QUEEN’S PARK - NDP MPP Sandy Shaw (Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas) renewed her call for the government to end ambulance delays, also known as code zeros, code reds or code blacks.
“In Hamilton, there were more then 200 code zeros, with more cases all over the province. Ending ambulance delays and shortages is of vital importance to the people of Ontario,” said Shaw. “It’s critical that the government ensures that when an emergency strikes, services are available to them.”
A briefing note was provided to Sylvia Jones in 2022 that outlined the need for increased funding to prevent ambulance delays. Today’s Financial Accountability Officers report revealed the Ford government is withholding $6.4 billion in much needed support.
Shaw introduced a motion last year calling on the government to provide immediate funding to ensure that EMS across the province have the resources and funding they need. The motion passed on October 31st.
“I was relieved when my motion passed with unanimous support,” said Shaw. “Hospital workers and paramedics tell us they are burnt out, overworked, and facing increasing demand in hospitals. Staffing shortages in hospitals force paramedics to wait with patients in hallways, instead of getting back on the road to save more lives. It is long past time for the government to do the work and deliver on my motion’s promise to end ambulance delays.”