Reconciliation sparks a reckoning for Canada Day fireworks displays

Chief Don Tom of the Tsartlip First Nation onVancouver Island says he's been known to "partake'' in watchingfireworks as a way to bring families together.

But on Canada Day, he would like to seepeople mark the occasion differently, perhaps by donating to an Indigenous organization ortaking time to learn about First Nation perspectives.

Tom is among those urging a reckoning for fireworks on July 1 toconsider what sort of message they send to First Nationscommunities.

Pyrotechnics are also under pressure on other fronts, as the fewminutes of awe they inspire are weighed against their cost, theterror they cause some animals, traffic and overcrowding woes.

"I think there are different ways [if you want]to celebrate,'' said Tom, adding that he hoped people would "educate themselves onCanada's history with Indigenous people.''

Activist group the Indigenous Foundation also says peopleshouldn't buy July 1 fireworks and instead should donate the moneyto Indigenous organizations or residential school survivor funds, anidea that Tom called "a great initiative.''

"This can make a huge difference and has a meaningful andlasting impact,'' the foundation says on its website.

Many cities, big and small, across Canada will be stagingfireworks displays on Saturday. But some have been reflecting on theneed for the display in light of reconciliation and other concerns.

Calgary announced in May that it was doing away with traditionalfireworks in favour of an onstage "light and sound'' show.

"The city recognizes the cultural sensitivities around fireworksdisplays in relation to truth and reconciliation,'' it said in astatement, also noting that July 1 marks the 100th anniversary ofthe Chinese Immigration Act that effectively excluded Chinese migrants from Canada.

"For many Calgarians, this is a day of mourning or reflection,''the statement said.

Calgary Coun. Kourtney Penner said on Twitter that doing awaywith the fireworks "isn't nonsense.''

"It's being actively anti-racist, working at truth andreconciliation, and being responsive to the diverse communityCalgary is,'' said Penner, who did not respond to requests forfurther comment.

The city also cited disruptive late-night traffic, noise andovercrowding associated with fireworks.

But the plan resulted in a swift backlash, with more than 13,000people signing a petition to reinstate Calgary's Canada Dayfireworks.

The city backed down on June 18 and announced that traditionalaerial fireworks would be part of Calgary's celebrations.

Kristy Koehler, executive director of Common Sense Calgary, anadvocacy group that organized the petition, said it was "weird'' toequate fireworks with racism.

Koehler said people in Calgary of all backgrounds enjoy thefireworks, including many newcomers and people whose parentsimmigrated from other countries.

"They said it was such a wonderful way to feel [about]beingpart of the country, to feel connected with their neighbours, to goout and enjoy something really wonderful and really fun,'' saidKoehler.

"We can acknowledge all the ways that we've got it wrong as acountry without cancelling an event that brings people together andprovides an opportunity for togetherness,'' she added.

Fireworks scrutiny

Elsewhere, fireworks displays are facing scrutiny on anotherbasis:their cost.

Vancouver's traditional display on the waterfront at Canada Placeis no more after the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority last yeardecided to permanently discontinue July 1 fireworks.

"The fireworks display itself costs in excess of $200,000 eachyear for a 15-minute show, and other [costs]such as security,equipment and staffing continue to increase,'' authority spokesmanAlex Munro wrote in an email.

Munro said the Canada Place Corporation had previously funded theevent with support from sponsors, grants and partners.

Another perennial concern relates to the impact of fireworks onpets.

Lesley Fox, executive director of the B.C. animal advocacy groupFur-Bearers, said fireworks "create havoc'' for wildlife, pets, andindividuals living with post-traumatic stress.

She said fireworks can startle and disorient wildlife, causingthem to flee the safety of their habitats.

"I think the message is, fireworks are not for everyone,'' saidFox.

Fur-Bearers is supporting a petition to Parliament calling on the federal government to stop using fireworks at celebrations, citingthe effect on animals as well as air pollution and the use of toxins in fireworks.

Aleem Kanji, chief advocacy officer for the Canadian NationalFireworks Association, said fireworks are "ingrained'' intoCanadian celebrations, from sporting events to Halloween, and arepart of the country's rich fabric.

Canada Day, he said, was an "exciting time'' for fireworksmanufacturers and suppliers.

"It's almost akin, if you will, to Christmas trees around thefestive Christmas holiday season,'' said Kanji.

He said it's important to consider how many people enjoyfireworks compared to the number complaining about them.

The display on Parliament Hill can draw a crowd of 30,000, saidKanji, and Vancouver's annual Celebration of Light fireworks contestattracts hundreds of thousands.

Fox said her group understands the "nostalgia'' around fireworks, andthey don't want to be "party poopers.''

But, she said, there are more ethical and inclusive ways tocelebrate Canada Day.

"At the end of the day, fireworks are unnecessary, and they arereplaceable. I think there is an opportunity here to explore that alittle further [about]what could our holidays look like and how canwe make them more inclusive for all, including animals,'' said Fox.

This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta-Canadian Press News Fellowship, which is not involved in the editorial process.