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| For Immediate Release CO Detectors Needed in All Homes On Thursday September 1, Ernie Hardeman MPP, John Gignac, founder of the Hawkins Gignac Foundation, and a representative from the Woodstock Fire department will be holding an event to put more carbon monoxide detectors in the homes of Oxford residents and promote the importance of these lifesaving devices. WOODSTOCK – Today Ernie Hardeman, Oxford MPP, and John Gignac, founder of the Hawkins Gignac Foundation for CO Education, put additional carbon monoxide detectors in the homes of Oxford residents but said more needs to be done. “Carbon monoxide is odourless, colourless and has no taste; the only way to know if this deadly gas is in your home is by having a detector,” said Hardeman. “Today I’m pleased to be presenting CO detectors both directly to some Oxford families and to the Woodstock Fire department CO detector program.” Hardeman presented six detectors to Oxford residents that entered a draw at his Woodstock Fair booth last week. Hardeman presented additional detectors to the Woodstock Fire Department to be given to families that do not have a carbon monoxide detector. “I am proud to be part of this donation today on behalf of our Foundation. The more carbon monoxide alarms we can get in people’s hands, the more lives that can be saved. I congratulate the Woodstock Fire Department for its ongoing commitment to CO safety in this community, and Mr. Hardeman for his tireless efforts to make it law to have a CO alarm in your home in Ontario,” said Gignac. “My niece and her family died here in Woodstock nearly three years ago but the fight for CO safety in their names continues.” John Gignac founded the Hawkins Gignac Foundation for CO Education after his niece Laurie Hawkins and her family tragically succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning in their Woodstock home. Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of fatal poisonings in North America. "The Woodstock Fire Department strongly supports the efforts of the Hawkins Gignac Foundation and MPP Ernie Hardeman in the education of CO poisoning and requirements of CO detection in every residence. These early detection devices are just as critical as having a smoke detector in every home and should be a priority in making each community as safe as possible for our residents." said Scott Tegler, Fire Chief, City of Woodstock. To prevent further tragedies Hardeman introduced a private members bill, the Hawkins Gignac Act, which would require functioning carbon monoxide detectors in all Ontario homes. The bill was introduced in December 2008 and December 2010. Both times it passed first and second reading unanimously but died in committee when the government prorogued the Legislature. “I want to commend both John Gignac and the Woodstock Fire Department on the work they have done to raise awareness of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Hardeman. “Before the heating season starts I encourage everyone to protect themselves and their families by ensuring they have a working carbon monoxide detector in their home.” - 30 - For more information, contact:
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