MPP Laura Smith Introduces a Private Member’s Bill to Support First Responders 

April 2, 2026

An Act to amend the Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006 Completes Second Reading at Queen’s Park

QUEEN’S PARK — Yesterday, MPP Laura Smith completed the Second Reading of legislation that, if passed, would better support and protect first responders and other eligible applicants following exposure incidents by amending the Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006. 

The Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006 (MBTA) is a provincial law that allows eligible individuals, including first responders who have been exposed to another person’s bodily fluids—for example, while providing emergency care—to apply to have that other person’s blood tested for serious communicable diseases.  

Currently, there is a legislative gap if the individual whose blood is subject to testing passes away before the application process is completed, the test results cannot be disclosed to the applicant without the consent of the deceased’s next of kin. The same requirement applies where the individual is deceased at the time the application is initiated. This can create significant time delays when immediate treatment could be crucial. 

“This legislation is about closing a gap in the law to ensure first responders and other eligible applicants have access to the information they need to protect themselves and those they serve, while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and respect,” said Laura Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thornhill. “This is about fairness and clarity. We are taking action to support those who put themselves in harms way for our communities every single day.” 

If passed, this legislation would expand the Act to include two new sections that apply in both cases where the respondent dies before the application process concludes, and in cases where the respondent is deceased at the time of the application. This approach maintains strong privacy protections while ensuring first responders have a clear pathway to receive the information they need to safeguard their own health and well-being. 

“First responders and health-care workers often put their own health on the line while protecting and caring for others,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “In some cases, that means coming into contact with another person’s bodily fluids. This bill would provide peace of mind to those who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe by ensuring they have timely access to the information they need to protect their own health and wellbeing.” 

The proposed amendment does not expand who can apply under the act. Instead, it establishes a fair and responsible mechanism for when a respondent dies through an existing and trusted tribunal, ensuring dignity and privacy remain protected.  

“First responders are often the first point of contact in critical situations, and their ability to act quickly can be the difference between life and death,” said Andrew Zvanitajs, Vaughan Fire Chief. “When they are exposed to potentially infectious materials, every moment counts. Correcting the gap in current legislation that can create delays in accessing vital blood test results, which can hinder the necessary medical interventions and increase the anxiety faced by those who serve on the front lines, goes a long way to letting Ontario’s firefighters, police officers, and paramedics know that they are heard and appreciated.  I want to thank everyone who supported this bill. On behalf of the firefighters I represent, I thank the government for its foresight, diligence, and action on this matter.” 

QUICK FACTS 

• There are approximately 33,000 municipal firefighters in Ontario. This includes more than 12,500 full-time firefighters, more than 20,000 volunteer firefighters and almost 400 part-time firefighters. 

• The Police Association of Ontario represents over 33,000 sworn officers and civilian police personnel from 46 police associations across Ontario. 

QUOTES 

“The Mandatory Blood Testing Amendment Act provides important clarity by allowing access to essential medical information of deceased individuals when assessing potential exposure to communicable diseases. Police officers routinely face situations where such exposure can occur, and having timely information is critical to protecting their health and well-being.” 

– Mark Baxter
President, Police Association of Ontario 

“This amendment is an important step in strengthening protections for frontline paramedics who put their lives at risk every day. The Bill updates and addresses situations where paramedics may be exposed to bloodborne infections when providing emergency care. As a result of the amendment, paramedics can have greater peace of mind.” 

– Chris Spearen
Chief of Paramedic Services, The Regional Municipality of York 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES  

• Mandatory Blood Testing Act, 2006 

-30- 

MEDIA CONTACTS
Micah Dodo
Office of MPP Laura Smith
Micah.dodo@pc.ola.org