Bill 147, Benji’s Law (Ensuring Anaphylaxis, Asthma and Epilepsy Friendly Overnight Camps), 2026

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill requires the Minister to review regulations governing recreational camps under the Health Protection and Promotion Act and to recommend regulatory amendments to strengthen protections for campers in respect of anaphylaxis and other life-threatening allergic reactions. The Bill also requires the Minister to consider updating guidance documents respecting allergy awareness and management at recreational camps and to consult specified stakeholders.

Bill 147 2026

An Act to enact Benji’s Law (Ensuring Anaphylaxis, Asthma and Epilepsy Friendly Overnight Camps), 2026

His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Definitions

1 (1)  In this Act,

“anaphylaxis” means a severe systemic allergic reaction which can be fatal, resulting in circulatory collapse or shock, and “anaphylactic” has a corresponding meaning; (“anaphylaxie”, “anaphylactique”)

“Minister” means the member of the Executive Council to whom the administration of this Act may be assigned under the Executive Council Act; (“ministre”)

“recreational camp” means a camp for recreational activities on a site in which sleeping and eating facilities are provided for temporary occupancy, with or without charge, for five or more persons who are under 18 years of age or persons who have special needs. (“camps de loisirs”)

(2)  For greater certainty, a “recreational camp” under subsection (1) does not include a day camp or any other camp at which campers are not provided with overnight accommodation.

Regulatory review to strengthen protection at camps

2 (1)  The Minister shall, within a reasonable time after this Act comes into force, initiate a review of any regulations made under clause 96 (3) (k) of the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

Regulatory amendments

(2)  Following the review, the Minister shall recommend to the Lieutenant Governor in Council such amendments to the regulations as the Minister considers appropriate to strengthen protections for campers at recreational camps in respect of anaphylaxis and other life‑threatening allergic reactions.

Same

(3)  Without limiting the generality of subsection (2), the amendments may include provisions respecting,

  (a)  the establishment and content of policies and procedures relating to the prevention and management of anaphylaxis;

  (b)  emergency response protocols, including the timely administration of epinephrine;

  (c)  training and educational requirements for camp staff and volunteers;

  (d)  the accessibility and use of epinephrine auto-injectors;

  (e)  the development of individual medical emergency plans for campers with life‑threatening allergies;

   (f)  allergen management practices in food preparation and camp operations; and

  (g)  the documentation and review of incidents involving anaphylaxis.

Updating guidance documents

3 In conducting the review described in subsection 2 (1), the Minister shall consider updating guidance documents to support allergy awareness at recreational camps and to ensure that the guidance is aligned with current medical and public health information and includes,

  (a)  best practices for the prevention of allergic reactions;

  (b)  procedures for allergen management and related training considerations; and

  (c)  references and links to additional supporting materials and resources.

Consultation

4 For the purposes of sections 2 and 3, the Minister shall consult with stakeholders, including,

  (a)  Food Allergy Canada;

  (b)  the Ontario Camps Association; and

  (c)  any other persons or organizations that the Minister considers appropriate.

Commencement

5 This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

6 The short title of this Act is the Benji’s Law (Ensuring Anaphylaxis, Asthma and Epilepsy Friendly Overnight Camps), 2026.