OTTAWA, ONTARIO, October 1, 2009—Today, Mr. Ed Komarnicki, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, participated in the official launch of Fire Prevention Week on Parliament Hill, on behalf of Minister Ambrose.
“On average, eight Canadians lose their lives to fire each week. It is vital that all Canadians maintain up-to-date knowledge of fire safety practices,” said Mr. Komarnicki. “All Canadians share in the responsibility of protecting one another from fire disasters.”
This year, Fire Prevention Week is being held from October 4 to 10, and the theme is “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned.” As part of the launch, children’s entertainer Mary Lambert presented her award-winning show entitled “Sing Out Fire Safety” to a number of local school children.
“This year’s theme underlines the importance of educating Canadians about fire prevention measures,” said Mr. E. David Hodgins, President of Fire Prevention Canada. “There have been many needless deaths nationwide linked to easily correctable fire hazards and unacceptable behaviour. It is important that all Canadians are aware of the simple measures that can be taken to prevent a devastating fire from occurring in their homes and the homes of their loved ones. Be fire safe and protect your loved ones and your local firefighters.”
In Canada, the Governor General proclaimed the first national Fire Prevention Day in 1919, and the first Fire Prevention Week in 1923. During Fire Prevention Week, the Labour Program promotes fire prevention in federal government properties and workplaces and works closely with other organizations such as Fire Prevention Canada.
The Labour Program is responsible for the administration of both the Canada Labour Code and the Treasury Board Policy on Fire Protection. Through the Fire Protection Services program, the Labour Program ensures that federal properties and their occupants are protected from fire hazards.
For more information, please visit www.labour.gc.ca and www.fiprecan.ca.
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For further information (media only):
Office of Minister Ambrose
819-953-5646
Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559
