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CAFC applauds new product safety law
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CAFC applauds new product safety law
The strengthening of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, to give Ottawa the authority to pull dangerous products off the shelves, is a step forward in terms of protection of the public, says the CAFC.
June 21, 2011
By
Carey Fredericks
June 21, 2011, Ottawa – Canada’s fire chiefs are pleased with the recent
enforcement of the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), which
modernizes and strengthens Canada's product safety laws.
"We congratulate the Government of Canada for its commitment to strengthening Canada's consumer product safety legislation and limiting risk to the health and safety of Canadians," said Fire Chief Rob Simonds, president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC).
"Consumer product safety problems fall disproportionately on the most vulnerable members of society, including the young, the disabled and seniors. We want to thank the minister of health, the Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, and her department for their efforts and leadership in bringing this legislation into force," added Simonds.
A significant proportion of fire department calls in Canada are in response to unsafe products in Canadian homes. Firefighters are often the first emergency responders on the scene to help Canadians who have been injured or who have sustained property damage by unsafe consumer products.
Canada's fire chiefs have raised concerns about the manufacturing and importation of unsafe consumer products, the sale of matches and lighters to minors and, in particular, the increasing use of flammable chemicals in residential furnishings, toys and clothing.
"The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act provides better oversight of consumer products in Canada by improving the government's ability to take timely compliance and enforcement actions when unsafe products are identified," said Simonds.
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