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Frequently Asked Questions

Who appointed the first Board of Directors?

The NPA began its rather humble beginning in late 1998 when a group of Paramedics headstrong and ambitious got together to pursue the possibilities of starting up a chapter of the OPA here in Niagara. The people who responded to these initiatives were invited to a "first meeting" and these people were then deemed the Interim Board of Directors until the Bylaws were drafted and the first election was held. In 1998 the NPA consisted of 24 members today the NPA is strong and consists of 247 members and growing.

Will I get a chance to elect an Executive?

Yes, the Executive is comprised of Officers and Directors. Elections now occur every 2 years and are staggered to ensure the executive is not replaced with new members in its entirety.

Will the NPA engage in labour bargaining?

No. It is not the intention of the NPA to be involved in any labour issue. We will strictly deal with patient care and professional issues. Paramedics in Niagara currently pay dues to CUPE1019. It is this union who is responsible for all labour issues.

Why should I join?

Please refer to the benefits of being a member and keep in mind that politicians tend to choose the path of least resistance. We need to ensure that we do not provide them with that path. The paramedic association also allows paramedics to have an official consolidated voice and steer our profession.

Where will my annual membership dues go?

The NPA currently charges $9/pay ($234/year) per full-member as well as $6.50/pay (169/year) per associate member and those amounts includes station amenities for all members.

Of that amount, the Ontario Paramedic Association receives $84/year

Of that amount, the Paramedic Association of Canada receives $12/year and Canadian Paramedicine Magazine receives $22/year.

As you can see, NPA dues give you membership in 3 organizations + 1 national magazine subscription.

Isn't $234.00 a lot of money to ask for an association?

Actually, compared to other Medical Professionals and Paramedic associations, $234 is one of the lowest membership dues in the province of Ontario. Your $234 actually gives you membership to 3 associations (NPA, OPA, and PAC).

The OPA and PAC have spent years building their public image and have both become widely recognized by politicians. All local politicians are extremely familiar with the NPA which has a credible history here in NIagara.

Here are some annual rates of other associations so you can compare (note most association rates include union dues - so please calculate accordingly):

$546 - CIPP
$1531 - CUPE 1019
$1223 - Ornge
$1997 - County of Renfrew Paramedics
$1315 - Ottawa Hospital RN
$1339 - Ottawa Fire
$3094 - Airport Fire
$1717 - Ottawa Police
$1274 - OPP
$1054 - Ontario Nurses Association
$234 - Niagara Paramedic Associaton
$240 - Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa
$786 - PPAO + CIPP (lower than any other dues)
$1765 - NPA + CUPE (lower than some other dues)

Is it possible for me to get involved?

Absolutely, an association can only be as strong as it's membership and everybody is encouraged to get involved. If each paramedic contributes 1 day per year, we can have incredible achievements.

How do I get involved?

The first step is to become a member. Once you are a member you can either become elected to the Executive, be part of a committee, or attend meetings where you may express your views and vote on issues.

Can I still participate in projects if I'm not on the Board of Directors?

Of course, if you are a member you can spearhead or get involved in any project you wish as long as the Board of Directors has approved it as an official NPA project. For a project to be approved, it must win a majority vote by the Board of Directors. If it is a collaborative project between Niagara EMS and the NPA it must be approved at all levels.

What if I am not a Paramedic, can I still join the NPA?

Yes, anyone with special interest (Communications Officers, Equipment Supply Technicians, Equipment Controllers, Paramedic Students, support staff, etc) can join the NPA.

The dues to become an associate member are $13/month or $169/year.

The dues to become a student member are $80/year.

The dues to become a corporate member are $800/year.

What if I'm already a member of the OPA?

Your OPA membership dues will be adjusted so that you will not incur any extra costs. Once you have joined the NPA, your local association will then be responsible for renewing your annual membership with the OPA & PAC.

What is the NPA going to do for me?

Given it's strong community connection, the NPA is going to be instrumental in supporting incredible initiatives that have already been put in motion by the OPA and PAC. The next few years will produce enormous rewards for paramedics. Here is a short list of some of our initiatives:

we will build a strong united voice in Niagara that will finally allow us to represent professional Paramedic issues and patient-care concerns in front of the public and in the media
through extensive networking with the media and other groups, we will ensure community recognition of Niagara Paramedics as professionals
we will make sure Niagara Paramedics participate in critical issues that have the potential to affect the future of our profession
we will ensure effective representation of Niagara Paramedics at the local, provincial and national level
we will represent the special interest of Niagara Paramedics on local and provincial steering committees, Medical Advisory Groups, and Special Task Groups, etc.
we will work towards investigating the need for an Ontario College of Paramedics
we will work with other political and professional bodies for accreditation and reciprocity in Paramedicine
we will ensure Paramedics are included in special legislation (currently including police and fire) that will give us access to early retirement with full pension at age 55
we will support the Niagara Paramedic Benevolent Fund and the Tema Conter Memorial Trust Fund
we will publicly support local charities
we will network with Paramedics from different chapters in order to reach these very important common goals

What are some of the tangible benefits of membership?

automatic membership in the Ontario Paramedic Association (OPA) and Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC)
OPA certificate, wallet ID card, windshield sticker and information package
automatic enrolment in the both the Niagara and National Paramedic Benevolent Fund ($3000 to your spouse or Next of Kin and a $1000 scholarship for your children, if you are killed in the line of duty)
a free subscription to Canadian Emergency News Magazine which contains the OPA and NPA Newsletters
a discount subscription to the Journal of Emergency Medical Services Magazine
discounts for continuing medical education, events, seminars, workshops, and conferences sponsored by the OPA
discounts for corporate services & purchases as well as the OPA MasterCard program

What are some of the intangible benefits of membership?

to have a strong united voice in Niagara representing professional Paramedic issues
community recognition of Paramedics as professionals
an opportunity to participate in critical issues affecting the future of our profession
effective representation at council meetings and government hearings when required
a medium through which to become the authors of our own fate
an association that will work toward establishing an education system which is equitable (i.e. one in which Paramedic education is available through academic institutions for all who wish to further their knowledge)
an association that will work with other political and professional bodies for accreditation and reciprocity in Paramedicine
access to continuing medical education
opportunity to become involved in injury & illness prevention activities as well as charities
opportunity to network with Paramedics from around the world through the OPA listserver and our Internet homepage NiagaraMedics.ca (launched in the spring of 2014)
opportunity to represent Paramedics on steering committees, Medical Advisory Groups, Special Task Groups, etc.