Preamble:  

Only one public service answering point (PSAP) exists to receive emergency calls coming from all Manitoba rural and northern communities.  If something happens to the PSAP rendering it offline, 911 service would cease. 

Experience, assets and levels of emergency preparedness vary across northern Manitoba.  Thompson is northern Manitoba’s service centre and provides advanced fire protection and emergency medical service to the City and immediate area. Linking a Northern-based 911 PSAP centre to Thompson Fire and Emergency Services can more effectively and efficiently provide 911service to the North, as well as being an emergency backup to the existing PSAP.

Resolution: That the Government of Manitoba commit to the development and operation of a northern-based (preferably based in Thompson) 911 PSAP call center serving northern Manitoba.

Resolution Report:  

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce produces Resolution reports as part of its commitment to be accountable to its members. The reports are updated as matters unfold and have two components:

MCC Advocacy: Specific activities the MCC has done to help make this Resolution a reality. 

Developments:  All other information (e.g. government action, media coverage, reports) that relates to Resolution. 

Advice, comments, and information sharing are welcome; simply enter a reply at the bottom of this post.

MCC Advocacy: 

May 11, 2010: The 2010-2011 Resolutions were posted on the MCC website, listed as part of a comprehensive Report on AGM 2010 and then notice of this story was circulated through the MCC E-Update is sent to all MCC members, Media and Government.

June 16, 2010: Resolution books were sent to every MLA and every Member of Parliament that hails from Manitoba. The following had this Resolution specifically drawn to their attention with a detailed letter setting out the background to this issue, Government initiatives (where applicable), and an argument for the Resolution:

• The Minister Aboriginal and Northern Affairs
• The Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
• The Minister of Emergency Measures

Developments:

October 15, 2010: The Honourable Steve Ashton, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation and Minister responsible for Emergency Measures, wrote to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce in relation to this matter. The Honourable Eric Robinson, Minister of Aboriginal and Northern Affairs and Minister Responsible for the Communities Economic Development Fund, also wrote to the Manitoba Chambers, indicating that he had reviewed Minister Ashton’s letter and trusted the Chambers would find the responses satisfactory.   

Minister Ashton responded as follows:

“With respect to a northern 911 service, the Government of Mnaitoba appreciates all the work done to date by the City of Thompson in its proposal for a northern Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). At present, the existing PSAP in Brandon is available to all communities of the province that have subscribed to use the service. However, the Province is currently investigating the feasibility of a province-wide 911 system, which would build upon existing PSAPs and could requite a third PSP, potentially in the north.”