Bill No. 6 was introduced at the Yukon Legislative Assembly today and represents a positive move for workers. Currently, Yukon Wildland Firefighters do not have the same presumptive cancer coverage as Yukon Structural Firefighters. The proposed amendments to the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Act would expand presumptive coverage for Wildland Firefighters to include the same cancer classifications as Structural Firefighters, achieving parity.

We have come this far thanks to the dedication and advocacy of members of the Yukon Employees' Union. We want to express our special thanks to Alex Macphail, President of YEU Local Y034 and a Wildland Firefighter, for advocating on behalf of his colleagues during the past wildfire seasons.

We also thank the Whitehorse Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 2217 for supporting expanded presumptive cancer coverage for YEU members and for their ongoing commitment to making firefighting safer for all. Our members appreciate the work you do! We know the sacrifices that structural firefighters make each day, and we also stand with you in support of improved working conditions.

Wildfires are becoming more intense with climate change, and the interface between forest fire and urban environments is also increasing. Firefighters are the ones on the front lines dealing with these changing conditions. Although this new Bill is a step in the right direction, the fight to further improve working conditions for firefighters of all backgrounds continues.