Another report was released this morning recommending changes surrounding oil-fired appliances in the territory.

This latest document, completed by a recently-formed oil-fired appliance working group, makes many suggestions which have been heard before.

Multiple independent studies on oil-fired appliances in the territory have already been completed in 2007, 2008 and 2010. This is the second working group to be created on the issue.

Much like many reports issued before it, this latest study points to the need for better public awareness, new and enhanced training opportunities and legislation specifically created for oil-fired appliances.

The most recent group was formed two months after last January's deaths of five Porter Creek residents from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The bodies of Bradley Rusk, his wife, Valerie, their two children, 11-year-old Rebekah and 13-year-old Gabriel, as well as family friend Donald McNamee, were found by a friend in the Centennial Street house they rented.

An improperly installed furnace and deteriorating chimney led to ice forming on the top of the chimney, forcing the deadly gas to remain in the house.

The home has since been torn down.

The newest working group, which included representatives from the industry, the City of Whitehorse, the Association of Yukon Communities and the Departments of Community Services and Education, reviewed all the previous reports and recommendations, said chair Marc Perreault.

Perreault, currently the vice-president of operations for the Yukon Housing Corp., said the group tried to make the report as complete and all-encompassing as possible.

Scott Kent, the minister responsible for the corporation, told the Star today the government has accepted the report. It plans to implement all the recommendations after completing some public consultation meetings, he added.

When it comes to legislation, the report recommends the government create an act that requires "a licence be obtained to install modify, service, or authorize the installation, modification or service of an oil-fired appliance.”

To apply for that licence, a person must be a qualified oil-burner mechanic, the report says.

Currently in the Yukon, the only territorial legislation that regulates oil-fired appliances is the Building Standards Act.

Changed in 2010, the legislation states a permit is required to install or make modifications to a heating device.

The permit is not required to do service work.

Currently, any homeowner or professional can apply for the necessary permit.

Under the new legislation recommended by the working group, someone would have to be a certified red-sealed journey-level technician to take out a permit.

"That is a signifiant change, and it also speaks to very much encouraging homeowners to obtain the services of a red-sealed certified journey-level mechanic in servicing your unit,” Community Services Minister Elaine Taylor said today.

The group also recommends the Landlord and Tenant Act contain provisions to enforce the recommendations.

As for education, the report calls on the government to create a course to train people to becoming qualified oil-burner mechanics.

The document recommends methods such as online training, evening or weekend courses and training programs at Yukon College wherever possible.

In 2009 and 2010, 10 people graduated from an oil-burner technician program at the college, the only program available in the territory.

A pilot project funded by the territorial and federal governments, it is no longer being offered.

Prior to the college's program, technicians had to go as far as Nova Scotia or Newfoundland to get certification.

As for whether the program will be funded to start up again, Kent didn't say.

"The director of advanced education sat on the working group as one of the experts, and we'll look to identify the appropriate programs that can be offered to assist Yukoners in becoming qualified,” he said.

"We still have to go out and speak to stakeholders, particularly outside of Whitehorse, where getting the training and accessing that training will be perhaps more challenging.”

The report also points to the importance of public education when it comes to the potential dangers of oil-fired appliances.

A public awareness campaign should explain the risks of improperly installed or poorly maintained appliances, inform the public that only licensed individuals and companies can install, modify or service all oil-fired appliances and highlight the importance of carbon monoxide detectors.

The group recommends a website be created with all the relevant information.

A checklist should also be developed for the public and industry identifying what to look for in proper installation, modification and service.

Official Opposition Leader Liz Hanson told the Star today she is pleased to see the report completed.

Hanson said the group's recommendations "confirms what the Yukon government has known for years and done nothing about.”

The NDP leader said she hopes changes will be presented to the legislature this fall so they can be "implemented swiftly.”

She also hopes appropriate funds will be allocated to ensure that any new rules can be implemented.

Kent, Taylor and rural Yukon Party MLAs Stacey Hassard and Patti McLeod will be visiting Yukon communities in the coming weeks to hold open houses on the report and meet with First Nations and municipal leaders.

Public comments may also be emailed to OFAcomments@gov.yk.ca. The process will start next week and is anticipated to be complete by the end of September.

The report will be available online at housing.yk.ca and at community.gov.yk.ca. It may also be obtained by calling 867-667-5800.

A public inquest into the Rusk and McNamee deaths is also being planned. No official date for that has been announced.