Stettler County officials are calling for rural service levels to be protected from cuts from the provincial government’s plan to overhaul ground ambulance contracts.
Councillor Justin Stevens asked Premier Danielle Smith on March 17 for guaranteed public engagement regarding the future of rural ground ambulance services.
The exchange occurred during the Rural Municipalities of Alberta convention, following an announcement by Emergency Health Services that a request for proposals has been issued to replace expiring ground ambulance contracts across the province.
Among the affected providers is the Stettler District Ambulance Association.
Members of the RMA voted 90% in favor of an emergent resolution submitted by the county.
The resolution calls for “meaningful and thorough” community engagement before any new contracts are finalized.
A social media post from the County of Stettler on the issue stated: “Our message is clear: any changes to these contracts must not result in a reduction of service levels for our residents.”
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
