Fireworks hurt. Let your MLA know that you are concerned about the harmful effects of fireworks on people, animals and the environment.
You can call, write a letter or send an email. To find your MLA, click here.
The following letter can be copied and pasted, or you can write your own. Please keep your letter polite and factual, and specifically ask for a response. If you do not receive a response, write again.
Dear
As a voter in your constituency I am very concerned about the negative impact of consumer fireworks throughout our province. Fireworks are harmful to people, animals and the environment in a number of ways.
The noise and flashing lights from fireworks can trigger PTSD in veterans, people who have witnessed or been victims of gun violence or explosions. They have long-lasting negative effects on people with autism, and can cause fear and distress for people with Alzheimer's and dementia.
Fireworks cause panic in pets, livestock and wildlife. Fireworks trigger animals' flight response and cause them to run blindly, possibly into traffic (creating a danger not only to themselves but to drivers and passengers as well). You may be aware of the horse, Navar, who was sadly euthanized on New Year's Eve 2021 in this province - a victim of private fireworks being set off early in the evening by people at a neighbouring property. Navar died for their entertainment.
Fireworks are harmful to the environment. Not only do the remains of spent fireworks pollute our lakes, rivers and streams, but when fireworks go off, the metal salts and explosives undergo a chemical reaction that releases smoke and gases into the air. That includes carbon dioxide, one of the primary greenhouse gases responsible for climate change.
Every year, local fire departments across the province respond to multiple fireworks-related fires which can quickly grow out of control and consume acres of land, threatening houses, livestock and people. These fires not only consume valuable resources. They also tax our firefighters, and put them unnecessarily in harm's way.
In light of the extreme damage fireworks can do, I ask that you work toward enacting a ban on the sale and use of consumer fireworks in Nova Scotia.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read about my concerns today. I would ask that you please respond to me in a timely manner to let me know your thoughts on this important issue.
Sincerely,
As a voter in your constituency I am very concerned about the negative impact of consumer fireworks throughout our province. Fireworks are harmful to people, animals and the environment in a number of ways.
The noise and flashing lights from fireworks can trigger PTSD in veterans, people who have witnessed or been victims of gun violence or explosions. They have long-lasting negative effects on people with autism, and can cause fear and distress for people with Alzheimer's and dementia.
Fireworks cause panic in pets, livestock and wildlife. Fireworks trigger animals' flight response and cause them to run blindly, possibly into traffic (creating a danger not only to themselves but to drivers and passengers as well). You may be aware of the horse, Navar, who was sadly euthanized on New Year's Eve 2021 in this province - a victim of private fireworks being set off early in the evening by people at a neighbouring property. Navar died for their entertainment.
Fireworks are harmful to the environment. Not only do the remains of spent fireworks pollute our lakes, rivers and streams, but when fireworks go off, the metal salts and explosives undergo a chemical reaction that releases smoke and gases into the air. That includes carbon dioxide, one of the primary greenhouse gases responsible for climate change.
Every year, local fire departments across the province respond to multiple fireworks-related fires which can quickly grow out of control and consume acres of land, threatening houses, livestock and people. These fires not only consume valuable resources. They also tax our firefighters, and put them unnecessarily in harm's way.
In light of the extreme damage fireworks can do, I ask that you work toward enacting a ban on the sale and use of consumer fireworks in Nova Scotia.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read about my concerns today. I would ask that you please respond to me in a timely manner to let me know your thoughts on this important issue.
Sincerely,
