The Quebec government is launching a pilot project to better respond to emergency calls in Nunavik
Québec, March 9, 2023 – The Minister Responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit, Mr. Ian Lafrenière, the Chairperson of the Kativik Regional Government, Ms. Hilda Snowball, and the Mayor of the City of Saint-Eustache, Mr. Pierre Charron, announced the implementation of a one-year pilot project for handling emergency calls from four Northern villages in Nunavik: Umiujaq, Kuujjuarapik, Inukjuak, and Puvirnituq.
The rollout of the pilot project, undertaken by the Ministère de la Sécurité publique, the Kativik Regional Government, and the City of Saint-Eustache, will provide the four targeted communities with rapid access to the quality services of an established 9‑1‑1 emergency centre that complies with current regulations.
This service, which will be provided from the 9‑1‑1 Emergency Centre in Saint‑Eustache, was made possible thanks to the installation of fibre optics linking the four Northern communities. The plan is that all the villages will gradually be served by this same telecommunications network. The pilot project will also provide statistics on the number of calls received and feedback from the Nunavik police and firefighting community on the project.
Quotes:
“Our government is proactive in improving the safety of the residents of Nunavik, and we are pleased to move forward, in collaboration with our partners, with this pilot project that will reduce response times to requests for assistance and improve the quality of the response in northern Quebec. The expertise of the Ministère de la Sécurité publique in emergency telecommunications, combined with that of the certified Emergency 9-1-1 Centre in Saint-Eustache, provides a concrete solution to a very real issue. I am confident that this initiative will improve the coordination of actions in emergency situations. ”
François Bonnardel, Minister of Public Security and Minister Responsible for the Estrie Region
“This announcement to roll out the pilot project is great news. It ensures a continuous emergency call service for these isolated villages. I would like to thank all the partners from the Ministère de la Sécurité publique, the Kativik Regional Government, and the City of Saint-Eustache for their work. In addition to improving services to the residents of Nunavik, this initiative will result in cost savings. ”
Ian Lafrenière, Minister Responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit
“Currently, it is not uncommon in Nunavik for some emergency calls to go unanswered due to a lack of available lines or because the service is not accessible due to a breakdown in telecommunication systems. As Saint-Eustache has both the proven technology and the expertise to respond quickly and adequately to emergency calls, the launch of this initiative will certainly help avoid such situations for the communities concerned, and hopefully lead to other solutions that will benefit all of Nunavik. ”
Pierre Charron, Mayor of Saint-Eustache
Highlights:
- Given the numerous logistical issues related to remoteness, such as the hiring of personnel and the considerable costs of technological equipment and its transportation to Nunavik, the Kativik Regional Government believes that a long-term partnership with the 9‑1‑1 Emergency Centre in Saint-Eustache would be the most viable solution for the handling of potential emergency calls from its 14 Northern villages.
- The pilot project is funded through a $900,000 grant from the Government Action Plan for the Social and Cultural Wellness of First Nations and Inuit 2022-2027 of the Secrétariat aux Relations avec les Premières Nations et les Inuit.
- Should fibre-optic communication fail due to equipment failure, emergency calls will be routed through the old analog phone system.
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| Source Roxanne Bourque Press Secretary Cabinet du ministre de la Sécurité publique 418-999-1326 | Information Media Relations Communications Division Ministère de la Sécurité publique 418-646-6777, extension 30274 relations.medias@msp.gouv.qc.ca |