Conservative Health Minister says MPP Lise Vaugeois should be celebrating the shortage of paramedics in the region of Thunder Bay-Superior North

QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Lise Vaugeois (Thunder Bay – Superior North) called out the Ford government for yet again leaving small northern communities in Northwestern Ontario behind when it comes to paramedics’ retention in the region.

“Northern Ontario has a critical shortage of paramedics. While the City of the Thunder Bay has a full complement, the region is short 21 paramedics.

Ontario loses 4-500 paramedics every year, because the work schedule, exposure to trauma and low pay do not match the responsibilities and scope of practice of these health professionals.

Paramedics used to carry 6 medications. Now they are responsible for over 22 and will soon be carrying 4 restricted narcotics.” said Vaugeois.

“The Northern Ontario Municipal Association recommends that the province introduce targeted funding for rural, remote, and northern paramedic services so that regions can offer competitive salaries, benefits, upgraded equipment and bases to attract and retain paramedics. Yet this government continues to ignore these recommendations.”

“Instead of offering solutions for paramedic shortage in the region, the Minister of Health shamelessly told our communities to celebrate. Celebrate what? The fact that paramedics continue to be overworked and underpaid? Or the shortage of emergency services in the region?”