Mr. Speaker, today I rise to table a petition submitted by Canadian firefighters that is addressing 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 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, also known as forever chemicals, in firefighter gear and firefighting foam.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that are resistant to heat, water and oil, but their durability comes at a significant cost. Scientific evidence links these substances to severe health risks, including cancer, which is putting firefighters, who are already facing hazardous conditions, at greater risk. Research shows that PFAS can accumulate in the body, leading to serious health issues. Alarmingly, firefighters face a higher cancer risk than the general population. We must mitigate these risks by regulating what we can control in their working conditions. Several countries have restricted PFAS use. Canada must follow suit. Our firefighters deserve gear that is free from toxic chemicals.
Let us protect those who risk their lives for us. I thank the Speaker for providing me the space to present this petition.