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This article was published 1/4/2019 (541 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE Progressive Conservatives have fulfilled a 2016 campaign promise to cut ambulance fees in half.

Surrounded by two dozen caucus members, Premier Brian Pallister announced the government has reduced ambulance fees, effective Monday, to no more than $250 per ride.

The PCs reduced ambulance fees in stages from an average of $500 in 2016, to $425 in 2018 and $340 last year.

Manitobans were balking at using ambulance services when the fees were the highest in the country, Pallister said.

"It will save lives," he said of the fee reduction.

Health Minister Cameron Friesen noted the province is also investing in more rural paramedics. A provincial spokesperson said about 124 paramedics have been hired in less than three years, with 35 positions announced in the 2019 budget.

"We know that when the paramedic arrives, health care begins, and so we are increasing the ability of paramedics to do their job, which will in turn increase patient outcomes and patient care," Friesen said.

Connie Newman, executive director of the Manitoba Association of Senior Centres, said reducing ambulance fees will improve health equity for people of all ages and incomes.

"When one takes time (thinking) about how much this is going to cost or (saying), ‘I’m not taking an ambulance, it costs too much,’ valuable time is lost. There are individuals in this province (and) city, who drive themselves or a loved one to the hospital because they cannot afford an ambulance," Newman said.

"Reducing ambulance fees will make it more affordable for all Manitobans when they need emergency medical care.... It needs to be affordable to all."

jessica.botelho@freepress.mb.ca