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SGI Emergency Callout Fee

Res #: 22-21M
Number: 22
Year: 2021
Midterm: Yes
Expired: No
Responses Received: Yes
Departments: Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI)

WHEREAS rural fire departments are now being dispatched to all emergency calls including vehicle emergencies; and

WHEREAS most rural fire departments are comprised of volunteers and charges for services are to cover costs of operating fire trucks, equipment, and time for firemen and firewomen attending the call; and

WHEREAS the rate set by SGI for fire suppression and vehicle extraction does not cover the rates that small rural fire departments charge for their services when attending a vehicle emergency.

BE IT RESOLVED that SARM lobby Saskatchewan Government Insurance to abolish the set rate for fire suppression and vehicle extractions and pay for all vehicle emergency calls in full.

Responses From: Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI)

May 10, 2024

From 2017 to 2023, SGI payments for fire suppression and vehicle extrication services consistently increased. This was influenced by the removal of the non-productive rate (which was $539 per hour in 2017) and the decision to pay all invoices at the productive rate (which was $897 per hour in 2017). These strategic adjustments contributed to $3.2 million in SGI payments in 2018, an almost 60% increase from the 2017 total of $2 million.

The rate for fire suppression and vehicle extrication services has been increased by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) each year, and in 2023 it was $1,036 per hour. This increase resulted in SGI paying $4.3 million for fire suppression services in 2023. In addition, fire suppression and vehicle extrication service providers received $5.6 million in funding from SGI in 2022 to provide tooling and training to rural and urban fire departments.

SGI is not considering abolishing the set rate for fire suppression and vehicle extractions at this time and will continue to pay the set rate, which increases by CPI each year.

Hon. Dustin Duncan – Minister Responsible for SGI, Government of Saskatchewan