how many firefighters show up when you call 911 should not come down to politics.

  • 4 Firefighters on the Engine: The NFPA 1710 standard is based on science and research and it says fire engines and ladders should always each have a minimum of four firefighters.

  • 2 Paramedics per Ambulance: Our industry uses a standard called NFPA 1710 to determine how to properly staff fire halls, fire trucks and ambulances.

  • 4 Firefighters on a Ladder Truck: The NFPA 1710 standard is based on science and research and it says how many firefighters should show up to a fire and how many firefighters should be on a fire truck.

 

AMBULANCE SERVICE:

Kitimat Fire fighters provide paramedic first response and transport for Kitimat, BC. They are the ONLY fire fighters in BC to provide this level of service.

Regularly, the ambulances are doing emergency calls outside of Kitimat and when that happens, Kitimat Firefighters don't have enough firefighters in town to keep Kitimat safe.

Kitimat Fire fighter/Paramedics regularly respond to Terrace, Prince Rupert, and as far away as Smithers for medical calls on the ambulance.

Sign up below to receive regular updates about Kitimat Firefighters and issues that are impacting your community.

You Can't Be What You Can't See

On March 8th 2022, we proudly recognized “International Women’s Day”. This is a significant day for us all as we gather here to advocate and lobby for improvements to the fire service, improvements that encompass all of the women and men who proudly wear our uniform . We are incredibly fortunate to have a number of very progressive women committed to bettering not only the fire service, but bettering the experience for women in the fire service through dialogue on issues facing women in the fire service. These issues include training, health &  safety, clothing & equipment, and workplace and employment issues. 

President Gord Ditchburn says,

“Quite frankly, women are very deserving of a voice not only in the fire service but everywhere and we are committed to find improvement on these subjects. We continue to strongly advocate for the addition of female reproductive cancers as part of the presumptive cancers recognized by WorkSafe and enacted by Government.Last year we created the Women’s Advisory Committee, to research, provide first hand experience  and advocate for change, and we are here to work with government to affect those positive changes. “

The BCPFFA created the Women’s Advisory Committee to advise the Executive on issues facing women in the fire service, including training, safety, equipment, and other workplace and employment issues. 


Please join us in celebrating International Women’s day and recognize the incredible women we have within the Fire Service.