Youth concussion bill 'Rowan's Law' passes 3rd reading, set to become law

A private-member's bill to protect young people from repeated concussions is set to become law after it passed third reading in the Ontario legislature Tuesday evening.

Rowan's Law takes its name from Rowan Stringer, a 17-year-old girl from the Ottawa community of Barrhaven who died in May 2013 after suffering three concussions in less than a week while playing high school rugby.

It's been a long road. A lot of hard work.- Kathleen Stringer

The law, which must still receive Royal Assent, would set up a committee to work on the 49 recommendations made during the inquest into the death of Stringer, who died of "second impact syndrome" caused by multiple concussions.

The committee would report its findings within a year of the act becoming law.

Sense of relief

Stringer's parents, Gordon and Kathleen, spoke to Ottawa Morning host Robyn Bresnahan on Wednesday. 

"It's been a long road. A lot of hard work. (I feel) a huge sense of appreciation for so many people that have been involved and worked so hard and a proud moment and a time you know to reflect on Rowan and her life and what she accomplished," said Kathleen Stringer. 

Gordon Stringer expressed gratitude for the work of the politicians who helped get the bill this far.

"The three MPPs who shepherded this through the political process were just amazing. We called them our Queen's Park dream team," he said. "And to have all three political parties on board and move this in such a non-partisan way, it really gives you an appreciation for how the political process can actually work and maybe how it should work a little more often."

​Nepean-Carleton MPP Lisa MacLeod, who represents the riding of the Stringer family, sponsored the private member's bill last fall.

"I couldn't be more proud to be part of this process with my colleagues but also with my constituents," said MacLeod.