Paramedic Chiefs urge tariff exemption for ambulances

The Paramedic Chiefs of Canada (PCC) are urging the federal government to exempt ambulances and essential medical equipment from proposed counter-tariffs related to U.S. trade actions. They warn that without this exemption, Canada's emergency medical services could face significant financial difficulties. The PCC highlights that emergency response capabilities could be jeopardized as more than 750 new ambulances are needed across the country within the next year. The tariffs would add extra costs that could delay the renewal of ambulance fleets, risking patient care and safety. Additionally, the proposed tariffs might lead to longer emergency response times and difficulties in transferring patients between facilities. This situation could place even more pressure on provincial and municipal healthcare budgets. The consequences go beyond healthcare, potentially harming jobs in the ambulance manufacturing industry and reducing overall competitiveness. Kevin Smith, President of the PCC, emphasized the importance of timely emergency care and called for a collaborative solution to protect public safety and ensure robust paramedic services across Canada. The PCC serves as a national organization for Paramedic leaders, advocating for the improvement of Paramedic services and supporting policy changes that benefit the profession.