Province-wide Basic 911 to Enhance Public Safety for Communities and Families

Significant Progress Being Made on Province-Wide Basic 911

Work is ongoing towards the activation of a new province-wide basic 911 service. The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services, provided a progress report to delegates of the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador Annual Convention and Trade Show today in St. John’s. An implementation team, which was recently established, is now moving forward with key aspects of 911 governance, financing and legislation.

“Providing a province-wide basic 911 service for Newfoundland and Labrador continues to be a key priority for our government. The new project team will work diligently to ensure delivery of the new service by December 2014. Our government will continue to support public safety initiatives for residents of the province at every available opportunity. The new province-wide basic 911 service, once operational, will be another great example of our strong commitment to fire and emergency services and the health and well-being of our communities and families.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister of Municipal and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister Responsible for Fire and Emergency Services

Recent progress toward developing the new basic 911 system includes the formation of a project implementation team, the development of a governance structure, the drafting of legislation which will be introduced into the House of Assembly in the spring of 2014, and the identification of a fee structure. Meetings have also occurred recently with current 911 system operators and telecommunications companies.

In terms of next steps, the implementation team will soon engage in consultations with emergency response stakeholders and the municipal sector. Emergency response zones will be identified and an educational campaign for emergency responders and the general public will be developed. Finally, in advance of the December 2014 implementation date, operating guidelines, procedures and protocols for the new basic 911 system will be developed.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government made a commitment in 2012 to implement a province-wide basic 911 system by December 2014.
• A feasibility study was completed by Pomax Inc. in March 2012.
• Current basic 911 services are available to approximately 40 per cent of the population of the province, while 911 services are available to all mobile telephone customers in areas where cellular service is available.

- 30 -

Media contact:
Bradley Power
Public Relations Specialist
Fire and Emergency Services-Newfoundland and Labrador
709-729-0857, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca 

2013 11 08                             10:55 a.m.