Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo’s Helicopter Emergency Rescue Operation (HERO) will be receiving roughly $2 million under a new five-year contract from the provincial government.

Southeastern Alberta’s Medicine Hat-based Helicopter Air Lift Operation (HALO) was also offered guaranteed funding and a contract with AHS, plus, $1 million in annual funding.

Premier Jason Kenney made the announcement in Medicine Hat on Thursday stating that this will double HERO’s current annual funding.

Kenney noted that there had been challenges with emergency management services in the province, stating that there was a 30 percent increase in demand.

“I’d like to give a shout out to Mayor Sandy Bowman who has raised these important issues with us,” Kenney said.

Local HERO Foundation President Paul Spring drove to Medicine Hat from Fort McMurray to attend the announcement.

“The Local HERO service is an essential transportation lifeline for the hunters, fishers, trappers, and residents of the remote First Nations communities located throughout northeast Alberta,” Spring explained.

“The foundation looks forward to working with Alberta Health to ensure Albertans continue to have timely access to emergency medical care.”

This announcement follows a $15 million annual funding promised to STARS made last week.