MANDATORY TESTING TO BE LEGISLATED IN SASKATCHEWAN

Legislation will be introduced in the spring session of the Saskatchewan Legislature that will help protect emergency service workers (police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics), good Samaritans and victims of crime from the fear and uncertainty experienced following exposure to bodily fluids.

"This new legislation will help protect the men and women who protect us, by addressing the stress and uncertainty of not knowing whether they have contracted a fatal or debilitating disease," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "We want to provide peace of mind to good Samaritans and victims of crime as well."

The legislation will address the situation where an emergency service worker, good Samaritan or victim of crime is exposed to another person's blood or bodily fluid and believes that person may have an infectious disease. The legislation will set out a process for having the source person tested on a confidential basis.

Details will be announced when the legislation is introduced.

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For More Information, Contact:

Debi McEwen Justice Regina Phone: (306) 787-6043