News Release
January 25, 2023

Today, Mayor John Tory, Toronto Paramedic Services (TPS) Acting Chief Bikram Chawla and other City of Toronto officials welcomed 48 frontline staff members to the City of Toronto at a graduation ceremony for new TPS Operations and Communications recruits.

Having successfully completed comprehensive orientation and training programs, 43 Paramedics and five Emergency Medical Call Takers were recognized at the ceremony.

Toronto’s Paramedics provide 24-hour pre-hospital emergency and non-emergency care and transportation to and between hospitals for ill or injured individuals and offer public education to promote rapid and appropriate use of emergency medical resources in time of need.

Emergency Telecommunicators maintain and operate the integrated Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC). The City’s CACC is equipped with high-end, modern telecommunications technology that ensures Toronto residents have immediate access to emergency medical resources. The smooth and efficient operation of the CACC is thanks to the dedication, expertise and professionalism of the dispatch staff.

TPS is the largest municipal Paramedic Service in Canada. The graduates join the dedicated team of TPS professionals, providing world-class pre-hospital care to Toronto’s residents and visitors.

More information on careers with TPS is available ton the City’s Toronto Paramedics Services Careers webpage.

Yesterday, the City’s rate- and tax-supported 2023 operating and capital budgets were recommended by Budget Committee. The recommended budgets help protect frontline services in the face of a challenging financial year and make much-needed investments, including in emergency services. The budget includes a $10 million new investment in community paramedicine and emergency call mitigation, a $35 million new investment in emergency medical dispatch and preliminary care, and ensures funding to hire up to 250 Paramedics in 2023, including 66 new positions.

Quotes:

“We welcome these new Paramedic Services graduates who are an important addition to the City’s frontline emergency medical services. We are extremely proud of Toronto Paramedic Services’ professionals who have gone above and beyond under difficult circumstances during the pandemic. It’s vital to our growing city to have a growing number of first responders to meet the demand and save lives. That’s why the City has a blueprint to bolster the ranks of Toronto Paramedic Services to continue providing residents with exceptional emergency medical care. The hiring of more paramedics is part of our overall plan to invest more in emergency services and public safety through the City’s 2023 budget process.”

– Mayor John Tory

“I’m very proud of the work of our outstanding Paramedics, Call Takers, Emergency Medical Dispatchers, Support and Leadership staff for everything they do to care for our community, every day. Today’s graduates will help Toronto Paramedic Services to continue responding to the emergency medical needs of Torontonians and help address the workload demands on our staff.”

– A/Chief Bikram Chawla, Toronto Paramedic Services

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

Media contact: Dineen Robinson, Toronto Paramedic Services, 416-338-7598, Dineen.Robinson@toronto.ca