Bill C-224

National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act

An Act to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting

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”.

National Framework on Cancers Linked to Firefighting Act

[Sherry Romanado, Liberal, Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne, QC]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-224, an act to establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting.

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to introduce my bill to Parliament, and thank the member for Kingston and the Islands for seconding it. This legislation would establish a national framework for the prevention and treatment of cancers linked to firefighting and would designate the month of January each year as firefighter cancer awareness month throughout Canada.

Every day, firefighters put their lives on the line to keep Canadians and our communities safe, but did members know that over 85% of all line-of-duty deaths among firefighters in Canada are caused by occupational cancers or that a firefighter's cancer may or may not be recognized as job-related, depending on where he or she lives?

Awareness, education and information sharing are critical to the prevention and early detection of cancers linked to firefighting.

This bill is about saving lives, and I hope all members of the House will support it.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)