EDMONTON – Emergency Health Services (EHS)-Alberta has informed all current ground ambulance service providers of its intent to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the majority of ground ambulance services across Alberta. This fair, transparent and routine procurement process will begin summer of 2026 and ensure contracted service partners are identified for new contracts to replace current agreements expiring on September 30, 2026.
Contract extensions will be issued prior to September 30, to ensure no interruption to emergency medical services for Albertans while this procurement process is underway.
EHS-Alberta currently holds contract agreements with 30 ground ambulance service partners delivering emergency health services in communities across the province. The procurement process will seek partners for new 10-year service agreements to support long-term system stability, workforce planning, and consistent service delivery.
“Our ground ambulance partners play a critical role in delivering timely, high-quality emergency care to Albertans every day,” said Les Fisher, Managing Director and Chief, EHS-Alberta. “This procurement process recognizes the value of those partnerships while ensuring we continue to provide reliable, sustainable, and patient-focused services across the province.”
All current partners have been formally notified of the procurement processes planned, and given the opportunity to participate, where eligible.
While the majority of contracts will be awarded through a competitive RFP process, in limited circumstances, agreements may be considered for sole-source procurement. This includes services delivered by First Nations and qualifying non-profit partners, or where an integrated service delivery model exists and pricing is comparable to EHS-Alberta’s costs. Sole-source decisions will be made in accordance with applicable procurement policy and based on demonstrated community need, service continuity, and unique service delivery requirements.
EHS-Alberta expects to complete the procurement process by April 2027, with any required service transitions completed by September 2027. To ensure continuity of care, EHS-Alberta will issue extension notices and transition service provisions to current providers as needed, maintaining uninterrupted ground ambulance services through September 30, 2027.
Emergency Health Services - Alberta manages all aspects of the current EMS system, including overseeing and delivering air and ground ambulance services, interfacility transfers and dispatch operations, including EHS services delivered by contracted partners EHS-Alberta is accountable for driving system improvements and meeting performance targets, concentrating on workforce sustainability and mental well-being for both staff and patients.
