Emergency services providers like paramedics and police officers will be equipped naloxone kits to help prevent opiod over doses in Ontario.

Health Minister, Dr. Eric Hoskins, says the measure is desperately needed to tackle what he calls “a public health crisis.”  He’s also secured federal permission to allow for more supervised injections sites and exempt front line workers from criminal liability.

Hoskins calls it “a grave situation,” noting that opiod deaths in the province jumped 68% cent between May and June of this year with more lives being lost every month.

The Wynne Government will spend $222 million over the next three years to fight the opiod crisis, including hiring more health staff and improving access to addiction treatment..