A proposed federal law would prohibit helmets for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding if they do not meet Canadian safety standards.

Hockey and lacrosse helmets that don't meet the Canadian Standards Association's criteria are already banned as hazardous products, but helmets used in snowboarding, skiing, and in-line skating are not.

Dr. Hedy Fry, Liberal opposition critic for sport and the Vancouver Olympics, is introducing a private member's bill that would ban the advertising, sale and import of unsafe helmets in Canada.

As a physician, Fry said she has seen how catastrophic injuries can be when people don't wear proper headgear.

"We know the brain is protected by a very thin layer of bone, and we know that head injuries can be fatal and can produce a lifetime disability," Fry said.

"I would have thought everything that was going to protect the brain would have done so, but quite often, things slip under the radar screen."

The lack of a minimum standard for ski and snowboard helmets in Canada has alarmed Richard Kinar, a long-time safety advocate at the Brain Injury Association of Canada.

'Bag of milk over your head'

"A report by Ski Canada tells us that some ski and snowboard helmets for sale in Canada offer no more protection than putting a bag of milk over your head," said Kinar.

It is estimated that head injuries sustained during recreation cost Canadians taxpayers more than $100 million a year.

Traditionally, it's difficult for a private member's bill to become a federal law. In a minority government, Fry's bill faces a better chance. The MP for Vancouver Centre plans to introduce the bill on Monday.

For now, consumers can ask a salesperson what safety standards their helmets meet or search for a certification sticker on the gear. Buying products from major manufacturers at reputable shops is also recommended.