Mr. Speaker, the lack of immediate information regarding hazardous material is a major reason why firefighting is one of our country's most dangerous professions.
Firefighters routinely provide emergency medical treatment in unsanitary field conditions. Firefighters are especially hampered by lack of information available when they arrive at such incidents, especially within the critical first minutes upon arrival at the scene.
The implementation of a hazardous materials identification system would ensure that firefighters have the information they need to effectively respond to any incident enabling them to protect lives and property.
I along with the International Association of Fire Fighters urge the Minister of Transport to establish a Canadian demonstration site for Operation Respond, a computerized North American
emergency response system which will protect the safety of our firefighters, their families, our families and the rest of society.