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2006-02-08 - Excluding Paramedics MEDIA RELEASE Excluding Paramedics from early retirement opportunity places the public at risk Medics ask for support through an on-line petition TORONTO, Feb. 8 /CNW/ - Despite reports to the contrary, Paramedics will not receive the same benefits as firefighters and police officers if Bill 206 is passed its current form. "This is a public safety issue," said Robert Burgess, President of the Ontario Paramedic Association (OPA). "Asking paramedics to continue performing physically, emotionally and mentally demanding work at a stage in their career where other emergency service workers can safely exit their professions places the public at risk." Public safety may be jeopardized where Paramedics are required to continue working beyond an age when they may not be physically capable of safely performing their duties. This is precisely the type of risk that the Public Safety Occupation (PSO) amendments were intended to address. Unlike police officers and firefighters, Bill 206 will force Paramedics into a long series of negotiations where the outcome is very likely to be unfavourable. "We respect and understand the desire of our partner emergency services colleagues to see this legislation passed," said Burgess, "but in its current form the bill is incomplete and does not address the true spirit of the PSO amendments." The OPA has created an on-line petition that will be delivered to the Honourable John Gerretsen, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. "We are asking the public we serve to support us on this important issue," said Rick Trombley, OPA Vice-President. The petition is posted at http://www.ipetitions.com/campaigns/pso/ The Ontario Paramedic Association is a professional organization representing close to 1900 paramedics from across the province. Our goals are to promote the highest standard of care for our patients and to promote the profession of Paramedicine. -30- For further information: Ontario Paramedic Association: Rob Burgess, President - (416) 902-9407 - website: www.ontarioparamedic.ca/ The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa is responsible for promoting the practice of Paramedicine and ensuring the highest level of care for our patients. We are leaders in the advancement of Paramedicine and achieve our objectives through public awareness, research and education. We lobby for self-regulation under the Regulated Health Professions Act. We also assist in fundraising for community-based charities. The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa is a proud chapter of the Ontario Paramedic Association and the Paramedic Association of Canada. The Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa (PPAO) is not a labour union. |