Wood Buffalo Mayor Don Scott said during a Wednesday news conference that he challenges the province to remove him as Mayor, as he and council defy AHS' centralization of EMS dispatch, opting to re-localize it (Courtesy: RM of Wood Buffalo news conference)

By Canadian Press

Fort McMurray

R.M. of Wood Buffalo defies AHS, refuses to transfer to provincial EMS dispatch

Feb 10, 2021 | 1:31 PM

FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. – A municipality in northern Alberta says it will no longer transfer emergency medical calls to provincial 911 dispatch centres because it is concerned about the safety of its residents.

Mayor Don Scott of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo says there are circumstances when acts of defiance and resistance are necessary.

He says a decision made by the United Conservative government last fall to consolidate 911 emergency medical dispatch services across the province is putting the health of the municipality’s residents at risk.

The changes, which consolidated calls in three centres, took effect in Wood Buffalo on Jan. 19.

Wood Buffalo council voted unanimously Tuesday night to give notice to the province that the municipality is taking back control of its dispatch services.

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Alberta Health Services did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(The Canadian Press)