Vancouver, BC – The Emergency Communications Professionals of BC (ECPBC), representing more than 700 of the province’s 9-1-1 operators, dispatchers, IT, and support specialists, says today’s announcement from the province is an important step forward – but does not go far enough to address the urgent operational pressures facing BC’s 9-1-1 system.
9-1-1 Operators and Dispatchers continue to face staffing shortages, long emergency wait times, and the absence of mandatory provincial service standards to ensure immediate access to emergency services. “We welcome the release of these reports and look forward to reviewing them and engaging with the provincial government,” said Donald Grant, President of ECPBC.
“Urgent action is needed now to implement mandatory 9-1-1 service standards and increase staffing levels to ensure calls are not waiting excessively long on 9-1-1 lines. In the past two months alone, emergency wait times have reached unacceptable levels – exceeding four minutes as recently as last week.”
“British Columbians expect the same level of access to 9-1-1 services no matter where they live or what time of day they need help,” Grant continued. “Yet there are still no provincial standards outlining response times, staffing requirements, or system performance. Mandatory 9-1-1 service standards exist in other jurisdictions – but not in B.C. That needs to change.”
ECPBC is calling on the province to take two immediate steps to ensure every British Columbian receives timely emergency assistance:
- Introduce mandatory provincial service standards that set clear expectations for how quickly 9-1-1 calls must be answered; and
- Increase staffing levels and resources to meet demand and reduce wait times.
“British Columbians deserve a 9-1-1 system that answers every call for help – immediately and reliably,” said Grant. “That requires real investment in frontline staff, not just structural adjustments. Our members are ready to be part of the solution, but the time for studies and reviews is over. It’s time for action.”
ECPBC remains committed to working collaboratively with the provincial government, E-Comm’s management, and other partners to build a sustainable, effective, and responsive 9-1-1 system. Urgent and immediate action needs to be taken by the provincial government to:
- Increase staffing levels to ensure no emergency call is left on hold
- A stable, long-term funding model to ensure reliable, sustainable service delivery
- Province-wide service standards guaranteeing immediate access to emergency services for all British Columbians
“We welcome the release of these reports and the opportunity to move forward,” Grant said. “Frontline emergency communications professionals are ready to help shape the next phase of 9-1-1 service in this province. With immediate action and strong collaboration, we can build a system that truly meets the needs of the people of British Columbia.”
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