To all members,

There have been several questions and concerns from across our membership regarding recent notifications about the planned upgrade of Clinical Transport Officers (CTOs) to Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs). I would like to take this opportunity to provide context, outline the origins of this initiative, and highlight its potential implications for all of us moving forward.

Background and Union Advocacy

As your union, we represent all classifications of our members—from CTOs through EMRs, PCPs, ACPs, and CCPs. Our mission remains clear: to work tirelessly in improving all aspects of employment for our members.

Several months ago, during meetings with healthcare stakeholders, I proposed that we pursue government funding—federal, provincial, and municipal—to support and strengthen our workforce across Nova Scotia. These discussions focused on securing resources for:

• Tuition and educational support,
• Financial training allowances, and
• Housing assistance, especially for members relocating to rural or underserved areas.

These are significant investments that require time, research, and detailed costing to implement effectively.

Government-Funded Upgrade from CTO to EMR

Recently, the government approached the employer with a proposal to fund a new initiative aimed at upgrading current CTOs to licensed EMRs. The employer then brought this proposal to the union’s attention, and we were fully engaged in the discussions from that point forward.

This initiative provides:

• Fully paid EMR tuition for all CTOs,
• Full salary maintenance during training, as if working regular scheduled shifts,
• No out-of-pocket coststo CTOs during the transition.

This represents a substantial financial investment by the government and a strong commitment to building a better-trained, higher-skilled transfer workforce. In return, the healthcare system benefits from EMR-qualified staff who are better equipped to deliver superior patient care across all service areas.

Why This Matters

This program has the potential to reshape our workforce:

• It creates a pathway for current CTOs to advance without financial burden,
• It strengthens the reliability and skill level of our transfer services,
• It sets a precedent for future training upgrades—from EMR to PCP, ACP, and eventually CCP—for those interested but financially limited.

If this pilot is successful, it may open doors for further government investment in upskilling across all levels, which many members have expressed a desire to pursue.

To Our CTO Members

We recognize that some CTOs may feel hesitant or overwhelmed by the idea of taking on additional training and responsibility. Please take a moment to reflect on your current role: the experience you’ve gained, the adaptability you’ve shown, and the challenges you’ve already overcome. You bring a wealth of knowledge and practical insight that puts you at a distinct advantage over those just entering the field.

We’re here to help. If you need assistance preparing for the COPR exam or have any concerns about the training process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. This is not a journey you have to take alone.

Moving Forward

This is more than just an upgrade—it’s an opportunity. It’s a chance to:

• Improve patient care,
• Build a stronger and more resilient workforce,
• Demonstrate to the government that funding health professionals pays off,
• And open doors for advancement that many of our members thought were financially out of reach.

Nova Scotia has made great strides in providing world-class pre-hospital care. With continued support and a shared commitment to growth, we can go even further. Nova Scotia has achieved significant progress in delivering exceptional pre-hospital care. Through ongoing support and a collective dedication to advancement, even greater strides are within reach.

Let’s move forward together—supporting one another, embracing this opportunity, and helping shape the future of emergency medical services in our province.

In Solidarity;

Kevin MacMullin
Business Manager
International Union of Operating Engineers Local 727
kevin@iuoe727.ca
Cell: 902-719-4564
Office: 902-481-0523
PO Box 38013 Dartmouth,
NS B3B 1X2