In addition to their life savings potential, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are fairly inexpensive, easy to use and simple to maintain. So, why don’t more companies use them? Part of the answer is that while AEDs are recommended for just about all workplaces, they’re not legally required the way other kinds of first aid equipment are.   

But that’s beginning to change. A decade ago, Manitoba became the first province to pass legislation requiring AEDs at certain kinds of publicly accessible sites like public fitness, sports and athletic facilities, community centres, public health and government buildings, airports, train and bus stations, schools, colleges, universities, and casinos. In 2025, Ontario became the first jurisdiction to pass legislation mandating the installation of AEDs at certain worksites not accessible to the public, namely, construction projects where 20 or more workers work and that are expected to last at least 3 months. 

Ontario actually passed even broader legislation in 2020 called The Defibrillator Registration and Public Access Act, 2020 requiring AEDs at general workplaces. But the government still hasn’t proclaimed the legislation effective or published the regulations necessary to put the law into effect. And there’s no assurance that it ever will.  

There have also been a smattering of Private Member bills mandating AEDs at workplaces, most recently in BC and Nova Scotia. But those bills didn’t pass and there’s currently nothing else in the pipeline—although that may change when Assemblies across the nation reconvene.  

The only other source of authority on AEDs in the OHS context are the nonbinding government guidelines published in a few jurisdictions.  

Here's a look at workplace AEDs laws, such as they are, in all parts of the country. Go to the HR Insider website for a Game Plan for implementing an AEDs program at your workplace.