The B.C. government announced today it is spending approximately $2 million into expanding paramedic training programs in communities around the province, including Cranbrook.

Government is providing the funding to the Justice Institute of B.C. (JIBC) to expand its paramedic programming.

The funding will help the primary care paramedic certificate program to be delivered to more than 100 students in Chilliwack, Kelowna, New Westminster, Trail and Victoria; and emergency medical responder training to approximately 30 participants in Cranbrook, Port Alberni and Prince George. The emergency medical responder training is a prerequisite for the primary care paramedic certificate program.

“Paramedics are the backbone of our emergency health services and our government is acting to strengthen our health system,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “Our government’s investment will create opportunities for people to begin careers in emergency health care, leading to faster response times for British Columbians when they need it.”

“When people need emergency care, paramedics are often the first on scene, providing quality care and support for people and their families,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “That’s why our government is continuing to invest in training opportunities for paramedics, alongside other in-demand careers in health care, so that people have timely access to the care they need, when they need it. This is another action we are taking as part of B.C.’s Health Human Resources Strategy to build a better health-care system for B.C. for generations to come.”

Leanne Heppell, executive vice president & chief ambulance officer with BC Emergency Health Services added: “As BC Emergency Health Services continues to seek innovative ways to recruit staff throughout British Columbia, this funding will help increase access to paramedic training to help ensure we have a foundation of trained paramedics to serve communities in our province. With $2 million in funding at JIBC in both urban and rural communities, we can continue to fill existing vacancies, bolstering the pre-hospital emergency service delivery we provide to British Columbians.”

The funding comes from the Community Workforce Response Grant, which provides funding for communities and sectors to support in-demand skills training leading to secure and sustainable employment for British Columbians.

The expanded paramedic training locations are where JIBC offers training. The funding may be used to pay for transportation and housing for participants travelling from outside of those communities.

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