We are petitioning on behalf of the thousands of lives lost to preventable tragedies each year. In our very own communities, we have observed the lives affected by cardiac arrests, the escalated rates of overdose due to the opioid crisis, and other similar emergencies. These incidents often lead to premature deaths that could have been avoided with adequate preparation and knowledge.

The necessity for CPR and Naloxone training in high school has never been more urgent. Opioids have claimed over 21,000 lives in British Columbia since 2016 (source: BC Gov, 2025). Furthermore, every year, more than 35,000 Canadians experience a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital environment (source: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada); the survival rates increase threefold if proper CPR is initiated immediately (source: The Red Cross). 

Providing CPR and Naloxone training for all high school students in BC is not just a mitigatory measure—it is a life-saving initiative. Integrating this training into our high schools will equip students with the necessary skills to identify and intervene in emergencies. It is time for these changes to be made so the incoming generations of young adults are well-equipped, creating a more prepared and safer community. This training will save lives.

We seek meaningful and immediate action. Despite having some of the most alarming statistics in the country, BC has yet to implement mandatory training, while four other provinces (Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec) have already done so (source: Vancouver Sun). We strongly urge the British Columbia Education Department and Ministry of Health to enforce a province-wide requirement for CPR and Naloxone training in all BC high schools. The BC Government has commented that they are considering changes, according to the Vancouver Sun, however no official statement has been released. There have been no comments on introducing naloxone training and distribution. Please sign and stand with us, because knowledge is the key to saving lives.

On behalf of BC High School Students, 

Jacob Tam and Iris Thompson-Chang, Grade 12, Victoria

If you would like to contribute more, please consider sending an email to the BC Government. You can find a pre-written template at: https://sidneyshouldbehere.ca/#Provinces

Vancouver Sun Article: https://vancouversun.com/health/high-school-cpr-training-is-mandatory-in-four-provinces-why-not-in-bc