Budget Backgrounder: Emergency Services in Nova Scotia

NOVA SCOTIA EMERGENCY RADIO SYSTEM

Nova Scotia's 1999-2000 budget commits $5.5 million to the development of a new public safety radio network. This investment by the Technology and Science Secretariat demonstrates continued commitment on the part of government to support the delivery of emergency services in Nova Scotia.

The new radio service will take the province into the new millennium with a digital mobile radio communications system for the RCMP and public safety groups such as the Department of Health's Emergency Health Services, volunteer fire departments, and the Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue. The network will build on Nova Scotia's strength in emergency response, replacing the existing 20-year-old integrated mobile radio system.

"For the first time, emergency agencies will be able to seamlessly communicate with each other," said Premier Russell MacLellan. "The new system provides emergency response personnel with world-class communications tools, enabling them to respond faster, and more effectively.

"Nova Scotia has one of the best emergency response capabilities in the world. We want to build on these strengths and provide our professionals with the communications tools they require. The safety of Nova Scotians is too important to do anything less."

COMPLIMENTARY VEHICLE REGISTRATION FOR VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS

This vehicle registration initiative recognizes the volunteer firefighters in Nova Scotia communities who play important roles in maintaining firefighting services. It is available to any volunteer firefighter who has served for the past six months and is expected to continue their involvement with the volunteer fire department in their area.

Beginning July 1, 1999, volunteer firefighters renewing licence plates will receive the benefit of one free registration every two years. The usual paperwork confirming they are volunteer firefighters will be required. Those with second vehicles may retain the old FF plates for the second vehicle at their own expense. Those who renewed licence plates before the July 1 start date will not be reimbursed.

VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY MEASURES ORGANIZATIONS

Retroactive to April 1, 1999, provincial voluntary Emergency Measures Organizations will qualify for the same tax treatment afforded volunteer fire departments when it comes to the purchase of new vehicles for their operations. Like volunteer fire departments, the EMOs will be eligible for a rebate of the provincial portion of the HST.