FIRE SERVIcE ASSOCIATION 

OF NOVA SCotiA

The Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia is dedicated to provide leadership and representation to the fire service, government, private sector and citizens of Nova Scotia by developing, evaluating and communicating policy and programs through consultation, research and education in the matters of fire and public safety.

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After 12 months, any information posted here such as new protocols, links to services will be transitioned into a permanent place on this website. For example, Uniform Protocol can now be found under : "Documents & Forms > Standards". OR a link to the First Responder Mental Health has now been moved to our "Links" section under "Resources"

Great Canadian Firefighter Census 

SUBMISSION DEADLINE JUNE 16TH 2023

The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), through its Answer the Call Committee, Data Committee, and in Collaboration with the National Advisory Council (NAC), has launched the 2023 Great Canadian Fire Census. In collaboration with all the provincial, territorial, and affiliate organizations, the CAFC is asking all fire department types to help create an updated snapshot of the fire service in Canada. 

Therefore, I am asking every fire department to provide data for your department as of April 30, 2023 for the last 12 months reporting cycle.  

You will find a special webpage with everything you need to know at:  https://cafc.ca/page/Welcome2023VFFDatabase

Further, you will have until June 16, 2023 to provide your answers. Remember, everyone counts, literally and figuratively!!!

Thank you for your support,

Greg Jones

FSANS President


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Heart Attacks, More Cancers Added to Firefighters’ Insurance Coverage

Labour, Skills and Immigration / Health and Wellness

March 22, 2022 - 1:14 PM

Workplace injury insurance for firefighters and their families will soon cover more types of cancer and heart attacks.

The Province is acting on its commitment to increase presumptive coverage to 19 cancers from six and to include heart attacks that occur within 24 hours of an emergency call.

“Firefighters put their health at risk and their lives on the line every day,” said Premier Tim Houston. “Those who protect us should, in turn, be protected by their government and have access to the workplace injury coverage they need when they need it.”

The additional coverage will be in amendments to the Firefighters Compensation Regulations under the Workers’ Compensation Act. The 13 types of cancer being added are: esophageal, lung, testicular, ureter, breast, multiple myeloma, prostate, skin, ovarian, cervical, penile, thyroid, and pancreatic. There is existing coverage for bladder, brain, colorectal and kidney cancer, leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“About 6,600 firefighters and their families will benefit from these changes, making Nova Scotia one of the leading provinces in Canada for presumptive coverage for firefighters,” said Jill Balser, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. “I’d like to thank our firefighters for helping to advance these changes, and for the sacrifices they and their families make every day to keep us safe.”

The amended regulations take effect July 1. Firefighters with a cancer diagnosis since July 1, 2021, will be able to access the expanded benefits.

The Province will cover the total liability cost of $80.6 million for four fiscal years. Municipalities will not incur additional liability costs until 2025-26.

Quotes:

These amendments are an important step to provide firefighters and their families with increased access to coverage as we committed to do as part of our ministerial mandate. I am proud that this government has been able to introduce these changes within our first year in government as a sign of our commitment to fix healthcare in Nova Scotia.

Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness

These protections are the most significant improvements in firefighter presumptive cancer coverage in Canadian history, bringing Nova Scotia’s firefighters from the least protected in Canada to the most protected. On behalf of firefighters and our families, I thank the government for keeping their word to Nova Scotia’s firefighters. This is a great day!

Capt. Brendan Meagher, President, Halifax Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 268

Quick Facts:

Additional Resources:

News release – Amendments Support Volunteer Firefighters: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20191017002

Mandate letter of the Minister of Health and Wellness: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-DHW.pdf

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