Greater Sudbury election: What about our paramedics?

New paramedics were introduced during a ceremony marking Paramedic Services Week at the Lionel E. Lalonde Centre in Azilda, Ont. on Tuesday May 20, 2025. Photo by John Lappa / Sudbury Star This letter to the editor is in response to the Sudbury Paramedic Association sounding the alarm on staffing concerns within the service and the report that was presented to the Community and Emergency Services Committee. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The report provided information regarding paramedic recruitment, retention, and workforce sustainability. Of the 200 medics and logistics workers, currently 50 per cent of primary care paramedics have less than five years of service and 20 per cent have less than one year of service. Another alarming fact is how the number of advanced care paramedics leaving the service is consistently larger than the number of new hires each year. There is one quote in the union's report that stands out to me: 'Sudbury paramedics are paid less than neighbouring services and other first responders. Part-time paramedics receive minimal mental health benefits, often paying out of pocket for psychologists, and must remain available to work year-round or take unpaid leave to recover or spend time with their families. These staffing challenges come as Greater Sudbury continues to miss several provincially approved ambulance response time targets, including cardiac for arrests and the most urgent medical emergencies.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Derek Young jpg, SU, apsmc In the 2026 municipal budget, staff raised concerns about increasing WSIB premiums due to an increase in complex psychological claims. The city's loss time earnings were $3.4 million in 2025 and currently sit at $1.6 million year to date. The paramedic service responds to an average of 32,000 calls annually. In January, there were 60 calls for suspected overdoses. We have a homelessness pandemic and a toxic drug supply crisis that is having a tremendous impact on the wellness of our first responders. Our community is bleeding as we try to manage some very complex municipal issues with Band-Aid solutions. Before it's too late, it's important to follow the 'Roadmap to End Homelessness' objectives along with a housing-first strategy and ensure we have the right mix of deep core affordable housing that addresses financial instability and the root cause of addictions. This is just one example of how homelessness and a drug crisis affect everyone. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Paramedics in Sudbury are trying their best, but it`s become clear in this report that a growing reliance on a smaller cohort of advanced care paramedics is becoming a concern. They try to keep up with the demand of a busy city, but the report also points out an increase in burnout, fatigue and declining morale has influenced the choice of paramedics seeking employment elsewhere. Considering the situation with homelessness and growing mental health emergencies, this would also add to the ongoing stress, and the choice is absolutely understandable. Recently, I accepted a challenge coin from the Sudbury Paramedic Association in support of their cause. Sudbury paramedics have our backs when we are at our most vulnerable. It's time we have theirs. We must move forward together to ensure competitive wages, workplace wellness and address the serious concerns raised by the union. The time is now to have these important conversations. Our city`s paramedics save lives and play a crucial role in keeping us safe and healthy, so it's time they get the support they deserve. Derek Young is a Ward 10 candidate in October's municipal election. sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca Bluesky: @sudburystar.bsky.social X: @SudburyStar