Research Study: Cancer, Birth Defects, and Firefighters’ Children (copy)

Dear OPFFA members,

My name is Alexis Bowman, and I am an undergraduate student at Queen’s University in the Faculty of Health Sciences. I am being supervised for this study by Dr. Nikki Philbrook. Dr. Kenneth Kunz will be acting as our consultant for this study.

I am contacting you to see if you are interested in participating in a study titled “Cancer, Birth Defects and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in the Children of Firefighters”. You are being invited as the OPFFA has identified you as a current professional firefighter. Our goal is to examine trends in cancer, birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders in the children of firefighters to better understand the trends, risks, and impacts of these conditions on firefighters and their families.

Please note that the survey is anonymous, and the OPFFA and research team will be unaware of who has participated or chosen not to participate.

If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete a brief, 20-minute survey regarding your and your partner’s health histories, firefighting histories, and lifestyle factors as well as the health outcomes of your children using an anonymous survey through the virtual platform Qualtrics. Participation in this study is voluntary and anonymous. To participate in this study, please access the link at the bottom of this email to be directed to the survey on the Qualtrics site.

If you are interested in more information about the study, please feel free to contact me, Alexis Bowman, BHSc ‘25, Principal Investigator, at [email protected] at any time.

This study has received ethical approval by the Queen’s University General Research Ethics Board.

Survey Link: https://queensu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0JS3AOwvhsnVhX0 

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Holiday Message from the Ontario PFFA

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Colon & Kidney Cancer Coverages Update

Brothers and Sisters,

On Friday, I had the privilege of attending the announcement made by Minister of Labour, David Piccini, regarding the introduction of a new bill: Working for Workers Six.

This new legislation which, if passed, will expand presumptive coverage for firefighters:

  1. In the case of primary-site kidney cancer by reducing the required duration of service from 20 to 10 years – the lowest in Canada.
  2. Remove the requirement that a firefighter’s primary-site colorectal diagnosis must be made before the age of 61.

These changes will ensure that firefighters can access their WSIB benefits more easily.

I am grateful to Premier Ford, the Ontario Government, and equally importantly, you.  This latest milestone was achieved with the help of research conducted by our own occupational disease committee that made the case for supporting our brothers and sisters when they need it, earlier than the system allowed.

This victory adds to our accomplishments this year, including expanded coverage for both skin cancer and esophageal cancer.  Thank you to everyone who advocated for this important change!

Here are some posts on social media if you’d like to share the news with your network:  Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook.

Regards,

Greg Horton

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Ontario Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial – Oct 6th

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Hot Edict – Markham L2727

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23rd Annual Ottawa Firefighters’ Memorial

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Hot Edict from the OntPFFA – Loyalist L5464

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Celebrate Canada Day with the OFS Band

On behalf of the Ontario Fire Fighters Community Foundation:

June 13, 2024

Ottawa, Ontario

You are cordially invited to the Ottawa Firefighters Community Foundation Canada Day Celebration at Ottawa City Hall, the Firefighters Monument Site on Monday July 1, 2024 ,11:00 A.M.  The Ottawa Fire Services Band will be performing on site. Many retired firefighters will be attending handing out flags and Canada Flag pins. The following is the program for the celebration:

  • 11:00 a.m. Opening Remarks and Introduction of all present
  • 11:30 a.m. Fire Services Band will be playing popular music
  • 12:00 p.m.  Retired Deputy Chief Dave Smith will be raising the Flag
  • 12:00 p.m. The Fire Services band will be playing the National Anthem
  • 12:10 p.m.  Hamburgers/Hot Dogs will be served
  • 12:30 p.m. The Fire Services Band will continue playing Music
  • 2:00 p.m.  Closing Remarks

For More Information:

Angelo Filoso                                         Paul Casagrande

Vice President                                        Director and Band Master

613-797-5126                                        613-220-8550

[email protected]                   [email protected]

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