The RMWB is remaining optimistic the province will reverse the Alberta Health Services plan to remove the local EMS dispatch site.
Mayor Don Scott and Fire Chief Jody Butz were in Edmonton on Thursday where they took part in a meeting with Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health, and Tracy Allard, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
Wood Buffalo’s site is one of four across the province, joining Calgary, Lethbridge, and Red Deer, who’s being centralized into one of three provincial centres.
Scott tells Mix News each community took the opportunity to express their concerns during the meeting.
“They didn’t say they were going to change the AHS decision but that’s exactly what we fought for. I like to believe people are going to make the right decision, we gave every reason to show them this is the right decision.”
The RMWB has highlighted multiple issues. This includes the timing of provincial dispatchers, the complexity of the region, and the partnerships they have with industry to help the rural areas which would end under the new plan.
Scott wouldn’t rule out potential legal action if the province decides to move forward.
“We’ll look at every step possible, we just want the best result for the people of our region and the AHS proposal is ridiculous, it’s absolutely not the best result.”
This move is expected to save around $6 million annually with AHS claiming nothing will change for those who need to call 9-1-1. If nothing is changed, the local EMS site will be gone in around four months.
