I am calling for our compassionate Mayor, John Taylor, to take immediate action against the regulation, distribution and private use of fireworks in the town of Newmarket. While not comprehensive, this call to action speaks to the vulnerabilities of animal, environmental and human welfare of the members of our community. 

• Animal: Every year, our pets suffer heart attacks, injuries and death caused by persistent, startling loud noises. Wildlife flees their homes resulting in roadside deaths and disruptions to their family units.
• Mental: Gunshot noises trigger those with generalized anxiety disorders and/or those suffering from PTSD brought on by physical violence, childhood abuse and surviving war.
• Health: Bright flashes can cause those with epilepsy to experience life-threatening seizures. Those with autism find their imposed presence unpredictable and unsettling resulting in distress. Asthmatics are affected by increased air toxicity, smoke and pollutants. 
• Environmental: With hotter, drier summers is an increased risk of fires near our homes and forests. 1 hour of firework displays increases strontium levels by 120 times, magnesium 22 times, barium 12 times, potassium 11 times and copper 6 times than what was already present.
• Physical safety: Severe burns, eye injuries and hospitalization are regular occurrences. You can read more here: https://bit.ly/3ykAREC
• Global implications: Child labour is still ever-present in the manufacturing of fireworks overseas, exposing them to explosive chemicals, potassium nitrate and gunpowder. Safety standards are not met resulting in injuries down the line from manufacturing to public usage. 

While my personal belief is that fireworks should be replaced with modern celebrations that better reflect our community, I understand the importance of this tradition to some. This is why I am calling for our Mayor to ban the private use of fireworks in favour of a centralized and controlled setting. 

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