As part of our continuing advocacy efforts in Québec, Food Allergy Canada has written the leaders of the major political parties in Québec asking them to commit to enacting legislation to support students with food allergies at school.
Specifically, we have asked the party leaders to support reintroducing Bill 1197 or to adopt similar legislation. This legislation would require preschool, elementary and secondary educational institutions to adopt practices for managing cases of anaphylaxis. It was introduced at the end of the last sitting of the National Assembly but not passed and we want all parties to understand that this important legislation and needs their support.
Bill 1197 is similar in scope to Sabrina’s Law in Ontario, effective legislation that saves lives. It would require each school to have a food allergy plan including training for educators, individual emergency plans for students at-risk, and communication protocols. The law would have also explicitly authorized school staff to administer epinephrine if they have “reasonable grounds for believing that a student is having an anaphylactic reaction”.
Below is the letter we sent to the party leaders on September 21. We have requested a response from them by September 27 and we will share their feedback with you when it is received.
You can participate in our advocacy efforts by speaking to the candidates in your local riding about the importance of legislation to support students with food allergies at school. Ask the candidates to raise the issue with the leaders of their parties and their colleagues and remind them of the similarities and success of Sabrina’s Law in Ontario, where there have been no fatalities at a publicly-funded school since the law’s passing in 2005. Tell them about your family’s situation.
Following the election, Food Allergy Canada will approach the government and opposition parties to move forward with legislation in Québec.
Bill 1197 can be viewed here. More information about food allergies and Sabrina’s Law in Ontario may be found on our website.
Thank you for your support. We would be interested in hearing any feedback from your local candidates. Please also do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Click on the image to read the full letter.