Hindu groups in Canada have called for a protest against Mississauga’s proposed fireworks ban, terming it a targeting of the Hindus in Canada ahead of Diwali. Hindu Canadian Foundation and Coalition of Hindus of North America lashed out at mayor Carolyn Parrish and said that the reason behind a firework ban is vague. “A small, coordinated group has been used to stir unrest and manufacture complaints, now being weaponized to justify a ban that affects thousands of peaceful celebrants,” HCF said adding that they are firm on their stand that a permanent, full ban on fireworks is not public policy but a “targeted act of exclusion”. “Mississauga Mayor @carolynhparrish is once again attempting to ban fireworks, using weak and unsubstantiated excuses. This is her second attempt to suppress a tradition that holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for Hindu Canadians, especially with Navratri and Diwali around the corner,” the HCF said. “In one of Canada’s most inclusive cities, this proposed ban feels like a direct attack on the Hindu community. Sadly, this isn’t new; the Mayor previously opposed a COVID vaccine camp held at a temple, raising serious concerns about her pattern of targeting faith-based initiatives.”“In one of Canada’s most diverse cities, *why are Hindu Canadians being asked to dim their light?* This is the time to stand for our Dharma, our culture, and the memories of our children,” the Coalition of Hindus in North America posted. In 2023, Mississauga brought into effect the Fireworks Licensing and Use By-law, aimed at regulating the sale and use of fireworks in Mississauga. The law requires individuals or organizations to obtain a permit from the Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services for use of fireworks, even on private property. But it allowed permit-free fireworks use on Diwali and four other special days, including Lunar New Year, Victoria Day, Canada Day and New Year’s Eve.Now the city is mulling the possibility of ending this special exemption.
Why a full ban on fireworks
A report from Raj Sheth, the City of Mississauga’s commissioner of community services, calls for fireworks to be outlawed in Mississauga as of Jan 2, 2026 instead of being kept in play with stricter rules.The report noted that 10 other municipalities they looked to for purposes of comparison, three — Brampton, Caledon, Milton — have full fireworks bans in place (both use and sales). They cited such concerns as public safety, air pollution. The remaining four — Toronto, Ottawa, Burlington, Hamilton — have more restrictions than Mississauga, allowing fireworks without permits only on two holidays, Canada Day and Victoria Day.
