About the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
The growing number of overdoses and deaths caused by opioids (powerful pain relieving drugs, including fentanyl) is a national public health crisis. Protecting the health and safety of Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada.
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act is part of the Government’s comprehensive approach to addressing the crisis. It will help encourage Canadians to save a life during an overdose situation.
About the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose. The act became law on May 4, 2017. It complements the new Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, our comprehensive public health approach to substance use. Harm reduction is a key part of the strategy alongside prevention, treatment, and enforcement.
The act also supports the Federal Action on Opioids and the Joint Statement of Action to address the opioid crisis and prevent further overdose deaths.
We hope the act will help to reduce fear of police attending overdose events and encourage people to help save a life.
Legal protection granted by the act
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides some legal protection for people who experience or witness an overdose and call 9-1-1 for help.
The act can protect you if you are in breach of the following conditions under section 4 (1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act:
- parole
- pre-trial release
- probation orders
- simple possession
- conditional sentences
The Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act applies to anyone seeking emergency support during an overdose, including the person experiencing an overdose. The act protects those who either stay or leave from the overdose scene before help arrives.
The act does not provide legal protection against more serious offences, such as:
- outstanding warrants
- production and trafficking of controlled substances
- all other crimes not outlined within the act
Save a life
Drug overdoses often happen with others around. Staying at the scene is important to save the life of the person experiencing an overdose.
Witnesses should:
- call for emergency help
- be prepared by carrying naloxone to use if you suspect an opioid overdose
- provide first aid, including rescue breathing (CPR), if necessary, until emergency help arrives
- stay calm and reassure the person that help is on the way
Tell others about the new Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act.
For more information, please see the Good Samaritan information bulletin.