The municipality is expressing disappointment over the Legislative Assembly not supporting a motion to reverse the centralized EMS dispatch system.
NDP MLA Shannon Phillips brought forward a motion on Monday aimed at overturning the province’s decision to consolidate local services in Calgary, Lethbridge, and Red Deer after their systems were merged with Alberta Health Services’.
Wood Buffalo was not part of the motion due to the current court application which was filed after the Court of Queen’s Bench granted an injunction against their decision to refuse to send 9-1-1 calls to AHS.
The GoA consolidated the local system into AHS’s back in January with the RMWB expressing concerns after claiming residents have received delayed 9-1-1 service and local crews needing to intervene in multiple calls.
“While our municipality may not have been named… we continue to support the intent of the MLA’s motion and we stand shoulder to shoulder in support of our like-minded fellow municipalities,” said Mayor Don Scott.
Laila Goodridge, MLA for Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche, voted against the motion stating this was an attempt by the NDP to politicize the issue.
She says she continues to respect the concerns of the residents and the RMWB, while also working on plans to help the region benefit from this decision.
“I’ve been working collaboratively with Minister Shandro and his team and, in fact, they’ve put a process in place in Alberta Health and AHS to work with all four municipalities to continue to improve EMS services.”
Goodridge adds they’re focused on ensuring every dollar saved goes towards improving ground ambulance.
Meanwhile, Tany Yao, MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, was one of several politicians who didn’t take part in the meeting and vote.
Due to COVID-19, not every MLA is allowed to meet in-person at the same time, resulting in politicians missing meetings.
Mix News reached out to Yao who said he had no comment at this time.
A list of MLA’s who voted for and against the motion can be found on the Legislative Assembly’s website.