PCC Members,
PLEASE READ – IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND ACTION REQUIRED
As communicated in the last update to Members PRESS-RELEASE-Impacts-to-Paramedic-Services-Amid-Tariff-Disputes.pdf on the potential impact of the ongoing trade dispute and implications on paramedic services supplies and services, your Executive team has continued to meet with federal officials including Foreign Affairs, International Trade Policy, Finance, and the Tariffs and Goods Division, to discuss exemptions from any incurred costs as a result of imposed tariffs and counter-tariffs.
We have received very positive responses from the various government departments who appreciated this being brought to their attention. The information we are receiving is that there is a desire of the federal government to minimize the impact on the delivery of paramedic services as a result of any current or proposed future tariffs.
While significant efforts have been focused within the automotive sector and more specifically, concerning ambulance chassis and parts, there are many more pieces of equipment and components of certain assets that are too numerous to count. Each of these items is defined by a Harmonized System code, aka “HS code” that is established by the World Custom’s Organization https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/services/trade/tariffs-regulations/harmonized-system-codes
While the Government of Canada has established a framework for requesting remissions of tariffs under specific circumstances, we have been strongly advised by each of the government officials we have spoken with that it is extremely important to provide the government with the HS codes that refer to paramedic service-related products for pre-exemption. As you can imagine, this list is extremely exhaustive and will be different across Paramedic services, as we all do not use the exact same products or equipment.
We Need Your Help
As noted in the previous communication to members, there is an opportunity to provide input through a consultation process with the federal government.
Our ask is:
For all paramedic services, either individually or through your organization’s governance framework (local, municipal, provincial etc) to provide a submission to the consultation process and INCLUDE the HS codes of the products and equipment used by your service. This information in most cases can be obtained by your supplier/vendor.
The PCC will be making a submission on behalf of all Canadian paramedic services and will be referring to the submission of these paramedic services for the details of HS codes that we are requesting a reprieve from tariffs.
The link for submission is: Consultations on Canada’s Response to United States Tariffs on Canadian Goods: Comment Submission Form
https://formsformulaires.alpha.canada.ca/en/id/cm7upmkx9008rx268zhy9l6pj
The deadline for submissions is April 2, 2025
Thank you for your continued support in preserving and protecting Canada’s paramedic services.
Kevin Smith
President
Paramedic Chiefs of Canada (PCC)
President@paramedicchiefs.ca