‘Henry’s Law:’ Saskatchewan strengthens carbon monoxide monitoring after boy’s death

REGINA — Saskatchewan is bolstering rules on carbon monoxide monitoring after an 11-year-old Regina boy was killed by the colourless, odourless gas.

Eric Schmalz, the government relations minister, says Henry Losco’s December death in his family’s apartment after a leak spurred the province to move quickly.

“When someone passes away, you always have the thought of, ‘What could we have done more?'” Schmalz told reporters Tuesday.

“I don’t have a time machine. I don’t have a way to go back and change this, but we can change it now.”

He said starting Nov. 1, carbon monoxide alarms are to be required in all suites in multi-unit residential buildings. Previously, alarms only needed to be installed in areas around an appliance, such as a furnace.

Schmalz said in honour of Losco and at the wishes of his family, the regulatory changes are to be called “Henry’s Law.”

Marina Hills, the boy’s mother, was at the announcement. She said while nothing can ease the pain of his death, the changes will help protect other families.

“We want change. We want laws that help save people and families and children,” she said. “This is exactly what my son would have wanted.”

The parents were wearing green T-shirts with the wording #JusticeForHenryLosco. The minister embraced them after the conference.

Last month, Regina’s fire department announced that a boiler malfunction caused the leak on Dec. 19.

Fire Chief Layne Jackson had told reporters there was a delayed ignition, causing the boiler to explode and blow apart venting equipment.

The manufacturer of the natural gas-fired boiler, Ariston Canada Inc., has since issued a safety notice for the model.

Hills has said she found the boy and her husband, Sergio Losco, unconscious in the downtown apartment in the evening. Henry was declared dead at the scene, and his father was treated in hospital.

The parents continue to have questions about why police weren’t called earlier, Hills has said. She said alarms were ringing on the second floor in the afternoon but her husband didn’t hear them on the fourth floor.

Jackson has said some alarms in the building went off. He has declined to say when the boiler exploded or if anyone heard it, as those details remain under investigation.

The Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan, which is responsible for safety inspections, has said inspectors checked the boiler the day before the leak.

Police are also investigating.

At the announcement Tuesday, Schmalz was joined by Opposition NDP members.

The New Democrats were planning to introduce a private member’s bill to toughen carbon monoxide monitoring but declined to do so after collaborating with the Saskatchewan Party government on the file.

“Marina and Sergio pushed government and Opposition to lay down our swords and make much-needed changes in the best interests of all Saskatchewan people,” NDP member Meara Conway said.

“This change will mean that Saskatchewan will now lead the country.”

Landon Field, the CEO of Rental Housing Saskatchewan, said in a government news release: “(We) will be there to help our members understand what these changes mean, how to comply effectively and ensure residents feel safe.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 5, 2026.

Jeremy Simes, The Canadian Press