In response to growing demand for EMS services across Alberta, the government is launching a provincial emergency medical services advisory committee to provide immediate and long-term recommendations that will inform a new provincial EMS service plan. Meanwhile, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is immediately rolling out a 10-point plan to quickly add capacity to EMS.

Co-chaired by R.J. Sigurdson, MLA for Highwood, and Tracy Allard, MLA for Grande Prairie, the committee will provide recommendations to the Health Minister by May. Strategies that can be tested or more broadly implemented in the short term will be actioned in the meantime.

“Alberta’s government has been supportive of EMS throughout the pandemic. As we approach the peak of Omicron cases, we know 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.”

Jason Copping, Minister of Health

“Responding to medical emergencies is a critical need for all Albertans. I am honoured to have this opportunity to make a difference and improve the system for the long term. I look forward to working as co-chair on this committee and taking swift action on this matter.”

Tracy Allard, co-chair, Provincial EMS Advisory Committee, and MLA for Grande Prairie

“Thank you to the remarkable group of leaders who have agreed to serve on the advisory committee. They genuinely care about EMS staff and every Albertan and the communities they serve. Albertans expect that when they call 911 in their time of greatest need, EMS will always answer. The committee’s goal will be focused around ensuring and improving service to Albertans while supporting the most critical piece of that equation: our EMS staff across all of Alberta. I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting to work.”

R.J. Sigurdson, co-chair, Provincial EMS Advisory Committee, and MLA for Highwood

“A strong, stable and reliable EMS system is vital to our health-care system, that’s why we’ve made this work a priority for Alberta Health Services. These actions will allow us to better support our EMS staff and front-line paramedics, and in turn this will ensure our patients receive the best care possible. We are extremely grateful to our entire EMS team for their service to Albertans.”

Dr. Verna Yiu, president and CEO, Alberta Health Services

“The College of Paramedics is pleased to be joining the Alberta EMS advisory committee and participate in the comprehensive review of EMS services in Alberta. Members and resources have been at critical capacity, and the opportunity to engage with all stakeholders to provide insights, advice and strategies is an important step in ensuring the highest quality of care for Albertans now and moving forward.”

The committee will include contracted ambulance operators, unions representing paramedics, municipal representatives and Indigenous community representatives. Members will collaborate, identify concerns, provide advice and inform a new provincial EMS service plan.