Until the beginning of 1998 the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care fully funded and directed the operation of all land ambulance services in Ontario.

Beginning January 1, 1998, the province commenced the process of transferring responsibility for the proper provision of land ambulance services to upper tier municipalities and District Social Services Administration Boards. The transfer was completed by January 1, 2001.

Currently the ministry is responsible for setting ambulance, equipment and patient care standards, and for monitoring and ensuring compliance with those standards. Additionally, the ministry provides financial assistance to municipalities and District Social Services Administration Boards by providing a grant to be put toward the cost of providing land ambulance service.

The ministry continues to be responsible for land ambulance communications services and base hospital programs in support of the land ambulance program and the broader health care system.

For more information, see the Ambulance Billing Questions and Answers page.