Superior North EMS will bring forward a strategic plan that has caused concern among other municipalities and paramedics themselves, who have planned a rally outside city hall Monday.
Potential layoffs, station closures and a $1 million increase to the 2012 budget are all on the table. Councillors from across the North Shore are expected to make deputations on the potetnial impact on rural areas. EMS Chief Norm Gale is recommending expanded service in the city and a long-term look at deployment in the district. Gale said an increase in 911 calls, non-urgent transportation and an aging population has put pressure on the city’s paramedics.
“When you combined that with demographic trends and other factors driving demand for paramedics we are looking at a situation which quite frankly today is untenable and we need to address it,” Gale said.
But Gale is not recommending the closure of any district stations. He wants the city to take a look at district services on a long-term basis. If city council did decide to shut down some district stations, it could mean layoffs though.
“That will mean layoffs for district paramedics however it will also mean, if council approves an expansion in Thunder Bay, new jobs for paramedics in Thunder Bay,” he said.
That expansion would mean a new 24 hour ambulance in 2012 and another in 2013 at the cost of aruond $1 million each.
A rally by Canadian Auto Workers, which represents paramedics in the district, is planned for 6 p.m. Monday outside of city hall.
