Environment Canada is in hot water after issuing air quality alerts in anticipation of Diwali fireworks.
On Monday morning, the agency issued three air quality warnings in Ontario for Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and Markham.
The statement says high levels of pollution are expected in these regions this evening and overnight.
“A special air quality statement is in place due to the possibility of deteriorating air quality as a result of fireworks for Diwali,” reads the notice.
Diwali is an important holiday for the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain diaspora. Also known as the Festival of Lights, people celebrate by lighting fireworks and terracotta oil lamps.
Many are calling out Environment Canada for its hypocrisy, asking why this alert hasn’t been issued for other national holidays that involve lots of fireworks.
“Ayo [Environment Canada]! Do y’all issue the same air quality warnings on Canada Day, Labor Day etc. as you do with Diwali? Asking for a bunch of friends,” tweeted respiratory therapist Jaspreet Dhillon.
Ayo @environmentca! Do y’all issue the same air quality warnings on Canada Day, Labor Day etc. as you do with Diwali?
Asking for a bunch of friends…
— Jaspreet Dhillon (@Jaspreet_D) October 24, 2022
“Genuine question: Has anyone ever seen this type of warning for Canada Day fireworks?” asked another Twitter user, sharing a screenshot of the alert.
Genuine question: Has anyone ever seen this type of warning for Canada Day fireworks? pic.twitter.com/cXFIgvuTUI
— Natasha Goel (@natgl7) October 24, 2022
Why single out Diwali and not other fireworks-heavy holidays like…Canada Day? ? https://t.co/C9mtgJkK90
— Rosel Kim 김지현 (@jroselkim) October 24, 2022
Others are pointing out how the targeted warning is “problematic.”
“If air quality statements for fireworks are now a thing, it’s incredibly problematic to roll this out for the first time today,” shared one Twitter user.
I have never seen an air quality warning due to fireworks for Canada Day or Victoria Day or NYE, only Diwali. If air quality statements for fireworks are now a thing it’s incredibly problematic to roll this out for the first time today: pic.twitter.com/Wb9ikNNQMQ
— Krista Coughlin (@kristacoughlin) October 24, 2022
no cap. this feels hella racist. aint never seen this report for Canada Day https://t.co/6f7StXzrc5
— BRiCK BOY (@JiMMYBRiCKZ) October 24, 2022
This is oddly racist? sounds like the “race card” but wth… scattered single shots of fireworks over a period of time in October… Or massive firework shows all over Canada during Canada day? Seems weird to announce this right now and not during humid summer… I dunno https://t.co/C36YFrIgik
— kevin santiago (@Ksteezysantiago) October 24, 2022
Many say it’s only fair to also see air quality alerts for holidays like Canada Day and Victoria Day moving forward.
Assume this means Environment Canada will also issue air quality alerts for Canada Day, Victoria Day, the CNE air show, etc. going forward https://t.co/iozYXmP4YO
— Rahul Kalvapalle (@Kalvapalle) October 24, 2022
Daily Hive has reached out to Environment Canada for comment and will update this story when they respond.
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