Madam Speaker, today I rise to table a petition with nearly 100 signatures that was submitted by Burnaby Firefighters IAFF Local 323, with a shout-out to B.C. firefighters and to firefighters right across this country.
The petitioners are asking for Parliament to address an urgent issue impacting the health and safety of firefighters across Canada. The petition calls for an immediate action to ban per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS, in firefighter gear and firefighting foam.
PFAS are man-made chemicals 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, putting firefighters, who already face 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 free from toxic chemicals. Let us all protect those who risk their lives for us.