Halifax firefighters’ union asks city to pay for cancer screenings at private clinics
The Halifax firefighters’ union is urging the municipality to cover the costs of preventive cancer screenings at private clinics, citing concerns that members have been denied access through the provincial health system. Brendan Meagher, president of the Halifax Professional Fire Fighters Association, brought this request to councillors during a budget committee meeting held on Wednesday.
Meagher highlighted instances where healthy members in their 40s have requested blood work or other tests to screen for various cancers, only to be informed that these services are not currently approved through the public health-care system. “We are seeking assistance to provide our members with peace of mind and access to life-saving medical diagnostic technology,” Meagher stated to reporters following the meeting.
Although Premier Tim Houston is aware of the issue, Meagher expressed frustration that despite two years of advocacy efforts, no changes have been implemented. As a result, the union is proposing that the municipality fund a program to enable firefighters to undergo screenings at local private clinics until a provincial solution is established.
The proposed program would cost approximately $735 per firefighter and include services such as a physician’s medical examination, urinalysis, tests for prostate and colorectal cancer, X-rays, and blood work. Meagher estimated that the initiative would benefit around 300 career firefighters and 150 volunteer firefighters with over a decade of experience, with screenings conducted biennially over a four-year period, totaling an annual cost of $200,000 for the city.
Studies conducted in the United States have indicated that firefighters are 14% more likely to succumb to cancer than the general population, with cancer being the primary cause of work-related fatalities among Canadian firefighters. Meagher emphasized the pervasive exposure to hazardous conditions faced by firefighters during their duties, underscoring the importance of early detection through regular screenings.
The union pointed to the tragic case of Capt. Billy Marr, who tragically passed away from colorectal cancer at the age of 46 last April, as an example of the potential benefits of proactive screening measures. Meagher stressed the union’s commitment to preventing similar tragedies in the future through preventive healthcare initiatives.
In response to the union’s request, Coun. Becky Kent requested additional information and a formal proposal for council review. Kent emphasized the need to consider both the financial implications and the potential benefits of the proposed program. While the union’s request falls outside the current Halifax Fire budget discussions scheduled for Friday, it may be raised during subsequent deliberations over the coming weeks, with the final budget decisions slated for April.
CBC has reached out to the province for a response to the union’s request, and any updates will be incorporated into this ongoing story. As discussions continue, the union remains steadfast in its pursuit of ensuring the well-being and safety of its members through proactive health measures.
