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By Liam Verster

Financial, Operational Review

E-Comm and 911 services in B.C. to undergo independent review

Dec 5, 2024 | 2:00 PM

The 911 and Emergency Communications for British Columbia Incorporated (E-Comm) services will be subject to an independent review.

The review will examine the financial, governance and operations of E-Comm, the non-profit organization that maintains emergency radio services for police, fire and ambulance services.

“You can never predict when you’ll need emergency help, but if it happens, we need to ensure a dependable, reliable and accessible 911 system is there,” Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, said.

“We are launching an independent review to understand the reasons behind ongoing cost increases, and to ensure these services remain effective and sustainable for years to come.”

The review was initiated after concerns were raised by a number of agencies including the Union of B.C. Municipalities, the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police, the municipal police boards and emergency services about E-Comm’s lack of operational and financial transparency, performance, and escalating costs.

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The study will asses E-Comm’s financial sustainability, operational efficiency and governance structure, then provide recommendations for the future of B.C.’s 911 services.

The review will also provide recommendations for changes that may be needed to ensure sustainable funding and operation for 911 and dispatch delivery.

The province noted access to 911 services would not be interrupted during the independent review, nor would it disrupt the next-generation 911 implementation process.

The review will be done through authority granted under the Police Act and initiated by the director of police services through a request for proposal process.