The Saskatchewan government introduced amendments to The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013 on Wednesday that, if passed, would extend presumptive cancer coverage to wildland firefighters. The legislation aims to address health risks associated with the nature of their work.
“In March of 2024, we passed legislation providing coverage for firefighters for 22 types of cancer,” said Jim Reiter, the minister responsible for the Workers’ Compensation Board. “With the introduction of this Bill, we are extending that same coverage to wildland firefighters who also face risks as they help protect our environment, structures, and communities.”
Under the proposed changes, additional amendments would allow Saskatchewan employers to apply for voluntary workers’ compensation coverage for employees who work out of province but whose permanent residence is in Canada. This move is intended to provide greater protection to workers operating across provincial boundaries.
The government also tabled “housekeeping amendments” intended to improve the clarity and consistency of the Act.
Reiter said the amendments would strengthen Saskatchewan’s standing in worker protections. “These legislative amendments will make Saskatchewan a leader in protecting and providing compensation to injured workers when compared to other Canadian jurisdictions,” he said.
The amendments are now before the provincial legislature for consideration.
