HAMILTON - Ontario is investing an additional $3,603,840 to Hamilton in 2009 to maintain 50/50 cost-sharing of land ambulance operating costs.
The planned funding increase is intended to maintain and strengthen the province’s ambulance services. In total, the government will deliver more than $408 million in province-wide funding for municipal land ambulance operating costs — an increase of $20.1 million from 2008.
All of Ontario’s municipalities currently benefit from the 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement. With this new investment, the McGuinty government will have increased 50/50 funding by more than $176 million since 2003.
QUOTES
“This funding means residents of Hamilton and area can continue to count on quality land ambulance services when they need them,” said Sophia Aggelonitis, MPP for Hamilton Mountain. “The 50/50 cost-sharing arrangement will help improve crucial ambulance services in this area.”
“Helping Hamilton strengthen its ambulance services is just one of the ways our government is improving access to health care,” said Hon. Ted McMeekin, MPP Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale. “Bettering Ontario’s ambulance service is a priority. We’re proud to deliver this additional funding. We’ve been working hard to make this happen.”
“The investment announced today will help ensure that Hamilton’s land ambulance service levels are sustainable and affordable,” said General Manger of Hamilton Emergency Services, Chief Jim Kay. “I want to thank the Honourable Minister Ted McMeekin and MPP Sophia Aggelonitis for their direct assistance and the Government of Ontario for fulfilling their commitment for 50/50 cost-sharing and for eradicating the current funding shortfall.”
QUICK FACTS
- Municipalities are responsible for delivering ambulance services that meet the needs of their residents, and for the costs associated with the provision of these services.
- Ontario’s more than 1,200 land ambulances, emergency response and emergency support vehicles transport about 900,000 patients every year.
- Under theAmbulance Act, the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care may provide grants to assist municipalities with the costs of land ambulance services.