NLIS 3 September 26, 2003 (Health and Community Services) Minister signs Ambulance Service Agreements Health and Community Service Minister Gerald Smith today signed ambulance service agreements with two provincial ambulance associations. The signing took place in Gander, with Rex Freake representing the Newfoundland Association of Ambulance Services and Cal Wilton representing the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Ambulance Operators Association. "I am very pleased to sign these agreements today," said Minister Smith. "We have had a long and productive negotiation process. These agreements truly enhance the ambulance industry in our province, and will benefit operators, employees, and most importantly, the people in the province who depend on this service." Both agreements are retroactive to April 1, 2003 and are for one year. The agreement with the Newfoundland Association of Ambulance Services will result in an increase of $2.4 million on a per annum basis and includes:
Rex Freake, president of the Newfoundland Association of Ambulance Services, said his members feel they have reached a fair and solid agreement in this round of negotiations. "We have made significant gains for ambulance operators and for our industry in this agreement, and I am pleased to be able to sign it today," he said. The agreement with the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Ambulance Operators Association will result in an increase of $0.9 million on a per annum basis and includes:
"With this agreement, community operators will now be able to hire employees which will enable communities to stabilize the services they provide," said Cal Wilton, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Ambulance Operators Association. "Community ambulance operations are not-for-profit and face unique operating challenges. This was our focus during this round of negotiations, and I am pleased that government has listened." "These agreements will result in significant increases in the funding government provides to these groups, as well as help operators to address recruitment and retention of qualified staff," explained Minister Smith. "Government and the operators have also made significant progress towards achieving a higher standard of pre-hospital care for the people of the province, and I am pleased we are able to conclude negotiations." Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-1377 2003 09 26 11:30 a.m. |
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