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News
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Fuel prices impact ambulance operators Opposition wants action before service interrupted September 29, 2005
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Anna Thistle, Opposition Finance Critic and MHA for the District of Grand
Falls - Buchans, is calling on the provincial government to ensure there is
no disruption of ambulance services around the province due to financial
impact resulting from increased fuel prices. "It has been brought to my attention that many of these operators are having difficulty given the huge increases in fuel prices since they negotiated their last funding arrangement with government several years ago," said Thistle. "I want assurances from the Minister of Finance that he will deal with this potential problem in a timely manner." Private ambulance services are provided by for profit contractors and community service organizations throughout the province. Services are provided based upon a contract between the operators and government. "I have received reports which indicate that some operators, especially those in rural areas, are being extremely hard hit by the huge increase in fuel prices. Government obviously has to review the funding made available to ensure a quality service can be provided. The Minister of Education has already been made aware of a similar problem that must be addressed with school bus operators in the province. "The Williams government has been receiving increased tax revenue and additional oil revenues because of the high price of oil and it is not acceptable that they stand by and watch an erosion of ambulance service to people in rural areas of this province. High fuel prices are having many negative impacts in this province and the government should have a plan developed that deals with some of the problems which are becoming evident. "The people of the province rely on essential ambulance services and government must act quickly to address this problem to prevent a service disruption."
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