KEEP PARAMEDICS PUBLIC
Keep Lennox and Addington Paramedics Public
The County of Lennox and Addington is entering into negotiations with Medavie regarding our local ambulance services. Having already partly privatized in 2023 by contracting out management to this company, the County now faces the serious risk of expanding this corporate footprint even further. These talks could pave the way for a deeper loss of public control, shifting priority from resident care to private interests. Emergency services are a community lifeline, and accountability must stay with our neighbors and elected officials—not a private corporation. We cannot afford to wait until it is too late. Your direct intervention is required to protect our public health. Contact your representatives now and tell them to keep our paramedics public.
The Failings of Privatized Healthcare in Ontario
When healthcare is treated as a business, residents pay the price. In Ontario, privatized models consistently fail to deliver the care we deserve, prioritizing boardroom profits over local patient outcomes and community safety.
Rising Costs for Taxpayers
Private companies add layers of management fees and profit margins that drain public funds. Local residents end up paying more for services that were previously managed efficiently by municipal authorities.
Reduced Access to Care
Corporations often strip back 'unprofitable' services or locations to maximize returns. In rural Ontario, this means longer wait times and fewer ambulances on the road when seconds matter most.
Prioritizing Profit Over Quality
Data shows that privatized health providers often face higher turnover and lower staffing levels. This lack of continuity leads to worse clinical outcomes compared to the stable, public, municipally-run paramedic services.
Why Public Matters
Community Focused Decision Making
Public governance empowers Lennox and Addington with local oversight, ensuring direct accountability to residents and emergency care tailored to our community’s unique needs.
Local Economic Stability
Privatization forces residents to pay more for emergency aid without any actual increase in care quality or coverage.
Trusted Veteran Staffing
Public oversight ensures satisfied staff and minimal turnover, resulting in fewer staffing gaps and more reliable, experienced care for our community. Low turnover means veteran paramedics stay on the job to serve you.
SUCCESS STORY: MUSKOKA RETURNING TO PUBLIC CONTROL
From 2009 to December 31, 2015, Muskoka’s land ambulance service was privately operated by Medavie EMS. When the contract came up for renewal, council faced rising costs, including a proposed 3% fee increase and about $210,000 in management fees. After a detailed cost–benefit review, Muskoka chose to bring EMS in‑house and rebrand it as Muskoka Paramedic Services, officially launching municipal delivery on September 4, 2016.
Annual Savings & Smarter Spending
By eliminating contractor fees, sales tax on wages, and extra administrative overhead, Muskoka projected annual savings of roughly $400,000–$500,000 (about a 0.6% tax levy reduction). Those dollars could be redirected into front‑line care and community health instead of private management costs.
Local Control & Accountability
Bringing EMS in‑house gave Muskoka greater local control, clearer accountability, and direct communication with paramedics—without a private contractor in the middle. Decisions could be made faster and better aligned with Muskoka’s specific needs and priorities.
Stronger Workforce & Administration
In‑house employment improved workforce stability and long‑term planning. Muskoka also gained better control over WSIB management, benefit administration, and internal support services, helping keep experienced paramedics on the road.
Better Service Integration
With EMS back under municipal control, Muskoka could more easily coordinate with other health partners and community programs, including Community Paramedicine. This integration helped align ambulance services with broader community health goals.
Muskoka’s experience shows that moving from a private contract back to public delivery can lower costs, improve accountability, and strengthen services. It offers a real‑world example for communities like Lennox and Addington that want to keep paramedic care public, stable, and focused on local needs.
TAKE ACTION
Support the campaign to keep Lennox and Addington's paramedic services public by sending a letter to the right representative.
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