Vancouver/CMEDIA: The province of British Columbia (BC) has reportedly identified financial control improvements for E-Comm 911’s governance structure, operational efficiencies to ensure the emergency-dispatch service remains financially sustainable for local governments.
“The B.C. government commissioned a review of E-Comm’s operational and cost-management functions in response to concerns of local governments about unsustainable levy increases for E-Comm 911 services…to how E-Comm can implement financial, operational and governance controls to ensure transparency…anytime, anywhere in the province. It is my expectation that E-Comm will implement the recommendations in the review, to ensure that emergency services are financially sustainable for years to come,” said Nina Krieger, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “
Announced by the Province in Dec 2024, the review was conducted by EY and produced two reports, one focusing on improving operational and financial controls at E-Comm, and the otheron possible roles for the Province, including maintaining the status quo of no provincial oversight.
Examining how E-Comm 911 functions, with particular attention to its governance, financial-management and operational-efficiency structures, the first report, Independent Review of E-Comm (E-Comm Report) contains 25 recommendations for E-Comm and one recommendation for the Province.
“We accept the findings of the review, and are committed to work with the Province and our local government partners to act on the recommendations as quickly as possible,” said Nancy Kotani, board chair, E-Comm. “The board and executive team recognize the urgency of the improvements required, particularly in our governance and financial management, and the need to rebuild the trust of our local government and agency partners.”
Identifying budgeting shortcomings at E-Comm, the report included the need for better financial controls and aligned strategic priorities within a budget setting, to provide more transparent and predictable fee increases for local governments.
Recommendations in the report include establishing a contingency fund to smooth E-Comm’s unexpected expenses and mitigate impacts on levies during unanticipated events.
It also identifies the need of a stakeholder management framework to build stakeholder satisfaction and trust, and recommends a review of the E-Comm Board structure to support effective governance of an increasingly complex organization that offers provincewide services.
Also recommended in the report is clear identification of Province’s role within emergency communications and to provide clarity in roles and responsibilities.
Building on the findings of the E-Comm report, the second EY report provides advice about four potential service-delivery models that could be considered for emergency dispatch services to the BC government about
While implementing its recommendations, the Province is committed to monitoring E-Comm’s progress.
Subject to review of the recommendations and the options outlined in the EY reports the province would prioritize E-Comm to strengthen its financial and operational efficiencies, as well as governance practices for a clear picture of the true cost of service and to help ensure that costs to local governments remain sustainable.
