On April 29, 2024, the Ontario government announced their intent to introduce legislation that, if passed, will expand presumptive coverage for skin cancer - lowering the service time required for firefighters to receive compensation from 15 to 10 years, bringing Ontario to the lowest required duration of service in the country.

On April 5th, the Ontario government announced its $3.18 million investment in the Ontario Immediate Family Wellness Program.  This program is aimed at supporting the families of first responders who are killed in the line of duty or have died by suicide.  The funding will provide free rapid bereavement counselling for up to two years following the death of a loved one.

The 2024 budget includes an investment in ensuring the people of this province receive the care they require as quickly as possible and that firefighters have the equipment necessary to do their job.

Ontario is improving cancer coverage for firefighters by lowering the duration of employment needed to receive presumed (automatic) compensation prior to diagnosis with esophageal cancer from 25 to 15 years. This means a firefighter with 24 years of service would no longer have to contest that their esophageal cancer was work-related, giving them faster access to WSIB benefits and other critical services.

TORONTO - On Monday, October 2nd, the OPFFA hosted a fundraiser in support of the Runnymede Health Centre's new Post-Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) Centre of Excellence for First Responders.