Alberta Regulation 83/2023, known as the Firefighters’ Primary Site Cancer Amendment Regulation, was filed on April 5, 2023, by the Lieutenant Governor in Council (O.C. 140/2023) in accordance with section 24.1 of the Workers’ Compensation Act. This regulation updates the Firefighters’ Primary Site Cancer Regulation (AR 102/2003) with modifications aimed at refining the compensation framework for firefighters diagnosed with specific types of cancer.

Amendments Overview:

• • • Modification of Qualifying Periods for Existing Cancers:
      
      • Colorectal Cancer: The regulation shortens the qualifying period for primary site colorectal cancer from 20 years to 15 years. This change reflects an updated understanding of the latency period required to link colorectal cancer to occupational exposures experienced by firefighters. 
    • Inclusion of Additional Cancers:
      
      • Mesothelioma: The regulation adds primary site mesothelioma to the list of compensable cancers with a 15-year qualifying period. Mesothelioma is strongly associated with asbestos exposure, which is pertinent to the occupational hazards encountered by firefighters.
      • Pancreatic Cancer: Primary site pancreatic cancer is included with a 10-year qualifying period. This amendment acknowledges emerging evidence connecting pancreatic cancer to occupational exposures.
      • Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Primary site soft tissue sarcoma is also incorporated with a 15-year qualifying period. This recognizes the link between soft tissue sarcoma and certain occupational carcinogens.
      • Thyroid Cancer: The regulation introduces primary site thyroid cancer with a 10-year qualifying period, reflecting growing awareness of the potential connection between thyroid cancer and exposure to toxic substances encountered in the firefighting profession.
        

These revisions are designed to enhance the support and compensation available to firefighters who develop cancers attributable to their occupational duties. By reducing the qualifying period for colorectal cancer and incorporating new cancer types into the regulatory framework, the amendments align compensation provisions with contemporary scientific and medical understanding of occupational health risks.

Alberta Regulation 83/2023 aims at recognizing and addressing the health risks associated with firefighting. The amendments aim to provide more comprehensive and timely support for firefighters affected by occupational cancer, reflecting the latest evidence and evolving understanding of occupational health hazards.

Alberta (83/2023) April 29, 2023