News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is enhancing burial and related-expenses benefits for families of eligible firefighters and former firefighters.

Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Francine Landry introduced amendments to legislation today which will ensure benefits for families of eligible firefighters and former firefighters that are equivalent to those in the Worker’s Compensation Act.

“Our government is committed to the priorities of job creation, righting our fiscal ship and helping families and that includes providing support in times of need,” said Landry. “When the Firefighters Compensation Act was enacted, the stated intent was that benefits within the act would mirror benefits in the Workers’ Compensation Act.  However, the Firefighters’ Compensation Act was inadvertently overlooked when provisions increasing burial and related expenses were added to the Workers’ Compensation Act in 2012.”

The proposed amendments will be made retroactive to Dec. 20, 2012. Those affected during that period will receive the increased retroactive benefits by way of an automatic payment. 

“Firefighters across the province risk their lives every day and as a government, we greatly appreciate the work of all of our firefighters in helping keep New Brunswick families safe,” said Landry. “With these amendments, we are supporting firefighters and their families in the time they need us the most and providing assistance to the loved ones they leave behind.”

Benefits under the Firefighters’ Compensation Act will be paid out of a disability fund administered by WorkSafe NB and maintained by yearly assessments calculated and levied against municipalities, rural communities and local service districts on a per-firefighter basis.