Nova Scotia 9-1-1 Celebrates 10th Anniversary

On Saturday, July 7, Nova Scotia's emergency 9-1-1 service celebrates a decade of protecting individuals, families and communities.

Nova Scotia adopted a provincewide approach to 9-1-1 delivery in 1997, becoming the first province in Canada to do so. The move to a provincewide system replaced more than 600 emergency phone numbers across the province.

"On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I'd like to thank each and every 9-1-1 call-taker for their contribution," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "Their dedication to public safety makes Nova Scotia an even better place to live, work and raise our families."

"Since 1997, 9-1-1 has been a top-quality emergency telephone service that Nova Scotian's can rely on," said Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister of Emergency Management. "The use of 9-1-1 provides Nova Scotians with quick and easy access to emergency services that save lives, prevent injuries and protect property."

Calls to 9-1-1 are answered at communication centres in Kentville, Truro, Halifax and Sydney, where staff handle more than 170,000 calls a year.

"9-1-1 call-takers are the lifeline to police, fire and medical responders," said Mike Myette, director of Emergency Services. "Calls for help are handled efficiently and effectively because of their dedication and professionalism."

Nova Scotians support the 9-1-1 service by investing 43 cents a month. The amount is included on landline and cellular phone bills.

For more information on Nova Scotia's 9-1-1 emergency service, and practical tips on making 9-1-1 calls, visit the website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo .