Telecom - Staff Letter addressed to the Distribution List

Ottawa, 19 January 2024

Our Reference: 8000-C12-202306407

BY EMAIL

Distribution List

Subject: Canadians’ access to 9-1-1 services in both official languages

The CRTC is very concerned with Canadians’ ability to access critical 9-1-1 services in the official language of their choice. As telecommunications service providers, your customers expect you to ensure access to these services. 

The CRTC’s mandate is to regulate the telecommunications industry.  As part of this mandate, the CRTC is actively investigating recent incidents where Canadians have reported being unable to obtain emergency service in the official language of their choice.  Situations like these can cause delay when help is urgently needed, and can have serious consequences for public safety.

All telecommunications service providers need to review their contracts with emergency third-party call centres without delay.

Yours sincerely,

Original signed by

Leila Wright
Executive Director, Telecommunications Sector
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

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