The recent death of a 12-year-old Airdrie boy shines the light on whether Alberta should consider changing legislation on mandatory carbon monoxide detectors.

While new home builds since 2007 are automatically required to have a CO detector, there is no legislation that says ALL homes must have one.

Banff- Cochrane, MLA Cameron Westhead says the provincial government offers their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the young boy. "The safety of Albertans is always something that's a key priority for us and carbon monoxide is no exception to that. We strongly encourage people to use carbon monoxide alarms in all builds."

The Airdrie couple that lost their son says a previous repair to a hot water tank led to the leak of carbon monoxide. With an investigation still ongoing, Westhead shares they will be paying close attention to the findings. "We will be keeping a close eye on the investigation and to determine if there is anything further the province can do to ensure the safety of Albertans, it is something we are closely monitoring and definitely looking at ways we can improve this and making detectors mandatory is one of those options we are exploring."

Jeff Avery, Fire Prevention Officer with Cochrane Fire Services, shares they are hopeful the Alberta government will take a look at current legislation and make some changes. "I think it would be a very good idea if it was mandatory for CO alarms to be in every residential home. No home is built without a smoke alarm and I see no difference as they are both life safety devices.  After installation, it is up to the homeowner to keep it in good working order. Right now even though it is not a code item residents are required to go and get one. Don't wait until it becomes law, you can get one for 45 dollars at most hardware stores and they will last five years, they are a great investment."

Westhead also encouraged all homeowners to buy a detector.

A petition is currently circulating demanding for a change to legislation and can be found HERE. The creators of the petition are hopeful Alberta will join the Province of Ontario by making CO detectors mandatory regardless of home/building age.