Swedish officials were in Halton yesterday (Aug. 29) to learn more about how Canada’s first-responders network operates.
The delegation met with members of the Public Safety Broadband Network Innovation Alliance (PIA) - a group that includes Halton Regional Police - to discuss its governance and operating models.
The PIA is a not-for-profit public safety organization that oversees Canada’s only dedicated first-responder wireless “network of networks.” In the digital age, Halton Police say ensuring that first responders have continuous access to broadband communications has emerged as an important public safety issue.
“These collaborative engagements with critical communication authorities are essential to create emergency services networks that our citizens rely on, “ said Maria Tilander, international cooperation officer from MSB, Rakel - the Swedish national digital communications system used by emergency services.
“Sharing knowledge and utilizing best practices from our international peers is valuable in achieving this goal.”
The PIA is working to ensure 911 access is strong despite technology divides between urban and rural Canadian communities.
Halton Regional Police chief Stephen Tanner said Canada’s Public Safety Broadband Network system will be the “critical technology framework” for 911 operations over the next 25 years.
“The Halton Police developed and deployed model ensures that first responders have access to ‘always-on’ critical data in the moments that matter - across natural disasters and during day-to-day 911 calls. This mission-critical technology will help save countless lives over the years ahead.”
The Swedish delegation included representatives from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency and the Swedish Police Authority.
The PIA’s members include the Halton and Peel Police Services, the Greater Toronto Airport Authority, transit agencies, utilities, university researchers, national and provincial public safety associations, and private sector members such as telecommunication companies and technology innovators.
Earlier this summer, the PIA won top honours for Best Collaborative Work at the International Critical Communications Awards in Vienna.
