Madam Speaker, today I rise to table a petitions submitted by firefighters from Port Moody IAFF local 2399 and Coquitlam IAFF local 1782.
This petition addresses an urgent issue impacting the health and safety of firefighters across Canada. This petition, sponsored by the member for New Westminster—Burnaby, calls for immediate action to ban pre- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, called PFAS, in firefighter gear and firefighting foam.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that are known to be harmful. Research shows that PFAS can accumulate in the body, leading to serious health issues. Firefighters are already facing a higher cancer risk than the general population. We must mitigate these risks by regulating what we control in the workplace.
Several countries have restricted PFAS. It is time for Canada to follow suit. Our firefighters deserve gear free from toxic chemicals. Let us protect those who protect us and risk their lives.