The union representing Lethbridge firefighters wants the city to pursue an extension of its provincial EMS agreement or put the future of its combined fire and ambulance service to a public vote.
Lethbridge Firefighters IAFF Local 237 made the request in a social media statement, urging Mayor Blaine Hyggen and council to pursue the same 2.5-year extension agreement accepted by Red Deer and St. Albert.
Local 237 pointed to the service’s 114-year history, arguing that its longstanding role in the community makes public input important as the province determines how emergency medical services will be delivered.
Union president Brent Nunweiler said the organization is calling on the mayor and council to listen to the community.
“A century-old, life-saving service is worth fighting for. If there’s any doubt about what Lethbridge residents want, let’s put it to a vote,” Nunweiler said. “We’re asking Council to hold a plebiscite on the future of our 114-year-old integrated Fire & EMS service. Let Lethbridge decide!”
The union’s appeal comes during a provincial competition to select the provider responsible for ground ambulance services in Lethbridge.
Hyggen said earlier in the week that although the city’s EMS contract ended Sept. 30, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services continues to provide emergency medical services.
“Our dedicated men and women of the Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services continue to provide the excellent care for our community every day. Even though our contract ended Sept. 30, we still remain the EMS provider,” Hyggen said.
Emergency Health Services-Alberta has issued a request for expressions of interest and qualifications for ground emergency health services. Hyggen described the process as an anticipated procurement for which the city has been preparing since May.
The city is preparing a bid to retain responsibility for ambulance services, which would allow emergency medical care to remain part of its existing integrated fire department operations.
Hyggen said the city must limit what it discloses about its proposal while the competition remains active. Further details can be shared once the province completes the selection process and a contract is signed.
He also clarified that city administration is handling the work and that it does not involve city council at this stage.
The mayor said the city wants to continue providing EMS and is working to find a sustainable way to do so.
Hyggen said the financial requirements initially outlined by the province would have placed an unsustainable burden on the municipality.
“It was too costly for the community, and this is for the ratepayers, so we’re trying to find a way to keep that service,” Hyggen said.
He explained that the province is mandated to provide emergency medical services, while municipalities such as Lethbridge act as contractors for the provincial government.
Hyggen added that the city’s goal is to retain the integrated service while ensuring provincial funding covers the costs rather than placing additional pressure on local taxpayers.
“It’s our hope, through this procurement process, we’ll continue to do that, and that funding will come from the province, so it doesn’t impact the taxpayer,” he said.
The procurement submission deadline is Jan. 7, 2027. Hyggen said the city hopes to submit its proposal sooner if possible.
As the city works toward a new provincial agreement, Local 237 is maintaining its push for a decision that would either preserve the existing arrangement through an extension or give Lethbridge voters the final say on the service’s future.
