Alberta Record

· Order in Council / Heroes' Compensation Regulation · in-force

Heroes compensation regulation

This Order in Council enacts the Heroes' Compensation Regulation, defining 'wildfire responder' and prescribing them as 'workers' under the Heroes' Compensation Act, with an expiry date of May 31, 2029.

Moderate impactCentralization of powerThe public, directly

What changed

  • The Lieutenant Governor in Council made the Heroes' Compensation Regulation (A.R. 78/2024) under the Heroes' Compensation Act.
  • The Regulation defines a "wildfire responder" as an individual who fights, suppresses, or extinguishes a wildfire.
  • For the purposes of the Act, a wildfire responder is prescribed as a "worker".
  • The Regulation includes an expiry date of May 31, 2029, to ensure a review for ongoing relevancy and necessity.

Why it matters

  • This Regulation extends the scope of the Heroes' Compensation Act to include individuals engaged in wildfire response.
  • Prescribing wildfire responders as "workers" under the Act makes them eligible for compensation benefits.
  • The inclusion of an expiry date mandates a review of the Regulation's provisions within five years, allowing for potential amendments or re-enactment.
  • The temporary nature of the regulation introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding long-term compensation provisions for wildfire responders beyond May 2029.

Other governance concerns

  • Eligibility for compensation for wildfire responders.
  • Temporary nature of the regulation's provisions.

Primary sources (1)