FREDERICTON – The Government of New Brunswick is increasing burial and related-expenses benefits for families of eligible firefighters and former firefighters. Labour Minister Francine Landry introduced amendments to legislation on May 13, which will ensure benefits for families of eligible firefighters and former firefighters that are equivalent to those in the Worker’s Compensation Act, the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour said in a statement. “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.” The Firefighters’ Compensation Act was inadvertently overlooked when provisions increasing burial and related expenses were added to the Workers’ Compensation Act in 2012, said the Minister. The proposed amendments will be made retroactive to Dec. 20, 2012.