‘We regret the impact’: Environment Canada explains Diwali alert after backlash over ‘deteriorating air quality’ from fireworks

Environment Canada is getting slammed after it issued, then removed, air quality alerts in anticipation of Diwali fireworks. It was believed to be the first air quality statement in relation to holiday fireworks on Monday, prompting questions from many residents about why a major Hindu festival was singled out.

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Markham. The national weather agency warns says evening fireworks expected across the region as part of Diwali celebrations could contribute to ‘deteriorating air quality.’

Environment Canada has issued a special air quality statement for Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Markham. The national weather agency warns says evening fireworks expected across the region as part of Diwali celebrations could contribute to ‘deteriorating air quality.’

A joint statement released by the federal agency and Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment warned “high levels of air pollution” were anticipated across parts of Toronto and surrounding areas Monday night due to expected fireworks for Diwali combining with light winds and stagnating weather conditions.

By Monday afternoon, the weather agency updated its statement without mention of Diwali, but maintained its concerns about air quality.

Diwali, also known as The Festival of Lights, is a major holiday celebrated by Hindus, as well as some Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists.

Isha Kapur, a data analyst working on downtown Toronto, said the alert felt “racist”.

“First the provincial elections and then the alert? It’s a double whammy. It feels like we’re being painted under a bad light for doing something that occurs year-round either way on other national holidays,” she says.

“It’s already hard for so many celebrating Diwali away from home, I just don’t think it’s fair for them to feel bad about this too.”

Many called out Environment Canada for its hypocrisy, asking why these alerts weren’t issued for other national holidays—like Canada Day or Victoria Day—that involve a lot of fireworks.

However, Environment Canada issued a statement clarifying the reason for the air quality alert. The agency said that fireworks can have a greater impact depending on weather conditions in the fall and winter when compared to fireworks in the summer, like Canada Day.

“While fireworks take place year-round, including for Canada Day, the impact of particle emissions from fireworks can be greater during weather conditions in the fall and the winter when temperatures inversions can trap harmful particles caused by pollutants, including fireworks and wood burning stoves, in the air for longer periods of time,” the agency clarified.

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They also stated that the alert was not meant to reflect negatively on those celebrating Diwali, but to protect those sensitive to pollutants and particles in the air.

“We regret the impact it has had on these communities. ECCC acknowledges that the alert should have been more culturally sensitive, and should not have referred to the specific event.”

A lot of people Tuesday morning pointed out heavy levels of smog and fog in Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton, as an after-effect of Diwali firecrackers on Monday night.