The NWT 911 service and the COVID 811 service are operated in two different departments for two totally different purposes, and accordingly, the budgets of these programs are developed independently. These are both important services to residents who need appropriate resources. The 811 service and the COVID agency is under the authority of the Premier. I will not comment on the funding for the program beyond saying that it is important and I do support it.
The department is adding additional terms and relief staff to the dispatch centre to support existing staff. I also wanted to include that stress management training is also offered, and quiet rooms and fitness machines to alleviate stress. Online and phone therapies are available, as well as peer-to-peer support through Alberta critical incident network, and one-on-one counseling following critical calls and support from the medical professionals to intervene on particular trauma calls.