B.C. paramedics vote for strike action, need essential services agreement first

Ambulances parked at the central reporting station in Victoria, B.C., on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. (Chad Hipolito / The Canadian Press)

RICHMOND — The union representing British Columbia paramedics and emergency dispatchers says its members have voted in favour of strike action, but that doesn’t mean workers are walking off the job.

Ambulance Paramedics of British Columbia says its members voted 97 per cent in favour of strike action in a vote that took place over two weeks this month.

The union, which has 6,000 members, has previously said that workers would be in a legal strike position once an essential services order is in place.

It has pointed to concerns about mental health and safety and significant staffing pressures.

A statement on Wednesday says front line paramedics and dispatchers are prepared to act to improve services and supports systems that are much needed for their members.

The union has scheduled a news conference for Thursday where it says it will discuss “an update on negotiations and possible next steps.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 18, 2026