Provincial Regulation of Fireworks

WHEREAS British Columbia experienced an active fire season this summer due to extremely dry weather conditions and the misuse and abuse of fireworks causes significant property damage and personal injury, and generates unnecessary costs for taxpayers; AND WHEREAS the Community Charter enables local governments to regulate fireworks, however lack of staffing and funding drastically affects the ability of local governments to provide enforcement: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that a province-wide approach is needed for the safe manufacturing, transportation, retail, wholesale and use of fireworks; AND BE IT FURTHER 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 and abuse of fireworks.