Firefighter’s death fuels cancer fight
The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg is mourning the loss of Winnipeg firefighter Darrel Maynard while continuing its work to raise awareness of occupational cancer and improve health protections for […]
The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg mourn the loss of firefighter Darrel Maynard, who died at 41 after battling occupational cancer. The union is using his death to raise awareness of cancer risks for firefighters and push for better health protections. Maynard served Winnipeg for 20 years and leaves behind his wife and two sons.
His death was attributed to occupational cancer, which is covered under Manitoba's Workers' Compensation Act, meaning his family does not need to prove work-related cause. Manitoba was the first Canadian province to introduce presumptive cancer legislation for firefighters in 2002, but has fewer protections than other provinces.
Occupational cancer is the leading cause of death among Manitoba firefighters, with over 130 names on the union's memorial wall. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies firefighters' occupational exposure as carcinogenic. The union is working with the provincial government to improve cancer protections and reduce firefighters' exposure to cancer-causing substances.
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