Saskatchewan legislation protecting first responders

October 29, 2026

Media Release, Justice and Attorney General / Community Safety, Government of Saskatchewan

Key points from this story:

• Legislation introduced to protect first responders
• Applies to police and crime victims
• Targets exposure to bodily substances
• Faster access to testing orders
• Maintains privacy and court oversight
• Government collaborating with police services

The Mandatory Testing and Disclosure (Bodily Substances) Act currently allows certain individuals who are at risk of infectious disease due to exposure to another person's bodily substances to apply to the Court of King's Bench for an order requiring the source individual, as defined in the Act, to undergo testing. The proposed amendments will provide quicker access to testing orders and results, and promote compliance with testing orders, while maintaining appropriate privacy protections.

"Keeping Saskatchewan communities safe requires strong partnerships between government, police services and frontline responders," Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod, K.C. said. "By introducing these amendments, the Government of Saskatchewan is providing timely access to testing orders and results. We want to ensure those exposed to potentially infectious bodily substances can receive timely information to inform medical treatment decisions."

Timely test results are important for exposed individuals when determining appropriate treatment options. In some cases, treatment decisions must be made within a short time frame following exposure.

"Saskatchewan police officers play a vital role in maintaining community safety, often facing unpredictable and high-risk situations in the course of their duties," Community Safety Minister Michael Weger said. "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."

"The Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police (SACP) thanks the Government of Saskatchewan for listening to the concerns raised by public safety officials regarding timely access to information following exposure to bodily substances," SACP President Chief Davies said. "This information allows front-line personnel to make informed decisions in regard to their health, safety, and wellbeing."

The current Act maintains existing privacy protections for source individuals, including court oversight of the application process, and confidentiality rules that prohibit improper use or disclosure of test results.

Through continued investment, collaboration and support, the Government of Saskatchewan remains committed to working alongside police services, first responders and other community partners to strengthen public safety for everyone in the province.