This bill has received Royal Assent and is now law.
Summary
This is from the published bill.
This enactment provides for the development of a national framework designed to raise awareness of cancers linked to firefighting with the goal of improving access for firefighters to cancer prevention and treatment. The enactment also designates the month of January, in each year, as “Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month”.
Elsewhere
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-224s:
C-224 (2020)
An Act to amend An Act to authorize the making of certain fiscal payments to provinces, and to authorize the entry into tax collection agreements with provinces
C-224 (2020)
An Act to amend An Act to authorize the making of certain fiscal payments to provinces, and to authorize the entry into tax collection agreements with provinces
March 8, 2023Passed 3rd reading and adoption of Bill C-224, An Act to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting
June 22, 2022Passed 2nd reading of Bill C-224, An Act to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting
This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below.
Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
Bill C-224 aims to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting. It seeks to promote research, information sharing, education and awareness, and to establish national standards for recognizing occupational cancers in firefighters. The bill also proposes designating January as "Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month" to increase public knowledge and support for firefighters' health.
Liberal
Supporting national framework: The Liberal party supports Bill C-224, which seeks to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting. They believe firefighters' health and safety is a critical responsibility, especially considering the high rates of occupational cancer among them.
Addressing inconsistent recognition: A key concern for the Liberals is the inconsistency across provinces and territories in recognizing cancers linked to firefighting as occupational diseases. They advocate for national standards to ensure equitable recognition and support for firefighters regardless of their location.
Promoting awareness and best practices: The party aims to increase awareness, education, and information sharing on best practices for cancer prevention among firefighters. They emphasize the need to disseminate knowledge and research to mitigate risks, particularly for volunteer fire services with limited resources.
Government action on chemicals: The Liberal government has already implemented a comprehensive action plan targeting harmful chemicals, particularly flame retardants, found in household items. This plan includes banning harmful substances, promoting safer alternatives, conducting research, and increasing transparency to protect firefighters from chemical exposure.
Conservative
Strong support for Bill C-224: The speaker expressed strong support for Bill C-224, emphasizing its importance and sharing personal experiences as a former firefighter. He thanked the member of Parliament for Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne for bringing the bill forward and for the opportunity to speak to it.
Honouring firefighters' service: The speaker drew parallels between the service of firefighters and the service of members of the House, highlighting the selflessness and dedication involved in both professions. He emphasized that firefighters often prioritize the well-being of others, sometimes at their own risk.
Raising cancer awareness: The speech highlights the need to advocate for families and to raise awareness of the risks and challenges firefighters face, particularly regarding cancer. He emphasized the need for greater awareness of the dangers firefighters face, including exposure to carcinogens, and the importance of supporting their families.
Remembering Darrell Ellwood: The speaker shared the story of Darrell Ellwood, a firefighter who died from multiple myeloma, to illustrate the human cost of the profession and the importance of supporting firefighters' health and safety. The story also underscored the importance of the bill's call to name January as firefighter cancer awareness month.
NDP
Supports the bill: The NDP supports Bill C-224 to help reduce cancer risks for firefighters through improved awareness, prevention, screening, and treatment. They believe a national framework is necessary to save lives and protect firefighters.
Need for national standards: Inconsistent recognition of occupational cancers among firefighters across Canada necessitates a national framework to ensure uniform progress in all provinces and territories. Currently, recognition varies depending on location, with some provinces not recognizing all cancer types as occupational.
Flame retardant protections: The NDP calls for protection against cancer-causing flame retardants, advocating for regulatory measures and a ban on toxic chemicals used in upholstered furniture, to safeguard firefighters and all Canadians from their harmful effects.
Bloc
Opposes the bill: The Bloc Québécois opposes the bill because it believes that it interferes with provincial jurisdictions. They feel the federal government is overstepping its jurisdictional boundaries.
Provincial jurisdiction: The Bloc argues that the work of firefighters is not federally regulated and falls under the jurisdiction of Quebec and the provinces, as municipal institutions and fire safety are provincial responsibilities.
Quebec's existing measures: Quebec has already implemented measures to address occupational diseases and cancers linked to firefighting, including changes to labour standards and the CNESST's recognition of certain types of cancer. They feel Quebec institutions are capable of handling the problem.
Call for increased health transfers: The Bloc believes that a robust health care system is the best way to address the issue of cancer, and calls for increased health transfers to the provinces to cover 35% of costs, as requested by various stakeholders in Quebec's health care sector.
