Advanced Medical Solutions, which provides the likes of paramedics and air ambulance service in the North, has been bought by Ottawa-based Calian.
The firms announced the deal on Wednesday. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.
Calian is a conglomerate with more than 4,500 staff across divisions like health, manufacturing, defence and technology.
Calian boss Kevin Ford said the two were “complementary” companies and the acquisition would leave them “stronger and better positioned to address Canada’s northern healthcare access challenges, while aligning with our country’s strategy and upcoming federal investments in the Arctic region.”
Sean Ivens, who founded Yellowknife-based AMS in 1995, said Calian “shares our commitment to excellence, people and community.”
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“Through this transition we will continue to deliver the high-quality care our partners and communities expect, while gaining additional resources and capabilities to innovate and grow for the future of northern healthcare,” Ivens was quoted as saying in a Calian press release.
“AMS will operate as Advanced Medical Solutions, a Calian Company, during an initial transition period. The legal entity will transition to Calian Advanced Medical Solutions Ltd within 12 months,” Calian stated.
“Calian is committed to ensuring continuity of services and strengthening existing community partnerships and supporting AMS employees through a thoughtful integration process.”
The company said it was “committed to working closely with Indigenous partners and communities, healthcare agencies and northern governments to ensure a respectful transition that benefits all.”
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Calian said it will also look to “support the expansion and continuity of care in some of Canada’s most resilient and underserved communities” using its existing health service delivery and digital health divisions.
News of the acquisition comes days after the NWT’s health authority announced a new contract with a consortium that includes AMS to keep running the territory’s air ambulance service.
Access Air Ambulance – a partnership between Air Tindi and AMS – already held that contract.
The renewed 10-year contract now includes the Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation, Det’on Cho Group of Companies and Aklak Air in the joint venture.
