FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20 APRIL 2011

POLICE BOARDS SUPPORT PUBLIC SAFETY AGENCIES CALL FOR UNITED ACTION ON BROADBAND SPECTRUM

OTTAWA – The Canadian Association of Police Boards (CAPB) applauds the commitment by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) and the Emergency Medical Services Chiefs of Canada (EMSCC) to make it a priority to secure 20 MHz of the 700 MHz broadband spectrum for the sole use of public safety agencies in Canada. 

Yesterday at the end of a two-day meeting in Montreal on Emergency Services Management in Canada, the leadership of the national bodies representing police services, fire chiefs and emergency medical services issued the following statement:

"Public safety needs a dedicated laneway on the information highway to protect our members and the Canadian public during large scale events, emergencies and to respond to day-to-day needs," say the Co-Chairs of the Tri-Service Special Purpose Committee on 700 MHz for Mission Critical Public Safety Data. "As the frequency, intensity and complexity of incidents continues to increase, Canadian public safety agencies have an ever increasing need to access critical data and video networks in order to facilitate more effective responses and in order to protect and save lives. The emerging tools to assist responders require significantly more spectrum than presently available."

The Committee says the utilization of the 700 MHz broadband spectrum is now with Industry Canada which has indicated it will make a final determination by August 2011. The spectrum is highly valued because of its finite availability and properties which allows for easier penetration of signals in densely populated areas.

"This is a valuable and valued spectrum," says the Committee. "It's imperative that public safety agencies have a dedicated portion for its use; otherwise during emergencies we could be competing with users downloading movies or playing video games while we attempt to secure the safety of our members and the Canadian public."

The Committee points out that the United States government has already confirmed its intention to dedicate 20 MHz for use by its public safety agencies. A similar move by the Canadian government would allow for interoperability along Canada's border.

"It is recognized that this issue comes up during a federal election," says the Committee. "We also acknowledge that at least one of the major political parties has indicated at a very high level that it would undertake this action, promising to 'set aside spectrum for emergency responders.' However, to us, this is not an election or partisan issue. Rather, it is an issue of vital importance to all Canadians and we urge all parties to support this key plank in Canada's information infrastructure."

“ Setting aside 20 MHz for use by public safety agencies is the right thing for the Canadian government to do,” says Ivan Court, President of the Canadian Association of Police Boards and Mayor of Saint John, New Brunswick.

“All levels of government need to consult with national police agencies and private sector partners to build the ‘infrastructure’ for this new digital highway, and take immediate and meaningful steps to ensure the safety of our communities and public safety providers. This is the most cost-efficient, effective and timely method of developing the full capabilities of the system”

Mayor Court emphasized that; “This is a critical link for public safety and security stakeholder communities across Canada and along the Canada-U.S. border. Our communities deserve nothing less.”

In addition to the Canadian Association of Police Boards (CAPB), the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has also made this a priority.

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For further information, media representatives may contact action700broadband@gmail.com.

CAPB Contact:           Jennifer Lanzon, Executive Director, Canadian Association of Police Boards | 613-235-2272| jlanzon@capb.ca| www.capb.ca