Nickel Belt MPP reintroduces bill to ensure all Ontarians have access to 911
It may come as a surprise to some, but not everyone in Ontario has access to 911 services.
That's a fact that Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas is hoping to change after reintroducing her bill entitled 'An Act to Enact 911 for Everyone.'
The bill was tabled Wednesday and if passed, has two goals. It's looking to do away with the 1-800 numbers that currently exist in the event of an emergency and change that to 911. It also gives the ombudsman the responsibility to investigate complaints with the system.
"What we're asking is simple," Gélinas said in a Zoom news conference Thursday. "It doesn't cost much money, the technology exists but the provincial government needs to get involved so that everyone, no matter where you are in Ontario, has access to 911.
"This has been done in most other provinces, it's time for Ontario to step up to the plate," she added.
Speaking alongside her was a Sudbury woman who knows all too well the perils of not being able to reach 911.
Husband had heart attack
Helena Shepherd-Snider had trouble reaching 911 a few years ago at their home on Tower Bay Road after her husband had a heart attack.
"I called 911 and a message came over my phone that said 'you do not have 911 service, call the operator,'" Shepherd-Snider said.
"I called the operator and after a long wait and several options, she came on the line and I asked her to connect me to 911. She told me that I should call 911 because they would want to know my location."
She then had to explain the situation to the operator, which took a longer time than normal and delayed the ambulance's arrival.
"Tower Bay Road, less than 20 minutes from a fire station, was not on their grid," Shepherd-Snider said.
She said they've devoted countless hours to the issue over the last three years, which has caused her family undue stress.
"It's a very, very terrible, panicky feeling and then you live with the fear after you know this has taken place and you know you don't have the 911 service," she said. "My husband and I are in our 80s and we had to sell our home on Tower Bay Road last year and one of the reasons was that we did not have 911 service."
The couple has since moved into the city.
Gélinas says stories like this are all too common. She's hoping the ombudsman will assume the responsibility of investigating complaints.
"There are several people who also call 911 to find service in French doesn't exist and they have to speak in English," she said in French.
Every moment matters
The NDP health critic says every moment matters in the event of an emergency and language barriers shouldn't be a factor for Franco-Ontarians.
Finally the bill also reiterates recommendations made by the Coroner following a fatal on Lake Wahnapitae in 2013.
"By supporting this bill, we can take action to promise our system so that these tragedies are not in vain," said Gelinas. "This law will also help people regain confidence in this critical service."
CTV News reached out to the Solicitor General's office for comment on the bill and we received this statement:
"We are working to support the 911 sector to transition to an upgraded Next Generation 911 system.
"Significant technology, infrastructure and broadband connection improvements will be required to operate a robust Next Gen 911 system. Most municipalities and areas within Ontario have access to 911 services; covering the majority of the province’s population. However, we know there are currently areas of Ontario without access to 911 emergency communication services, including some northern, rural, remote communities, unincorporated areas, and First Nation communities. Where 911 services are unavailable, people should continue to call the appropriate local 10-digit number for emergency situations.
"We are continuing to make progress on the important work of ensuring that Ontario has a modern emergency communications system that enables quick and effective responses to emergency situations. This includes investments to replace aging and long-neglected infrastructure, as well as working with sector partners to improve our understanding of areas currently without 911 services as Canada prepares to move to the Next Gen 911 platform by March 2025."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.