Candidates stirred by ambulance issue

Last Updated: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 | 10:00 PM AT

CBC News

Ambulance service has ignited political debate between candidates in Southwest Miramichi.

Progressive Conservative candidate Brent Taylor sent out a news release Tuesday promising two full-time ambulances for communities in his riding of Southwest Miramichi if he's elected to the legislature.

Wednesday, opponent and Liberal candidate Kelly Lamrock said Taylor shouldn't make being elected a condition of improved ambulance service in his riding. 

'... if the health minister is convinced there should be an ambulance in Boiestown or Doaktown, then there should bloody well be an ambulance in Boiestown or Doaktown."-Kelly Lamrock

Lamrock said improving health care services shouldn't be dependent on the vote in Southwest Miramichi.

"Something, for God's sake, has to be sacred in politics," said Lamrock. "There has to be something that's above partisan politics, and if the health minister is convinced there should be an ambulance in Boiestown or Doaktown, then there should bloody well be an ambulance in Boiestown or Doaktown."

Health minister Brad Green said the Tories are working to improve ambulance service around the province, and the two ambulances Taylor is promising for Doaktown and Boiestown are included in that plan.

"I'm not suggesting it's being tied to how people vote," said Green. "What [Taylor] is saying is he's already working with the government of Bernard Lord and myself as minister of health to address the needs in his community."

The Liberals also announced their own ambulance plan today. The party said it plans to restore full-time ambulance service to Boiestown and Doaktown.