ONTARIO COULD BE FIRST IN CANADA WITH CONCUSSION LEGISLATION SPONSORED BY MPPS IN ALL PARTIES: MACLEOD

QUEEN’S PARK – Today, PC MPP for Nepean-Carleton Lisa MacLeod introduced Rowan’s Law in the Ontario Legislature with support from Liberal MPP John Fraser and NDP MPP Catherine Fife, who co-sponsored the bill.  If Rowan’s Law passes, it will be the first concussion legislation in Canada.

 “Concussions can have lasting effects and, as we have seen with Rowan Stringer, can be potentially fatal,” said MPP MacLeod. “I am proud that my colleagues in all parties will join with Gord and Kathleen Stringer and myself to support what could be the first concussion legislation in Canada.  This bill could save lives.”

 Gord and Kathleen Stringer, constituents of MPP MacLeod, agreed: “If you give kids the tools and the education to recognize the signs and symptoms of concussion and provide an avenue to report on those, they will be better prepared to make the necessary decisions regarding their personal health or to help their friends and teammates.” 

Named for Rowan Stringer, an Ottawa teen who died in 2013 from multiple concussions, Rowan’s Law would create an expert advisory committee to advise on the 49 recommendations that stemmed from a Coroner’s Inquest into Rowan’s death.  The recommendations aim to enhance the safety and health of youth athletes, and include making concussion awareness mandatory in Ontario’s curriculum.

 “It’s a privilege to co-sponsor Rowan’s Law. I believe that Ontario can be a leader in concussion prevention and education, especially among youth,” said MPP Fife.

 MPP Fraser added, “Rowan’s Law will help increase awareness about the signs and symptoms of concussions throughout Ontario, and ensure that families like the Stringers face fewer concussion-related tragedies in the future.  I am proud to have collaborated with MPPs from all parties on this important issue.”

 Interested Ontarians are able to share their stories and sign the petition supporting Rowan’s Law atwww.rowanslaw.ca or by taking to Twitter using #rowanslaw.  Rowan’s Law will be debated onDecember 10, 2015.