Whereas local government is only able to collect a 911 call answer levy from landline subscriptions; And whereas landline subscriptions across the province are decreasing; And whereas local governments in the province do not have the ability to collect a 911 call answer levy from cellular telecommunications platforms: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM petition the Province of BC to enact a provincial 911 levy to include the collection of monthly charges from mobile devices, and provide these funds directly to local government 911 service providers.
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Government understands the importance of the role that 9-1-1 emergency communications plays in the delivery of emergency services, and that the decreased revenue from traditional funding sources such as landline levies have been a challenge for some local governments. The Province is interested in supporting local governments efforts to both establish and maintain 9-1-1 services and recognizes its role in the promotion of public safety. While 9-1-1 is a local government responsibility, the Province provides support to facilitate delivery of 9-1-1 services wherever possible. Recent supportive efforts include assisting the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality in establishing 9-1-1 services in their remote and rural region. Ministry staff will undertake further work to explore funding mechanisms to support 9-1-1 services, such as the establishment of a call answer levy on wireless phones and, in recognition that this is a cross-ministry issue, will work with colleagues at the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.