CRTC makes it easier to access emergency responders in the Yukon

OTTAWA and GATINEAU, QC, Dec. 5, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) today approved, with conditions, an interim service that will make it easier to access emergency responders in the Yukon.

This service was proposed by the Yukon Government as a temporary solution while it works to implement 9-1-1 service throughout the territory.

Citizens and visitors will be able to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency situation anywhere in the territory without having to remember the seven-digit telephone numbers that some emergency responders currently use. By dialing 9-1-1, callers will be directed by an automated service to select either police, fire or emergency medical services from an interactive menu.

The CRTC has approved this proposal on the condition that all calls using the service are ultimately answered, i.e. calls to local police, fire and emergency medical services that are not answered must be automatically transferred to the local RCMP detachment or the 9-1-1 call centre in Whitehorse.

The Yukon Government has committed to implement Basic 9-1-1 service throughout the territory within the next 12 to 20 months. Basic 9-1-1 service will ensure that all 9-1-1 calls are answered by a trained live 9-1-1 operator who can dispatch the appropriate emergency responders.

In addition, the Yukon Government must conduct a comprehensive public awareness campaign to explain how the service functions, as well as its availability, characteristics and limitations.

Quick Facts

• CRTC has approved, with conditions, an interim service that will make it easier to access emergency responders in the Yukon.
• Callers within all communities of the Yukon will be able to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency situation rather than one of the seven-digit number currently used by some emergency response agencies in communities without 9-1-1.
• The Yukon Government has committed to providing Basic 9-1-1 service throughout the territory within the next 12 to 20 months. Basic 9-1-1 service is currently available only in the Whitehorse area.

Quote

"This interim solution is a step towards keeping citizens and visitors safer in the Yukon, as it will make it possible for them to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency situation.  However, it is now up to the Yukon Government to fulfill its commitment and implement Basic 9-1-1 service throughout the territory as soon as possible."

Peter Menzies, Vice-Chairman of Telecommunications

Related Links
Telecom Decision CRTC 2014-630

SOURCE: Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission

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