e-4254 (Public safety)

Petition to the House of Commons

• Wildfires are a growing concern across Canada and fireworks have been documented to be sources of wildfire ignition;
• Consumer use of fireworks has caused significant structure fires and even human deaths both in manufacturing warehouses and on private properties;
• Fireworks are a source of pollution and toxic debris, and can adversely impact environmental and human health through water and soil contamination, and reduced air quality;
• Fire and police are stretched to respond to misuse of fireworks calls, particularly on holidays, affecting their ability to respond to other public safety concerns;
• Public Health Infobase Canada reports that the most common type of injuries related to fireworks are burns;
• Fireworks can traumatise refugees and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and those with sensory difficulties;
• Animal welfare organisations across Canada consider fireworks to be a serious health and welfare risk to pets, farm animals and wildlife;
• Animal welfare organisations further explain that fireworks cause death, illness, injury, and stress to animals in our communities; and
• National parks are transitioning from fireworks displays to special effect pyrotechnics to reduce the impact on wildlife.