Re Presumptive Legislation for Yukon Firefighters:
The International Association of Firefighters Local 2217 Whitehorse, Yukon, would like to extend our sincere thanks to Premier Dennis Fentie, ministers Glenn Hart and Archie Lang, the government of Yukon, the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board, Val Royle, president/CEO, and the staff of the compensation board, Kurt Dieckmann and the staff of occupational health and safety for bringing this important piece of legislation for Yukon firefighters forward at this time.
It has only been through the hard work and co-operation of all those involved that this legislation has moved forward to where we are today.
Acknowledging that certain cancers and cardiac arrest in firefighters will be considered work- related means a lot to firefighters and their families. We all hope that no firefighter will have to go through any of these illnesses, but should they be faced with one, they can feel some comfort knowing that they will have the support of their government and the workers’ compensation board.
As we move forward, our common goal will be to find ways to reduce toxic exposures to firefighters. Through a combination of education, regulation, health and wellness initiatives and innovation, firefighters and their employers will have more tools to make the job of firefighting safer. We look forward to working together with occupational health and safety and all stakeholders to further protect firefighters in the Yukon.
Don McKnight, presumptive legislation committee chair
IAFF Local 2217
Whitehorse