News release

Amendments to the Emergency 911 Act

Emergency Management Office
Municipal Affairs (April 2014 - May 2019)

Changes to the Emergency 911 Act, introduced today, March 5, will help make more services available to Nova Scotians during emergencies and severe weather events. This may include providing comfort centres with satellite phones or helping provide enhanced cell phone charging services for citizens during prolonged weather events or emergencies.

The changes will also expand the mandate of the E911 Cost Recovery Fund to further complement the 911 service.

“First and foremost, this fund will continue to support our 911 service and ensure the system responds to Nova Scotians during emergencies,” said Chuck Porter, Minister responsible for the Emergency Management Office which manages the fund. “In addition, we will work with our municipal partners to identify ways to strengthen emergency preparedness activities.”

Most provinces in Canada charge telephone subscribers a small monthly fee to maintain and enhance 911 systems. Nova Scotia began charging a 43 cents per month fee in 2001 to cover the cost of operating the system. The money is disbursed through the E911 Cost Recovery Fund and does not go into the provincial government’s general revenues.

The Emergency Management Office will work with municipalities to identify opportunities to better meet the needs of Nova Scotians during emergencies and severe weather events and help increase the resiliency of communities during such events.