SENATE COMMITTEE THREATENS CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY: FIRE CHIEFS

Ottawa, December 4, 2009 – “Canadian consumers will be placed in unnecessary danger if the Senate supports amendments placed before it by its Standing Committee on Social Matters, Science and Technology yesterday,” said Calgary Fire Chief Bruce Burrell, President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC).

Fire Chief Burrell was referring to changes to Bill C-6, the proposed Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, that would have the effect of severely weakening the protection it is striving to put in place for all Canadians.  At the same time, the amendments would increase the risk that unsafe consumer products pose to firefighters.

“The original Bill C-6 was strongly supported by CAFC because it was intended to significantly strengthen the law as it applies to consumer product safety,” said CAFC’s President.  “I particularly agree with Senator Keon who said the amendments proposed by the Standing Committee would make the Bill dysfunctional.”

Bill C-6 will likely be considered by the full Senate on Tuesday December 8th.  “I urge the Senate to reject the amendments proposed by its Standing Committee and to approve Bill C-6 in its original form   The Bill received all-Party support in the House of Commons and it deserves no less support from the Senate,” said CAFC’s President.

"Partisan political gamesmanship should not be at the expense of Canadians who need to be assured that the consumer products that enter their homes are safe,” Fire Chief Burrell emphasized.

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Information:

Calgary Fire Chief Bruce Burrell
President, Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs
Tel: 403-287-4255
Cell: 403-813-4064 

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