Bill 143, the Hawkins Gignac Act (carbon monoxide detectors), 2008 which was introduced by Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford, passed second reading with unanimous support in the Ontario Legislature.
“What makes carbon monoxide so dangerous is that it is odourless, tasteless and colourless. There is no way to detect it before it starts to make people sick,” said Hardeman. “This bill would protect lives by ensuring that every home in Ontario has a functioning carbon monoxide detector.”
The bill was named after a Woodstock family—Richard, Laurie (nee Gignac), Cassandra and Jordan Hawkins—who were tragically killed by carbon monoxide poisoning late last year. The gas came from a blocked exhaust on their gas fireplace. Family, friends and colleagues of the Hawkins Family were at the Legislature today to support the bill.
The Hawkins Gignac Act would require functioning carbon monoxide alarms in every home in Ontario. There would have to be a detector on each floor of the house, including one located adjacent to sleeping areas. Currently detectors are only required in homes built after August 2001.
Dave Thomson, president of the Firefighter’s Association of Ontario, who was at the Legislature for second reading debate said: “Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer. With the introduction of Hawkins Gignac Act, Bill 143, this will ensure that all homes in Ontario will have early detection on all levels of the residences and that they are installed and maintained properly.”
Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of accidental poisoning deaths in North America. A British Columbia health organization estimated that each year 13,000 Canadians experience some level of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“Tragically too many people have had their bright futures cut short by carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Hardeman. “Working together we can raise awareness and move this bill forward to committee to ensure that we can prevent more tragedies in the future.”
Carbon monoxide bill passed
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