Telecom - Commission Letter addressed to Distribution List

Ottawa, 5 December 2022

Our reference: 1011-NOC2021-0191

BY EMAIL

Distribution List

Subject: Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2022-234, Introduction of 9-8-8 as the three-digit abbreviated dialing code for mental health crisis and suicide prevention services and Northwestel Inc.’s application for modified implementation of ten-digit local dialing – Termination point of calls made to 9-8-8

In Telecom Regulatory Policy 2022-234 (TRP 2022-234),Footnote1 the Commission determined that it would be appropriate to introduce a three-digit code for mental health crisis and suicide prevention services, and that 9-8-8 is to be introduced as the three-digit code to provide access to these services.

As part of TRP 2022-234, the Commission noted that the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the government agency responsible for overseeing the governance of Talk Suicide Canada, would provide it with information regarding the termination point for calls made to the proposed three-digit code as soon as it is available. The Commission therefore determined that calls to 9-8-8 are to be routed to the termination point (1-8XX number) determined by PHAC at a later date, once it has made such a determination.

The Commission also directed telecommunication service providers (TSPs) to  

On 5 December 2022, the Commission received a letter from PHAC, in which it provided its recommendation as to which 1-8XX number calls to 9-8-8 should be routed. PHAC indicated that given the infrastructure in place for Talk Suicide Canada, calls to 9-8-8 are to be routed to the existing national phone number, 1-833-456-4566. A copy of this letter is attached.

In light of this, Commission staff confirms that the termination point (1-8XX number) of calls made to 9-8-8 shall be 1-833-456-4566. Staff also reminds TSPs that, in accordance with the Commission determinations in TRP 2022-234 outlined above, they must implement any necessary changes required for the implementation of the three-digit code by 30 November 2023, and that they must launch the three-digit code on 30 November 2023.

Yours sincerely,

Original signed by

Lisanne Legros
Director, Telecommunications Network Policy
Telecommunications Sector

Distribution list:

Parties to the proceeding that led to TRP 2022-234
TSPs

Attach.: Letter from PHAC

Date modified: