The Health Employers Association of BC has reached a tentative deal with members of the province’s ambulance paramedics and dispatchers.

Close to 6000 paramedics and dispatchers are covered under the new contract.

Details about the agreement will be available after the ratification process, for the union members and health employers, is complete.

Ambulance Paramedics of BC president Troy Clifford says the deal will add stability to the ambulance service in the province, adding that this is the best deal he’s seen in 10 or 15 years.

“This new agreement will help secure a significant foundation for improvement for paramedic services in B.C., and one that acknowledges the uniqueness of our service and challenges for our profession," Clifford said.

The union president has high praise for mediator Vince Ready.

“I don’t believe, without his assistance, we would have been able to make the progress we did," said Clifford.

He says it will take time to set up ratification votes for paramedics and dispatchers across the province.

More details will be released in the coming weeks.