Government of Yukon tables bill to extend cancer presumption to wildland forest firefighters

The Government of Yukon has introduced Bill No. 6 in the Yukon Legislative Assembly to amend the Workers' Safety and Compensation Act. These proposed changes expand the Act's definition of a firefighter to include wildland forest firefighters in the cancer presumption.

Under these amendments, wildland forest firefighters will receive the same presumptive coverage currently provided to full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighters. This shift removes the initial burden of proof from the worker, presuming a cancer diagnosis is work-related unless evidence shows otherwise.

This legislation reflects the significant occupational risks wildland crews face on the job and helps support firefighters. Amending the Act is part of the government's mandate commitment to expand cancer presumption to include wildland forest firefighters.

Amendments to the Act are subject to approval in the Yukon Legislative Assembly.