Dave Wakely, President, Peel Paramedic Union OPSEU/SEFPO L277, provided an overview of Peel Paramedic services; their continued delivery of life saving care within regional boundaries through transition; and concerns regarding the uncertainty of dissolution, the shortage of paramedic staff in Ontario, hiring schedules and retention issues. The Delegate advised that without urgent action regarding the timing of dissolution, staff will move to other paramedic organizations and Peel Paramedic service delivery will be compromised. He requested that Regional Council take action to send a clear message to the Transition Board and the provincial government that the Paramedic Service must continue as a single provider of land ambulance services for the municipalities of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga.
Members of Regional Council discussed and asked questions regarding potential loss of service quality if Peel Paramedics does not remain whole; consequences of losing senior paramedic staff; effect on the health care system if paramedic services decline; delayed response times in high density growth areas; innovative ways to service the community in addition to staffing; and requests to add friendly amendments to include Public Health and Long Term Care workers in the proposed motion.
Councillor Russo requested to put the motion on the floor as presented, to address the urgency for Peel Paramedics.
Resolution Number 2023-866 Two Thirds Vote
Moved by Councillor Russo
Seconded by Councillor Parrish
That section 4.4.4 of Procedure By-law 27-2022, as amended, be waived to permit consideration of a motion arising from a delegation.
Carried
Resolution Number 2023-867 Two Thirds Vote
Councillor Parrish moved to call the question.
In Favour (15): Councillor Butt, Councillor Dasko, Councillor Early, Councillor Fonseca, Councillor Fortini, Councillor Groves, Councillor Horneck, Councillor Kovac, Councillor Mahoney, Councillor McFadden, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Parrish, Councillor Reid, Councillor Russo and Councillor Tedjo
Opposed (8): Councillor Brar, Councillor Brown, Councillor Damerla, Councillor Keenan, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Santos, Councillor Toor and Councillor Vicente
Abstain (1): Councillor Crombie* (Proxy J. Kovac)
Lost
Discussion continued regarding advocacy to support all front line workers at Peel Region and CUPE 966.
Resolution Number 2023-868
Moved by Councillor Russo
Seconded by Councillor Parrish
Whereas Bill 112, The Hazel McCallion Act (Peel Dissolution) 2023, legislates the dissolution of the Region of Peel on January 1, 2025;
And whereas, continuity of service delivery and maintaining the safety and wellbeing of Peel residents throughout Peel’s transition and into the future state is a critical priority;
And whereas, Peel Regional Paramedic Services, play a critical role in upholding public safety and wellbeing for Peel residents and provide high quality, life saving care in emergency situations;
And whereas, attrition or difficulty filling paramedic positions as a result of uncertainty related to the future state for paramedic services could have an immediate negative impact on the ability to meet the needs of Peel residents in often life threatening situations;
And whereas, the current service delivery model and deployment plan ensures optimal coverage while considering paramedic working conditions and amending this model risks longer response times to 911 health emergencies resulting in poorer health outcomes or avoidable deaths;
And whereas, a disruption in paramedic service delivery or a reduction in service levels associated with the division of resources would have negative health and safety impacts for the community and put Peel residents at risk;
Therefore, be it resolved that:
The Regional Chair, on behalf of Regional Council, write a letter to the Premier of Ontario and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, requesting confirmation that Peel Regional Paramedic Services will remain a single entity and continue to provide paramedic services across the current Peel geography.
In Favour (23): Councillor Brar, Councillor Brown, Councillor Butt, Councillor Damerla, Councillor Dasko, Councillor Early, Councillor Fonseca, Councillor Fortini, Councillor Groves, Councillor Horneck, Councillor Keenan, Councillor Kovac, Councillor Mahoney, Councillor McFadden, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Parrish, Councillor Reid, Councillor Russo, Councillor Santos, Councillor Tedjo, Councillor Toor, and Councillor Vicente
Abstain (1): Councillor Crombie* (Proxy J. Kovac)
Carried
Council recessed at 12:08 p.m.
Council reconvened at 12:15 p.m.
Item 7.10 was dealt with.