“Wildland firefighters put their lives on the line every season, facing toxic smoke, extreme conditions, and long-term health risks. Presumptive coverage is not a privilege—it is a necessity,” said Ever Ledoux, newly elected President of the Yukon Federation of Labour. “We applaud the Premier’s words, but now we need action. Every day without coverage is another day these workers remain vulnerable.”

Background

• Presumptive cancer coverage ensures that firefighters diagnosed with certain cancers are automatically recognized as having developed the illness due to occupational exposure, streamlining access to compensation and support.
• Municipal firefighters in Yukon already benefit from this protection, but wildland firefighters have been excluded, despite facing equal or greater risks.
• During the recent election, YFL and the Yukon Employees’ Union (YEU) raised this issue as a priority, alongside broader commitments to worker safety, healthcare access, and accountability in compensation systems.

YFL’s Call to Action

The Yukon Federation of Labour urges the Government of Yukon to:

• Set a clear timeline for implementing presumptive cancer coverage for wildland firefighters.
• Engage directly with unions and frontline workers to ensure the list of covered cancers reflects national and international best practices.
• Guarantee parity between municipal and wildland firefighters in occupational protections.
• Strengthen accountability at the Workers’ Safety and Compensation Board to ensure claims are processed fairly and quickly.

“Firefighters should not have to wait for political processes to catch up with the reality of their work,” added Ledoux. “The government has made the promise—now it must deliver.”

Next Steps

The Yukon Federation of Labour has requested a meeting with the Premier in the new year to discuss the implementation of presumptive coverage and other urgent worker protection issues.

For more information, please contact:

Everett Ledoux

President, Yukon Federation of Labour

yfl@yukonfed.com

867-456-8250

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After a few years of no public gatherings due to the pandemic, 2023 was the first Ceremony held in-person at the Yukon Workers Memorial in Shipyards Park, Whitehorse, Yukon. The sights and sounds that day included bagpipes, drumming, candles, flowers, and a distinct blended Honour Guard with representation from IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters), RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), and KDFN (Kwanlin Dun First Nation) Corrections Officer.

During the ceremony, pledges are made from five distinct sectors of our society, each with a responsibility to keep workers safe. The monument, unveiled in 2016, stands with five central pillars representing workers, employers, the community, governance and health-care providers. As part of the 2023 Day of Mourning Ceremony, powerful words were shared by Jorgen Ponsioen, Secretary of Local 2217 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, which we are sharing here with you today, in honour of the service of front line responders.

“The Day of Mourning is a solemn occasion that is observed annually on April 28th. It is a day to remember and honour all workers who have lost their lives, suffered injuries or illnesses on the job. For Whitehorse Fire Fighters, the Day of Mourning holds special significance as it serves as a reminder of the dangers firefighters face while carrying out
their duties. Firefighting is a hazardous occupation that involves working in dangerous and unpredictable situations. Whitehorse Fire Fighters risk their lives to protect the public and property, often putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety of others. Unfortunately, this comes at a price, and fire fighters are also susceptible to occupational cancers and illnesses directly related to fire fighting.

We have some of our own members that have fought and lost battles with cancers, as well as several currently engaged in ongoing struggles with other job related health struggles that they are losing. The Whitehorse Fire Fighters along with all first responders throughout the Yukon use this opportunity to honour the memory of all workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to raise awareness of the risks faced every day.

The Day of Mourning also serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety and we appreciate the seriousness our employer takes with our safety. We are committed to working together and will always advocate for safer working conditions for all. By honouring the memory of those who have lost their lives, the Whitehorse Fire Fighters hope to inspire future generations of first responders to continue their mission of protecting and serving the public while prioritizing their own safety. On behalf of first responders throughout the Yukon, I, Jorgen Ponsioen, Secretary of Local 2217 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, commit to making our workplaces safe. (light the candle).”

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