Province Invests in New Trunked Mobile Radios for Volunteer Public Safety Organizations

Almost 2,000 more new trunked mobile radios will be provided to volunteer emergency responders by the fall of 2024, improving their ability to communicate as they help Nova Scotians in times of need.

The new equipment will go to more than 300 volunteer fire departments, ground search and rescue teams and other organizations. The radios will be encrypted, which addresses a recommendation from the Mass Casualty Commission Final Report that all emergency response agencies should have access to encrypted radios.

“Our volunteer first responders have a crucial role across the province, keeping Nova Scotians safe during emergencies,” said Service Nova Scotia Minister Colton LeBlanc, who is a paramedic and former volunteer firefighter. “The value of their work can’t be overstated. They need a robust and reliable two-way radio system to do their job. I’m pleased we can help support the invaluable work they’re doing to protect our friends, neighbours and loved ones.”

The Province’s investment in the new radios is about $7.5 million.

Quotes:

“This will be a significant improvement in our ability to communicate by radio during emergencies. We're grateful for the Province's support in helping us keep Nova Scotians safe.”

– Steven Jacquard, Chief, Wedgeport & District Fire Department

“Having the right equipment is essential for our ground search and rescue teams to be able to do their job. This investment will make a huge difference for our teams across the province.”

– Sherry Veinot, President, Nova Scotia Ground Search and Rescue Association

“We are very pleased to hear of the investment that is being announced today by the Province of Nova Scotia. This investment will further assist the fire service in fulfilling our communication needs and enhancing our radio interoperability across our province.”

– Greg Jones, President, Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

• there are about 6,000 volunteer firefighters and 1,200 ground search and rescue volunteers in Nova Scotia
• the Province also supports emergency first responders through its Emergency Services Provider Fund, which offers grants to fire departments, ground search and rescue organizations and hazardous materials teams
• legislation to recognize May 1 as First Responders Day in Nova Scotia was passed by the House of Assembly this fall
• volunteer first responders and their families now have access to the Nova Scotia Firefighter and Ground Search and Rescue Volunteer Assistance program, which offers personal and family counselling, stress management, nutrition support and more
• the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission recommended that “All emergency response agencies in Nova Scotia should be given access to encrypted radios while responding to a critical incident.” (Recommendation P.16 (b))

Additional Resources:

More information on the Emergency Services Provider Fund is available at: https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/emergency-services-provider-fund

News release – New Mental Health Supports for Volunteer Firefighters, Ground Search and Rescue: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20231109003

Turning the Tide Together – Final report of the Mass Casualty Commission, Volume 5, Policing: https://masscasualtycommission.ca/files/documents/Turning-the-Tide-Together-Volume-5-Policing.pdf