“The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service is facing a challenging situation as the city demands $3 million in savings, putting them in a precarious position.
Chief Christian Schmidt of WFPS explains that the savings must come from within the fire service since EMS is fully funded by Shared Health. With salary costs accounting for 86 percent of total expenditure, the only viable option to achieve these savings is by reducing staff numbers.
However, the ongoing recruitment of firefighters for 2024 limits the possibility of cutting staff this year. Terminating the employment of newly trained firefighters would not only be disingenuous but also lead to increasing fire costs in the future.
Proposing to minimize overtime expenditure this year, WFPS plans to remove five fire apparatuses from active service, potentially impacting response times. This bold move comes with operational risks, as highlighted in a report to be discussed at the upcoming Community Services Committee meeting.
Looking ahead, the city may need to consider cancelling the 2025 firefighter recruitment and permanently removing around 24 firefighters and equipment from duty.
This decision sparks debate on the balance between cost-saving measures and public safety, urging stakeholders to consider the long-term impact on emergency services. As the community grapples with tough choices, finding a solution to this financial dilemma remains crucial for the well-being of all citizens.”
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