Ontario Protecting Firefighters from Cancer-Causing Chemicals

The Ontario government is investing $30 million over three years to provide 374 municipal fire departments with funding to support cancer prevention initiatives. The funding through the Fire Protection Grant will be used to purchase equipment and make infrastructure upgrades to help reduce the long-term effects of exposure to fire-related contaminants and chemicals.

“Firefighters put service over self each and every day, facing dangerous situations to protect their communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Our government has been a leader in protecting them, while they’re protecting us. Today’s announcement is another concrete step to make sure these heroes get the care, resources and support they deserve.”

These funds will see fire services across the province purchase specialized washing and drying equipment to decontaminate bunker gear and wildland firefighting coveralls. It will also allow for facility and infrastructure upgrades to allow for proper air purification and ventilation systems.

“Public safety is about more than just equipping our first responders with the tools they need on the job – it’s about ensuring they are looked after and supported both on and off the job,” said Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy. “That’s why this $30 million grant is directly supporting the health of countless firefighters who put their safety on the line every day to protect our communities.”

Firefighters are more likely to experience health problems because of exposure to hazardous chemicals. In Canada, 50 to 60 firefighters die of cancer every year and half of those are from Ontario. This funding will ensure firefighters are kept safe, while they are keeping our communities safe.

The 2024 Budget: Building a Better Ontario supports the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety in Ontario by ensuring fire services have the resources and protections to respond to major incidents and urgent situations.

Quick Facts

Quotes

“While others run from danger, firefighters run towards it. Our government is serving those who serve by ensuring Ontario’s firefighting community has the resources they need to come home safely at the end of the day. That’s why through our Working for Workers bills, we are expanding presumptive coverage for occupational cancers such as skin cancer. But we also must do more to prevent occupational cancers and injuries before they happen. Today’s investment is part of our whole-of-government plan to safeguard our firefighting community by complementing our Skills Development Fund investments in fire safety training and new training facilities, as well as unlocking $400 million through the WSIB for frontline worker mental health, injury and illness prevention, and recovery.”

– David Piccini
Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development