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North Grenville Council discuss Association of Municipalities Request

The Association of Municipalities of Ontario is calling for amendments by the Government of Ontario.

During North Grenville’s council meeting this week the AMO’s request that changes be made to the Fire Protection and Prevention Act of 1997 and Ambulance Services Collective Bargaining Act was discussed. According to Fire Chief John Okum a concern is that firefighters and paramedics will have their workloads changed in a fashion that doesn’t suit the personnel and structure of smaller fire departments, which may be run predominantly by volunteers for example.

The request is a response to Bill 160 which would allow the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to start two-pilot projects where firefighters, with the appropriate training, could treat patients while on duty with the fire department. Without preventative legislation in place the AMO is concerned municipalities could be forced to enter one of the pilots or adopt a fire-medic.

It should be noted that the Ontario Government has committed that no unwilling municipality would be forced to enter a program. The North Grenville council is calling on the government to act immediately, so the changes can be in place before the Ontario Legislature rises for election.

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