WHEREAS almost one half of all emergency calls to 9-1-1 are now made from cellular telephones; AND WHEREAS wireless service providers are not required to collect a call answer levy that would contribute to the cost of providing the 9-1-1 service: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM urge the provincial government to enact legislation similar to that enacted in Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan that would require all telephone service providers, including wireless service providers, to collect a call answer levy as a means to contribute to the costs associated with the delivery of 9-1-1 emergency service.
Ministry of Justice The Ministry of Justice will follow-up with municipalities and corporations, such as TELUS and Bell, to establish a UBCM working group to consider issues related to emergency services and wireless phones. Considerations of the working group will include: - Improvements to public safety, such as enhanced capabilities, additional training and meet future public demands. - Province-wide options and, if possible, harmonize with other jurisdictions. - Consensus by industry and municipal leadership.