WHEREAS the misuse and abuse of fireworks causes significant property damage and personal injury, and generates unnecessary costs for taxpayers; AND WHEREAS a province-wide approach is needed for the safe manufacturing, transportation, retail, wholesale and use of fireworks: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government be requested to regulate the use of fireworks in British Columbia, including public education, enforcement, international and municipal cross border transportation, and cost recovery where loss can be directly attributed to the use or abuse of fireworks.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Currently fireworks in British Columbia are regulated through the provincial Fireworks Act, the federal Explosives Act and by local government under the Community Charter. Current legislation enables local communities to tailor access to fireworks to reflect local practices. A number of British Columbia communities have instituted bans on the use of fireworks, except for fireworks licensed for public display. Many other communities have restricted the kind of fireworks that can be sold and when they can be sold. The Province has supported this practice through the Fireworks Act. As a result, additional regulation of fireworks would not be seen as a significant benefit. The Office of the Fire Commissioner takes a leading role in providing education supports around fire prevention and awareness, including the development of fireworks safety materials for schools.