MP Peter Julian Introduces Motion to Phase Out Harmful Chemicals in Firefighting Gear & Suppression Foam

MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release

November 12, 2024

MP Peter Julian Introduces Motion to Phase Out Harmful Chemicals in Firefighting Gear

BURNABY – Last Friday, Peter Julian, Member of Parliament for New Westminster-Burnaby, introduced Motion M-169 in the House of Commons. The motion calls for the phase-out of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighters' protective gear and fire suppression foam, responding to growing concerns over the significant health risks these chemicals pose, including their links to cancer.

 
 
 

L323, L256, L1782, L1525 Cancer Survivor, BCPFFA and MP Peter Julian

“This motion is about protecting first responders by eliminating their exposure to dangerous chemicals in firefighting equipment and foam,” said MP Julian. “Firefighters work tirelessly to protect our communities, and it’s critical that their gear doesn’t put them at risk. This motion is a direct response to one of the fastest-growing petitions in Parliament, driven by firefighter leaders across British Columbia, including BCPFFA President Todd Schierling, Burnaby L323 President Doug Petti, New Westminster L256 President Shane Poole, and Coquitlam L1782 President Steve Piccolo. Since launching just four months ago, more than 5,000 Canadians have signed the petition calling for the phase-out of PFAS. Parliament now can support safer, healthier working conditions for firefighters. All workers deserve safe conditions—firefighters are no exception. Several countries have already restricted PFAS, and it’s time for Canada to follow suit. Our firefighters deserve gear free from toxic chemicals. Let’s protect those who risk their lives for us,” Julian stated.

"As a firefighter and cancer survivor, I know too well the dangers of PFAS exposure. MP Julian’s Motion M-169 is a vital step in removing these toxic chemicals from our gear, so future firefighters won’t face the same health battles. This isn’t just policy; it’s about protecting lives." - Athena Calogeros, Cancer Survivor and Firefighter, West Vancouver Local 1525

Todd Schierling, President of the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters' Association (BCPFFA), commented, “Firefighters deserve protection not just from the fires they fight, but also from the gear they wear. This motion moves us closer to eliminating PFAS from our equipment, helping safeguard the health of every firefighter on the front lines.”

Doug Petti, President of Burnaby Local 323, emphasized, “This motion is crucial for the safety of our members. By removing PFAS from firefighting gear, we can significantly reduce long-term health risks that are entirely preventable. It’s a vital step forward.”

Shane Poole, President of New Westminster Local 256, added, “For years, firefighters have unknowingly been exposed to harmful chemicals while doing their jobs. It’s time to prioritize their safety and ensure the gear meant to protect them doesn’t endanger their health.”

Steve Piccolo, President of Coquitlam Local 1782, concluded, “Our firefighters deserve the best protection we can provide, which means ensuring their gear and tools are free from toxic chemicals. Passing this motion is a critical step toward reducing cancer rates among these heroes and safeguarding the health of both current and future generations.”

Media Contact:

Doris Mah 

Phone: 604-353-3107 

Email:peter.julian.c1d@parl.gc.ca

October 31, 2024

MP Peter Julian and several MP’s over nine sessions tabled a PFAS petition in the House of Commons. View the playlist below

July 2024: The BCPFFA, alongside with IAFF 323 Burnaby, 256 New Westminster, 1782 Coquitlam and the IAFF Canadian Office have 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.

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.

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. 

We encourage you to support the effort by participating via the following options:

  • Online Petition: [En e-Petition] [Fr e-Petition] is now CLOSED.

  • Paper Petition: The paper petition is ideal for gathering signatures at local events like upcoming Canada Day celebrations and BBQs.. Once you have collected 25 signatures or more, Mail the original copy to MP Peter Julian's office (postage-free): Suite 203, Wellington Building House of Commons Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6

 
 
 
 
 

PETITION TO THE HOUSE OF COMMONS

Initiated by President Todd Schierling, BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association

Sponsored by MP Peter Julian

A CALL TO BAN PFAS (PER – AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES

We, the undersigned Citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the House of Commons

WHEREAS, Health Canada’s State of PFAS Report and Risk Management Report have called for the reduction and prohibition of all forms of PFAS (Per – and Polyfluoroalkyl substances) due to their severe environmental and human health impacts, including effects on the immune and nervous systems, liver, kidney, thyroid, as well as development and reproductive systems, and can cause significant danger to the environment or to human life or health;

WHEREAS, it’s well known and documented that fire fighters contract cancer and other diseases at higher rates than the general public due to the toxic exposures they experience in the course of their duties. As a result, firefighting practices emphasize proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage, decontamination protocols and other measures designed to minimize exposure to carcinogens present in combusted materials.

