In recognition of the vital contributions of 9-1-1 Call Takers in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Provincial Government is celebrating National Telecommunicators Week from April 14-20.

For more than 500,000 residents and visitors province-wide, 9-1-1 Call Takers play an integral role in public safety, available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Often under duress, this dedicated team ensures the fast and accurate transfer of callers to their local emergency responders as well as assisting with the coordination of response with emergency service providers such as fire, ambulance and police.

In 2023, 9-1-1 Call Takers tirelessly provided essential service, support, guidance and information to 9-1-1 callers and public safety personnel through more than 170,000 calls, averaging 14,200 per month. The yearly 9-1-1 call volume has nearly doubled since the service was introduced in 2015 and is expected to further increase this year. This is due to continued public education and awareness that encourages the use of 9-1-1 as the main number to call when immediate emergency response is needed for a threat to health, life or safety.

To enhance the capabilities of the 9-1-1 Call Takers and bolster public safety, Budget 2024 includes an investment of $600,000 towards new call-aided dispatch and call-handling solutions for Public Safety Answering Points where 9-1-1 Call Takers work. This investment will help improve compatibility with emergency response partners who provide fire, ambulance and police services.

The Budget 2024 investment is another step the Department of Justice and Public Safety is taking towards implementing a Next Generation 9-1-1 service for Newfoundland and Labrador. Next Generation 9-1-1 will harness new technology to automatically display a caller’s location (home address or geographical coordinates) and the associated information, such as the caller’s phone number. Next Generation 9-1-1 will also allow for information to be transferred automatically to other capable dispatching centres, assisting in the coordination and dispatch of response.

While the Provincial Government reminds residents to call 9-1-1 for an emergency anywhere in the province, it should only be used for emergencies where immediate response is required for a threat to health, life or safety.

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“Oftentimes, 9-1-1 Call Takers are the first point of contact in an emergency. They are trained to provide us with a lifeline and ensure we get the help we need. This week is a great time to acknowledge their tireless efforts, and honour those who serve in this demanding profession. On behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, thank you for your commitment to emergency service and response in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable John Hogan, KC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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