What’s New: In Brief (June 12, 2007)

The Co-operators Group Limited has donated more than Cdn$220,000 to 183 different charities across the country. The donations were made on behalf of staff members, each of whom contributed $75 to the charity of their choice. “We’re proud to stand behind the dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to improve the lives of people in real and measurable ways,” Kathy Bardswick, president CEO of The Co-operators, said. “With so many of our staff using their paid volunteer day and much of their own time to serve at charities and other worthy organizations right across the country, we see very clearly how much of a positive difference this kind of assistance makes.”

The latest edition of the Ontario Fire Code has been released.”The 2007 Fire Code will give greater scope to owners to introduce innovative building techniques while adhering to strict safety standards,” Monte Kwinter, minister of community safety and correctional services, said in a press release announcing the new code.Roughly 200 technical amendments were implemented in the new Code. At the same time, a vast number of existing requirements were maintained to serve as benchmarks for public fire safety. “The 2007 Fire Code represents an important milestone with respect to fire safety standards in Ontario,” Pat Burke, Ontario Fire Marshal, said. “It will be an important tool for the Ontario fire service to use because it will ensure that a high standard of public fire safety is maintained in Ontario.”The new Code will be in effect beginning Nov. 21, 2007.