WHEREAS, it has now been determined that for many decades, fire fighters have been regularly exposed to dangerous chemicals from the very things they use to carry out their duties: the coats and pants that make up their firefighting protective gear contain high concentrations of toxic chemicals called PFAS for the primary purpose of repelling water and oil. Fire fighters are also exposed to PFAS in aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) that are used as extinguishing agents at some airports and military facilities across Canada.

THEREFORE, your petitioners call on the Government of Canada, to

(a)  amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 to prohibit the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale or import of PFAS (per –

and polyfluoroalkyl substances);

(b)   amend the Canada Labour Code to provide that an employer who employs firefighters must ensure that they are provided with personal protective equipment and fire suppression foam that do not contain any detectable levels of PFAS (per – and polyfluoroalkyl substances);

(c)   amend the definition of firefighter in the Subsection 125 (1) of the Canada Labour Code as follows:

1. “firefighter” means a person regularly employed in, or appointed to, a fire department, fire marshal’s office, private fire contractor, seasonal private or public fire service, or band council, and assigned to undertake fire protection services for an employer; also, “pompier”

-Including those who carry out fire suppression duties, whether or not those duties include the performance of other emergency services; or

-Including those who carry out investigation duties respecting the cause, origin or circumstances of a fire;

(d)   work with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous and community-based organizations to put into place a timeline and cost- sharing model to phase out firefighters’ personal protective equipment and fire suppression foam that contain any detectable levels of PFAS.

*Definition of PFAS will conform to the U.S. House of Representatives (HR 5987 – The PFAS Definition Improvement Act) in November 2021 to amend Section 8(a)(7) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2607(a)(7)) inserted the phrase “that contains at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom,” after “perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance”. This definition and other definitions have been used by both different regulatory authorizations and other organizations across various international jurisdictions.

B.C. firefighters are ready to make significant progress

News Release October 29, 2024

B.C. firefighters are ready to make significant progress in cancer commitment following a close NDP election win

With the NDP having secured a majority in government, B.C. firefighters are poised for a landmark advance in cancer legislation. Both Premier David Eby (media release and letter) and Conservative leader John Rustad (letter) pledged to expand presumptive cancer coverage for firefighters to include all cancers, marking a significant shift in occupational health protections. This expansion would also reduce the required cumulative employment period for coverage to two years, aligning with U.S. standards and ensuring even early-career firefighters who develop cancer are eligible for timely support.

Photo taken July 10, 2024 - TownHall Meeting with BC Professional Fire Fighters & Local Leaders

Surrey Fire Fighters’ Union Station 1271

This legislative breakthrough is the result of years of advocacy from fire fighters and IAFF Local associations, which have tirelessly highlighted the heightened risks of occupational cancers, exposure to PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances), and the need for comprehensive mental health resources. By expanding protections to cover all forms of cancer, this new legislation underscores a deep commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of firefighters, ensuring those who face severe risks in their work receive robust support.

With the NDP's majority in place, bipartisan support for this expansion indicates a promising future for firefighter safety in B.C. The legislative momentum demonstrates the province’s dedication to making firefighter health a top priority, marking a major advancement for fire service professionals across the province.

The NDP’s commitment to implement the recently passed in Parliament, Bill C-224 establishing a National Framework for Cancers linked to firefighting, accompanied by a commitment of $12.29 million from the Federal Government will support crucial initiatives such as diagnostic testing, a national cancer registry, and research aimed at protecting firefighters.

Now that the election results are in and a majority government has been formed in the B.C. Legislature, Schierling is calling for swift action on B.C.'s presumptive legislation. 

"BC’s fire fighters are eager to collaborate with the provincial government to adopt the country's most progressive health protections," says Schierling. "We advocate in honour of the late Secretary-Treasurer Robert E. Hall, who left a legacy in a decade-long campaign resulted in the B.C. Government recognizing the cancer risks firefighters face, leading to the 2005 legislation that declared seven cancers as presumptive, with an additional eleven recognized thereafter."

