In Toronto the private use of fireworks is legal, without a permit, only on Victoria Day and Canada Day. While those are great Canadian holidays we believe we should be inclusive of Toronto’s diverse population and include Diwali and Lunar New Year.

Toronto prides itself as the most diverse city in the world and includes “Diversity Our Strength” as its official motto on behalf of its 2.8+ million residents.

As a legal and regulated industry with over 4,000 products approved and tested rigorously by the Federal Government of Canada, fireworks are a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, including families, communities and individuals in Toronto's diverse, multicultural population.

The fair regulation of the sale and use of fireworks is the best way to ensure the safe use of fireworks.  Promoting education, required training through the Canadian National Fireworks Association (CNFA) vendor certification and employee training programs are part of the solution and will serve as crucial catalysts to addressing safety, environmental and enforcement requirements moving forward.

PETITION TO THE CITY OF TORONTO:

Whereas fireworks are a safe and legal product enjoyed by millions from coast to coast in neighbourhoods as communities enjoy the experience and what they represent to our diverse Canadian society; and

Whereas the City of Toronto prides itself as the most diverse city in the world and includes "Diversity Our Strength" as its official motto on behalf of its 2.8+ million residents, we the undersigned request that:

1. Diwali is a festival celebrated by 1 billion Hindu's globally
   
   and
2. Lunar New Year, the largest annual holiday of the year celebrated by 1.5 billion Asians globally be included in the designated days of fireworks usage in the City effective immediately.  And that no fireworks permit would be needed for Diwali or Lunar New Year, consistent with no permit being required for Victoria Day or Canada Day.
   
   and
3. There not be a ban on the sale and use of fireworks to the public or be pursued or implemented by the City of Toronto.  

We, the undersigned, Citizens of Toronto, call upon the City of Toronto to include the above as part of the permitted days for the use of consumer fireworks in our city and not implement a ban on fireworks.