Ontarians must buy carbon monoxide detectors for their homes and will enjoy more protection from aggressive door-to-door sales tactics and debt-settlement services under two laws passed unanimously by MPPs Wednesday.

The bill requiring detectors to sniff out potentially deadly carbon monoxide was a long time coming after it was first introduced by Progressive Conservative MPP Ernie Hardeman (Oxford) in 2008.

He was thrilled to see its passage after five years of political delays that followed the deaths of a Woodstock couple, Laurie and Richard Hawkins, and their two children because of a blocked chimney.

“I’m elated at finally getting it done and not giving up in the meantime,” Hardeman told reporters. “Up until now the government has not seen fit to do this.”

The gas had been building up in the Hawkins home, slowly poisoning them.

“It’s the silent killer. You can’t see it, you can’t taste it you can’t smell it. You won’t know it’s there until it’s too late,” said Hardeman.

“Don’t wait for the law. Get a carbon monoxide detector . . . It protects your family.”

The detectors can generally be purchased for $50 or less.

Community Safety Minister Madeleine Meilleur downplayed the delays in passing the bill.

“It’s good news and let’s celebrate that.”

Meilleur said it’s too early to say exactly when the law will take effect, but added the government will work “expeditiously” to get it in place before Christmas once the provincial fire code is amended.

The law, similar to the requirement for smoke detectors, will be enforced by local fire departments under the Fire Prevention and Protection Act.

Under the new consumer protection bill, consumers now have a 20-day cooling-off period — up from 10 — to reconsider water heater purchases made from a doorstep sale; the bill also bans delivery and installation of water heaters within that 20-day period.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

The bill prohibits debt-settlement firms from charging upfront fees, requires real estate agents for buyers to present written offers only, and prohibits agents from indicating they have an offer unless it’s in writing.

“This will help build consumer confidence,” said Consumer Services Minister Tracey MacCharles.