Over the past seven years, the NDP Government have supported the BCPFFA expanding cancer presumption coverage, adding five cancers, lowering some employment periods to 10 years, introducing occupational stress injury coverage, provided funding for Occupational Awareness Training, WorkSafe BC reform such as indexing disability payments to keep with cost of living, indexing minimum wage, expanding EMS Scope of practice and legislated five employer paid sick days for all workers - all making a positive impact on our members and their families.

“I also want to express the association’s gratitude to retired Surrey firefighter Mike Starchuk, elected in 2020 as Surrey-Cloverdale MLA and being the first IAFF Fire Fighter to serve the BC Legislature. I am personally thankful for his advocacy and guidance over the years as a local leader and government official. We wish him well in his future endeavours.“ says Schierling.

Now that the election is decided and a majority Government is formed in the BC Legislature, Schierling highlights key legislative priorities for the BCPFFA to present to Premier-Elect David Eby and his NDP government. These priorities include early cancer screenings, retroactive cancer presumptions to 1970, phasing out PFAS from firefighting, funding for mental health resilience programs, integrating IAFF wildfire training into provincial curricula, and establishing three-party panels for collective bargaining arbitrations.

See BC Election Results

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ABOUT ROBERT E. HALL 

Robert was a fire fighter with Vancouver, Local 18 and he was a leading voice as BCPFFA Secretary-Treasurer in a decade-long lobby to have the BC Government recognize health risks in fire fighters. On October 31, 2005 Robert led us to the Legislature in Victoria and sat in the public gallery for the first reading of the Worker's Compensation Amendment Act. It recognized 7 cancers as occupational diseases for fire fighters {Brain, Bladder, Colorectal, Kidney, Ureter, Primary non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, and primary leukaemia}.  Since then, 11 additional Cancers, 1 heart injury and Occupational Stress Injury coverage have been added. 

On August 27, 2007 Rob succumbed to Occupational Cancer. BC Fire Fighters will be forever grateful of his leadership and vision in working with the provincial government to recognize and improve fire fighters' health and safety.

ABOUT BCPFFA

The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters' Association (BCPFFA) advocates for firefighter safety, health protections, and community well-being across BC and serves as a provider to 56 locals, representing over 4,700 members. Key priorities include expanding WorkSafe BC coverage for occupational cancers and injuries, improving mental health resources, and addressing legislative issues—often in collaboration with the provincial government—that impact public and firefighter safety, such as building code changes. Working with partners like the IAFF, Fire Chiefs, and municipal leaders, the BCPFFA pushes for policies to reduce hazardous substance exposure, improve presumptive coverage, and ensure strong legislative support for firefighters across BC.

Commitment to expand presumptive WCB coverage for firefighters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 3, 2024
Updated October 16, 2024

Further details on expanding presumptive coverage under WCB for fire fighters

BC Conservative Party, John Rustad sends letter to BCPFFA President Schierling promising to address improving Cancer Coverage under the Worker’s Compensation Act, to include “All forms of Cancer” and reduce the cumulative employment period to 2 years.

It’s great to see the BC Conservative Party joining the commitment to protect firefighters and their families by improving presumptive coverage. Having this bipartisan support across the legislative assembly reflects the broad recognition of the importance of firefighter health and safety. With commitments from both sides, it strengthens the efforts to address critical issues like presumptive cancer coverage and reinforces the value of the work firefighters do in the community.

- BCPFFA President Todd Schierling

Photo Taken July 10, 2024

Left to Right: BCPFFA President Schierling, Premier Eby, L1271 President Lattanzio, MLA Mike Starchuk Surrey-Cloverdale

On October 16th, BC NDP candidate Mike Starchuk (Surrey-Cloverdale) has announced that if elected, the BC NDP will expand presumptive coverage for firefighters who experience higher rates of cancer.

Working with the BC Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, the BC NDP would expand presumptive coverage for “all cancer types,” set the cumulative employment periods for these cancer types at 2 years, and collaborate with the federal government on implementing a National Framework of Bill C224 on Cancers linked to Firefighting. Read more…

“As a former firefighter, I’ve seen dear friends and colleagues find out they have cancer,” said Starchuk. “It takes a devastating emotional toll on the person and their loved ones. Getting the care and time off they need doesn’t have to be an added worry.”

