B.C. Conservative member’s bill on firefighter health passes in rare feat

VICTORIA — A bill by an Opposition Conservative in B.C.’s legislature about the health care of firefighters has passed through the legislature, an extremely rare occurrence for a private member’s bill.

The Firefighters’ Health Act, was brought forward by Langley-Walnut Grove MLA Misty Van Popta for first reading in May 2025 in the last legislative session and is now going to the lieutenant-governor for Royal Assent.

The legislation, when enacted, will establish a health-care plan for firefighters, including early cancer detection and mental health screening, and it will gather data to be used for assessing exposure risks.

The bill passed third reading on Monday, and Van Popta says it is only the second time in over 40 years where an Opposition member’s bill has passed through the B.C. legislature.