Saskatchewan to announce carbon monoxide regulations following death of Regina child

The province is set to announce stricter rules for carbon monoxide detectors in multi-family buildings after a fatal leak in December. Wayne Mantyka reports.

Following the death of an 11-year-old boy late last year, the Government of Saskatchewan intends to tighten up regulations surrounding carbon monoxide safety.

During question period on Monday afternoon, Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz revealed the province will soon make the announcement to ensure the death of Henry Losco is not repeated.

“We are really looking forward to that announcement, and we are happy to see the NDP and the government working together towards this,” Henry’s mother, Marina Hills told reporters at the Legislature on Monday.

“We feel this is important because we want to save lives.”

Regina Fire and Protective Services found that the monoxide leak that led to Henry’s death was caused by a delayed ignition and explosion which damaged one of the building’s boilers – causing carbon monoxide to leak into the building.

Hills said she and her husband Sergio Losco, want to ensure that all units in multi-residential buildings have carbon monoxide detectors.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Schmalz said the province has been reviewing regulatory amendments in hopes of providing future direction on implementation.

Schmalz indicated that the forthcoming changes would be ambitious in addressing current gaps.

“We are going to lead the country after this regulation amendment happens,” he said.

“I’ve committed to Marina and Sergio that I will take this to my federal, provincial and territorial meetings this summer and discuss it with my colleagues across the country to ensure that they’re aware of what we’re doing in Saskatchewan and to tell the story of Henry and his family.”

Schmalz added that the implementation of the changes would give landlords enough time to phase them in.

Saskatchewan NDP MLA Erika Ritchie said her party had been working on a bill alongside the Losco family to address the issue of carbon monoxide safety but ultimately decided to stand the bill down in light of Schmalz’ outreach to the family.

“I’ve been deeply moved and motivated and just so impressed by how Henry’s family have worked to both deal with the loss of their son, but then also work to see that no family has to go through what they’ve gone through and deal with tragic loss through carbon monoxide poisoning,” Ritchie said.

Schmalz said the changes can be signed as an order of council. The minister is scheduled to make his announcement at 11 a.m. Tuesday.