The following statement was issued today by Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Today, I would like to advise this Honourable House that government has reached a decision with respect to the future delivery of Air Ambulance Services in the province. Government has decided to remain with the status quo and not call for tenders from the private sector to provide this service.

Members will recall that last fall, government decided to explore the option of privatizing the Air Ambulance Services delivered by Grenfell Regional Health Services and the Department of Works, Services and Transportation on behalf of the Department of Health. The two factors weighing in this direction were the need at that time to replace the King Air, government's air ambulance aircraft, and the possibility of reducing the number of pressurized aircraft required from two to one aircraft. Our view was that the private sector could meet our air ambulance needs and help government achieve savings in our operations.

In late winter government was advised by the manufacturer of the King Air aircraft that our aircraft's flying hours can be extended indefinitely with the appropriate maintenance upgrading program. This service upgrade is being undertaken at present. Second, a closer examination of our aircraft requirements concluded that two pressurized aircraft will continue to be required. As a result, my department concluded that there would be no advantage to privatize the existing operations. The local airline industry was kept apprised of our deliberations and recognized the factors that government had to consider before it reached a final decision.

I am happy to see that we have been able to resolve this matter in the interests of those of our residents who have to rely on our Air Ambulance Services and our employees who deliver this essential service. At all times, our deliberations kept their interests upmost in our decision-making. I am proud to say that our air ambulance service will continue to be one of the best services that government offers to the public.