A new provincial bill undergoing second reading could have a profound effect on the outcomes of cardiac arrest and bystander CPR response in Ontario.

If passed, Bill 41, The Defibrillator Access Act would be the first of its kind in Canada requiring Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) be installed in public spaces such as schools, fitness facilities and hockey arenas in the province. The Heart and Stroke Foundation has been advocating for this proposed law since 2006.