Federal, Provincial & Territorial Overview
In emergencies, bystanders often hesitate to help out of fear of legal consequences. Fortunately, Good Samaritan laws in Canada are designed to protect those who step in to help. This guide outlines relevant federal, provincial, and territorial legislation so you know your rights and responsibilities. Some people refer to these as good citizen laws, good samaritan legislation, or good samaritan liability.
🇨🇦 Federal Law
Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/opioids/about-good-samaritan-drug-overdose-act.html
This federal law protects individuals who call for emergency help during a drug overdose from charges related to simple possession. It does not protect against:
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Trafficking charges
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Outstanding warrants
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Other criminal activity
🏛️ Provincial & Territorial Laws
Alberta
Emergency Medical Aid Act
https://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/Acts/e07.pdf
British Columbia
Good Samaritan Act
https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/96172_01
Manitoba
Good Samaritan Protection Act
https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/g065e.php
New Brunswick
Volunteer Emergency Aid Act
https://laws.gnb.ca/en/document/cs/2016-c.17
Nova Scotia
Volunteer Services Act
https://www.canlii.org/en/ns/laws/stat/rsns-1989-c-497/latest/
Ontario
Good Samaritan Act, 2001
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/01g02
Quebec
Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms
https://www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/document/cs/C-12
Saskatchewan
Workers Acting as Good Samaritans – Policy
https://www.wcbsask.com/policy-and-procedure/workers-acting-good-samaritans-pol-072009
Newfoundland and Labrador
No Specific Good Samaritan Legislation
There is currently no dedicated law, but common law may offer legal protection to individuals acting in good faith.
Prince Edward Island
No Specific Good Samaritan Law
Relevant: Criminal Injuries Compensation Program
Northwest Territories
Emergency Medical Aid Act
https://www.justice.gov.nt.ca/en/files/legislation/emergency-medical-aid/emergency-medical-aid.a.pdf
Nunavut
Emergency Medical Aid Act (Adopted from NWT legislation)
https://www.canlii.org/en/nu/laws/stat/rsnwt-nu-1988-c-e-4/latest/rsnwt-nu-1988-c-e-4.html
Yukon
Emergency Medical Aid Act
https://yukon.ca/en/legislation/emergency-medical-aid-act
✅ Key Takeaways
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The Federal Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act protects individuals seeking emergency help during an overdose from drug possession charges.
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Most provinces and territories offer legal immunity to those who assist in emergencies, provided they act in good faith and aren't grossly negligent.
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Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island currently lack specific Good Samaritan laws, though general legal or financial protections may still apply.
Why You Should Perform CPR and Use an AED
Emergencies can happen anywhere—at home, work, school, or in public spaces. When someone experiences sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), every second counts. Brain damage can begin within 4–6 minutes, and survival chances drop by 7–10% with every minute that passes without CPR or defibrillation.
Why CPR Matters
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CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) keeps blood flowing to the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives.
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Immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.
Why You Should Use an AED
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) analyzes the heart rhythm and, if needed, delivers a shock to restart the heart. AEDs are designed for easy use by laypeople with voice prompts and visual guides.
Using an AED within the first 3–5 minutes of collapse can increase survival rates to 70% or higher.
Why You Should Have an AED Onsite
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SCA can happen to anyone, anytime—even without known heart issues.
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Having an AED readily available ensures your workplace, school, or community is prepared to respond within minutes.
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AEDs are a critical component of a comprehensive emergency response plan.
✅ Where to Get an AED? Canada's Leading AED Company is AED.ca. (AED Canada)
AED.ca is in business to help save lives. Contact them for purchasing and maintaining AEDs in Canada. They offer:
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A wide selection of Health Canada–approved AEDs
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Expert advice on placement and compliance
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Maintenance programs and accessories
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Support for schools, offices, gyms, community centers, and industrial settings, businesses, homes, etc....
👉 Learn more or shop now at: https://www.aed.ca
Final Thoughts
Whether you're stepping in to help during an overdose or a cardiac emergency, Good Samaritan laws are in place to protect your decision to act. Combine that legal protection with lifesaving skills like CPR—and an AED onsite—and you’re not just prepared… you’re empowered to be a good citizen and help save a life.
