Mr. Speaker, now more than ever we must recognize the need for advanced training in the handling and treatment of hazardous materials for our firefighters who are the first to respond to emergencies such as terrorist attacks.
The International Association of Fire Fighters in the United States has spent millions of dollars developing an excellent curriculum on hazardous materials and it is generously offering to share it with its Canadian counterparts free of charge. It is estimated that by using a train the trainer methodology this valuable life saving information could be distributed to every firefighter in Canada for as little as $500,000.
Our brave men and women, who are the first to respond to emergencies, put their lives at risk to save our lives. They deserve the best protection that we have to offer and sometimes that protection is information, training and knowledge. I urge the government to find the resources to fund the delivery of the IAFF HazMat training curriculum and to do it without delay.