Presidents Address
Dear Membership:
The AGM this year was a huge success despite the low turnout. This is being viewed as a positive sign, that most of you have become more comfortable with the direction the Association has taken. I would like to thank all of you for your continued support. The Board has been working very hard this past year and as a result of their efforts some progress has been made in several areas. Most of the challenges have been overcome and made possible with a lot of hard work from our new Executive Director/Registrar, Chris Hood.
The Department of Health and Wellness has approved some additional funding to the Association for services rendered on behalf of DHW, for $80,000.00.
May 26/05, Chris and I met with Minister Robichaud and his staff to discuss legislation and our proposed bill. Minister Robichaud didn't feel it was the right time, to have our bill go forward, as the timing didn't coincide with his plans. There were some minor changes he wanted made to the wording as well. These changes are being made and the Minister's approval is pending. We have been assured by Minister Robichaud that our bill will have his full support in the fall. The Minister would also like to work closely with the Association on the pending changes to Ambulance Services.
The “Coaching Program” is history and last year was replaced with the “Paramedic Integration Program” or “PIP”. The PIP has since been simplified and costs reduced again. Last years costs were $150.00 for registration and $500.00 for PIP. This year it will be further reduced to $150.00 for registration and $150.00 for PIP. These changes have been endorsed and approved by the Department of Health and Wellness; this means that they have been approved in time for implementation with this year's graduating students.
New website is currently under development and should be up and running by mid August. The address will remain the same but the design and the features will changes dramatically. The main page will grant access to the general public with most of same general info currently on the site. The membership will be issued a password that will provide them access to the password-protected section of the site. Only members in good standing of the Association will have access to this area of the site. This new site will have unlimited space which permit growth and storage of your individual CMP credits, all forms can be completed electronically and submitted, FAQ's, discussion forum and more.
A public relations committee is being formed and we are currently seeking your assistance in this area. Please let your chapter reps know if you are willing to participate on this committee. We are looking for 2 individuals to represent each chapter, but would greatly appreciate any others willing to participate when available to do so.
Important Notice
Please be advised that as a result of the meeting with Minister Robichaud on May 26, 2005 the Association has been asked to work with the Minister regarding the pending changes to Ambulance Services.
The Association is formally requesting all members in good standing, take this once in a lifetime opportunity and submit your concerns and comments to your chapter reps, your colleagues that attend chapter meetings or to the PANB office. Please do not let this chance slip away. We will need your responses ASAP if they are going to make a difference in these upcoming changes. Seize this moment and make a difference in your career.
Respectfully
Jim Brown
President
Paramedic Association of New Brunswick
