Subsection 56(1) Class Exemption for Primary Care Paramedic, Advanced Care Paramedic, Critical Care Paramedic, or Aeromedical Attendant in Manitoba

Pursuant to subsection 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), paramedics with the title of Primary Care Paramedic, Advanced Care Paramedic, Critical Care Paramedic, or Aeromedical Attendant in the province of Manitoba employed by Land System or Air Medical Response System licence holders authorized under The Emergency Medical Response and Stretcher Transportation Act (Manitoba) are exempted for medical purposes from the application of the following provisions of the CDSA and its regulations:

• Subsections 4(1), 5(1) and 5(2) of the CDSA and Subsection 73(1) of the Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations.

In respect of this exemption,

This exemption provides the aforementioned paramedics and aeromedical attendants with the authority to possess, transport, administer and destroy controlled substances when providing pre-hospital care to patients within their scope of practice as set out by the Practice of Paramedicine Regulation (Manitoba) and in accordance with the relevant protocols established by employer, and subject to the terms and conditions of this exemption.

The exemption is only applicable if the following conditions are met. Paramedics and aeromedical attendants must:

1. Administer the controlled substances in accordance with the direction of the Medical Director employed by the licence holder or the relevant protocols established by the licence holder;
2. Keep a record of the following information for a two-year period beginning on the day on which the record is made and provide such a record to the Medical Director for record-keeping purposes;
   1. the name and quantity of any controlled substance purchased or received by them and the date on which it was purchased or received;
   2. the name and address of the person from whom the controlled substance was purchased or received; and
   3. particulars of the use to which the controlled substance was put.
3. Take necessary steps, in accordance with the directives concerning controlled substances established by Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, to ensure the security of the controlled substances on their person and in their ambulance or aircraft;
4. Report immediately to their Medical Director when they become aware of any loss or theft of controlled substances in their possession or in their ambulance or aircraft;
5. Dispose of any unserviceable controlled substances in accordance with the directives concerning controlled substances established by Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care with respect to witness and record-keeping. Keep a record of the unserviceable stock they are subjecting to local destruction and provide such a record to the Medical Director for record-keeping purposes, the following information;
   1. the brand name or common name of each narcotic, controlled drug, or targeted substance that is being destroyed;
   2. the quantity and strength per unit of the narcotic, controlled drug, or targeted substance that is being destroyed;
   3. the method of destruction used; and
   4. the date that the destruction took place.

   The record must be signed and dated by the paramedic who carried out the destruction and by the witness. Both persons must sign and print their names on a joint statement indicating that they witnessed the destruction and that the substance was altered or denatured to such an extent that its consumption was rendered impossible or improbable; and

6. Obtain controlled substances only prescribed by the Medical Director.

This exemption replaces the "Section 56 Class Exemption for Technician-Paramedic, Technician-Advanced Paramedic and Aeromedical Attendant in Manitoba" that was issued on September 30, 2010. This exemption will remain in effect until the date on which this exemption has been replaced or the date on which this exemption is revoked.

Suspension without notice

This exemption may be suspended without prior notice if the Minister deems that such suspension is necessary to protect public health or safety.

Revocation

The Minister may revoke the exemption if they believe that it is no longer necessary or in the public interest.

Changes to terms and conditions

The Minister may at any time change the terms and conditions of this exemption where necessary.

Failure to comply with the terms and conditions of this exemption may, among other things, result in immediate suspension or revocation of this exemption. Such a contravention may, in some cases, also constitute an offence under the CDSA.

Signed for and on behalf of the Minister of Health

Carole Anne Chénard
Director,
Office of Controlled Substances
Controlled Substances and Overdose Response Directorate
Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch
Health Canada

Effective Date: July 10, 2026