C-224 – National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act – would develop a framework to raise awareness about cancers linked to firefighting, and improve access for firefighters to prevention and treatment. It would also declare January “Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month”.
National Framework for the Prevention and Treatment of Cancers Linked to Firefighting
The first part of this Bill would require the Minister of Health to set up a national framework for raising awareness of cancers linked to firefighting and to improve access to treatment for firefighters. When making this framework the Minister would need to consult relevant stakeholders (provincial healthcare representatives, municipal representatives, scientists, members of the firefighting community, etc)
The framework itself would need to include measures to:
- Explain and support research on the link between firefighting and cancers
- Identify the training needs of healthcare professionals related to prevention and treatment of these cancers
- Make recommendations on regular cancer screenings for firefighters
- Promote research and data collection on prevention and treatment of these cancers
- Promote information sharing regarding prevention and treatment
- Prepare a summary of existing standards that recognize cancers caused by firefighting as occupational diseases
Firefighting Cancer Awareness Month
Last bit of the Bill declares January “Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month”.
Progress
C-224 passed its Second and Third reading votes with everyone voting in favour of it, was passed through the Senate without problem, and received Royal Assent on June 22, 2023.