Centre Hastings Mayor Tom Deline addressing Hastings County Council, November 22, 2016 ((Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Hastings County is joining other municipalities across Ontario in questioning a proposal by the province to change the role of firefighters at medical emergencies.
The provincial government has put out a discussion paper that suggests making it optional for municipalities that have firefighters, who are paramedics as well, to have them provide paramedic services on-scene.
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne introduced the idea at the Firefighters Association meeting in June.
At Tuesday’s meeting of county council, Hastings County CAO Jim Pine says there are major concerns around collective bargaining, and who is in charge at the emergency scene.
Pine says there would also be a cost to such a venture.
Centre Hastings Mayor Tom Deline expressed concerns about the cost, indicating his municipality pays about $60,000 a year for firefighting training alone. He worries the paramedic training would cost more and the municipality would also face liability costs.
Pine says the Association of Municipalities has concerns as well.
Hastings County council will be making a submission to the province on the issue.
