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By Victor Kaisar

Independent Review of 911

B.C. launches independent review of E-Comm 911 services after complaints about costs, transparency

Dec 5, 2024 | 11:29 AM

VICTORIA — The B.C. government says it is initiating an independent review of E-Comm and 911 service to “ensure that there is a reliable and sustainable model” after complaints about escalating costs and a lack of transparency.

In a news release, it says the review will examine and provide recommendations on the financial, governance and operational performance of Emergency Communications for British Columbia Incorporated (E-Comm), the non-profit organization that maintains the emergency radio system for police, fire and ambulance services.

“You can never predict when you’ll need emergency help, but if it happens, we need to ensure a dependable, reliable and accessible 911 system is there,” Garry Begg, B.C.’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said in a statement.

“We are launching an independent review to understand the reasons behind ongoing cost increases, and to ensure these services remain effective and sustainable for years to come.”

The review comes after concerns about transparency and performance, as well as escalating costs from “unstainable levy increases” were raised by the Union of BC Municipalities, the BC Association of Chiefs of Police, municipal police boards and emergency service providers.

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The province says the review will make recommendations for the future of 911 services in B.C.

“This includes a review of financial records for a deeper understanding behind the ongoing rise in costs to communities serviced by E-Comm, E-Comm’s financial forecasting, board management and governance,” a statement said.

“It will also include recommendations to inform changes that may be needed to ensure sustainable funding and operations for B.C.’s 911 and dispatch service delivery.”

People will be able to access 911 services without disruption while the review is underway, the province said, noting public safety will remain unaffected.

The review — which was announced by Premier David Eby during his keynote address at the the UBCM convention in September — will also not disrupt the implementation of next-generation 911.

The union representing emergency communications professionals in B.C. says in a separate news release that it’s eager to participate in the review, and members have been “raising alarm bells” about 911 service and staffing for years.

– With files from The Canadian Press