Ontario Paramedic Association

09/08/2026

ONTARIO INCREASES FUNDING TO NIAGARA PARAMEDICS BY 11 PER CENT

The Ontario government says it has increased funding for paramedics by 11 per cent.

Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoff says the government is investing $37M in Niagara to help connect more people to emergency care faster and increase the availability of paramedics and ambulances.

Ontario is providing the region with $1.8M through the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program to hire nurses and other eligible health professionals dedicated to offloading ambulance patients in hospital emergency departments.

“As local MPP, I have been advocating for increased support to our local emergency medical services and offload health care workers. This funding through both the Land paramedic Service Grant and Dedicated Offload Nurses Program has helped reduce ambulance wait times and is allowing paramedics to respond to other emergency calls.”

“From the moment a 9-1-1 call comes in to the safe transfer of a patient into hospital care, our paramedics provide compassionate – and sometimes lifesaving – care, said Karen Lutz-Graul, Chief of Niagara Emergency Medical Services.

“A timely transfer to the hospital is pivotal in a patient’s journey and helps ensure paramedics can return to the community, ready to respond to the next person in need. We are grateful for this investment in ambulance services and dedicated offload resources from the Ontario government and for the continued collaboration between the province, Niagara Emergency Medical Services and Niagara Health.”

Niagara paramedic members of CUPE Local 911 have been working without a contract since September 28, 2025.

Paramedics and dispatchers voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strike mandate, though no strike date has been set while public awareness campaigns continue.

They are fighting for higher wages, better mental health support, and increased staffing to address what they call ‘a severe emergency services crisis’ in Niagara.

By: Bonnie Heslop
CKTB News

09/07/2026

PROVINCIAL FUNDING AIMS TO BOOST PARAMEDIC SERVICE IN HALTON REGION

The Ontario government is investing more than $29.1 million in Halton Region to strengthen land ambulance services and support faster emergency care for residents.

As part of this investment, the Regional Municipality of Halton will receive $27,683,116 through the Land Ambulance Service Grant (LASG) in 2026, representing an 11 per cent increase over 2025 funding.

Ontario is also providing $1,458,387 to Halton Region through the Dedicated Offload Nurses Program in 2026-27. The program supports nurses and other eligible health professionals who help transfer patients from ambulances to emergency department care, allowing paramedics to return to the community and respond to their next 9-1-1 call sooner.

“For residents in Oakville North-Burlington and across Halton, having an ambulance and paramedics available when an emergency happens can make all the difference. That’s why this investment of more than $29.1 million in Halton’s ambulance services, including $27.7 million in land ambulance funding and nearly $1.5 million for dedicated offload nurses, is so important.” Said Effie Triantafilopoulos, MPP for Oakville North-Burlington. “It will help ensure Halton has the resources it needs to keep ambulances on the road, support our paramedics and help ensure people can get the emergency care they need when they need it.”

The province is investing nearly $1.1 billion in land ambulance funding across Ontario in 2026, representing an average increase of 9 per cent from 2025. The increased base funding helps municipalities address rising costs while continuing to deliver high-quality emergency medical services.

The Dedicated Offload Nurses Program is also helping reduce delays paramedics encounter when transferring patients to hospital emergency departments. Through investments in offload nursing and collaboration between paramedic services and hospitals, provincial ambulance offload times have decreased by approximately 70 per cent since October 2022.

By: BurlingtonToday Staff

09/06/2026

PARAMEDIC WELLNESS CLINICS COMING TO HALIBURTON COUNTY

The County of Haliburton’s Seniors Active Living Centre (SALC) program, Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS), and Haliburton County Community Paramedics (HCPS) have announced a series of free wellness clinics across the Highlands.

The partners described them as “friendly, drop-in events” that will bring healthcare related community support agencies together in accessible settings, making it easier for residents to find useful information, services, and connections, in one convenient place.

They are designed for older adults, but open to residents of all ages.

The County said on Aug. 18 that the clinics will offer a one stop shop approach.

“These are wellness clinics, and not medical clinics. A primary care provider will not be on site. Residents do not need a family doctor to attend, and no appointment is required,” the County said.

It added that support for caregiver respite on site will be available with a personal support worker attending. Free local event transportation will also be available for community members who book in advance. Call 705-286-1333 x.243 to inquire/book in advance. Light refreshments and snacks will be available on-site.