"This is a significant step forward in safeguarding firefighters and their families. Expanding presumptive cancer coverage to all cancer types, reducing cumulative employment periods and collaborating on the national framework through the recent Federal Bill C-224 ensures firefighters get the recognition and support they need. We thank the NDP and David Eby for their commitment to our members' health and safety." - BCPFFA President Todd Schierling

BC NDP party platform announcement

Expand presumptive WCB coverage for firefighters who experience higher rates of cancer due to exposure to hazards

Source: https://www.bcndp.ca/actionplan 

October 3, 2024: The announcement from BC NDP’s party platform about expanding presumptive coverage under WCB for fire fighters is a significant step towards protecting those who face higher rates of cancer due to their exposure to hazardous conditions at fire scenes. Fire fighters are regularly exposed to toxic chemicals, including carcinogens, that put them at an increased risk for various forms of cancer. Expanding presumptive coverage ensures that when a fire fighter is diagnosed with cancer linked to their occupation, they can more easily access compensation and support without having to go through the onerous process of linking their cancer to a specific acute exposure.

This commitment aligns with ongoing efforts to acknowledge and address the occupational risks firefighters face, and it represents a commitment to improving the safety net for those who dedicate themselves to public safety, often at great personal risk. - BCPFFA President Todd Schierling

Expanding this coverage is crucial to ensuring the well-being of firefighters and providing them and their families with the support they need when facing life-altering diagnoses.

This announcement resonates with the broader advocacy efforts for improving fire fighter health protections, including the push for recognition of other occupational diseases and stress injuries.

- Secretary Treasurer Brian Catinus

The BCPFFA continues to be advocates by informing the members of the legislative assembly in ways to safeguard fire fighters in BC from occupational risks. Learn more here about our Legislative advocacy.

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BCPFFA President Todd Schierling 

T: 604.436.2053

E: president@bcpffa.org

 

About the BCPFFA

The British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters' Association (BCPFFA) is the organization that represents professional fire fighters in British Columbia. It is dedicated to advancing the rights, working conditions, and overall welfare of fire fighters across the province. The BCPFFA advocates for issues such as occupational health and safety, including cancer prevention and mental health support for fire fighters, as well as improvements in legislation and policies that affect their members.

Provincial Funding for PFAS-Free Firefighting Gear in BC Vancouver

Updated September 20, 2024

COV Councillor Lisa Dominato speaks to NR37

Thank you to the delegate members of #UBCM2024 for supporting Resolution NR37 - Provincial Funding for PFAS-Free Firefighting Gear in BC.

Thanks to the leadership of City of Vancouver Council for submitting the motion to prioritize the health and safety of fire fighters.

 

Media Advisory on Single Exit Stairway Building Plan Design

For Immediate Release

BC Provincial Government Makes Changes to BC Building Code Against the Opinion of Public Safety Professionals

Vancouver, BC - On August 29 2024, the British Columbia Provincial Government made changes to the BC Building Code to allow for residential multi unit dwellings to reduce their minimum egress stairways down to a single stairway for up to six (6) stories. This change was made unilaterally and made the BC Building Code incongruent with the intent of a harmonized code with the National Building Code. This change also does not take into account numerous concerns raised by public safety and fire service professional organizations. 

The Fire Chiefs Association of BC (FCABC) and the BC Professional Fire Fighters Association (BCPFFA) have serious concerns regarding the BC Provincial Government move to amend the BC Building Code to allow a Single Exit Stairway (SES) in multi-residential buildings.

On June 25th, 2024, Robert Heikkila, with Jensen Hughes, authored a report for the Provincial Government entitled Single Egress Stair Building Designs: Policy and Technical Options Report. The report identifies some of the fire service’s concerns but does not go far enough to highlight the significant risk to life safety that would exist if a building code revision is made to allow this in BC.

“It is concerning that the Province of B.C. has reduced established critical life-saving features by circumventing the national code development consensus process. The national code development process ensures equal, non-biased dialogue between all stakeholders to find consensus.” -- President Todd Schierling (BCPFFA) 

“Circumventing the code development process jeopardizes the public, building occupants, and first responders. Much like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, proper exiting is known to have saved thousands of lives and remains the fundamental building block to life safety.” -- President Dan Derby (FCABC)

Layered fire prevention measures encompassing multiple means of egress, fire suppression systems, fire-rated construction, automatic fire alarm systems, compartmentalization, and many other codes provide a reasonable, widely accepted, and nationally developed level of protection. Drastic changes, such as those proposed, directly contrast with time-tested safety fundamentals.

