Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL) has issued an Expression of Interest seeking submissions by qualified companies that wish to undertake a review of the feasibility of establishing an Enhanced 911 (E911) System, in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador, today commented on the importance of advancing the study of E911.

"In the last session of the House of Assembly, our government committed to initiating a new study of E911," said Minister Whalen. "We believe the implementation of a province-wide 911 system is a valid objective; however, we must undertake a study that will provide us with the technical data and cost analysis that are required to make an informed decision whether or not to implement an Enhanced 911 system throughout Newfoundland and Labrador."

Typically, a 911 call is routed to an answering point and the responsibility is on the caller to supply the required information to initiate the right emergency response, whether police, ambulance or fire. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this is available in the North East Avalon, Corner Brook/Bay of Islands area and Labrador West; in all other areas of the province residents dial known local emergency numbers. With Enhanced 911, the system automatically identifies the precise location of an emergency call and can identify helpful address-specific information for emergency responders (for example, whether or not oxygen is in use and location of water supply for firefighting).

In the spring of 2008, the Provincial Government committed to revisiting the technicalities, costs and challenges associated with E911. While a projection was originally undertaken in 1996, that work is significantly outdated due to the many technological advances that have occurred since that time. The deadline for submissions is close of business December 19, 2008.

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Media contact:

Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services � Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 697-5216
BradleyPower@gov.nl.ca