OTTAWA – The Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver-Centre and Chair of the BC Liberal Caucus, today re-introduced Bill C-289, a Private Members’ Bill to the House of Commons requiring all recreational snow sport helmets not approved by the Canadian Standards Association to be prohibited under the Hazardous Products Act.

Currently, helmets for hockey and lacrosse are regulated under hazardous-products legislation, but helmets for sports such as snowboarding and skiing are not.

“As a physician, I have seen the tragedy of brain injuries and the wastage of human potential caused by unprotected sport activities,” explained Dr. Fry. “The worst part is that it is now 2 years since I introduced this Bill, and since I pleaded with the Minister of Health to implement these changes through Cabinet.”

“This is not only a medical and safety issue – it is good public policy,” said Dr. Fry. “It is estimated that recreational head injuries cost Canadian taxpayers over $100 million each year.”

Dr. Fry’s bill also has the support of the Canadian Medical Association, and of helmet-safety expert Richard Kinar of the Brian Injury Association of Canada.

“A report by Ski Canada tells us that some ski and snowboard helmets for sale in Canada offer no more protection than putting a bag of milk over your head,” said Kinar. “The Conservative government continues to ignore this important health issue.”

Contact:
Daniel Rubinstein, Office of the Hon. Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P., (613) 220-0275
fryh0@parl.gc.ca