Minister Goodale welcomes CRTC decision to modernize 9-1-1 services

Statements

Ottawa, June 1, 2017 - The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today issued this statement following the release of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) Regulatory Policy on next-generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) services.

“I am pleased today to welcome the CRTC's decision on enhancing and modernizing current 9-1-1 services. By doing so, this will ensure effective and timely access to emergency services in Canada.

More than 70 percent of 9-1-1 calls are already originating from wireless devices. With NG9-1-1, Canadians will be able to communicate with 9-1-1 operators by sending text messages, transmitting photos and even videos directly via their wireless devices.

The Government of Canada supports the CRTC’s recommendations and with our provincial and territorial partners, first responders, emergency services providers and other stakeholders will continue to work together to modernize public safety communications. The Government of Canada is thoroughly engaged in public safety communications and has already taken steps to ensure collaboration across all levels of emergency management services.

Together, we are committed to ensuring the safety of Canadians and their ability to communicate quickly and effectively with emergency services in time of emergency.”

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For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

Information:

Scott Bardsley
Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
613-998-5681

Media Relations
Public Safety Canada
613-991-0657
media@ps-sp.gc.ca

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