Thursday, July 19, 2007

** Calgary medics to be forced back to work in event of strike

** Quebec medics under fire for declining to transport critically ill boy

CANADA NEWS

** Should Calgary medics decide to strike, it isn’t likely any will see a picket line. That is the word from the Calgary Herald (Kim Guttormson/July 18) which quoted Alberta Labour Minister Iris Evans as saying a decision to pursue industrial action would definitely see provincial intervention. Evans’ comments come at a time when 400 city practitioners are polling to see whether a walkout over wages is necessary. Medics are seeking an 18 per cent wage hike with market adjustments;the city has offered 12 per cent. Although Evans said strong arm tactics are not preferred, her government would institute a disputes inquiry board or an emergency resolution tribunal, should matters come to a head. Paramedics union president Bruce Robb confirmed medics would reluctantly adhere to the forced outcome. Mayor Dave Bronconnier, meanwhile, seemed to recede into the background, saying contingency plans during a strike would not adequately deliver emergency medical services.

** A pair of Quebec ambulance workers is coming under fire, after allegedly declining to transport a critically injured boy who had been hit by a van. 940 Montreal (July 18) said the Tuesday incident played out at Lachenaie’s Pierre LeGardeur hospital around 2:10 p.m. According to the news site, doctors requested EMS transport to take Marc Olivier Chayer, 14, to Montreal’s St. Justine hospital. Although two units were at the facility at the time, one attendant indicated his shift was over, while a second said the journey would take him out of his area. Chayer was finally transferred around 3:30 p.m. He died en route.