At Queen’s Park in Toronto on Feb. 26, 2024, veteran forest firefighter Noah Freedman and OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick joined NDP MPPs Lise Vaugeois, Guy Bourgouin, and Sol Mamakwa. They criticized the Ford government for neglecting forest firefighters’ health and safety. They demanded urgent action before the 2024 fire season starts.
“Like urban firefighters, forest firefighters face higher cancer and heart disease risks,” stated OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick. “However, unlike urban firefighters, they don’t have automatic WSIB recognition. Forest firefighters must prove a strong link between their exposure and illness, which is shameful.”
“The Ontario Government ignores forest firefighters’ health, much like it ignores climate change,” added Noah Freedman, an eight-year veteran forest firefighter and Vice-President of OPSEU/SEFPO Local 703. “Our health and safety document, along with the government’s response, shows years of willful ignorance and negligence. We are all dying, and we will no longer be silenced.”
Urgent Call for Health Reforms for Ontario Forest Firefighters Before 2024 Season
Last year’s wildfire season was record-breaking, impacting even those far from active fires. Forest firefighters worked 16-hour days, inhaling carcinogenic emissions to protect Ontario residents and communities.
Shockingly, forest firefighters lack proper health and safety training for toxic conditions. This is despite repeated recommendations, including those from the Ministry of Natural Resources’ joint health and safety committee. They are still advised to cover their mouths with dry cloths like bandanas, a method proven ineffective in the 1990s.
The Ford government can fix this crisis and protect forest fire workers before the 2024 fire season begins. Forest firefighters risk everything for Ontarians. The Ford government must recognize their crucial work and ensure their protection.
“The government has had many opportunities to classify forest firefighters for the same presumptive cancer coverage as other firefighters,” said NDP MPP for Thunder Bay – Superior North, Lise Vaugeois. “Adding insult to injury, the MNRF makes workers pay for training and then refuses to train them properly to protect against inhaling carcinogens. The contracts are short, poorly paid, and prevent Ontario from building the expertise needed to fight the increasing fires due to the climate crisis and this year’s dry winter.”