Ottawa Paramedics Granted $408,000 for Missed Meals

A union grievance by Ottawa's paramedic service is costing the city $408,000.

In April, the provincial Ministry of Labour upheld a May 2006 ruling that gave paramedics the right to eat for 30 minutes without interruption.

The city had unsuccessfully argued in order to enable the 30-minute break without affecting response times, it would have to spend $5 million to hire 50 paramedics and buy eight ambulances.

New regulations implemented since the 2006 ruling means the city won't have to make those new hires, but it is on the hook for missed meals incurred before the new agreement was reached.

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