Saskatchewan Passes 'Henry's Law' After Boy's Death
Saskatchewan is moving to make carbon monoxide alarms mandatory in homes across the province, following the death of a young boy last year whose family has since fought to turn their tragedy into lasting change.
The new legislation — named Henry's Law after Henry Losco, who died from carbon monoxide poisoning — will require CO alarms to be installed in residential properties throughout Saskatchewan. It marks a significant step in home safety regulation for the province.
"This law, Henry's Law, will help make sure that families and children are safe in their homes," said Marina Hills, Henry's mother, who has been a driving force behind the push for stronger protections.
What Henry's Law Requires
Under the new rules, carbon monoxide detectors will be required in Saskatchewan homes — a requirement that safety advocates have long called for. Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances like furnaces, fireplaces, gas stoves, and vehicles left running in attached garages. Because it's completely undetectable without a monitor, it's often called the "silent killer."
Many provinces across Canada already have similar requirements on the books. Ontario mandated CO alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages back in 2014. British Columbia and Alberta have their own standards as well. Saskatchewan's move brings it in line with the broader national push toward standardized home safety requirements.
A Mother's Mission
For Marina Hills, the legislation is both a painful reminder and a hard-won victory. After losing Henry, she channelled her grief into advocacy, working with provincial officials to build support for mandatory CO alarm requirements.
Her effort reflects a pattern seen across Canada and beyond — parents who lose children to preventable accidents becoming the most effective voices for systemic change. Henry's Law carries weight precisely because it carries a name.
Carbon Monoxide: A Preventable Danger
Health Canada estimates that approximately 50 Canadians die each year from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, with hundreds more hospitalized. The majority of incidents occur in the home, and many are entirely preventable with a functioning alarm.
CO detectors are inexpensive — most models run between $25 and $60 — and are widely available at hardware stores. Safety experts recommend placing them near sleeping areas and on every level of the home, and testing them regularly alongside smoke alarms.
If a CO alarm goes off, the advice is clear: get everyone out of the home immediately, call 911, and don't re-enter until emergency services have cleared it.
A National Reminder
Saskatchewan's new law is a reminder that basic home safety measures still aren't universal across Canada. If you're unsure whether your home has working carbon monoxide detectors — especially if you heat with gas, have a wood-burning fireplace, or park a vehicle in an attached garage — now is a good time to check.
Henry Losco's story is a heartbreaking one. But if his mother's advocacy saves even one more family from the same loss, his name will mean something lasting.
Source: CBC News Saskatchewan
