Dozens gathered in Barrhaven today at a petition launch for “Rowan’s Law”.
17-year-old Rowan Stringer died May 8, 2013 after suffering multiple concussions.
A coroner’s inquest into Rowan’s death led to 49 recommendations, including that the province enact "Rowan’s Law" in her honour.
If passed, the legislation would make concussion education mandatory in schools across Ontario. It would also require game officials to remove any player suspected of having a concussion until they are medically cleared.
“That’s huge to have something so positive come out of such a tragedy such as the death of a child,” said Kathleen Stringer, Rowan’s mom.
Nepean-Carleton PC MPP Lisa MacLeod said she will introduce Rowan’s Law, which is co-sponsored by Liberal MPP John Fraser and Catherine Fife of the NDP, this fall in the Ontario Legislature.
“That will allow us to inform our colleagues across the province who may not have heard about this initiative to bring their support,” said MacLeod.
If approved Ontario would be the first province in Canada to have legislation about concussion prevention and safety.
Interested Ontarians are able to sign the petition supporting Rowan’s Law at www.rowanslaw.ca
