Jeff Heuchert
Staff Reporter
Officials across Perth County are praising new legislation that ensures all firefighters in the province are protected in the event of a work-related illness or death.
The new regulation, which applies to volunteer and part-time firefighters and fire investigators, will make it easier for individuals or families to submit a claim to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
At a press event Nov. 20 at the new Perth East fire station in Sebringville, MPP John Wilkinson announced the details of the regulation, which presumes that eight types of cancer and heart injuries within 24 hours of fighting a fire or a training exercise would be considered work related, unless proven otherwise.
Previously, Wilkinson explained, it was up to the individual making the claim to prove the death or illness was work related.
“On behalf of all of us who are protected by volunteer firefighters here in rural Ontario, we are glad to honour their bravery with this new presumptive legislation,” he said.
The same presumptions have applied to full-time firefighters since 2007. Those changes, which were made in an amendment to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, received unanimous support in the legislature and were passed in one day, Wilkinson recalled.
He explained that before the same benefit could be extended to all firefighters, the province – through consultation with scientists and doctors – had to confirm that the stipulations regarding time frames of illnesses that applied for full-time firefighters should be the same for part-time.
As science develops and new evidence shows links to other illnesses, provisions can be added to the legislation, he added.
Volunteer and part-time staff make up the majority of firefighters in Ontario. Currently, there are nearly 200 volunteer firefighters spread across Perth County.
Stratford fire Chief Rick Young, who’s also the co-ordinator for Perth County’s fire departments, said he’s seen the benefits of the legislation with his own staff.
He noted any fire or incident poses the same risks to firefighters, whether they’re a volunteer or full-time.
“When there’s hazardous material spill, or motor vehicle accident – they’re all the same. We all as firefighters face the same dangers and toxins that are at emergency situations. So this is well deserved,” he said.
Perth East fire Chief Daryl Reis said he hoped none of his staff or their families would ever have to file a claim, but noted it was reassuring to know they would be protected.
St. Marys fire Chief Dennis Brownlee, who was unable to attend last week’s announcement, said Monday the legislation brings equality to how firefighters are treated at times when it matters most.
“It’s gratifying to see (the province) finally give recognition to the part-time and volunteer firefighters,” he added.
The news was also welcomed by several municipal leaders.
“We are so lucky in rural Ontario to have brave men and women who will leave their work in the daytime and leave their bed at nighttime to go out and help someone else,” commented
Perth South Reeve Ron McKay. “The least we can do is have protection for their families.”
In addition to serviceable equipment and good training, Perth East Mayor Ian Forrest said the revised legislation was the final piece in the package his municipality has worked to have for its firefighters.
“We always wanted to support our volunteers and over the years we’ve looked at various insurance programs, but they always had gaps. Now that gap is enclosed,” he added.
The new regulation is retroactive to firefighters who meet certain conditions to Jan. 1, 1960. Wilkinson noted, much like two years ago when the law was changed for full-time firefighters, many new names will likely be added to the memorial for fallen firefighters in Toronto.
“But it means those families will be treated fairly,” he added.
