Council seeks UBCM advocacy on compensation for medical calls handled by fire rescue

Prince George City Council is seeking advocacy in regards to being reimbursed for medical services provided by local resources.

At tonight’s (Monday) meeting, Prince George City Council voted in favour of a proposed resolution that will go to the Union of BC Municipalities.

Under the resolution, it requests the provincial government develop a funding model to compensate local governments who provide emergency medical services through their fire and rescue services fulfilling the responsibility of the provincial government with consideration given to community population and the fire department’s authorized level of emergency medical response. 

The issue first came before council at a special Committee of the Whole meeting back in March, in which the need for more firefighters in the city was highlighted.

“I think it’s important the City of Prince George can supplement the services the province is required to provide, but we need to be compensated to do so,” said Councillor Kyle Sampson.

“We can’t be stuck with the bill for providing supports for their work.”

“If all of our fire halls are tied up on medical calls, and there is a fire in our city, they cannot leave the scene until the BC Ambulance Services arrives,” Councillor Cori Ramsay added.

“This puts our community at significant risk.”

The motion to approve the resolution was passed unanimously.

Ramsay also motioned to send a copy of the resolution to the North Central Local Government Association (NCLGA), which was also carried unanimously.

Councillors Brian Skakun and Trudy Klassen were unable to attend the meeting.

Other items discussed tonight included the city’s Statements of Financial Information for 2022, and several annual reports from different city groups.