Northern Air has not been granted its emergency injunction. The company had filed one against Alberta Health Services’ decision to switch Peace River air ambulance providers, and the case was heard in the Alberta court of appeals last week.
The longtime operator has expressed concern that its replacement CanWest Aviation will only have one of its two air ambulances stationed in Peace River, and that it will be parked on the airport’s tarmac as there are no available hangars. President Nate Hilman says they’re disappointed by the decision.
“The emergency injunction was not about Northern Air – it was about trying to ensure the safety and proper access to critical medical services for rural Albertans. I had hoped a pause in AHS’ procurement process would lead to a responsible solution.”
AHS has said it is working with the town to find CanWest hangar space, and that patient safety will not be negatively affected by the switch. The new contract officially began Sunday, April 1st.
Northern Air previously applied for a judicial review of AHS’ decision, which is still scheduled for this June.