Next-generation 9-1-1 service not coming to Nunavut any time soon

Nunavut will not establish 9-1-1 service in the near future, much less next-generation 9-1-1 service (NG9-1-1), says Community Services Minister David Akeeagok.

He was responding to a question in the legislative assembly May 23 from Iqaluit-Manirajak MLA Adam Arreak Lightstone.

“Our department continues to work towards getting 9-1-1 for Nunavut,” Akeeagok said. “This would be managed by Northwestel.”

Northwestel is ready, said Matthew Bossons, manager of internal communications at the telecom company.

“Northwestel welcomes the opportunity to work with our partners in Nunavut on a 9-1-1 solution,” Bossons said in an email to Nunatsiaq News.

“We are ready to collaborate on this important next phase for emergency services in Nunavut.”

Lightstone said his question was inspired by a directive issued by the Canada Radio-television and Telecommunications Agency (CRTC) calling on telecom providers across the country to make their systems compliant with the NG9-1-1 service that features text and video capacity.

The deadline for this upgrade is March 31, 2027.

“Telecom providers have since made the necessary upgrades and are prepared to move to NG9-1-1,” said Mirabella Salem, CRTC spokesperson.

However, the necessary infrastructure, such as a call centre with staff to field the 9-1-1 calls, remains the territory’s responsibility.

“At this time, we don’t have that capability,” Akeeagok said. “Once you launch [9-1-1] you will need to have all official languages ready and also the infrastructure that is needed in order to run the 9-1-1.”

Currently in Iqaluit there are four different phone numbers to reach bylaw, fire, ambulance or police services.

It’s unclear how many jurisdictions across Canada have implemented NG9-1-1. The CRTC is planning to track progress with the first report expected by the end of May.