OTTAWA – Baby playpens sold in Canada may have to meet higher standards in the future with the Conservative government poised to raise the bar on product safety.
Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq is set to announce proposed rules covering the manufacturing and testing of playpens on Tuesday, Global News has learned.
The proposed measures will be announced as part of a suite of initiatives on food, drug and consumer product safety.
The rules would mean stricter standards for side height, side and floor strength and latching and locking mechanisms.
The Conservatives also want to bring in additional requirements for safety warnings and floor pads.
Change tables, bassinets, canopies and mobiles would also fall under the proposed regulations.
The changes are expected to bring Canadian rules more in line with international standards and come after the department recommended stronger testing and warnings for playpen accessories in 2010.
Health Canada received eight complaints related to playpen accessories including three deaths between 1996 and 2009.
The proposed regulations would have to go through a consultation process before coming into force.
A previous set of safety regulations published in 2010 addressed some safety concerns with cribs, cradles and bassinets.
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