Text with 911 (T911) service is now available in Newfoundland and Labrador and provides improved access to emergency services. During an emergency, T911 assists 911 Call Takers in communicating quickly and clearly with persons who are Deaf, late deafened, hard of hearing and others who may benefit by using wireless text messaging.

The Honourable Graham Letto, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, formally launched the new system today at the Alt Hotel in St. John’s. Minister Letto was joined by the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities; Kerry Power, Executive Director of NL911; and members of the community who will benefit from the new service.

To avail of this life-saving service, T911 users must register their mobile phone with their service provider. To register, users can visit www.textwith911.ca or visit their cellular service provider’s website. The public is encouraged to contact their cellular service provider to verify that their phone is compatible with T911.

NL911 is a not-for-profit corporation established through the Emergency 911 Act. NL911’s mandate is to establish, implement, and operate a province-wide emergency 911 telephone service. NL911’s vision is to improve public safety by providing and developing 911 systems that will enhance emergency response services for the province.

Quotes

“Today, Newfoundland and Labrador joins other provinces and territories across Canada to now provide Text with 911 services. Residents will benefit greatly, not just improved public safety and enhanced emergency services, but also from the peace of mind that comes from knowing that they and their families are connected to those services. Our government recognized that there is a need for more accessibility to 911 services, and we are pleased that it is now a reality.”

Honourable Graham Letto

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment

“Our government is committed to ensuring Newfoundland and Labrador is an inclusive province where all individuals have access and choices about participating in all aspects of life. This includes everybody having access to 911 for emergencies and with the new text 911 service we will hopefully be able to reduce some of the stress and undue hardship a person who is Deaf, late-deafened or hard of hearing faces during an emergency situation. It is essential that we all continue to work together to remove barriers to inclusion for citizens.”

Honourable Lisa Dempster

Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities

“We’re delighted to launch this service today. This is an important step in ensuring that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have access to help in an emergency, and was made possible with assistance from our many community partners and associations.”

Kerry Power

Executive Director

NL911

“Having a hearing or speech impairment or being deaf should not preclude an individual from accessing a vital emergency service such as 911. The implementation of T911 provides the enhancement needed to ensure individuals with these types of disabilities have equitable access to a potentially life-saving service.”

Marie Ryan

Chair, Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities

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Learn more

To register: www.textwith911.ca

NL911 Text with 911

Media contacts

Lynn Robinson

Municipal Affairs and Environment

709-729-5449, 691-9466

lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca

Gina MacArthur

Children, Seniors and Social Development

709-729-3768, 730-2977

GinaMacArthur@gov.nl.ca

Kerry Power

NL911

709-758-0061

kerrypower@NL911.ca

Marie Ryan

Provincial Advisory Council for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities

709-725-0701

mryan@ggi.nf.ca