MEDIA ADVISORY: Situation critical: ongoing crisis in paramedic services sparks call for provincial task force

December 3, 2024

Shortages of ambulances and dangerous wait times are just two consequences of a province-wide staffing crisis in the province's paramedic services. Despite repeated calls for action, the Ford government has never taken the steps needed to ensure adequate paramedic services for Ontario residents.

Now Ontario New Democrats and four unions that represent thousands of Ontario paramedics are demanding the Ford government act to address longstanding issues in the sector.

At a news conference on Wednesday, representatives from four unions will join the ONDP Opposition Critic for Health to call for a task force to address funding, staffing levels, training, and recruitment and retention

WHO: France Gélinas MPP, Opposition Critic for Health
Paramedics and members of the four unions representing the vast majority of paramedics in Ontario:
Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE)
Ontario Public Service Employees' Union (OPSEU-SEFPO)
Unifor
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

WHAT: Situation critical: task force needed to address province-wide crisis in paramedical services

WHEN: Wednesday, December 4 at 9 a.m.

WHERE: Queen's Park Media Studio, Legislative Assembly of Ontario

For more information, contact:

Mary Unan, CUPE Communications, 647-390-9839 | @email
Joel Usher, OPSEU-SEFPO Ambulance Division, 905-244-5635
Hamid Osman, Unifor Communications, 647-448-2823 | @email
Corey Johnson, SEIU Communications, 416-529-8909