A new 911 call centre in Saint-Eustache aims to transform emergency dispatch in Nunavik’s northern communities by 2029 with improved safety and language support.
New Centre Launches in Response to Urgent Need
A new emergency call centre based in Saint-Eustache, Quebec, is set to revolutionize how 911 calls are handled in Nunavik’s remote communities. Officially announced on Tuesday, the centre will initially serve five villages in the northern Quebec region and is designed to enhance response times and public safety.
Built on Lessons from Tragedy
The project is an expansion of a pilot launched in March 2023, which followed a 2013 incident where a police officer died in Kuujjuaq. An investigation into the death revealed serious flaws in emergency communication systems in Nunavik, prompting the need for structural change.
Funding and Collaboration Drive the Change
Quebec’s Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière announced the initiative alongside representatives from the Kativik Regional Government and the Nunavik Police Service. The provincial government is investing over $4 million in the new dispatch hub. The long-term goal is to serve all 14 Nunavik communities by 2029.
From Radios to Professional Dispatch
Previously, emergency calls in Nunavik were made using a 10-digit number that connected residents directly to on-duty police officers via radio—often during active interventions. Shaun Longstreet, deputy chief of the Nunavik Police Service, called the outdated approach “not acceptable in 2025.” The new system ensures calls are securely routed to trained dispatchers, improving both officer safety and response coordination.
Culturally Informed and Language-Ready Dispatch
Dispatchers at the Saint-Eustache centre have received training to understand Nunavik’s cultural and linguistic needs. Many have visited the communities they now serve. While most calls are in English, resources including language charts and translation services are available for Inuktitut speakers. The team is actively working to recruit Inuktitut-speaking staff to improve accessibility.
Broader Impacts and Future Outlook
Lafrenière noted that other Indigenous regions, such as Iqaluit and Cree communities, were considered for similar projects but lacked capacity. The success of the Nunavik model could pave the way for future partnerships. With an enthusiastic and specially trained dispatch team, the Saint-Eustache call centre marks a significant step in delivering equitable emergency services across northern Quebec.
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