On December 6th, the government of Nova Scotia introduced the Snowsports Helmet Act.  The Act is a world first and makes wearing a ski helmet mandatory for all ages.  

This is an important step in reducing ski-related traumatic head injuries.  Head injuries are the leading cause of death among skiers of all ages, and helmet-use reduces the risk for skiers by up to 60 per cent.  The new legislation will come into effect on November 1, 2012 with a $250 fine for a violation.  

Safe Kids Canada has long supported mandatory ski-helmet use as an effective way to keep Canadians of all ages safe while staying active through winter sports.  Safe Kids Canada looks forward to other provinces following Nova Scotia’s example with the introduction of similar legislation across Canada