The County said that by removing the need for appointments, and connecting multiple partners in familiar community spaces, the clinics aim to reduce barriers for residents who may benefit from timely information, referrals, screenings, education or connection to local supports.

On-site services could include: blood pressure checks; flu vaccinations; point-of-care glucose testing; inhaler education; connection to community supports; and medication reviews. Services may vary by location.

County warden Dave Burton said they were excited to welcome residents to the free events and to work together with partners to support community well-being. He added it is “about meeting people where they are, and making it easier to access the information and supports that can help them stay well and connected.”

By: Lisa Gervais
The Highlander

09/05/2026

CITY WITH THE HIGHEST OPIOID-RELATED DEATH RATE IN ONTARIO HONOURS LIVES LOST TO OVERDOSE

Krista Vescio has been in recovery from drug addiction for nearly 16 years but the Thunder Bay, Ont., woman said the decision to stop using was rooted in grief.

Her sister died of a drug overdose in 2007, leaving five children behind.

“When my sister passed away, unfortunately it was the worst day of my life but a blessing as well, ‘cause I got myself clean,” Vescio said. “Here we are, 16 years in September, and going strong.”

Vescio was among dozens of participants in a walk led by Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) on Wednesday to raise awareness of the drug crisis.

The Thunder Bay district has the highest opioid-related death rate in Ontario at more than five times the provincial average in 2025, according to the Office of the Chief Coroner.

Those at Wednesday’s walk made their way from Marina Park to the Intercity Shopping Centre, a roughly five-kilometre route bringing them to another overdose awareness event hosted by the City of Thunder Bay Drug Strategy and Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU).

Vescio said there needs to be more resources available to help people when they’re ready for it.

“It's gotta start somewhere, right?” she said.

Anna Betty Achneepineskum is a deputy grand chief with NAN and a member of Marten Falls First Nation. She’s long advocated for more support in the city, including long-term, sustainable funding for agencies that work directly with those affected.

“We do have detox centres here but I don't believe they're adequate to be able to support the need,” Achneepineskum said.

“We also need to ensure that there is a transition and aftercare for individuals that are coming out of recovery — that is very important — and we need to ensure that there is housing for individuals that are looking to get help and to recover from drug addictions.”

‘IT'S NEVER TOO LATE’

There were 61 confirmed opioid-related deaths in the Thunder Bay district last year, the Office of the Chief Coroner reports.

By: Sarah Law
CBC News

09/04/2026

PROTECT WHAT MATTERS

You protect lives every day. Let us help you secure peace of mind and protect what is rightfully yours.

Call 1-416-362-4567 or submit a contact form and use code PARAMEDIC10 to get 10% off your first bill.

More info:

You protect lives every day. Let us help you secure peace of mind and protect what is rightfully yours.  Call 1-416-362-4567 or submit a contact form and use code PARAMEDIC10 to get 10% off your first bill.

09/04/2026

LANARK COUNTY FEMALE FIRST RESPONDERS CAMP RETURNS THIS FALL TO INSPIRE NEXT GENERATION OF PARAMEDICS, FIREFIGHTERS AND MORE

Young women across Lanark County will have the opportunity to gain hands-on emergency response experience and explore careers as first responders this fall as the Lanark County Female First Responders Camp returns for another year.

The two-day immersive program, open to all self-identifying females between the ages of 15 and 21 who live in Lanark County, will take place Friday, Oct. 16, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Perth Fire Services, 1881 Rogers Rd.

According to a release from the Town of Carleton Place, the annual camp is designed to build confidence, leadership skills, and career awareness, while introducing participants to the realities of working in emergency services with hands-on training led by local first responders.

The camp is supported by various emergency service agencies from across the region, including Lanark County Fire Departments, Lanark County Paramedic Service (LCPS), Smiths Falls Police Service, the Lanark County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Throughout the weekend, participants will learn how to use personal protective equipment, perform basic first aid and CPR, manage emergency scenes, and take part in activities such as vehicle extrication and search-and-rescue exercises.

In addition to learning practical emergency response skills, participants will have the opportunity to connect directly with firefighters, paramedics, police officers and other professionals in the field, giving them a unique inside look at emergency services careers, while building relationships with local mentors.

