Legislation Ensures Emergency Medical Services Continue

Legislation to ensure the continuation of emergency medical care provided by Nova Scotia's 650 paramedics was introduced today by Health Minister Jamie Muir.

Mr. Muir said the legislation was introduced in response to growing concerns over the lack of progress in contract talks between Emergency Medical Care and the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union.

"Nova Scotia paramedics will be in a strike position a week from today. The two sides remain far apart and a strike appears inevitable," said the minister. "In the event of a strike, public safety, particularly in rural Nova Scotia, will be at risk and government cannot allow that to happen.

"While some emergency services might be provided during a strike, the level of service would not guarantee public safety in the event of a full-scale walkout by paramedics. As a result, legislation ensuring that service continues is being introduced as a last resort."

The legislation provides for outstanding contract issues to be settled through binding arbitration. These issues include wages, hours of work, pension benefits and vacation allotments. A three-member arbitration board will be formed with one representative nominated by the employer and one by the union, and the chair appointed by the minister of labour.

The legislation allows the parties to negotiate these or other issues, making arbitration unnecessary.