The New Brunswick government is following Nova Scotia’s lead to make helmets mandatory for all skiers. Government officials hope the law will come into effect next year.
At least one New Brunswick ski resort is supporting the move.
“We’ve been doing surveys and that’s what we’re running at, 90 per cent with helmets and 10 per cent without,” says Bill Anderson, general manager at the Poley Mountain ski resort.
“I think the 10 per cent without, maybe one or two will say we’re not going to ski because of that, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
Skier Bill Rowe says he is also in support of the helmet law.
“You hear about freak accidents whether it’s children or movie stars or otherwise. Sometimes a helmet isn’t going to help, but it sure can’t hurt,” says Rowe.
However, some skiers feel adults shouldn’t be forced to wear helmets on the slopes.
“Generally, something like this is something that each adult, the age of majority, should have the right to make the decision for themselves,” says Bob McDevitt.
New Brunswick Public Safety Minister Bruce Northrup says he will be preparing legislation similar to what is already in effect in Nova Scotia, making helmets mandatory on all New Brunswick ski hills.
Stephen Moffett is in support of the law. His granddaughter, Olivia MacLean, suffered severe head injuries last month when she struck a tree at Ski Wentworth in Nova Scotia. Moffett says it saved her life.
“Certainly what happened to Olivia, it brings attention to the subject,” says Moffett. “Especially the fact that she may have gone skiing without a helmet had it not been for the provincial regulation.”
Regardless of whether government is unable to pass legislation by next year, skiers at Poley Mountain will be required to wear a helmet next ski season.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Mike Cameron