Organizers say they hope the camp encourages more young women to consider careers in emergency services by providing a supportive environment where they can learn, develop practical skills, and gain confidence.

By: Lanarkist

09/03/2026

FIRST RESPONDERS RAISING MONEY AND AWARENESS ABOUT LACK OF PTSD SUPPORTS IN ONTARIO

Chris Fedorko didn’t really think that hanging out with a horse would help him with his Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it has.

“I’ll be honest with you; I didn’t want to do it that day. I was busy. I had so much stuff on the go. And then when I came out here, I forgot about all that stuff. We’re here for about an hour and a half, and it was probably the most enjoyable time of my life, to be honest with you,” said the Huron County OPP officer.

Fedorko was diagnosed with PTSD in 2023, following a 2019 on-the-job incident.

“There’s a large group of us that are off work with a work-related injury, dealing with severe PTSD, and I’ll be honest, we’re getting very little, if any support from our organization and employer. And that needs to change,” said Fedorko.

Fedorko and 16-year military veteran Mark Morse will be completing their 2nd annual ruck march from Goderich to Port Franks next month to raise awareness about the lack of PTSD supports for first responders in Canada.

“Thirty-six per cent of first responders will not complete their careers. Most of them, they will retire in their 30s or 40s due to PTSD. There’s a lot of bravado that comes out with the job. That’s driven by leadership. And society doesn’t see the people behind the uniform. They forget what they’re dealing with when they go home after the calls,” said Morse, who started the Morse March in honour of his 32-year-old cousin, a military veteran who died by su***de in 2016.

The money raised from the Morse Memorial March goes towards an equine therapy program specifically designed for first responders in Western Canada. But Morse and Fedorko want to see a similar program started in Huron County, at Poppy’s Haven near Varna.

“It’s not your typical therapy where you sit there and you talk about your trauma, which gets me emotional talking about it. You don’t talk about it. You’re just with the horse, they read you, you read them, and it’s just not typical therapy. It’s very rewarding, if I can use words,” said Fedorko.

By: Scott Miller
CTV News

09/02/2026

OPA MEMBERS NOW RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS AT HEARING LIFE

HearingLife's partnership with the OPA reflects a shared commitment to supporting the health and well-being of those who serve our communities. By providing OPA members and their immediate families with exclusive hearing healthcare benefits and preferred pricing, we aim to help address the long-term impact of occupational noise exposure while promoting proactive hearing health and prevention.

Book your free appointment today and take advantage of your exclusive benefits:

✅ EXTRA 10% off hearing aids and custom earplugs
✅ Experience the latest hearing aids for 30 days, risk-free
✅ Price match policy
✅ 360 AfterCare guarantee, the lifetime of your hearing aids

These benefits can be shared with immediate family members as well!

HearingLife is Canada’s leading hearing healthcare provider, dedicated to improving quality of life through better hearing. Through personalized care, professional expertise, advanced hearing technology, and hearing protection solutions, we help Canadians protect and maintain their hearing health ...

09/02/2026

DRIVERS TICKETED FOR NOT STOPPING FOR PARAMEDICS

Police in Stratford have ticketed two drivers, one from St. Marys, another from New York, after officers said the two vehicles did not stop and pull over when an ambulance was driving by.

Sunday around 3:00 p.m., police said an ambulance was heading southbound on Road 119 near Line 29 on the outer edge of Stratford.

A police cruiser was on the other side of the roadway, and noticed two vehicles continue driving.

That ticket comes with a $490 fine and three demerit points.

“In Ontario, you must stop on the right for any approaching police vehicle, ambulance, or fire department vehicle,” said police.

“Additionally, please yield to our dedicated volunteer firefighters who respond to emergencies with a green light.”

By: Christine Clark
City News Everywhere

09/01/2026

THANK YOU TO NORFOLK COUNTY PARAMEDICS

This is a supplied photo Mark and his wife Jaci (she passed away this summer).

Mark wanted the OPA to send out a thank you to the amazing paramedics in Norfolk County.

In Mark’s words, “My wife Jaci would not have lived as long as she did had it not been for the services of the paramedics in our area of Norfolk”.

We thank paramedics for all you do to show up in someone else’s time of need and make it better.