As was announced in the Throne Speech, the government has introduced amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Act to expand presumptive coverage for firefighters for six more types of cancer. President of the Saskatchewan Firefighters and Paramedics Association Lloyd Zwack says he is pleased with the government’s choice to expand the coverage, saying it will have a positive impact on the long-term health of firefighters.

The amendments also include changing the definition of worker to remove executive officers and include secondary and post-secondary students in recognized programs and providing compensation to a worker’s dependent children when the worker passes away from a non-work-related injury while on compensation, no matter the length of time.

Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don McMorris says these amendments address concerns from employers and injured workers and their families.