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The LocalHERO medevac service, for instance, has been delayed for remote calls. In two cases, the Anzac Fire Department was not sent to local accidents. In one incident, the accident happened across the street from the homes of several firefighters. In both cases, an ambulance from Fort McMurray took between 30 and 40 minutes to arrive.
Councillor Mike Allen said he would support the motion “right to the bitter end.” Councillor Phil Meagher said it was “undoubtedly” the most important motion he’s supported and called the situation “silly.”
“Obviously they’re not using any part of their brain for this because it just makes common sense,” he said. “If the provincial government wants to write me off of city council they can, but we are certainly in defiance of this and rightfully so.”
Since the province announced that consolidation would be happening last August, Butz, Scott, all municipal councillors, the union representing local firefighters, and First Nation and Métis leaders have protested the provincial system. Council has also offered to pay for a local service.
CAO Jamie Doyle gave his support. He admitted the municipality has an obligation to transfer calls coming in, but said he also has a priority for residents’ health and safety.
“We’ve exhausted, up until now, every reasonable option we had to help show some data and further a conversation that puts the health and safety of our residents at the forefront and it’s gone unheeded,” he said.
