3rd Session, 42nd Legislature

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Bill 205

THE LATEX CONTROL ACT

(Assented to                                         )

WHEREAS individuals can develop an allergy to natural rubber latex that can be severe or life-threatening;

AND WHEREAS latex gloves represent one of the most common exposures to natural rubber latex;

AND WHEREAS the lives of individuals with an allergy to latex are severely restricted because of the widespread use of latex gloves;

AND WHEREAS removing the potential for exposure to latex is the best way to reduce the risk of reactions in allergic individuals;

AND WHEREAS other jurisdictions have taken steps to reduce the use of latex, which has improved the lives and health of individuals with latex allergies;

THEREFORE HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows:

Definition

1

In this Act, "latex" means natural rubber latex.

Gloves containing latex prohibited

2(1)

On or after January 1, 2022, a person must not, for household or commercial use,

(a) use gloves containing latex; or

(b) supply, sell or offer for sale gloves containing latex.

Exceptions

2(2)

Despite subsection (1), a person may use, or supply, sell or offer for sale, gloves containing latex for use in

(a)  scientific research if they are necessary for

(i) a procedure related to the research, or

(ii) a research project related to latex allergy; or

(b) a medical procedure performed by a licensed medical professional if the medical professional believes it is necessary to use the gloves for the procedure.

Offence

3

A person who contravenes this Act is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction,

(a) in the case of an individual, to a fine of not more than $5,000; and

(b) in the case of a corporation, to a fine of not more than $25,000.

C.C.S.M. reference

4

This Act may be referred to as chapter L73 of the Continuing Consolidation of the Statutes of Manitoba.

Coming into force

5

This Act comes into force on the day it receives royal assent.