Positions on SES:

Our associations are not alone with this concern and numerous other industry professionals well versed in the conversation have voiced similar comments and provided position statements, including:

As recently as this past May, the International Codes Council rejected a similar proposed change. This group establishes codes that a considerable number of countries use.

Summation of our Position

  1. The single-egress stairway concept is complex and should be properly evaluated through the national code change process; 

  2. BC’s planned adoption of single-egress stairways is moving too quickly, does not have supporting data, and does not consider all stakeholder concerns. The latest Canadian data was not considered. Refer to the Single Stair Egress Report by Len Garis; 

    • Nearly 9% of the fires in these buildings start in the hallway or stairwell, 

    • Smoke from these fires flooded the hall and stairs, 

    • The majority (68%) of residential fire-related deaths were a result of smoke inhalation alone, while 10% were reported to be caused by both smoke inhalation and burns, and 17% were due to burns alone.

    • Fire inspection data shows that 40% of fire and life safety systems in apartment buildings are not compliant with fire codes and may not function properly, ie. smoke detectors, heat alarms or automatic sprinkler systems, 

  3. The BC Building Code (BCBC) does not consider or control other aspects of fire response capacity and building upkeep realities once a building is completed; 

  4. Fires do occur in egress pathways even with protection systems in place; 

  5. BC Fire Code inspections of apartment buildings show low compliance rates; 

  6. Emerging issues such as lithium-ion battery fires make this proposal even riskier; 

  7. Human movement research on evacuations showed a negative impact with a single exit.

Our associations are requesting that these changes be reversed or paused, and we strongly recommend that this be deferred to the National Building Code revision process with the involvement of the National Research Council.

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Media Inquiries

  • Todd Schierling, President (BCPFFA), 604.436.2053

  • Dan Derby, President (FCABC), 604.492.3080

You can’t argue with Evidence Based Data!

 
 
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  1. B.C. fire chiefs worry about 1-stairwell building code changes, CBC News, August 31, 2024

Town Hall at Station 1271 IAFF Membership and Affiliate Leaders

Town Hall Meeting with IAFF Members

BCPFFA President Schierling, Premier Eby, L1271 President Lattanzio and MLA Starchuk

Co-hosted by IAFF Local 1271 President Lattanzio and BCPFFA President Schierling, Local 1271 and the British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association (BCPFFA) had the unique opportunity to engage with Premier David Eby, Minister Harry Bains, and MLA Mike Starchuk in front of over 50 IAFF members and local leaders from the surrounding area. This event focused on critical issues important to firefighters, including presumptive occupational diseases and illnesses, PFAS, mental health programs, building code changes, and wildfire/disaster plans, demonstrating the strong commitment of our community to addressing these vital concerns.

We recognize the support of the Provincial Government in areas of,

  • Presumptive Occupational Illness / Disease / Cancer

  • Presumptive Operational Stress Injuries

  • WorkSafe Reform

  • Employer Paid Sick Days

  • Funding for Occupational Awareness Training

  • New Hospital in Surrey and Cancer Centre

 
 

We also stressed that more work needs to be done about Single Stair Egress and we aim to meet with the Premier and Housing minister soon on this issue.

July 10, 2024 at Station 1271 Union Hall, Surrey

 
 
 

The event also marks the 30th Anniversary of the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Charitable Society where founding members Lorne West, Jon Caviglia, Gerry Wilson and Mike Starchuk were all on hand. The Premier had a tour of the Station which was a refurbished old Hall 7 - heritage building in Surrey.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to David Eby, Harry Bains, Mike Starchuk, MLA Surrey - Cloverdale for taking the time to listen to fire fighters' concerns and for sharing the initiatives being undertaken by your government to improve workplace safety and conditions in British Columbia.

See Album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/TNvysWwn1V4ktMV48 (photos by Province of British Columbia)



Thank you Hon. Minister Harry Bains

 
 
 

On behalf of BC’s Professional Fire Fighters, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Minister Harry Bains. His dedication and unwavering support have significantly impacted our profession and the lives of workers throughout British Columbia.

Throughout almost two decades as MLA and in his role as Minister of Labour, Harry has been an ally and friend to fire fighters as we work together to improve working conditions, advocate for our rights, and ensure our safety.

Harry, as you embark on this new chapter of your life, we wish you all the best. Your commitment to our well-being has set a standard for others to follow. Thank you for your service and for all you have done for the firefighters of British Columbia.

— President Todd Schierling