Every day, firefighters put their lives on the line to keep Canadians safe. The Government of Canada acknowledges the incredible work they do to protect our communities and continues to take the necessary action to protect these first responders in their lifesaving work.
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, welcomed the Royal Assent of Bill C-224 - An Act to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting, bill that was introduced by Sherry Romanado, Member of Parliament for Longueuil-Charles-LeMoyne.
Through Bill C-224, starting next year, the month of January will be declared "Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month" throughout Canada. This important declaration will raise awareness about cancers linked to firefighting and best practices to prevent these cancers.
The Royal Assent of Bill C-224 builds on commitments to implement an action plan to protect people in Canada, including firefighters, from exposure to toxic flame retardants found in household products. It also expands the Government of Canada Action Plan to protect firefighters from harmful chemicals released during household fires, announced in August 2021.
Health Canada will develop a national framework that raises awareness of cancers linked to firefighting and that supports improved access for firefighters to cancer prevention and treatment. Over the next year, a national framework will be developed to provide a common direction for stakeholders to address cancer among firefighters.
Specifically, Bill C-224 allows Health Canada to support valuable research on the link between certain types of cancer and firefighting, make recommendations regarding regular screenings for cancers linked to firefighting, and promote research and improve data collection on the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting.
Health Canada is engaging with stakeholders to inform the development of the national framework and will work with all relevant parties to better protect firefighters in the line of duty.
