Naloxone kits to be required in 'high risk' Ontario businesses in 2023
Ontario businesses deemed to be "high risk” settings in which opioid overdoses could take place will be required to have a Naloxone kit on-site beginning June 1, 2023, the government announced Wednesday.
Minister Monte McNaughton made the announcement at the Wheat Sheaf Tavern in Toronto Wednesday morning while acknowledging that, in 2021, 2,819 people died from opioid-related causes in Ontario – the highest number on record, according to the ministry.
Naloxone is a medication that can quickly restore breathing in the event of an overdose of opioids. It is most commonly used as a nasal spray but can also be injected into any muscle in the body, such as the arm or thigh.
“Ontario, like the rest of Canada, is in the middle of an opioid epidemic made worse by a toxic supply of recreational street drugs,” Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, said in a release issued Wednesday.
“That’s why our government is the first in North America to require naloxone kits be accessible in at-risk workplaces by June 1, 2023, to raise awareness for those struggling with addiction, reduce stigma and save lives.”
Minister McNaughton makes an announcement at the Wheat Sheaf Tavern in Toronto on Dec. 14 (CP24)
McNaughton also announced that the government will provide free Naloxone kits and training to high-risk small businesses for two years.
Businesses will be expected to self-evaluate their risk level. The ministry says employers must provide a naloxone kit when an employer becomes aware, or ought reasonably to be aware, of the following scenarios:
- There is a risk of a worker opioid overdose.
- There is a risk that the worker overdoses while in a workplace where they perform work for the employer.
- The risk is posed by a worker who performs work for the employer.
The Ministry says that, if all of these scenarios are present, the employer must comply with the OHSA requirements to provide naloxone in the workplace. However, if any one of these scenarios are not present, an employer does not need to comply.
Eligibility can be determined and additional information on accessing naloxone kits and training can be found at Ontario.ca/workplacenaloxone.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Prosecution rests in Donald Trump’s hush money case. The defence now gets its turn to call witnesses
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
U.S. Supreme Court rejects appeal from former Guantanamo detainee Omar Khadr
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected an appeal by a Canadian-born former Guantanamo detainee who was seeking to wipe away his war crimes convictions, including for killing a U.S. soldier in Afghanistan.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
'Next man up': Canucks coach, teammates bracing for Game 7 without Brock Boeser
Questions about how the team is going to handle the absence of star winger Brock Boeser from a do-or-die game seven dominated pre-game interviews with the Vancouver Canucks coach and players Monday morning.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.