Red Deer City Council is pushing back on provincial timelines and calling for more information before making a decision on the future of ambulance services.
This comes after receiving notice from the Province of Alberta last week requiring municipalities to indicate, by the end of March, whether they will continue to operate integrated fire and ambulance services under new funding conditions that would likely result in increased municipal costs.
At today’s meeting, City Manager updated Council that EHS and the Provincial Government has extended timeline to April 30. City Council passed a resolution to collaborate with the seven other municipalities with integrated services and advocate to the Provincial Government for information and time to do proper analysis of impacts prior to making a decision.
Red Deer currently operates an integrated fire-medics model, where firefighters are also trained paramedics. This model has been in place for decades and supports coordinated emergency response across the community and surrounding region.
The Provincial Government has indicated that future agreements will align with new Emergency Health Services (EHS) cost structures. Municipalities that choose to maintain their current model will be required to cover additional costs, while those that do not will see ambulance services transitioned to an alternate provider.
- “This is not a decision we can or should rush,” said Mayor Cindy Jefferies. “The safety of our community and the future of emergency services in Red Deer depend on getting this right. We are standing with other municipalities to ensure we have the time and information needed before making any decisions.”
- “There are still significant unknowns, including financial implications, service delivery impacts, and the implications on our current integrated model,” said City Manager Tara Lodewyk. “Administration requires time and additional information from the Government of Alberta to complete a thorough and responsible analysis.”
- “Our integrated fire-medics model is designed to respond quickly and effectively when people need us most,” said Acting Fire Chief Curtis Schaefer. “Any changes to how services are delivered must be carefully evaluated to ensure we maintain that level of care.”
- “Since 1962 the Red Deer Firefighters have been delivering quality emergency medical services to the citizens of Red Deer and Central Alberta through an integrated Fire-EMS model. This model has provided positive lifesaving patient outcomes to numerous patients over the years,” said Brad Readman, President of IAFF Local 1190. “To change this model on a whim is reckless. We are committed to working with all parties involved to ensure this level of care continues.”
Administration will continue to engage with provincial representatives and municipal partners in the coming weeks. A response to the Government of Alberta is required by the deadline, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed as this work progresses.
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For more information, contact:
Community & Public Relations
The City of Red Deer