Ministry of Education

Sabrina's Law Makes Ontario's Schools Safer

Government To Begin Implementation of the Anaphylaxis Law

    TORONTO, May 16  - The Ministry of Education welcomes the passing of
Sabrina's Law and will work with education partners to implement the law,
Minister of Education Gerard Kennedy said today.
    "Mr. Levac and all of the supporters of the bill have helped the Ontario
education system to improve its number one responsibility - the safety of all
students in its care," said Kennedy.
    "I would like to congratulate and thank everyone who has worked hard to
ensure this bill passed."
    Sabrina's Law, introduced by Dave Levac, MPP for Brant, and passed
unanimously today, requires every school board to establish and maintain an
anaphylaxis policy. The legislation requires school boards to have policies
that include:
    -   Training for school staff on dealing with life-threatening allergies
        on a regular basis;
    -   Creating individual plans for pupils who have an anaphylaxis allergy;
        and
    -   Having emergency procedures in place for anaphylactic pupils.

    The law will take effect on January 1, 2006.
    The Ministry of Education will establish an advisory group to help
effectively implement Bill 3. The group will provide advice on the development
and identification of resources, training models and best practices.
    "I am pleased that we will soon have extra support in all our schools so
that the 42,000 students at-risk will be much safer," said Kennedy.
    "Every student should be safe and feel safe at school and in the
schoolyard."

    Disponible en français.

                              www.edu.gov.on.ca
                        www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca

Contact Info

For further information: Amanda Alvaro, Minister's Office,
(416) 325-2632, (416) 509-5696 (cell); Wilma Davis, Communications Branch,
(416) 325-6730; Public Inquiries: (416) 325-2929 or 1-800-387-5514, TTY:
1-800-263-2892