This release was issued under a previous government.
Deputy Chief Kevin Galvin from the Investigative Support Bureau with Minister Greg Weadick
911 emergency call centres across the province will soon start receiving funds collected through a cellphone levy implemented earlier this year. The initial payments, totaling more than $2 million, will be put towards managing increased call volumes and upgrading resources and technology.
“911 is one of the most vital public safety services – one that Albertans rely on in some of their most critical times of need. This funding will go a long way to help cover the costs of sustaining our call centres, so we can remain focused on helping Albertans.”
The levy on cellphones was implemented April 1. Previously, only landline users contributed directly to the cost of 911 services. As the use of landlines continues to decline, and more Albertans rely on their cellphones, this funding provides 911 centres with the much-needed revenue to keep up with demand.
Alberta’s 911 call centres can use the funding from the levy towards:
- updating hardware, such as computers and phones;
- updating software;
- paying for staffing and training costs; and
- implementing “next generation” technology, like text and video messaging.
Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.