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Yukon to make carbon monoxide detectors mandatory

Legislation could be passed in the spring to make it mandatory for homes in Yukon to have a carbon monoxide detector.

Law would apply to homes with oil-fired furnaces or attached garages

The Yukon government is set to make it mandatory for homes to have a carbon monoxide detector.

Elaine Taylor, Yukon's minister of Community Services, said legislation making it mandatory for homes with an oil furnace and those with attached garages to have a carbon monoxide detector could be passed in the spring. (CBC)

The change to legislation would apply to every home that heats with an oil furnace and those with attached garages.

Another change would require the use of a certified oil-burner mechanic when installing or modifying heating appliances.

A news release from Elaine Taylor, minister of Community Services, said the legislation could be passed in the spring.

The change is one of the recommendations of a working group formed after five people in Whitehorse died of carbon monoxide poisoning in January 2012.