Strathcona County statement on status of EHS contract
Last updated: September 11, 2026
Strathcona County has agreed to extend its EHS contract with the Province of Alberta through March 31, 2029, while provincial benchmarking work is completed and future service delivery decisions are considered.
The extension maintains the current contract terms and does not include any additional costs associated with the renewal. It provides stability for service delivery and allows time for the Province and municipalities to better understand the future EHS model.
Residents can continue to expect the same emergency medical services, and the County will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
Last updated: September 11, 2026
Strathcona County has agreed to extend its EHS contract with the Province of Alberta through March 31, 2029, while provincial benchmarking work is completed and future service delivery decisions are considered.
The extension maintains the current contract terms and does not include any additional costs associated with the renewal. It provides stability for service delivery and allows time for the Province and municipalities to better understand the future EHS model.
Residents can continue to expect the same emergency medical services, and the County will provide additional updates as more information becomes available.
In March 2026, the Alberta Government notified Strathcona County, along with seven other municipalities, of changes to the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) funding.
These changes would have required Strathcona County to pay the additional costs to maintain an integrated service, or transition ambulance operations to an alternate provider chosen by the Province. Strathcona County operates an integrated Fire EMS model, where all members are trained as both firefighters and paramedics.
Timeline of events to date
Date | Event |
|---|---|
September 11, 2026 | Strathcona County signed the Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services’ extension of the County’s currrent EMS contract. |
June 22, 2026 | The Province announces a pause on EMS procurement strategy review for integrated fire/EHS operators (via Minister LaGrange on X social media platform) |
May 12, 2026 | Strathcona County accepts provincial EMS contract to maintain ambulance service |
May 8, 2026 | Update: Strathcona County Reviewing Provincial Changes to EMS Funding |
March 31, 2026 | Strathcona County Reviewing Provincial Changes to EMS Funding |
March 26, 2026 | Strathcona County responds to provincial EMS funding update; Council to review next steps |
March 13, 2026 | The County was one of seven municipalities notified of future changes to its ground ambulance service agreement. |
This web page is the source of the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Media inquiries may be directed to Strathcona County Communications: 780-410-6595 or email News.Inquiries@strathcona.ca
Media inquiry office hours:
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
Closed on statutory holidays.