Latest news with #GerardMcMahon
CBC
23-06-2025
- Health
- CBC
5 types of presumptive cancer to be added to coverage list for P.E.I. firefighters
New Workers Compensation Board expands coverage to include more cancers women may face The Workers Compensation Board of P.E.I. has added five more presumptive cancers for which Island firefighters are eligible to receive health coverage, bringing the total to 19. Under P.E.I.'s Workers Compensation Act, presumptive coverage means that it is presumed a primary cancer for a fire inspector or firefighter is related to their work unless proven otherwise, according to a news release from the WCB. Those eligible for coverage include inspectors, and paid or volunteer firefighters who are members of a department or brigade. Gerard McMahon, the district deputy chief of the Charlottetown Fire Department, said this initiative helps ease the mind of firefighters. "[It] gives you peace of mind that you're going to be covered if you need any extra expense for medical coverage or trips off the Island," he said. The five cancers added to the coverage list include: Cervical. Ovarian. Penile. Pancreatic. Thyroid. Increased coverage for women Firefighting is a dangerous job, and not always due to the physical threat of fire. Issues can arise long after someone has served their community. Firefighters are nine per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, and 14 per cent more likely to die of cancer compared to the general public, according to Health Canada. Allison Wyatt, director of claims and compensation with the WCB, said the board looked at cancers affecting women when expanding its coverage. Image | Allison Wyatt - Firefighter Coverage Caption: Allison Wyatt, director of claims and compensation with the Workers Compensation board of P.E.I., says the board looked particularly at cancers that can affect women as the firefighting workforce diversifies. (Rick Gibbs/CBC) Open Image in New Tab "We particularly looked at enhanced coverage for female cancers as we look at a more diverse workforce within firefighting," Wyatt said, adding that the coverage extends beyond the firefighter. "You think about people who are experiencing illness of any kind and you think about the impact that has on their families, you think about the impact that has on their community, and so really this… legislation is about the support for both them, their community and their families." P.E.I. Workforce Minister Jenn Redmond said she hopes this expanded coverage will increase the number of firefighters on the Island. "To be able to ensure that we have supports in place should they need them is a really big benefit in removing that barrier to have them come and join forces in their communities," she said. "Sometimes we focus very much on the volunteer firefighter force as being male-dominated, which it would be, but we have a lot of female firefighters.... Understanding when they face cervical, ovarian cancers connected to their volunteerism, it's really important."
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
5 types of presumptive cancer to be added to coverage list for P.E.I. firefighters
The Workers Compensation Board of P.E.I. has added five more presumptive cancers for which Island firefighters are eligible to receive health coverage, bringing the total to 19. Under P.E.I.'s Workers Compensation Act, presumptive coverage means that it is presumed a primary cancer for a fire inspector or firefighter is related to their work unless proven otherwise, according to a news release from the WCB. Those eligible for coverage include inspectors, and paid or volunteer firefighters who are members of a department or brigade. Gerard McMahon, the district deputy chief of the Charlottetown Fire Department, said this initiative helps ease the mind of firefighters. "[It] gives you peace of mind that you're going to be covered if you need any extra expense for medical coverage or trips off the Island," he said. The five cancers added to the coverage list include: Cervical. Ovarian. Penile. Pancreatic. Thyroid. Increased coverage for women Firefighting is a dangerous job, and not always due to the physical threat of fire. Issues can arise long after someone has served their community. Firefighters are nine per cent more likely to be diagnosed with cancer, and 14 per cent more likely to die of cancer compared to the general public, according to Health Canada. Allison Wyatt, director of claims and compensation with the WCB, said the board looked at cancers affecting women when expanding its coverage. "We particularly looked at enhanced coverage for female cancers as we look at a more diverse workforce within firefighting," Wyatt said, adding that the coverage extends beyond the firefighter. "You think about people who are experiencing illness of any kind and you think about the impact that has on their families, you think about the impact that has on their community, and so really this… legislation is about the support for both them, their community and their families." P.E.I. Workforce Minister Jenn Redmond said she hopes this expanded coverage will increase the number of firefighters on the Island. "To be able to ensure that we have supports in place should they need them is a really big benefit in removing that barrier to have them come and join forces in their communities," she said. "Sometimes we focus very much on the volunteer firefighter force as being male-dominated, which it would be, but we have a lot of female firefighters.... Understanding when they face cervical, ovarian cancers connected to their volunteerism, it's really important."
CTV News
23-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
P.E.I. expands presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters
Minister Bloyce Thompson; Chief Greg McCormick; Minister Jill Burridge; Gerard McMahon, President of the PEI Firefighters Association; Minister Jenn Redmond; Dan Campbell, CEO of the Workers Compensation Board; with members of local fire departments. (Source: P.E.I. government) The Prince Edward Island government has expanded presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters to include five additional types of cancer. Presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters includes 19 recognized cancer types, including the recent additions of: cervical cancer ovarian cancer penile cancer pancreatic cancer thyroid cancer 'The PEI Firefighters Association appreciates these efforts made to increase health coverage for volunteer and career firefighters on Prince Edward Island. This will give piece of mind to our firefighters and their families,' said Gerard McMahon, president of the PEI Firefighters Association, in a news release from the Prince Edward Island government. The coverage is administered by the Workers Compensation Board and eligible firefighters include fire inspectors, paid firefighters and volunteer firefighters who are members of a fire department or fire brigade. 'Under the Workers Compensation Act, presumptive cancer coverage means that it is presumed that a primary cancer for a fire inspector or firefighter is work related, unless proven to the contrary,' reads the news release. Jenn Redmond, the minister responsible for the Status of Women, says including cervical and ovarian cancers is a necessary step toward inclusive, comprehensive care for all who serve. 'Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe and they deserve not only our thanks but our full support,' she said. For more P.E.I. news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
