A push to improve 911 service in Ontario is now before a legislative committee at Queen’s Park.
A private member’s bill from the NDP’s Frances Gelinas was given second reading last week.
Gelinas says her inbox is full of tragic stories related to the current system.
“They come from all over the province, from low communities, and local services board, to health care groups, to seniors, to industry, to 911 operators,” says Gelinas.
Gelinas’ bill proposes to do away with any 1-800 numbers to call emergency personnel.
She also wants recommendations from recent Ontario’s Coroner’s inquest incorporated.
Two of those inquests involved the deaths of people with asthma who had difficulty communicating with the 911 operator.
President of Asthma Canada Vanessa Foran supports Gelinas’ desire for improvements.
“We believe the suggested changes to Ontario’s 911 services will improve health outcomes for all Ontarians who can’t communicate during an emergency call due to breathing difficulties, or due to any other reason,” says Foran.
The proposal bill, if approved, would also give the Ombudsman the power to investigate complaints.
