EDMONTON, AB – A task force is looking to drum up suggestions, and eventually help implement a new provincial EMS service plan.
Announced Monday, the committee will provide recommendations and strategies that can be tested or more broadly implemented in the short term.
Health Minister Jason Copping says as the peak of the Omicron cases wave approaches, he knows the EMS system is seeing significant strain, which impacts service.
“We recognize this is a challenge and are taking immediate steps to improve emergency care access while we explore longer-term solutions,” he adds.
Grande Prairie MLA Tracy Allard and Edmonton-Riverview MLA Lori Sigurdsson are also part of this committee along with contracted ambulance operators, unions representing paramedics, municipal representatives, and Indigenous community representatives.
It’s expected many of the suggestions will be provided back to the Minister of Health by May 2022.