PFAS Petition from the IAFF Canada
Attention Canadian affiliates:
The BCPFFA has been working with NDP MP Peter Julian (New Westminster-Burnaby) on an online petition that would call on the federal government to ban Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from turnout gear and fire suppression foam.
As you know, removing PFAS from turnout gear and firefighting foams is one of our key legislative issues. To highlight this issue and elicit an official response from the federal government, MP Julian has offered to sponsor a petition outlining our ask.
Public petitions are a useful democratic tool that raises awareness to important issues. With just 25 signatures for a paper petition or 500 signatures for an e-petition, the sponsoring MP has the opportunity to table the petition and speak on the issue in the House of Commons.
While petitions are not debatable or votable, the government is required to respond within 45 days.
With this in mind, we encourage you to support the effort by participating via the following options:
Online Petition: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Sign/e-5052 – This online petition is an useful tool for spreading awareness to your members, families & friends and the public about the dangers of PFAS and how it is linked to cancer and other serious health effects. You may choose to post the link on your social media to boost participation. The online petition will be active for 120 days.
E-petitions require at least 500 signatures to be certified and presented in the House of Commons. Paper petitions require at least 25 signatures for certification.