WADEMSA addresses town ceasing participation

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

WADEMSA has issued a statement in response to the Town of Strathmore providing notice of their intent to withdraw their membership at the end of this year. 

The statement, attributed to Chair, Darcy Burke, and the board of directors, states WADEMSA remains committed to maintaining professional, and collaborative relationships with the town, as well as all remaining member municipalities.

“As the current service provider, WADEMSA will continue to fulfill its responsibilities and remain focused on delivering the high standard of emergency medical care that residents deserve and have come to expect,” it reads. 

Listed among the town’s reasons for ceasing their participation, were questions raised over WADEMSA’s governance, operational capacity, and financial oversight. 

WADEMSA noted in their statement that the Town of Strathmore has held two seats on the association’s board of directors since their founding in 1988.

Additionally, they have iterated being in the process of preparing a formal response to active information requests noted to have been put forward by the Town of Strathmore. 

The association was challenged by AHS in 2024 when requests were put forward for the return of more than $4 million in accumulated surplus since 2013. 

Mayor Pat Fule noted July 28, concerns regarding WADEMSA’s transparency and levels of voluntary open communication with the town. 

“Financial statements have been provided to member municipalities and AHS/EHS on an annual basis,” reads the statement. “WADEMSA will also continue to work with the Town of Strathmore for complete transparency and accountability for unpaid 911 fees owed to WADEMSA that have been collected by the Town of Strathmore from Rogers/Shaw.”

Regarding the public address of reports concerning matters involving Emergency Health Services Alberta (EHS-Alberta), WADEMSA has stated they have been advised against open discussion so as to not risk breaching any outstanding confidentiality agreements.

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To date, both the Town of Strathmore and Wheatland County have indicated their intention to, at the expiration of their current service agreement contracts with WADEMSA, be transitioned to fire dispatch services provided by Calgary 911. 

As EHS-Alberta is responsible for determining how ground ambulance services are delivered and which organizations are contracted to provide services throughout the province. 

Should a Request for Proposals process be initiated, WADEMSA has released their intention to submit a proposal in order to compete for the opportunity to continue serving residents within the local region. 

In the meantime, the association has indicated service delivery will not experience changes or interruptions.

The Town of Strathmore has stated their intention to engage with the Province of Alberta in order to determine the future of local emergency medical services delivery.x