Bill 107 explained in plain English

This bill establishes the 9-1-1 Everywhere in Ontario Act, 2023, which requires the Solicitor General to ensure 9-1-1 infrastructure and services are available across Ontario, sets standards for 9-1-1 call centres, and creates an Assistant Ombudsman position to oversee 9-1-1 operations.

Bill 107 creates two main changes to Ontario law: **The 9-1-1 Everywhere in Ontario Act, 2023:** This new law requires the Solicitor General (or another cabinet member assigned to manage it) to ensure that anyone in Ontario can reach 9-1-1 services by phone. Specifically, the Solicitor General must: - Ensure 9-1-1 infrastructure allows any caller in Ontario to reach either a 9-1-1 call centre or the local police service - Set up computer systems by December 2023 that allow 9-1-1 centres, police, ambulance, and fire services to share information immediately and work together - Enable 9-1-1 call takers to get updated location information from cell phone providers - Allow emergency responders to access 9-1-1 dispatch information on their mobile devices - Identify water rescue resources (boats, personnel, launch points) in all municipalities and share this information with 9-1-1 staff - Establish a radio channel that police, ambulance, fire services, and the Ministry of Health can use together during emergencies The law also requires 9-1-1 call centres (whether run by municipalities, police services, or others) to: - Hire enough staff so supervisors focus on supervision, not answering calls - Train 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers with industry-recognized certificates - Train supervisors on the computer systems they oversee - Provide mental health support to staff - Use the compatible computer system by January 1, 2024 - Have policies covering: how to help callers who cannot speak, when responders can talk directly to callers, how to handle medical responses, who is accountable for dispatch delays, when staff must consult supervisors, how to identify important information during radio calls, and mandatory internal reviews when deaths occur related to 9-1-1 services **Changes to the Ombudsman Act:** The bill amends the Ombudsman Act to create a new position: an Assistant Ombudsman responsible for 9-1-1 oversight. This person will: - Help investigate complaints about 9-1-1 services - Share investigation information with family members of individuals who died in situations related to 9-1-1 services - Run public awareness campaigns about what 9-1-1 is for and how to reach police for non-emergency calls - Study ways to reduce wrong or accidental 9-1-1 calls - Write a public report each year by April 1st about their activities