CUPE 8911 Looks Forward to E-Comm 9-1-1 Review Participation

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 8911 (CUPE 8911), strongly supports the British Columbia government's decision to conduct a thorough review of E-Comm, the organization responsible for emergency communication services across the province. As the union representing over seven hundred 9-1-1 operators, dispatchers, and support personnel at E-Comm, we are eager to share our valuable insights and experiences from the frontline.

CUPE 8911 President, Donald Grant, expressed the significance of this review, stating, "Communities across B.C. have voiced serious concerns related to local emergency services. Our members, who are at the forefront of answering 9-1-1 calls throughout the province, have firsthand knowledge of these concerns and are prepared to address them during the review process." He further elaborated, "We have been sounding alarms regarding the challenges that confront our 9-1-1 response system, and we are looking forward to being given the opportunity to provide our expertise in a constructive and impactful manner."

Grant also highlighted that problems extend beyond service efficiency and response times. He noted, "There are notable governance issues at E-Comm that result in a lack of accountability and transparency to the very communities it serves." CUPE 8911's concerns resonate with those expressed by local governments across B.C., who have similarly raised alarms about service levels, staffing shortages, and operational efficiency.

Grant emphasized the importance of a reliable emergency response system, stating, "Families in B.C. should always have access to dependable emergency services when they need them. This is only possible with a well-resourced and staffed 9-1-1 system in place." He is optimistic that the review will lead to the establishment of a fully public 9-1-1 service that benefits British Columbians and supports the dedicated operators involved in this crucial work.

About CUPE 8911, Emergency Communications Professionals of BC:

CUPE 8911 represents over seven hundred professionals, including 9-1-1 operators, call takers, dispatchers, IT staff, and support roles employed by E-Comm. With operations in Vancouver, Burnaby, and Saanich, CUPE 8911 members are responsible for answering 99% of the province’s initial 9-1-1 calls, triaging emergencies, and coordinating responses for numerous police and fire departments across British Columbia.

emergency, review, services