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SPSA takes first step toward new 9-1-1 services

Aug. 6, 2024, Prince Albert, Sask. – The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) and SaskTel have laid the groundwork for the next generation of 9-1-1 services. Saskatchewan is one of the first provinces to transition all primary 9-1-1 communication centers to the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) environment in compliance with the new federal mandate.

“This is the first step of a multi-year, multimillion-dollar project that will pave the way for deploying new technology and modernizing the province’s emergency response system,” Minister of Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Paul Merriman said. “This project will dramatically enhance public safety in Saskatchewan.”

Once the project is complete, Saskatchewan’s Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) will offer multiple ways for the public to communicate with 9-1-1. These enhanced features will provide emergency services with more informed and safer responses.

“The implementation of NG9-1-1 technology represents an important leap forward for Saskatchewan’s emergency communication systems,” said Dustin Duncan, Minister Responsible for SaskTel. “By leveraging advanced digital technologies, we can ensure that every call for help is met with the quickest and most effective response possible.”

This new technology is the foundation to enable PSAPs to expand their capabilities in the coming years. In the future, the public will be able to share text messages, video and photos through the 9-1-1 system. These capabilities are not available until future years.

Funding for the project is being provided through the 9-1-1 service fee.

The SPSA and SaskTel will continue to work with secondary PSAPs in the province to ensure their technology is upgraded by the end of March 2025.