Toronto, ON (Oct. 20, 2017) – Today, Yvan Baker, MPP for Etobicoke Centre, partnered with Insurance Bureau of Canada to donate carbon monoxide alarms for the homes of local residents and to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.
“I am happy to be here today to support IBC’s donation of carbon monoxide alarms,” said MPP Baker. “Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable. Donations such as these help raise much needed awareness in our community of the importance of guarding against carbon monoxide. My hope is that today’s donation will help save lives.”
IBC contributed 150 carbon monoxide alarms to the fire department in Etobicoke, Ontario for local distribution. As part of their campaign to raise awareness about the need for carbon monoxide alarms in all homes with a fuel burning appliance or attached garage, IBC has so far donated 1,000 alarms to fire departments across Ontario, and is donating an additional 1,500 units over the course of the fall.
“Toronto Fire Services respond all too often to CO incidents and are keenly aware of the lethal effects of Carbon Monoxide poisoning,” said Matthew Pegg, Chief, Toronto Fire Services. “It is essential, and the law, that Toronto residents living in a home with a fuel burning appliance have a working CO alarm outside of every sleeping area.”
“Despite the serious threat of carbon monoxide poisoning, many Canadians do not have carbon monoxide alarms in their home,” said Kim Donaldson, Vice-President Ontario, IBC. “Events like today help create awareness about the steps Ontarians can take to protect themselves and their families.”
John Gignac, a retired veteran of the Brantford Fire Department and Executive Director of the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation for C O Education, was in Etobicoke Centre today and joined Mr. Baker at the event. Mr. Gignac founded the Hawkins-Gignac Foundation after the deaths of his niece, OPP constable Laurie Hawkins, her husband Richard and their two young children, Cassandra and Jordan due to carbon monoxide poisoning in in 2008.
“We can’t change the past and bring Laurie, Richard, Cassie and Jordan back, but we can change the future by ensuring that what happened to our family never happens to another. There’s a reason carbon monoxide is called the silent killer. You can’t see, smell or taste it. The only safe way to detect the presence of this lethal gas is with a working carbon monoxide alarm.
“Please protect yourself and your family and install at least one CSA approved C O alarm in your residence today. Don’t wait for tragedy strike,” Mr. Gignac continued.
Ontario law requires that carbon monoxide alarms be installed in all residential dwellings that contain at least one fuel-burning appliance (e.g., gas water heater or gas furnace), fireplace or an attached garage.
For more information, visit www.ibc.ca.
About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, auto and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.
P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 120,000 Canadians, pays $9 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $49 billion.
For media releases and more information, visit IBC’s Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_Ontario or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC’s Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.
If you require more information, IBC spokespeople are available to discuss the details in this media release.
SOURCE: Insurance Bureau of Canada
Tags: Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC)
