HANSARD

March 11, 2010

MEMBERS' STATEMENT
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS

Mr. Ernie Hardeman: Just over a year ago, my riding of Oxford suffered a tragic loss with the passing of the Hawkins family: Richard, Laurie, Cassandra and Jordan. They were killed in their home by carbon monoxide poisoning due to a blocked fireplace vent. This deadly gas is odourless, tasteless and colourless, so the only way to ensure people are warned is to have a carbon monoxide detector.

To try and avoid more tragedies like this in our province, I introduced a private member's bill, the Hawkins Gignac Act, which would require functioning carbon monoxide detectors in every home in Ontario. Last April, the bill passed second reading unanimously, but then it got stuck in committee. The government refused to bring it forward. Sadly, Dalton McGuinty put public relations above the need to protect Ontarians. When he prorogued the Legislature last week, the Hawkins Gignac Act died on the order paper.

Today, I had the privilege of meeting with Laurie's uncle John Gignac, who has created the "end the silence" foundation to educate people on the importance of having a functioning carbon monoxide detector in their home. I want to commend him for his work to get this important message out. He had a message for me: Don't give up on making it a law that every house in Ontario is protected by a carbon monoxide detector.

I'm pleased to commit to the Legislature, the people of Oxford and the Hawkins and Gignac families that I will reintroduce the Hawkins Gignac Act. I will keep spreading the message that carbon monoxide detectors save lives and encouraging people to protect their families by installing one today.