Bill 41 explained in plain English

Bill 41 creates the 9-1-1 Everywhere in Ontario Act, 2025, which requires the Solicitor General to ensure all Ontarians can access 9-1-1 services through reliable infrastructure and compatible systems, and establishes an Assistant Ombudsman to oversee 9-1-1 operations.

Bill 41 is a private members' bill that would create two main changes to Ontario law: **First, it creates the 9-1-1 Everywhere in Ontario Act, 2025.** This act would place legal duties on the Solicitor General (or another cabinet minister assigned to oversee it) to ensure that: - Everyone across Ontario who calls 9-1-1 can reach either a 9-1-1 call centre or their local police service - 9-1-1 call centres, police, ambulance, and fire services use compatible computer-aided dispatch systems (by December 2026) that let them share information quickly and identify caller locations - 9-1-1 call centre staff can get location information from cell phone providers - Emergency responders in vehicles can receive dispatch information in real-time - All municipalities identify water rescue resources (boats, launch points, trained personnel) and share this information with 9-1-1 operators - An interoperable radio channel is set up so the Ministry of Health, police, ambulance, and fire services can communicate during multi-agency emergency responses The act also sets responsibilities for any organization that operates a 9-1-1 call centre. These operators must: - Hire enough staff so supervisors focus on management, not taking calls - Make sure 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers are trained and certified (if required) - Train supervisors on the computer systems and ensure supervisors can talk to each other - Provide mental health and trauma support for staff - Use the compatible dispatch system by January 1, 2027 - Create a detailed policy on topics like: how callers who cannot speak can communicate, when emergency responders can talk directly to callers, when medical tiered response is used, who is responsible for dispatch delays, when staff must consult supervisors, how to identify critical information in radio calls, and mandatory reviews when 9-1-1 was involved in someone's death **Second, it amends the Ombudsman Act** to create an Assistant Ombudsman focused on 9-1-1 operations. This person would: - Help the Ombudsman investigate complaints about how 9-1-1 services were provided - Inform close relatives of a deceased person about investigations into their death that involved 9-1-1 - Run public awareness campaigns explaining what 9-1-1 is for and how to reach police for non-emergencies - Study ways to reduce inappropriate or accidental 9-1-1 calls - Publish an annual public report each April about their activities The bill comes into force when it receives Royal Assent (the Governor General's formal approval).