Misty Van Popta firefighter health bill passes in rare legislative win for Opposition

A bill aimed at improving health care for firefighters in British Columbia has passed the legislature — a rare achievement for an Opposition member.

The Firefighters’ Health Act, introduced by Misty Van Popta, has now cleared third reading and will proceed to royal assent by the lieutenant-governor.

Van Popta, MLA for Langley-Walnut Grove, first introduced the bill in May 2025 during the previous legislative session.

What the legislation will do

Once enacted, the law will establish a dedicated health-care plan for firefighters across the province.

Key components include:

• Early cancer detection programs

• Mental health screening and support

• Data collection to better understand exposure risks on the job

The goal is to improve long-term health outcomes for firefighters, who face elevated risks due to repeated exposure to hazardous environments.

A rare legislative outcome

The bill’s passage is notable because private members’ bills from Opposition MLAs rarely become law in B.C.

According to Van Popta, this marks only the second such instance in more than 40 years.

A recent example came in 2024, when Jody Toor successfully passed legislation focused on perinatal and postnatal mental health care.

Broader push for firefighter protections

The legislation comes alongside recent provincial efforts to expand support for firefighters.

In March, the B.C. government announced it would broaden compensation coverage, adding eight more cancers to the list of illnesses eligible for support.

Van Popta said the new law builds on that momentum by focusing on prevention and early intervention.

“Firefighters face a significantly higher risk of developing cancer,” she said in a statement, emphasizing that early detection can save lives.

A first-of-its-kind approach

Supporters say the Firefighters’ Health Act represents a major step forward, describing it as the first legislation of its kind in Canada.

By combining screening, mental health support and long-term data collection, the law aims to create a more comprehensive system tailored to the realities of firefighting.

What comes next

With the bill now headed for royal assent, the focus will shift to implementation — including how the health-care plan will be structured and delivered.

For firefighters across British Columbia, the legislation signals growing recognition of the risks they face — and a commitment to providing stronger, long-term support.