Strictness over fireworks blasted
Association holding conference to educate public on use and safety
Canadian fireworks technicians are calling for Calgary to legalize fireworks and reduce accidents in the process.
The Canadian Fireworks Association -- made up those who design and execute fireworks shows -- will hold its third annual convention in Strathmore on April 20 and 21 and is inviting the public to the event to teach them how fireworks function and how to use them safely, said association vice-president Bill Raynault.
Education, not bans, is the key to keeping family fireworks -- consumer-style fireworks normally sold in stores -- from becoming dangerous, he said.
"It is our hope that Calgary and the surrounding townships will take another look at legalizing family fireworks," he said.
"By legalizing family fireworks, it will reduce the amount of injuries that happen with illegal fireworks from the U.S."
Most fireworks-related injuries in Canada are caused by illegally-purchased U.S. merchandise, said Raynault.
U.S. firecrackers and bottle rockets are more powerful, less safe and in demand where safer fireworks are banned, he said.
Most cities in Canada allow the use of fireworks -- at least during certain times -- and allow the sale and use of federally approved wares, said Raynault, adding firecrackers were banned nationally in 1970.
"The government rigorously tests all fireworks sold in Canada to make sure they meet very strict guidelines for safety," he said.
Apart from controlling access to safer fireworks, lifting the ban will also lead to a better understanding of the novelties, said Raynault.
"If you were to drive a car once a year, how safe would that person be when driving the car?" he said.
Association holding conference to educate public on use and safety
Canadian fireworks technicians are calling for Calgary to legalize fireworks and reduce accidents in the process.
The Canadian Fireworks Association -- made up those who design and execute fireworks shows -- will hold its third annual convention in Strathmore on April 20 and 21 and is inviting the public to the event to teach them how fireworks function and how to use them safely, said association vice-president Bill Raynault.
Education, not bans, is the key to keeping family fireworks -- consumer-style fireworks normally sold in stores -- from becoming dangerous, he said.
"It is our hope that Calgary and the surrounding townships will take another look at legalizing family fireworks," he said.
"By legalizing family fireworks, it will reduce the amount of injuries that happen with illegal fireworks from the U.S."
Most fireworks-related injuries in Canada are caused by illegally-purchased U.S. merchandise, said Raynault.
U.S. firecrackers and bottle rockets are more powerful, less safe and in demand where safer fireworks are banned, he said.
Most cities in Canada allow the use of fireworks -- at least during certain times -- and allow the sale and use of federally approved wares, said Raynault, adding firecrackers were banned nationally in 1970.
"The government rigorously tests all fireworks sold in Canada to make sure they meet very strict guidelines for safety," he said.
Apart from controlling access to safer fireworks, lifting the ban will also lead to a better understanding of the novelties, said Raynault.
"If you were to drive a car once a year, how safe would that person be when driving the car?" he said.
