St. Catharines – Niagara residents are sending a clear message: invest in paramedics before the system collapses. Niagara Region Council is refusing to listen.
A new public opinion poll commissioned by CUPE 911 shows overwhelming support for increased funding for paramedic services as response times deteriorate and frontline workers warn the system is being pushed to the brink.
The poll, conducted by Forum Research, found that nine in ten Niagara residents believe additional funds to improve response times should be a priority, while overwhelming majorities also call for pay equity with other first responders and expanded mental health supports for paramedics and dispatchers.
Despite this, Niagara Regional Council as a whole has refused repeated requests from CUPE 911 to meet and review the findings.
“Residents understand what’s at stake here, even if they don’t always see the pressure behind the scenes,” said Dave Barnett, president of CUPE 911 and a paramedic with 16 years of experience. “Our members are stretched thin, they are working crushing amounts of overtime, response times are getting worse, and the public suffers as a result. Council refuses to allow our union to speak at council to discuss solutions, despite clear public support for action.”
The cracks in the system are already visible in the data. Niagara EMS’ ability to dispatch an ambulance to cardiac arrest calls within two minutes has collapsed from 90 per cent in 2017 to just 33 per cent in 2024. Over a similar time period, call volumes have increased by more than 50 per cent while staffing levels have failed to keep pace.
CUPE 911, which represents 470 paramedics, dispatchers and occupational therapists across the region, says the crisis is being driven by chronic underinvestment and a growing recruitment and retention problem. Primary Care Paramedics in Niagara earn roughly 20 per cent less than police and firefighters, while receiving only $3,000 in annual mental health supports, far below the $20,000 afforded to the local police department.
“You cannot staff a 24/7 emergency service while undervaluing the workers and failing to provide the supports they require.” said Barnett.
The poll also found:
· 83 per cent support equal pay with police and firefighters
· 96 per cent support better mental health supports for paramedics
CUPE 911’s solutions offer a way forward: invest in staffing, close the wage gap with other first responders, and provide the mental health supports paramedics and dispatchers need to stay on the job. While some councilors have been open to information from CUPE 911, the Regional Council has refused to meet and chosen inaction.
“This isn’t a complicated problem. It’s a question of priorities,” said Barnett. “Niagara residents are telling council exactly what they want. With a municipal election approaching, voters will be watching to see if our leaders are willing to listen.
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For more information, please contact:
Jesse Mintz, CUPE Communications Representative 416-704-9642 | [email protected]
