A Simcoe County teen has collected almost 6,000 names on a petition asking the Prime Minister to ban peanuts from Canadian airlines.
Luke Sullivan, 14, lives with a severe peanut allergy that causes him to "think about what is in every food I put in my mouth and everything that I handle that may have come in contact with peanuts," he explains in the online petition.
"Constant diligence is my life."
Birthday parties and sleep-overs at someone's house are never spontanious for Luke. Instead, they have become "carefully planned missions."
The Midland boy's allergy was discovered when he ate a chocolate containing peanut flour when he was five years old. It was a terrifying experience that left him unconcious and not breathing when parents rushed him to the hospital for life-saving treatment.
That was a day that changed his life and the fear of coming into contact with peanuts meant no airplane travel for the family.
"Because of this allergy I haven't been on a vacation, (on a commercial airline)," he said in the petition.
"How could I fly? Airlines don't even ask people to not bring or eat these things on board as a matter of practice."
The family took a risk last December, boarding a plane for a vacation. While they were diligent about cleaning the seats and informing fellow passengers about the life-threatening allergy, Luke says the flight was more stressful than it would have been if a ban was in place.
"I have to risk my life at least 30 thousand feet in the air, knowing that if I do have an anaphylactic reaction on board, not even an epi-pen can save me, as it would take time to land and get me to a hospital," he said.
Luke is a member of student council at St. Theresa’s Catholic High School in Midland, a Pay-It-Foward Ambassador, and lives "to have fun while helping others and putting a smile on their faces."
"If I ran an airline I would do everything in my power to make sure every single person was safe and comfortable, especially if it was a child."
The petition directed at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau requests a law "to remove peanuts and tree nuts from airlines."
In the first few days, more than 5,800 people have signed the online petition.
The young student's effort also got the attention of the deputy director of communications for the Prime Minister's Office who responded to Luke’s request stating the Government of Canada is already looking into this issue.
The Canadian Transportation Agency is examining the risks and will provide the Minister of Transport with their findings in the spring.
"Please help us create a safe nut free flying experience and environment by leaving these products in your luggage," Luke concluded.
You can sign his online petition here.
