Saskatchewan has introduced legislation that would speed up court-ordered testing for police officers, first responders and crime victims exposed to another person’s bodily substances, a change that would apply to RCMP, EMS and fire crews working calls on the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster.
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The province introduced the amendments Oct. 29 to the Mandatory Testing and Disclosure (Bodily Substances) Act, according to a news release from the Government of Saskatchewan.
What the current law allows
Under the existing Act, a person exposed to another individual’s bodily substances can apply to the Court of King’s Bench for an order requiring the source person to undergo testing.
The province said the proposed amendments would provide quicker access to testing orders and results, and would encourage compliance with those orders while maintaining existing privacy protections.
Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said timely results matter because treatment decisions for exposed individuals sometimes have to be made within a short window after exposure.
“We want to ensure those exposed to potentially infectious bodily substances can receive timely information to inform medical treatment decisions,” McLeod said.
Why police and frontline groups pushed for change
Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said the amendments follow discussions with police services and frontline partners about problems with the current process.
“These amendments reflect our government’s ongoing collaboration with police services and frontline partners to address concerns that have been raised about the current process,” Weger said.
The Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police welcomed the proposed changes. Association president Chief Davies said the information gives frontline personnel what they need to protect their own health after an exposure.
“This information allows front-line personnel to make informed decisions in regard to their health, safety, and wellbeing,” Davies said.Privacy protections remain in place
The province said the current Act already protects the privacy of source individuals, including court oversight of applications and confidentiality rules barring improper use or disclosure of test results.
Those protections would remain under the proposed amendments, the government said.
What it means for the Border City
Exposure to bodily substances is a recognized occupational risk for Mounties, firefighters and paramedics who respond to assaults, arrests and medical calls, a reality highlighted by past community events focused on first responder safety and wellbeing in the Lloydminster area.
Saskatchewan’s justice ministry has reported violent crime at a 10-year high across the province, a trend that has put added pressure on frontline responders who may encounter higher-risk situations in the field.
The province did not say when the amendments would take effect. The bill still needs to pass through the legislature before becoming law.
