Better coverage for paramedics; new liquor boss to tackle pot

The family of a 57-year-old paramedic who died from a heart attack was at the Alberta legislature Tuesday to draw attention to the need for presumptive coverage in the profession.

Dave Sartorelli died in 2014 after a three-decade career with Calgary EMS.

Bill 30 — which overhauled the province’s occupational health and safety and workers’ compensation systems — included new rules to ensure families receive full benefits after a paramedic suffers a heart attack.

Under the legislation, if a paramedic suffers a heart attack within 24 hours of being dispatched, labour law will presume the event was related to work.

The regulation puts paramedics in line with the presumptive coverage already in place for firefighters.

NEW HEAD FOR AGLC

Finance Minister Joe Ceci appointed a new head to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) on Tuesday as the legalization of cannabis fast approaches.

AGLC president and CEO Alain Maisonneuve was named after temporarily serving in the role for the past nine months.

He noted the legalization of cannabis July 1 will mean increasing the number of inspections, investigations and licensing staff.

In the coming months, the AGLC will be making decisions on cannabis distribution, such as the number of stores that will be set up in municipalities, Maisonneuve said.