Toronto, ON – Paramedics represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO) are raising concerns about a push by the Ontario Association of Paramedic Chiefs and Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) to create a new regulatory college for paramedics in Ontario, arguing that this move would merely function to add bureaucracy; not improve patient care, professional standards, or workplace safety.
Joel Usher, Chair of OPSEU/SEFPO’s Ambulance Division, representing approximately 4,500 paramedics in Ontario, noted, “Paramedics already operate under one of the most rigorous clinical oversight systems in the country. We don’t need another layer of administration. What we need is investment in the services that directly help patients and support frontline workers.”
Ontario’s paramedics are currently subject to high standards of certification and regulation, including mandatory base hospital certification and ongoing clinical education; employer policies and quality assurance programs; and Ministry of Health standards.
“The regulatory systems we have in place are effective,” Usher stated. “They ensure accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. A regulatory college would only duplicate what already exists and inflict mandatory fees on paramedics.”
“Paramedics are already stretched thin,” added Usher. “Adding hundreds of dollars in annual fees won’t improve care. It will simply make it harder for workers to stay in a profession already facing burnout and staffing shortages. We support accountability and we support high standards. But we won’t support a costly, unnecessary structure that drains resources from the frontline.”
Instead of a regulatory college, OPSEU/SEFPO paramedics say the focus should be on more frontline staffing; better mental health supports; fair wages that reflect the complexities of the job; and modernized equipment and fleet resources.
OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick emphasized that insufficient evidence has been brought forward that a regulatory college for paramedics would contribute to improving direct patient care and resolving long-standing frontline paramedic issues.
“We’re asking the province to focus on tangible solutions, including more long-term funding for a stronger, better-resourced paramedic system,” said Hornick. “That’s what will strengthen patient care and stabilize the profession; not a paramedic regulatory college.”
-30-
For more information:
Joel Usher, 905-244-5635, [email protected]
Kelsea Mahabir, OPSEU/SEFPO Communications, 416-458-9477, [email protected]