Fire Prevention Week 2009 Launch

Speaking notes
for
Ed Komarnicki
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour
Fire Prevention Week 2009 Launch
Ottawa, Ontario
October 1, 2009

Check against delivery

Thank you for the warm welcome. It's a pleasure to be here on behalf of the Government of Canada and my colleague, Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour.

I am especially happy to see so many young faces among us today. Because we are here to launch an important event – one that could save your life or the life of someone close to you.

I'm speaking about Fire Prevention Week, of course. This year we are asking Canadians across the country to take time out from whatever they are doing between October 4th and October 10th to think about fire safety and prevention.

I recall my own fond memories of Fire Prevention Week while attending school in a little town called Cudworth in Saskatchewan. The bells would ring and the classrooms would empty into the halls and we'd make our way outside. We learned where the fire exits were and to walk calmly and quickly to the closest exits.

That's why in Canada we set aside a week every year to focus on Fire Prevention. We want to remind all Canadians to be alert and responsive to the dangers of fire. Our goal is to minimize loss of life, injury, property destruction and environmental damage. Because fire is a danger not only to you and me, it also destroys properties and harms our environment.

Did you know that Canada and the United States share a history in Fire Prevention Week? The history of this event can be traced back to the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, which burned down a large part of the city.

We don't know for certain what caused the fire but legend has it that the blaze started when a cow kicked over a lantern and the barn caught fire.

In Canada, Fire Prevention Week was first proclaimed in 1923. Almost, ninety years later, Canadians continue to support each year Fire Prevention Week.

Every week an average of eight Canadians lose their lives to fire. Many more suffer severe injuries from burns and scalds. Sadly, many of these incidents involve children and could have been prevented.

Safety begins at home and we each have a role to play in preventing fire disasters. Parents can do their part by following simple rules like putting matches and lighters out of children's reach. Blowing out candles before leaving the room. And keeping the stove top free of items that might catch on fire.

Students can contribute by teaching their younger brothers and sisters and friends that fire is dangerous. That candles, matches and lighters are not toys to be played with. And that heat burns. Always turn on the cold water tap first and keep a safe distance away from fireplaces, stoves and heaters.

I'd like to mention the role that our Government plays in fire safety and prevention. Every year, we partner with Fire Prevention Canada to educate Canadians on fire safety and prevention. Events like this one today bring people together to talk and learn about fire safety and prevention.

Each year during Fire Prevention Week, a number of educational activities are planned with the help and support of experts in the field of fire safety and prevention - Fire Prevention Canada, the Council of Canadian Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners, and the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.

We believe it is important that Canadians have up to date knowledge of fire safety practices. And that all Canadians share in the responsibility of protecting one another from fire disasters.

If you take one message away today, let it be this - fire hurts but it can be prevented.

Thank you – and students remember the theme for this year's Fire Prevention Week - Stay Fire Smart! Don't Get Burned!”

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Date Modified:
2009-10-01