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MPP introduces bill for carbon monoxide detectors

Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman News Release ********************* QUEEN'S PARK - Today Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford introduced a private member's bill that will increase safety by requiring all existing and new homes to have carbon monoxide detectors.
Kate Adams
Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman
News Release

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QUEEN'S PARK - Today Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford introduced a private member's bill that will increase safety by requiring all existing and new homes to have carbon monoxide detectors.

"Carbon monoxide is an extremely lethal gas, and is more dangerous because it is completely odourless and colourless, making it undetectable," said Hardeman. "We have already acknowledged the value of smoke alarms in our homes, but we have often overlooked how important it is to protect ourselves from this powerful gas."

The bill would amend the Building Code Act, by adding a section stating that all existing homes will need to be equipped with carbon monoxide detectors outside every sleeping room, and on every floor of a residential dwelling. Presently, only homes built after August 6, 2001 with a fuel burning appliance or a storage garage are required to have carbon monoxide detectors.

According the Canada Safety Council, carbon monoxide (CO) is the leading cause of fatal poisonings in North America.

Dr. Peter Clark, a regional coroner in eastern Ontario who is investigating two deaths where carbon monoxide is the suspected cause, said currently there is a legislative gap when it comes to protecting people from carbon monoxide poisoning. A 2002 coroner's jury recommended legislative changes to require carbon monoxide detectors on every level of a residence but to date, the requirement only exists for new homes.

Hardeman introduced this bill in the wake of a recent tragedy in Woodstock, in which OPP Constable Laurie Hawkins, her husband Richard, and their two children, Cassandra and Jordan, were accidentally killed in their home by carbon monoxide poisoning. The bill is named The Hawkins Gignac Act in their honour.

"This was a terrible tragedy that has impacted the entire community," Hardeman said. "We hope ensuring every home in Ontario has a functioning carbon monoxide detector will prevent future tragedies."

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