Vancouver, BC – Next week will mark 9-1-1 Awareness Week in British Columbia and Emergency Communications Professionals of BC will be saluting 9-1-1 operators emergency service dispatchers, technology specialists and support staff – who are the unsung heroes that save lives each day.
However, the union is also encouraging the timely review of emergency communications services to address very significant systemic challenges that impact day-to-day working conditions of those being acknowledged for their dedicated service.
Emergency Communications Professionals of BC represent more than seven hundred operators, dispatchers, and support staff at E-Comm. They answer over two million 9-1-1 calls each year and members work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year – ready to handle whatever emergency may come in on the phone line.
The union representing front-line staff has long advocated for a review to address system issues that include chronic underfunding and understaffing, all of which has impacted workload, stress, and burnout.
Five months ago, the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced an independent study and investigation into the governance, financial and operational effectiveness of E-Comm and 9-1-1 provision in BC. The review was prompted by consistent and ongoing concerns raised by stakeholders, including BC’s first response agencies, their boards, local governments, and the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM).
A successful provider has been selected, and the process is now officially underway, and that is a reason for optimism, says Donald Grant, Emergency Communications Professionals of BC President.
“Next week, we will see broad public appreciation for the unsung heroes who are the backbone of our 9-1-1 system. And while the gratitude is very much deserved, what we truly want to see is the review process move forward in a timely manner to address the serious issues impacting those we are honouring. We very much support the province taking such a significant step. The sooner we are able to move this process forward, the quicker we can get on with the work required to get the 9-1-1 system to a point at which it is reliable, responsive and meets the needs of British Columbians in a manner that they need and deserve.”
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