Toronto Paramedic Association

Toronto, ON (February 24, 2005) – The Federal government has released a proposed budget that will
include Paramedics as a Public Safety Occupation in the Income Tax Act.

The Toronto Paramedic Association would like to thank the Federal Government for listening and
acting upon this initiative. Public safety will be well served by their foresight. We encourage every
paramedic in the country to contact your local MP and give personal thanks for their support.

“This is a great step forward in recognizing Paramedics for the important role they play in protecting
the public.” says Brad Watters, Vice President of The Toronto Paramedic Association (TPA)
“Paramedics represent the public safety net for citizens experiencing life threatening illness.
Retirement is a difficult milestone to obtain given the physical, emotional and mental demands found
within the profession. It is a difficult but very rewarding occupation.”

The Toronto Paramedic Association donated $5000.00 to match funds raised by CUPE Local 416. The
donation was used to pay for educational packages distributed to MP’s, without which the packages
may not have been produced. TPA representatives Roberta Scott and Brad Watters recently travelled
to Ottawa for the Paramedic Association of Canada lobby days to discuss and promote inclusion of
paramedics as a Public Safety Occupation. This was just a small part of a coordinated effort by the
Paramedic Association of Canada, The Ambulance Paramedics of BC, the Ontario Paramedic
Association and CUPE.

Paul Morneau, President of The Paramedic Association of Canada adds "Including paramedics in the
designation of 'Public Safety Occupation' is about protecting the public. It is also about fairness to the
profession of Paramedicine.”

Roberta Scott, Director of Public Relations for the Toronto Paramedic Association took a pilgrimage to
the site of the World Trade Centre. It was during 9/11 that 34 Paramedics gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“On a daily basis, Paramedics, and EMS personnel everywhere, put themselves in harm’s way without
question or thought. Inclusion as a Public Safety Occupation serves to thank these courageous
professionals for the work they do, day in and day out”

“This is a great win for the paramedic profession, and public safety as a whole.” includes Ian
McClelland, President of the Toronto Paramedics Association “The success of this initiative clearly
demonstrates how collaborative work between the union, professional associations, and all
stakeholders, can have dramatic impact upon the profession. I hope this paves the way for new
initiatives in the future.”

The Toronto Paramedic Association is a professional organization representing 300 paramedics from
Toronto. Our goals are to promote the highest standard of care for our patients and to promote the
profession of Paramedicine.

For further information regarding PSO please contact:
Toronto Paramedic Association:
Roberta Scott, Director of Public Relations - (416) 410-9453
Brad Watters, Vice President - (416) 410-9453

Board Members of the Toronto Paramedic Association Presenting a Cheque to PAC from left – to – right
Glen Gillies, Ian McClelland, Steve Wilton, and from PAC Mr. Mike Winegarten

On behalf of the Members of the Toronto Paramedic Association, a cheque for $5000.00 was donated to Mike Winegarten of the Paramedic Association of Canada in support of the Paramedic Association of Canada's 2004 Lobby Days on Parliament Hill.