MPP Rickford Announces Over $13.7M for Annual Land Ambulance Services in Kenora District

DRYDEN — The Ontario government is investing $13.7 million in Kenora District Services Board’s annual Land Ambulance Service Grant (LASG). This announcement is part of Ontario’s investment of over $811 million in annual LASG to ensure that people across Ontario can connect with emergency care faster.

“Our government recognizes the unique challenges of providing health care services in the Northwest, particularly for paramedics and first responders,” said Greg Rickford, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora – Rainy River. “Today’s Land Ambulance Service Grant announcement demonstrates our understanding and appreciation for Kenora District Services Board and the important services they provide to keep our communities healthy and safe.”

The Ontario government is increasing land ambulance service funding for municipalities by an average of six percent over 2022 funding levels, bringing the total investment this year to over $811 million. This funding is part of Ontario’s Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the province’s continued work to take action to strengthen the healthcare system so that it is responsive and evolving to meet the health needs and priorities of Ontarians, no matter where they live.

“Building a stronger public health system, with more convenient and consistent access to public health services, is one more way our government is connecting people in Ontario to health care closer to home,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “The pandemic showed that we need a stronger public health system, and this increased funding will help to create a more connected public health system that will support Ontario communities for years to come.”

QUICK FACTS

  • Our government is taking an important step forward in delivering on Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care by increasing provincial funding for public health agencies to build a robust public health sector and connect people to faster, more convenient care in their communities.
  • Starting January 1, 2024, we will restore nearly $47 million in provincial annual base funding for public health units as previously provided under the 75 per cent provincial / 25 per cent municipal cost-share ratio.
  • In addition, we are providing local public health units with an annual one per cent funding increase over the next three years while we continue to collaborate with municipalities on a long-term sustainable funding agreement.
  • As a result of our investments in the sector, provincial funding for local public health agencies to support the delivery of public health programs and services has increased by approximately 16 per cent since 2018.
  • We are investing an additional $51 million through the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program over the next three years which will provide 30 municipalities with around 800,000 hours dedicated to supporting ambulance offloading, ensuring paramedics can get back out into the community faster.

QUOTES

“I want to thank the Honourable Minister Rickford and the Ministry of Health for the investment in our Land Ambulance Service Grant. The additional allocation of funding is essential to us getting through the changing call volume demand and will help in acquiring additional ambulances.”

  • Henry Wall, Chief Administrative Officer of the Kenora District Services Board.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES