Before Anyone Can Purchase
Display Fireworks
You must
Hold a valid Display Supervisor card.
Licensing Information
Planning, setting up and firing fireworks affect public safety and thus a degree of apprenticeship is essential before an individual can be certified as a Fireworks Supervisor. Anyone who handles Display Fireworks must be at least a Display Assistant. Certification is divided into the following classes:
Display Assistant A Display Assistant (a prerequisite to becoming a Display Supervisor) may, under the direct supervision of a Display Supervisor, perform the same duties that his/her supervisor is allowed to perform on the display site.
Display Supervisor Has met the current certification requirements. The scope of duties, limitations and certification requirements applicable to Display Supervisor, are listed below. To upgrade to Display Supervisor, download the Application for Upgrade to Display Supervisor from the ERD site.
Display Supervisor with Endorsements The scope of duties, limitations and endorsements requirements applicable to Display Supervisor, are listed below.
Display Visitor OutofCountry technicians may assist a certified Canadian Display Supervisor who assumes all responsibilities for the display setup. OutofCountry technicians can obtain a Display Visitor Certificate upon submission of proof of competence.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) Members of the public services who are responsible for the authorization and support of fireworks displays, such as fire prevention officers, firefighters, and other members of agencies responsible for the carrying out of fireworks events, will be issued an attendance certificate upon completion of the course. Those members wishing to engage in the production of displays as a Display Assistant or Display Supervisor must meet the requirements of other applicants, pay the appropriate fee and go through the stage of Display Assistant.
Certification Requirements
Display Assistant
Be 18 years of age Successfully complete the Display Fireworks Course on safety and legal awareness Submit fees ($150) and two (2) photos Display Supervisor
Certification as a Display Assistant Participated in a minimum of three shows within five years Submit verifiable proof of participation (copies of the Application for Approvals AND Letters of Recommendation from event supervisor) To upgrade to Display Supervisor download the Application for Upgrade of Fireworks Operator Certificate from the ERD site Display Supervisor with Endorsements
Certification as a Display Supervisor For each endorsement participated in at least three shows in the past five years in which you have assisted with displays:
Large shells: shells over 155 mm (6") have been fired Floating Platform: Display has been fired from a barge, pontoon or multihull Rooftop, Bridge and Flatbed: Display has been fired from a rooftop, bridge or flatbed trailer Nautical Effects Flying Saucer Acted as Supervisor in Charge in at least three shows as a Display Supervisor Submit verifiable proof of participation (copies of the Application for Purchase/Event Approvals AND Letters of Recommendation) Submit two (2) photos To apply for specific endorsements download the Application for Upgrade of Fireworks Operator Certificate from the ERD site Work Authorized to Perform
Display Assistant
Assisting and working under the direct supervision of a certified Display Supervisor Display Supervisor
Purchasing and firing of Display Fireworks (see below for restrictions) Training and supervising of Display Assistants Display Supervisor with Endorsements
Endorsements allow the Display Supervisor to use the types of effects or fire from various firing locations as specified in the endorsement Training and supervising of Display Assistants and Display Supervisors Firing Restrictions
Display Assistant
Must work under the direct supervision of a Display Supervisor Display Supervisor
Shells must not be over 155 mm (6") Display must be on a conventional display site Display Supervisor with Endorsements
Endorsements
Large shells: shells over 155 mm (6") have been fired Floating Platform: Display has been fired from a barge, pontoon or multihull Rooftop, Bridge and Flatbed: Display has been fired from a rooftop, bridge or flatbed trailer Nautical Effects Flying Saucer Length of Certification
Display Assistant
5 yearsDisplay Supervisor
5 yearsERD sends reminder letters to current certificate holders advising them of an upcoming renewal. For renewal information, please contact the Canadian Central Office.
-- Kim McCulloch - Atlantic Region
Explosives Regulatory Division
Suite 1505 North
1505 Barrington Street
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3K5
Tel.: (902) 426-3599
Fax: (902) 426-7332
E-mail: kimcculloch@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
-- Sylvie Nobert - Quebec Region
Explosives Regulatory Division
P.O. Box 100,
2050 Girouard West
Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec
J2S 3A6
Tel.: (450) 773-3431
Fax: (440) 773-6226
E-mail: sylvie.nobert@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
-- Nijola Bresee - Ontario through Western Canada Region
Explosives Regulatory Division
1431 Merivale Road
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G1
Tel.: (613) 948-5206
Fax: (613) 948-5195
E-mail: nbresee@nrcan.gc.ca