Mitigating Fire Risks with Strong Lithium-Ion Battery Regulation - by Councillor Alejandra Bravo, seconded by Councillor Chris Moise

Both the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada have important roles to play in strengthening the regulation of lithium-ion batteries. Notable gaps remain in the regulation of battery sales and the enforcement of safety standards for products entering the Canadian market. According to Toronto Fire Services, several recent battery failures have been associated with products lacking certification from recognized bodies such as the Canadian Standards Association or Underwriters Laboratories, highlighting the need for enhanced regulatory measures under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, and, where applicable, the Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Canada Transportation Act. In addition, amendments to the Ontario Fire Code should be explored to address the public fire safety risk created by uncertified and unregulated lithium-ion batteries. The City of Toronto and Toronto Fire Services are doing our part on fire prevention education related to lithium-ion battery fires and responding to the increasing fire and public safety risk related to lithium-ion batteries. The requests in this motion to the Province of Ontario and Government of Canada are proactive and preventative steps needed to address this evolving fire safety challenge, and support previous requests made by the Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services to both levels of government.

2. City Council request the Solicitor General of Ontario and the Office of the Fire Marshal to explore amendments to the Ontario Fire Code, in consultation with Toronto Fire Services, that address the public fire safety risk being created by uncertified and unregulated lithium-ion batteries. 3. City Council forward this item to the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for information.