Council directs staff to create cancer screening program for firefighters

Halifax regional councillors unanimously approved a motion directing staff to create a preventative cancer screening program for firefighters Wednesday.

The move comes after Brendan Meagher, President of the Halifax Professional Fire Fighters Association (HPFF), made the request to council in February.

“Although every effort is made to protect firefighters from work-related hazards, there is evidence that repeated and acute exposures to the conditions present in their work environment increase the likelihood of illness and disease,” a briefing note from the municipality states. “For example, firefighters face an increased risk of developing a variety of cancers due to the occupational exposures as part of regular activities over a period of time (fire suppression, rescue and training exercises) and acute exposures related to catastrophic and extreme fire fighting.”

While the province provides benefits to firefighters diagnosed with any of the 19 identified primary site cancers, there is no early detection program.

Meagher said firefighters need a more proactive approach.

While the municipality supports better health protections for firefighters, it says it cannot provide funding at this time due to “the lack of clear validated medical research on screening protocols specific to firefighters.”

While funding is premature, the chief administrative officer, in consultation with the IAFF, the Province of Nova Scotia and service providers, will work to establish a comprehensive firefighter cancer screening program effective no later than January 1, 2026.

“We’re not saying explore it, we’re saying go do it,” District 9 Councillor Shawn Cleary said in the meeting Wednesday. “We do want to ensure our firefighters that we’ve got your back, this is what we’re serious about.”

The HPFF reacted positively on X stating “this is a massive win for HRFE fire fighter health and safety.”