MPP Arnott again calls for end to ambulance impasse

NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington – Halton Hills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 31, 2011

MPP Arnott again calls for end to ambulance impasse
(Queen’s Park) – Today in the Ontario Legislature, Wellington-Halton Hills MPP reiterated his call for
the Minister of Health to show leadership on a key issue for the people of the eastern part of
Wellington County—land ambulance services. He delivered the following statement:

“Mr. Speaker:

“Ambulance response times continue to be a major concern in the eastern part of Wellington
County. Even the case of a woman in Erin waiting over an hour for an ambulance—on a frigid
January night—has not moved this Government to act.

“Repeatedly I have called on the Minister of Health to solve this problem.

“Since the City of Guelph disbanded the joint land ambulance committee, County taxpayers have
not been represented when it comes to this important local service.

“The City of Guelph must recognize its obligation to be a good neighbour to County residents. Once
again I urge the Minister to issue a directive to the City of Guelph that they reconstitute the joint
ambulance committee, and allow the County of Wellington its rightful voice in the management of
this important local service.

“The Minister of Health has the authority to broker a solution to the ambulance impasse.

“Ever since this became an issue for the people of Erin and Guelph/Eramosa Township, I’ve been
writing letters, including an open letter to the Minister of Health, and speaking in the Legislature. I’ve
even spoken directly with the Minister.

“Exactly one year ago this very week, I urged the Minister to become involved in this issue and
broker a solution to the ambulance impasse. Even though lives could potentially be at risk, she has
refused to act.

“She could solve this by making a phone call! How can she possibly defend her indifference?

“We need her to show leadership. We need her to tell the City of Guelph to recognize and respect
its neighbour, and return to the longstanding tradition of city-county co-operation, which for so many
years was the norm in our municipal relations.”

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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org