Saskatchewan bill to quicken testing for first responders exposed to possible viruses

First responders in Saskatchewan who worry they’ve been infected with viruses on the job will be able to get answers in hours, instead of days, under a new bill.

The province has proposed legislation which, if passed, will speed up testing orders on people suspected of infecting first responders with hepatitis or HIV. 

Saskatchewan already allows such testing through court-imposed orders, but the province says the new legislation would accelerate that process.

"The current situation will often take a day or two, if necessary, to get that order," Justice Minister Tim McLeod told reporters Thursday after introducing the legislation. 

"We're hoping that with these amendments that we're making that a first responder who has been exposed can get a court order within a matter of a few hours."

Under the existing legislation, victims of crime can also seek testing orders. McLeod said victims and first responders deserve timely results to ease their concerns or to expedite treatment.

He added the law would maintain privacy as it would be against the law to improperly use or publicize test results.

"When this does come up, it's an incredibly stressful situation for the person who has been exposed," McLeod said. "We want to make sure we can give them that peace of mind as quickly as possible." 

The Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police said in a government news release it supports the new legislation. 

“This information allows front-line personnel to make informed decisions in regard to their health, safety, and well-being," said Lorilee Davies, the association's president and Regina's police chief.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2026.

By Jeremy Simes | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.