Resolutions

Whereas local fire departments provide essential emergency services by responding to incidents and accidents on provincial highways; and 

Whereas Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the first payer for fire department charges related to vehicle losses, including fire suppression and rescue/extraction services, based on SGI-established rates; and  

Whereas local fire departments also respond to other emergencies such as chemical spills, hazardous materials spills, and debris clean-up; and  

Whereas SGI does not reimburse local fire departments for services when the responsible driver and vehicle is unknown; 

Therefore, be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan to implement a fund to reimburse local fire departments for their time and equipment costs when managing scenes where submitting a claim to SGI is unsuccessful; and 

Be it further resolved that SUMA seek an agreement with the Provincial Government and the Ministry of Highways stating that local fire departments and municipalities are not responsible for the costs associated with the clean-up of chemical spills or hazardous materials spills on provincial highways.