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Decentralized Democracy

House Bill

Bill C-224

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
April 18, 2023
National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act
  • The National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act was passed in 2023 to create a national plan that will raise awareness of the cancers linked to firefighting and improve access for firefighters to cancer prevention and treatment. January is now recognized as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. The Act also mandates that the Minister of Health consult with provincial and territorial governments, municipalities, Indigenous governing bodies, health care professionals, scientists, and firefighting stakeholders to develop the national framework. The framework could include measures to promote research, data collection, information sharing, and regular screenings for cancers linked to firefighting. Reports on the framework's effectiveness and the state of cancer prevention and treatment must be prepared and tabled before Parliament every five years.
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  • Yea (329)
  • Nay
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • This Act is a necessary step in recognizing the increased cancer risks that firefighters face as a result of their job. Through the development of a national framework, the government can provide greater consistency and support to firefighters across the country, with measures such as explaining and supporting research on the link between firefighting and certain types of cancer, identifying training and education needs for health care professionals, and promoting regular screenings for cancers linked to firefighting. By designating the month of January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month, the Act raises public awareness of these risks and the important role that firefighters play in our communities. Furthermore, the Act recognizes and honours the service and sacrifice of firefighters who have died from cancers brought about by their employment by providing a benefit to their beneficiaries through the Memorial Grant Program for First

SteelmanSpren Against

  • One possible steelman argument opposing this act could be that it may lead to unintended consequences such as increased healthcare costs and reduced availability of firefighting services. While it is important to support and care for firefighters who face occupational hazards, this act may create additional burdens on healthcare systems and firefighting agencies. Additionally, the focus on cancer prevention and treatment may divert resources from other important firefighting priorities such as fire prevention and emergency response. It may be more effective to address the root causes of cancer in firefighting, such as reducing exposure to toxic chemicals, rather than solely focusing on treatment and awareness. Therefore, while the intention of the act may be noble, it may not necessarily have the desired impact and could create unintended consequences that ultimately harm firefighters and communities.
Senate Third Reading
  • June 22, 2023, noon
  • Passed
Royal Assent
  • June 22, 2023, noon
  • Read

Senate Committee

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
June 13, 2023
National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs (SECD)
Re. Bill C-224, An Act to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting, without …
  • Fifth Report

  • The Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs has the honour to present its

    FIFTH REPORT

    Your committee, to which was referred Bill C-224, An Act to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting, has, in obedience to the order of reference of June 1, 2023, examined the said bill and now reports the same without amendment.

    Respectfully submitted,

    TONY DEAN

    Chair

  • Hear!
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  • Hear!
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Senate First Reading
  • March 9, 2023, 2:20 p.m.
  • Passed
Senate Second Reading
  • March 9, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • Passed