A Langley MLA’s bill to help firefighters has become law.
Misty Van Popta, MLA for Langley-Walnut Grove, introduced the Firefighters’ Health Act, legislation that establishes a comprehensive health-care plan for firefighters through early cancer detection screening and the collection of data on exposure risks and health impacts.
“It is a bill that is the first in Canada to be passed that strictly addresses the preventive care of the firefighters in this province,” she said outside the legislature.
The bill passed the Legislative Assembly, making it only the second private member’s bill from an opposition MLA to pass in the past 40 years.
“Firefighters put their lives on the line every single day for our communities,” Van Popta said. “My private member’s bill, Bill M-214, the Firefighters’ Health Act, was introduced to strengthen preventative health care, improve mental health supports, and ensure firefighters receive comprehensive coverage for the illnesses they face as a result of their service.”
Firefighters face a significantly higher risk of developing cancer due to repeated exposure to fire, smoke, and hazardous chemicals. Strong evidence shows that early detection and screening save lives while also reducing pressure on the health-care system.
The bill requires government to provide firefighters with regular early detection cancer screening, comprehensive physical examinations, and mental health screening. It also requires the collection of data on firefighters’ exposure risks in the course of their duties, as well as the health impacts of those exposures.
“I am grateful to the firefighters, and to the loved ones of firefighters who died from cancer, for bringing attention to this issue,” said Van Popta. “This is the first legislation of its kind in Canada and an important step toward ensuring firefighters receive the support they deserve.”
She was joined by Christina Oxton, the widow of acting captain Neil Austin who passed away this past October of occupational cancer.
“This bill was born out of stories like Neil’s, whose cancer was detected at stage four,” Van Popta said.
She noted that MLAs in the Green Party and governing members worked together to get this bill passed.