Wolfe Island paramedic station transitions from volunteer operation to unionized one

Last remaining paramedic station staffed completely by volunteers in Ontario changes course

GLENBURNIE, ON, Feb. 22, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Wolfe Island paramedic station on Wolfe Island in the County of Frontenac officially transitioned from a volunteer operation to a unionized one.

Earlier this month, a Memorandum of Settlement regarding the Wolfe Island station was reached between the County of Frontenac and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Local 462. The settlement implements the direction of County of Frontenac Council to a new deployment plan on Wolfe Island and transitions the paramedics on the island who are now a part of the Collective Agreement between the parties.

The Wolfe Island base has been operated by volunteers since 1974.  It was the last of its kind in Ontario.

"This is an historic day," said Paul J. Charbonneau, Director of Emergency and Transportation Services and Chief of Paramedic Services for the County of Frontenac.

"This is the end of over forty years of service by volunteers on Wolfe Island, however, the new deployment plan will significantly improve response times to the citizens and visitors on Wolfe Island," Charbonneau said.

OPSEU president Warren (Smokey) Thomas echoed the Chief's sentiments, "I'm proud of the choice the paramedics have made by joining OPSEU. As Ontario's union of choice for all EMS workers we will provide all available resources to effectively represent our newest members."

About Frontenac Paramedic Services: Frontenac Paramedic Services operates eight ambulance stations and headquarters to service a population of nearly 150,000 people in the Townships of North, Central, South Frontenac and the Frontenac Islands and the City of Kingston.

SOURCE County of Frontenac

Marco Smits, Communications Officer, County of Frontenac - Corporate Services, 613-548-9400 ext. 305, Fax: [phone], [email protected]; Tracey Mussett, OPSEU Organizing, 647-226-0069, [email protected]