Government of Yukon

07/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/28/2026 17:52

The Yukon celebrates 10 years of 911 service in rural communities

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The Government of Yukon is marking 10 years since basic 911 service was expanded to rural communities across the territory, improving access to emergency help for Yukoners and visitors.

On July 28, 2016, 911 service became available across the Yukon from landlines and from mobile phones where cellular service is available. The service connects callers with emergency response services, including police, fire and emergency medical services, through the RCMP-managed Public Safety Answering Point in Whitehorse.

The 10-year milestone recognizes the collaboration of emergency response partners, including Yukon Emergency Medical Services, the RCMP, municipal and volunteer fire departments, community nursing stations, dispatch personnel and others who help Yukoners access emergency support when they need it.

This anniversary also acknowledges the ongoing work of emergency responders across the Yukon.

Ten years ago today, I was pleased to announce the launch of rural 911 service on behalf of the Yukon government. For the past decade, Yukon-wide 911 service has helped Yukoners and visitors. I want to thank emergency responders, dispatchers and partner organizations who have helped deliver and sustain this service across Yukon communities.

Minister of Health and Social Services Brad Cathers

The expansion of 911 service to communities across the Yukon was an important step in strengthening public safety and ensuring Yukoners can quickly connect with emergency responders when they need help. Whether responding to an emergency in Whitehorse or in a remote community, first responders, dispatchers, volunteers and partners work tirelessly to make our communities safe. In celebrating the 10-year anniversary, we acknowledge the dedication, bravery and hard work of first responders and all those involved in providing this important service.

Minister of Justice Laura Lang

Before 911 arrived in the Yukon, getting help in an emergency meant remembering several seven-digit phone numbers for the various responders in each community. Now, help is only three simple numbers away. Mussi cho to everyone who has played a role in making 911 a reality in the territory and quickly and reliably connecting people to the help they need.

Minister of Community Services Cory Bellmore

The Yukon RCMP are proud to serve as the territory's Public Safety Answering Point - PSAP - providing the critical first point of contact that helps ensure 911 emergency calls are routed quickly and accurately. Every day, Yukon RCMP officers and our first responder colleagues rely on the 911 system to connect people with help when they need it most. Behind every call is a coordinated effort involving dispatchers, emergency responders and partner agencies working together to keep communities safe. Over the past decade, 911 has become an invaluable public safety tool in all Yukon communities, helping ensure that critical information reaches first responders quickly so they can take action when seconds matter.

Chief Superintendent Lindsay Ellis Commanding Officer Yukon RCMP

Quick facts

  • Before the Yukon-wide expansion, 911 service was only available in and around Whitehorse.

  • Emergency calls are transferred based on the caller's location and the nature of the emergency.

  • Yukoners are encouraged to ensure civic addresses, lot numbers or property names are clearly visible to help first responders locate emergencies.

Media contact

Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]

Thibaut Rondel
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-332-7058
[email protected]

John Tonin
Communications, Community Services
867-334-5816
[email protected]

Jasmine Forget
Communications, Justice
[email protected]

News release #:
26-217
Government of Yukon published this content on July 28, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 28, 2026 at 23:52 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]