Yukon makes carbon monoxide detectors mandatory in homes

Yukon's new laws meant to protect people from carbon monoxide poisoning are now in effect.

This makes Yukon the first jurisdiction in Canada to make carbon monoxide detectors mandatoryin all residences in the territory.

That's good news to the Ontario based Hawkins-Gignac Foundation, which promotes carbon monoxide awareness and provides detectors to needy families.

Its founder, John Gignac, was in Whitehorse for Thursdays announcement.

"You've passed a bill that's going to save people in the Yukon, that's it, it's going to save people, there's no doubt in my mind and what's going to happen, it's going to resonate right across Canada, so not only are you helping people right across Yukon, you're going to help people right across Canada, and what better thing could you do," he said.

Gignac's niece, her husband, and their two children died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The legislation comes in the wake of thedeath of five people in a Whitehorse homelast year. An investigation found many problems with the furnace in their home.