The Government of the Northwest Territories is currently working with key stakeholders and industry to identify viable options for implementation of a territory-wide 911 system. This work will inform future decisions concerning 911 implementation in the Northwest Territories, and a draft implementation plan, I believe, is coming forward to this House before December of this year.
Of course, this topic is nothing new to Members. It was studied by the City of Yellowknife in 2008. The intent is to build upon that examination and to consider how we can implement such a system on a territory-wide basis. The examination will take into consideration all options involving the necessary infrastructure, resources, equipment, governance, funding, start-up and maintenance of a 911 system. A 911 response system would be part of a broader system. It is very important that we continue our efforts to strengthen civil emergency preparedness, fire protection, ground ambulance and highway rescue here in the Northwest Territories.
I may also recommend to the Regular Members, if they’re interested in a tour of the OCC and the operations facility, that we have at “G” Division here in Yellowknife. I would be more than happy to help arrange a tour of that facility for any Member that wants to take part in that tour and see the good work that the OCC puts in, in protecting our communities and our people.