We are forecasting an approximate 16 percent increase over the next 20 years.” The base expansion in Sudbury will serve as a vital part of Ornge’s vision to provide greater health equity across Ontario.

Ontario was the first Canadian province to provide a helicopter-based air ambulance system to transport critically ill patients to hospital.

A large part of the air ambulance service is involved in serving aboriginal communities, of which there are approximately 117, in 6 treaty areas of Northern Ontario.

[10][11][12][13][14] This arrangement lasted more than 25 years, until about 2005, as the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care contracted with private operators to provide its air ambulance program's aircraft, pilots and paramedics.

[14] Today, the air ambulance program has become an integral component of the larger emergency health system in communities across the province.

The Toronto Star uncovered that Mazza was receiving $1.4 million a year while remaining off the "sunshine list" of public employees earning over $100,000.

Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews stated that Mazza's salary was "outrageous, shocking and unacceptable".

On 9 February 2013 Dr. Chris Mazza received $4.6 million in public dollars in his last two years at Ornge, including salary, bonuses, cash advances and two housing loans.

Rick Potter, aviation chief (COO Ornge Air), stated the site does not have an instrument landing system, has many noise complaints and was not one he would recommend.

[32] It was reported that the helicopter based in Thunder Bay was unable to fly about one quarter of the time due to lack of paramedics.

[40][41][24] From 2005 to 2012, Ornge paid "well connected" law firm Fasken Martineau over $9 million in legal fees for 22,000 hours of work, including organizing the for-profit companies.

She testified that she thought the agreement gave the government strong powers over Ornge, contradicting minister Deb Mathews.

[42] Guy Giorno, a Fasken lawyer and ex chief of staff to Mike Harris and Stephen Harper, advised Ornge on compliance and disclosure.

As a result, Dr. Chris Mazza, president and CEO, and Maria Renzella, chief operating officer, have been terminated and ORNGE has advised us that no severance has been offered.

These are vitally important and necessary steps needed to restore the confidence of Ontarians in the leadership team responsible for Ontario's air ambulance service.

[51] On 17 February 2012, amidst calls for her resignation from the opposition, Ontario Health Minister, Deb Mathews announced that the government would greatly tighten control over Ornge, including new legislation and a new performance agreement to increase oversight and limit what it can do without government approval, including preventing the sale of assets, such as helicopters and the taking on of debt.

[51] On 23 February 2012 allegations surfaced of unqualified staff running the air ambulance service and of a questionable $14,000 payout to a Brazilian law firm by an Ornge spin-off company.

More information became available about the nature of the OPP investigation, including that the subject is alleged kickback payments for helicopter purchases as well as interest-free loans and cash advances from Ornge to Mazza.

Filed bankruptcy documents indicate that Mazza is a creditor of one of Ornge's now-defunct for-profit companies and that he is owed $1 in the proceedings.

The opposition continued calls for the minister's resignation as news of medevac operation disruptions in recent weeks surfaced.

He stated, "Of particular concern to us was the fact that certain of these companies were owned by Ornge's president, senior members of its management team and its board of directors.

Lisa Kirbie, hired in March 2010 as the director of government and regulatory affairs, alleged in a lawsuit that Mazza was volatile and sexist, firing her without cause after she cooperated with the auditor and police probes.

[56] Bruce Wade, a Thunder Bay helicopter pilot, was suspended with pay after testifying at a Queen's Park committee.

Kidd's father, the mayor of Temiskaming Shores, discussed Ornge's problems with former Liberal MPP David Ramsay in 2009.

[60] Ornge commissioned two custom-built Orange County Choppers, allegedly gifts from Agusta, one of which was prominently displayed in the company's lobby.

Don Filliter and first officer Jacques Dupuy, and two Ornge paramedics, Dustin Dagenais and Chris Snowball.

[74] TSB chair Kathy Fox said "[Ornge's] willingness to operate safely and within regulatory requirements exceeded its capacity to do so.

In October 2013, company officials had been warned by the Moosonee base safety officer that inexperienced pilots and night operations in combination was a high risk for a fatal accident.

[89] AgustaWestland AW139 located at: From the first long weekend of the summer to Labour Day, one Toronto crew was relocated and based out of Muskoka Airport for the increased number of trauma calls in cottage country during this period.

[94][95] ORNGE operates three land transfer bases and 18 Crestline Coach Type III ambulances in Ontario Additional aircraft are available under the Standing Agreement (as and when required) contract with other operators: In February 2015 reports surfaced that Ornge may look to sell its AW139 fleet due to maintenance costs and their unsuitability for ambulance work.