I have done many of these over the years, in Ont. and Que. Last time I called St. John Ambulance in Ottawa, I was told that for the first aid and CPR, if you haven't done it with them before or if you were more than three years out of date, or if you were up to date but with another agency, you had to take their whole weekend course (Sat and Sun). If you are up to date with them the refresher is one full day every 3 years.

In the system here, in order to be licenced, we have to have a full day (8hrs) every 3 years. Starting last year, we also have to make sure that the course includes a section on Epi-pen and severe allergies. Last time I took it, it was with the Heart and Stroke foundation. That's only cuz the guy who gives the course has chosen to go with them. And a lot of the info, especially in the CPR part has changed since I did it last. (I updated last Aug.) I have to say, though, I'm glad it's only every three years. I don't sleep for a week after taking it!