Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to the second reading of Bill 29, First Responders Workers' Compensation Amendment Act, introduced by the Member for Range Lake.

On the onset, I want to express my deep respect and appreciation for the work of our first responders and firefighters. I know firsthand what this job entails and that these individuals -- and what these individuals face in traumatic events, dangerous conditions in their service and in our communities. After all, this is something I've done for 30 years.

Bill 29 proposes important amendments to the Workers' Compensation Act to establish presumptive coverage for post-traumatic stress disorder, for all first responders, to expand presumptive cancer and heart disease coverage for firefighters. I acknowledge the appreciation and the intent behind this bill, and I want to thank the Member for advancing this issue.

As mentioned in my May 21st email to the Member, this bill aligns with a broader discussion that has already started with the Workers' Compensation Commission regarding the enhanced presumptive coverage for firefighters and first responders in both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

Mr. Speaker, in 2023, direction was provided to the Workers' Compensation and Safety Commission to begin work on the legislative proposal to expand presumptive coverage for firefighters, including additional cancers, types of cancers, and PTSD. Also in 2023, the Nunavut Minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation and Safety Commission expressed support for this work, highlighting our shared commitment and modernization for the workers' compensation system in both territories.

Since then, the Workers' Compensation and Safety Commission has undertaken extensive research and completed an interjurisdictional review. As a result, a discussion paper is currently being finalized that outlines several policy options for expanding presumptive cancers and PTSD coverage. The intention is to engage with stakeholders in both territories during the summer and fall of 2025.

This engagement will be critical to ensuring that any changes to the Act are informed, effective, and reflective of stakeholder inputs. It is important to note that presumptive coverage streamlines access to benefits, PTSD and cancer diagnoses that are already presumptively covered can be and are often approved through the standard claims' adjudication process. The proposed engagement will include options to expand cancer coverage for firefighters to include nine additional types which would bring the total to 23, making it the most comprehensive presumptive cancer coverage in the country. Similarly, three distinct policies options are being presented for presumptive PTSD coverage for firefighters and other first responders.

Mr. Speaker, while we fully support the spirit of this bill, I must emphasize the importance of following legislative development process that supports our shared governance model with Nunavut. The Workers' Compensation and Safety Commission is a joint body serving both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut with matching legislative frameworks. Careful and considered coordination to align our legislative projects is essential. For the legislative amendments to move forward, they must be approved by both Cabinets before any drafting of bills can occur. This ensures the continued viability of our shared compensation system and an interjurisdictional partnership that is unique in Canada and a testament to our northern partners. Given the timing of the 2025 General Election, Nunavut has anticipated that the final legislative proposal will be ready to advance in early 2026.

In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I thank the Member from Range Lake for his advocacy on behalf of first responders. The work of this Assembly, in conjunction with the Workers' Compensation Commission and our Nunavut partners, will help ensure we provide appropriate and modern protection for those who protect us. I look forward to ongoing discussions on this matter and continue work that has already been started to ensure that the eventual legislation reflects both evidence-based policy and lived experiences of our first responders in our communities.

With that said, although we support the bill, we will be abstaining from this vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.