Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present a petition on behalf of the hard-working Burnaby firefighters in IAFF Local 323. They have added 80 signatures to the thousands of signatures we have seen coming in from across the country over the last few days. This petition is calling on the government for immediate action to ban PFAS 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 very significant cost.
The scientific evidence links these substances to severe health risks, including cancer. This puts firefighters, who already face incredibly hazardous conditions, at greater risk. Research also shows that PFAS can accumulate in the body, leading to serious health issues. Alarmingly, firefighters in Canada face a higher cancer risk than the general population, but we can mitigate this risk by regulating what we can control in their working conditions. Several other 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.