An independent review of 911 emergency communications service delivery in BC has concluded that the Province should “[implement] a structured oversight framework and [take] more responsibility across the sector.” This comes approximately one year after Premier David Eby, in response to a UBCM resolution and local government concerns, announced an internal review of E-Comm and 911 service.
The review (released at the same time as an independent review focused specifically on E-Comm’s operations), examined BC’s 911 emergency communications service delivery model and the role of the provincial government. It focused on three key components: governance, standards and funding. Several service delivery options were evaluated based on their ability to ensure system capacity, financial sustainability, consistency of service levels and access to services, and to meet future expectations and technological advancements.
Analysis conducted by Ernst & Young concluded that the Province should “manage” the sector by assuming a greater role in the 911 emergency communications system through developing, tracking and enforcing standards and regulations and by implementing a new governance framework through legislative reform. Ernst & Young noted that this was the only option that addressed the review’s four objectives (as noted above). The importance of creating a balance between centralized oversight and local autonomy was also mentioned as a key consideration moving forward, as was consultation and engagement with key stakeholders, including local governments.
The review also considered funding, and who should be paying for 911 services. It was noted that rising service costs are a major challenge for local governments, leading most to regularly consider their service delivery options. Although the review considered several funding models, it did not make a clear recommendation, only suggesting a funding framework that is financially sustainable for all stakeholders. British Columbia is one of only a few provinces and territories without a call answer levy on cellular devices, despite requests from the UBCM membership.
Many of the issues raised in the independent review are consistent with UBCM policy, including requests for the implementation of a 911 call answer levy on cellular devices; development of consistent 911 service standards; and the creation of a provincial 911 governance model. UBCM’s policy also emphasizes the importance of local government involvement in any new governance framework, and the need to ensure that changes (e.g., new service standards) do not increase service costs for the membership.
Following the release of the independent review, the new Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the Honourable Nina Krieger, remarked that the Province would consider the findings in the report, including the option for a call answer levy on cellular devices. However, the initial focus will be on ensuring implementation of the recommendations from the independent review of E-Comm.