Celebrating 20 Years of 911 Service

On July 7, 1997, Nova Scotia launched the first provincewide 911 service in Canada.

Since then, the province has continued to build a state-of-the art 911 system that links callers to fire, police, ambulance, and poison information within seconds.

“Our province is justifiably proud of its 911 system, which has helped protect Nova Scotians and their property by connecting callers to emergency services,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs Derek Mombourquette. “We are working to ensure Nova Scotia’s 911 system remains strong with the latest available technology.”

The Emergency Management Office, which manages the 911 service, is completing an update of its technology, which is done every five years.

“I want to thank 911 call takers who provide a vital link to help when it’s needed,” said Mr. Mombourquette. “It is challenging work and we appreciate their dedication.”

One-hundred and seventy call takers at four locations answer about 220,000 calls each year.

Interpretation services are available in more than 170 languages, and texting and TTY services are in place for people with hearing or speech impairments.