The RM of Britannia No. 502 cited upcoming provincial motor vehicle collision policy changes in its decision to end its relationship with the Lloydminster Rescue Squad. The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency now says that policy has not yet been implemented and does not prohibit third-party service agreements.
The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) now says the proposed policy cited by the RM has not yet been implemented and does not prohibit third-party rescue agreements.
A review of the proposed policy did not identify an implementation date. The Border Pulse sought clarification from the SPSA.
The full written response provided by the SPSA to The Border Pulse is included at the bottom of this article for transparency and context.
“The policy has not yet been implemented. Once these procedural elements are finalized and operationally tested, an implementation date will be communicated,” SPSA said in a written response Friday morning.
Policy status
The RM of Britannia’s statement outlined changes to rescue delivery within the municipality and cited provincial direction regarding MVC response standards.
In its Jan. 20 notice, the RM wrote:
“When the decision was initially made to end the municipality’s relationship with the Lloydminster Rescue Squad, it was in response to the upcoming provincial policy that requires motor vehicle collision (MVC) rescue services be provided specifically by a qualified fire department.”
The notice further stated the decision was made “as a proactive measure based on the municipalities need to comply with forthcoming changes to MVC response regulations.”
Third-party service agreements
The RM’s notice framed the transition within the context of provincial policy requirements.
However, SPSA clarified the proposed policy does not eliminate third-party service arrangements.
“Municipal councils retain full authority to determine their level of service delivery and to enter into agreements with third-party providers if deems relevant. The policy does not prohibit such arrangements,” SPSA said.
The agency added that for MVC rescue responses, Sask911 will dispatch the closest capable emergency service provider, regardless of whether the service is internal, neighbouring, or third-party, provided required standards are met.
Extrication requirements can be provided by other agencies
“The policy does not mandate MVC extrication and rescue capability for all fire departments. Decisions regarding service levels remain the responsibility of the local authority or municipal council,” the agency said.
Dispatch authority
According to SPSA, for MVC rescue responses only, Sask911 will determine which service is dispatched based on proximity and capability criteria.
For all other emergency responses, municipalities retain the authority to define which outside services may operate within their jurisdiction through mutual aid or fire protection agreements.
Community response
The transition has prompted the circulation of a petition calling for a referendum on the matter.
Under Saskatchewan’s Municipalities Act, a petition requesting a referendum must be signed by at least 15 per cent of eligible voters in the municipality. The municipal administrator is responsible for determining whether a petition meets legislative requirements. If declared sufficient, council must submit the matter to a vote.
The petition was submitted on Feb. 17 with approximately 399 signatures. The RM of Britannia has not yet publicly confirmed whether the petition has been deemed sufficient under provincial legislation.
A public meeting regarding rescue services in the RM of Britannia is scheduled for March 19.
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