Saskatchewan is strengthening regulations around carbon monoxide detection to ensure every suite in a multi-unit residential building is equipped with an alarm. Government Relations Minister Eric Schmalz announced the amendment to Saskatchewan's building code on Tuesday. He said the proposed change, which is to come into effect Nov. 1, will be known as Henry's Law in memory of Henry Losco.
"What happened to Henry is a tragedy," Schmalz said. "In his memory, and in his honour, we can protect other children and all Saskatchewan residents by ensuring homes in our province are a safe place for everyone."
Henry, 11, died from carbon monoxide poisoning last year, just days before Christmas. On Dec. 19, Marina Hills came home from work to find her son and husband, Sergio Losco, unconscious in their Regina apartment on the 1800 block of Albert Street. Henry was pronounced dead at the scene while his father was taken to hospital, where he recovered.
Since the incident, Henry's parents have been advocating for more stringent rules around carbon monoxide alarms. They say if there had been a detector in their suite, Henry may have had a fighting chance. "Our mission was to make sure that no more children die from carbon monoxide," Hills said Tuesday. "This law, Henry's Law, will help make sure that families and children are safe in their homes."
Political Co-operation
Hills and Losco have been fighting for more awareness and to strengthen the building code laws. The parents, who are constituents of Opposition MLA Meara Conway, worked with the Saskatchewan NDP in hopes of addressing the matter. On Monday, government relations critic Erika Ritchie was expected to table Bill No. 623, The Building Code Regulations (Henry's Law) Amendment Act. Instead, Ritchie said she "elected to stand down that bill" due to the government's willingness to collaborate.
"By working collaboratively, we were able to achieve this quickly," Schmalz added. Ritchie and Conway both participated in Tuesday's government announcement, along with Hills and Losco. "The loss of Henry obviously is unimaginable, but we will never forget your strength during such an incredibly painful time," Conway told the parents. "That strength pushed these changes. Your example, Sergio and Marina, pushed government and Opposition to lay down our swords and make much-needed changes in the best interests of all Saskatchewan people. Henry did that and Henry will not be forgotten."
Hills expressed gratitude to the political parties for their co-operation. "This was exactly what my son would have wanted to see, people working together," she said.
Regulatory Review
After Henry's death, Schmalz said the government undertook a comprehensive review of regulations around carbon monoxide detectors. The new regulation mandates that all suites in multi-unit residential buildings must have a functioning carbon monoxide alarm. The change aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of residents across the province.
