Bill C-289: Stopping Supply to Save Lives Act

This bill primarily targets individuals and criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade rather than legitimate businesses. However, businesses in industries where synthetic opioids may be legally handled — such as licensed pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesale drug distributors, compounding pharmacies, or research laboratories across Canada — face heightened legal exposure if quantities of synthetic opioids exceed the thresholds set out in the bill (e.g., 20 mg or 40 mg of a Schedule I synthetic opioid). Even a small team operating a licensed facility would need to ensure rigorous inventory controls, secure storage, and strict compliance documentation to avoid triggering criminal liability. Businesses operating near schools or addiction treatment centres face additional scrutiny as proximity becomes an aggravating sentencing factor.