News release

Proposals Requested for Maritime Radio Communications Initiative

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

The Maritime provinces are one step closer to implementing a shared radio communications system for emergency service providers and other users.

A request for proposals for the Maritime Radio Communications Initiative was publicly released through the Nova Scotia procurement website on Thursday, Aug. 12. Notices were simultaneously posted on the Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick procurement websites.

"This is an important step forward in making sure our first responders continue to have a reliable way to communicate with each other during emergencies," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Bill Estabrooks. "This new system will make life better for families in every region while giving us the added benefit of being able to communicate with partners in the other Maritime provinces."

The Maritime Radio Communications Initiative will deliver a shared radio system using a dedicated, public safety frequency. It will involve a private partner who will build, operate and maintain the system.

This radio system will be the first multi-jurisdictional radio communications system of its kind in Canada. It will be used primarily by police, fire and emergency medical service first responders in the region, but may also be accessed by provincial and federal public service, and non-government emergency support entities such as Red Cross and Ground Search and Rescue.

A preferred vendor is expected to be selected by mid-2011, with the project beginning soon after. The government of Canada will contribute up to $50 million through PPP Canada to support the Maritime Radio Communications Initiative.