Province strengthens ambulance services

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Ontario is investing an additional $210,602 to the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board in 2009 to maintain 50/50 cost-sharing of land ambulance operating costs.

The planned funding increase is intended to maintain and strengthen the province’s ambulance services. In total, the government will deliver more than $408 million in province-wide funding for municipal land ambulance operating costs — an increase of $20.1 million from 2008.

“This funding means residents of Nipissing can continue to count on quality land ambulance services when they need them,” said Nipissing MPP Monique Smith. “The 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement will help improve crucial ambulance services in this area.”

All of Ontario’s municipalities currently benefit from the 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement. With this new investment, the McGuinty government will have increased 50/50 funding by more than $176 million since 2003.

“Helping municipalities strengthen ambulance services is just one of the ways our government is improving access to health care,” said David Caplan, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “Bettering Ontario’s ambulance service is a priority. We’re proud to deliver this additional funding.”

“This is great news,” said Jean-Guy Belzile, EMS Manager for the District of Nipissing. “The 50/50 cost-sharing commitment is vital to land ambulance services, and it greatly helps in patient care.”

QUICK FACTS

- Municipalities are responsible for delivering ambulance services that meet the needs of their residents, and for the costs associated with the provision of these services.

- Ontario’s more than 1,200 land ambulances, emergency response and emergency support vehicles transport about 900,000 patients every year.

- Under the Ambulance Act, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care may provide grants to assist municipalities with the costs of land ambulance services.

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