The Ford government is removing the blame from an officer if an overdose victim dies after the first aid medicine naloxone is administered to them.
Thunder Bay’s Acting Deputy Chief Don Lewis agrees it gives officers peace of mind knowing they can give the medicine without fear of a criminal charges.
He notes both the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the Police Association of Ontario have been lobbying the government to make a decision “one way or the other.”
Lewis agrees it puts officers on the same level and first responders who are never charged if an overdose victim dies.
He says many officers in Thunder Bay carry naloxone, but no one has ever died after being given it.
