Oxford Conservative MPP Ernie Hardeman is hopeful the provincial government will soon pass legislation making carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in all homes in Ontario.
That was the message the MPP brought to a press conference at the firehall here on Oct. 16 along with representatives from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) which donated 40 detectors to the Wellington North Fire Service. Hardeman first introduced his private member’s bill in 2008. Known as the Hawkins Gignac Act, It is named after Woodstock OPP constable and communications officer Laurie Hawkins, her husband Richard and children Jordan and Cassandra who died of carbon monoxide poisoning in their Woodstock home.
Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless and can’t be detected without a detector in the home. It is considered the leading cause accidental poisoning deaths with 414 Canadians being killed between 2000 and 2007 with 87 from Ontario.
Hardeman said the Woodstock family was unaware of the carbon monoxide leaking in their home.
“The family who perished in our town were awake,” Hardeman said of what he termed “the silent killer.”
“We have been assured we’ll get second reading and when the fall session comes to an end this will be one of the bills that will be passed,” Hardeman said of assurances the Hawkins Gignac Act will soon pass.
He was supported by Perth Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece who also attended the press conference.
“It (the bill) has been on the books for several years and Ernie has been in charge to make this happen in our province,” Pettapiece said.
Hardeman said his bill will be similar to smoke detector legislation that requires home owners to have smoke detectors on each level of homes and buildings.
The press conference was also attended by fire chief Jeff Dahms, fire prevention and public education officer Jason Benn and Doug DeRabbie from the IBC.
“Our message needs to be education,” Dahm said. “We do have a smoke alarm program and we do emphasize the need for a CO program.
Benn said the fire service has discovered homes without CO detectors when responding to calls. He said residents with Benn and Doug DeRabbie from the IBC.
“Our message needs to be education,” Dahm said. “We do have a smoke alarm program and we do emphasize the need for a CO program.
Benn said the fire service has discovered homes without CO detectors when responding to calls. He said residents with concerns about possible carbon monoxide in their homes should call 911 and report their concern and leave the home immediately.
“If we get to a call and there is a need for one we would supply one,” Benn said.
Dahm said the fire service will install a CO detector in any home at which they respond to an incident that does not have one before firefighters leave the home.
