The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Health and Community Services:

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to share an experience I recently had when I came upon an accident while travelling in my district.

Emergency personnel were already on-site, including some of our paramedics.

In my previous career, I was used to being the one on the receiving end. The one at the hospital ready when accident victims and their family members arrived.

On this particular day, the tables were turned. In the midst of upset, I saw firsthand our paramedics in action. Calm, cool and collected. They displayed the utmost professionalism and were ready to help in any way they could.

Mr. Speaker, today on their ‘Day of Advocacy’, I want to recognize the Paramedics Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, and all of our hardworking paramedics across the province.

They play a key role in delivering services with the shared objective of having healthier people, families and communities.

We value our working relationship. We will continue to work closely with the association and our communities as we take steps to improve services province-wide.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.