Mr. Speaker, I have a return to oral question asked by Mr. Dolynny on February 8, 2012, regarding policy on carbon monoxide detectors.
The Member enquired as to government policy on the installation of carbon monoxide detectors and their usage in public housing in the NWT.
I can advise the Assembly that the 2008 National Building Code requires that all buildings heated by a fuel-fired appliance have a carbon monoxide detector hardwired into the electrical system. This is not a requirement for houses built prior to 2008.
All public housing units built subsequent to 1995 have carbon monoxide detectors hardwired into the electrical system. In older units we have taken steps to install detectors, including using battery operated carbon monoxide detectors when hardwiring was not possible. The carbon monoxide detectors are checked at least once a year as part of the local housing organization’s regular preventative maintenance schedule.
I appreciate the Member raising this very important issue and I strongly encourage all homeowners in the NWT to install a carbon monoxide detector in their homes in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
