Lethbridge Fire and EMS -- LNN

By Connor Gunn

Government shoots down new motion to localize EMS dispatch in Alberta

Mar 16, 2021 | 11:15 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB– After one last-ditch effort to halt the centralization of EMS Dispatch services in Alberta, the Provincial Government has shot down the motion.

The Mayors of Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer, with support from the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, expressed their disappointment that the Legislative Assembly did not support the motion to reverse the decision of centralized emergency dispatch.

The motion stated:

“Be it resolved that the Legislative Assembly urge the Government to take into consideration the views of the residents of Calgary, Lethbridge, and Red Deer, who are well served by a local, integrated model of emergency dispatch, and immediately take steps to reverse the decision to implement the centralization of the dispatch of emergency medical services.”

The four communities involved have said they will continue to push for an immediate pause and overturn the decision made by Alberta Health Services to consolidate EMS dispatch.

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“This is a non-partisan issue. It is about recognizing the importance of community safety and preserving the effectiveness of emergency services. We are disappointed in the outcome of this decision,” says Mayor Chris Spearman, City of Lethbridge.

Spearman has expressed his concerns over wait times being lengthened due to the centralization.

Previous story: Lethbridge Council directs City Manager to investigate EMS dispatch options

“We strongly dispute the effectiveness of this consolidated system, and we are disappointed that the issue did not receive majority support in the Legislative Assembly today,” said Mayor Veer, City of Red Deer. “We are asking all Members of the Legislative Assembly to continue to do what is best for Albertans in the name of health and safety and hear the concerns of communities across our province.”

Previous story: Mayors want immediate investigation into EMS dispatch outage

Mayors of each of the four communities are calling again for a third-party external review into the consolidation.