B.C. puts $150M into 911 service; E-Comm union hopeful staffing challenges will be solved | 24CA News
The B.C. authorities introduced Wednesday will probably be investing $150 million into the provincial emergency communications system.
“When people experience a life-threatening emergency, they need to know they can count on an accessible and reliable 911 system,” mentioned Mike Farnworth, B.C. Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety.
“Next Generation 911’s advanced technology will help ensure safer and coordinated emergency responses. Our $150-million investment will support local governments through a transition to Next Generation 911.”
Next Generation 911 will give folks the selection to contact 911 via new choices akin to texting and caller location options, in response to the province.
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E-Comm, the group that handles 99 per cent of the province’s 911 calls, is main the implementation of the brand new system in B.C. municipalities. Pending approval by the legislative meeting, the $150 million will assist “offset local governments’ costs for the transition,” the federal government mentioned in a press launch.
The funding shall be break up into two elements, with $90 million going to E-Comm for technological updates and $60 million going to the Union of BC Municipalities to defray staffing, coaching and high quality assurance prices.
“Working together with municipalities, regional districts and First Nations to improve emergency communications is vital to enhancing public safety for people living in and travelling through the most remote parts of the province,” mentioned Lisa Beare, B.C. Minister of Citizens’ Services.
“We are working to improve connectivity in B.C. because everyone deserves to have access to the services they need, especially emergency services, no matter where they live.”
In 2022, the union that represents E-Comm workers was publicly vocal about being “critically understaffed.”
Emergency Communications Professionals of BC (CUPE 8911) mentioned dispatchers have been working “forced overtime” and going lengthy stretches with out breaks in an “unsustainable” atmosphere.
CUPE 8911 president Donald Grant mentioned the one-time $150-million funding will now enable for extra workers to be employed and can work to handle 911 wait occasions which have been a big subject within the latest previous.
“We’re very pleased that B.C.’s Budget 2023 included an investment into Next Generation 911,” he mentioned.
“Municipalities are primarily in charge of the 911 services. They initially were having to fund both this technological upgrade and increase staffing levels.
“What this funding means is that municipalities are now freed up to focus on staffing challenges.”
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