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DECLARATION OF STATE OF EMERGENCY – FISHER AMBULA CE SERVICE
We, Peguis First Nation, Fisher River Cree Nation, Kinonjeoshtegon First Nation, and the RM of Fisher, hereby declare a State of Emergency due to the imminent threat of the Fisher Ambulance Emergency Medical Services (FAS) ceasing operations due to a lack of funding.
The FAS has been operated independently by Peguis First Nation since July 1985, providing vital EMS services to an approximate population of 14,000 across three First Nations and surrounding non-Indigenous rural communities. Since the expiration of a Provincial Service Purchase Agreement (SPA) on July 19, 2019, there has been no reimbursement for the costs of the service from the Province of Manitoba. Despite numerous discussions, an agreement with Shared Health and the Province of Manitoba for a comprehensive reimbursement has failed to materialize, a matter we find deeply concerning.
The FAS has undergone significant expansion and restructuring in recent years due to the needs of om rapidly growing communities. In 2021, Peguis First Nation Chief and Council enacted “Ambulance Modernization,” approving new equipment purchases, the hiring of more paramedics, and a complete restructuring of the service. This modernization, including the addition of two more ambulances, increased the call response rate f om 88 to 299 calls per month and allowed FAS to address 85% of calls in less than 30 minutes. FAS has become an invaluable asset to our communities, earning the trust of our citizens, and addressing a significant need for reliable ambulance services.
Unfo1tunately, continued success and ongoing expansion of FAS faces an imminent tlu·eat due to the lack of sufficient funding from the Province of Manitoba. The funds required to maintain necessary services are currently depleting finite resources intended for other critical areas, such as community infrastructure and social programs.
The Service Purchase Agreement (SPA) between Peguis First Nation and Shared Health, which expired in July 20 I 9, provided only $44,000 annually – less than I% of the total required budget for necessary EMS services. It is alarming this expired agreement has not been replaced with an equitable reimbursement model.
In light of the above, we are collectively compelled to declare a State of Emergency. We call upon Shared Health, the Province of Manitoba, and other stakeholders to immediately address this critical funding situation and uphold their fiduciary responsibility to our communities and citizens. As we continue to strive for self-determined health care in line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action regarding healthcare reform, we believe it is essential that our communities have access to reliable, culturally appropriate, and adequately funded health care services. As referenced in TRC Call to Action #18, the Province of Manitoba must acknowledge and support the health care rights of our Nations and citizens as identified in international law, constitutional law, and under the Treaties.
Manitobans deserve quality ambulance service, whether they live on or off reserve. The province has delayed a funding agreement since 2019, and it is because of this delay that Fisher Ambulance Service is in danger of shutting down. The communities FAS serve now declare a State of Emergency, because without funding, when a community member needs an ambulance, no one will come.
Fisher River Cree Nation Administration is seeking individuals who are willing to Billet their homes for visitors who will be attending the National Cree Gathering August 3 – 7, 2023. If you are interested helping out with billeting your home or RV for visitors, please contact Ashely Cameron at 645-2171 extension 237. Thank you in advance!
Fisher River Cree Nation is a community in which our history, language, traditions, and culture are paramount to who we are as a people. We will protect and maintain the spirit and intent of the treaties and our inherent rights. Fisher River will be a self-sustaining progressive community with a strong and accountable government. We will provide an environment where all people are healthy, safe, and respected.
