IBC commends Ontario’s move making carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in homes

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has commended the Ontario legislature for passing a bill making carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in homes throughout the province.

Progressive Conservative MPP Ernie Hardeman’s private member’s bill was passed Wednesday and now requires Royal Assent to officially become law.

“We commend all three parties for working together to support this much needed bill.  In particular, we would like to thank Ernie Hardeman for his leadership and perseverance in pursuing this initiative that will help save lives,” Ralph Palumbo, vice president of the Ontario region for IBC said in a statement Wednesday.

IBC has donated more than 300 carbon monoxide detectors over recent months to fire departments in Mount Forest, Stratford, Trenton and Cobourg, who will then distribute them to local residents.

The organization says that 88% of all homes have something that creates a carbon monoxide threat.

“Carbon monoxide is the silent killer – it’s colourless, odourless, and tasteless,” Hardeman noted in IBC’s statement. “You can’t detect the gas without a functioning detector. But, with the dedication of groups like the Insurance Bureau of Canada, we were able to raise awareness about the issue, get the bill passed, and help protect Ontario families.”