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For Immediate Release Hardeman Reintroduces Hawkins Gignac Act QUEEN’S PARK – Today Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford reintroduced The Hawkins Gignac Act (Carbon Monoxide detectors), which would require functioning carbon monoxide detectors in all Ontario homes. “I believe that putting a carbon monoxide detector in every home in Ontario will save lives,” said Hardeman. “That’s why today I am reintroducing the Hawkins Gignac Act to avoid more tragedies like the one that occurred in Woodstock.” Hardeman’s Bill was named after a family - Richard, Laurie (nee Gignac), Cassandra and Jordan Hawkins - that was tragically killed by carbon monoxide poisoning in late 2008 after the exhaust on their gas fireplace became blocked. Family, friends and colleagues of the Hawkins Family, as well as other proponents of carbon monoxide detectors, were at the Legislature today to support the Bill. “I feel Laurie tapping me on the shoulder, encouraging me to continue warning others of the deadly consequences of carbon monoxide,” said John Gignac, Laurie’s uncle and Executive Director of the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for CO Education who was at the Legislature today. “She would want this government to pass this law with no more delays, so CO detectors become mandatory in every Ontario home and can start protecting people from this silent killer.” Hardeman first introduced the Bill in December 2008. It passed second reading unanimously on April 2, 2009. When the house prorogued this spring the Hawkins Gignac Act died on the order paper. The reintroduced Bill passed first reading today. Hardeman asked for unanimous consent to give it second reading immediately, which would have put the Bill at the same spot it was before the house prorogued, but government members refused to agree. “Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning in North America and can make you sick or even kill you before you even realize it is present,” said Brian Maltby, Division Chief, Fire Prevention, Brampton Fire & Emergency Services who was also at the Legislature. “Many, if not most deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning are predictable and preventable. This non-partisan legislation is urgently needed to help keep Ontarians safer.” If passed, 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. “I encourage people not to wait for the Bill to pass before taking action to protect yourself and your family,” said Hardeman. “I ask everyone to save lives by making sure that you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home today.” - 30 -
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