Language

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

Honouring Saskatchewan’s 911 Operators Who Are Always On Call

Released on April 15, 2019

Today, Government Relations Minister Warren Kaeding officially proclaimed April 14-20, as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

During this week, Saskatchewan recognizes the dedication and professionalism of those who are often taken for granted: Sask911 call-takers and provincial emergency dispatchers.

“They are our first point of contact when reporting a fire, medical emergency or criminal act,” Kaeding said.  “When we are experiencing the worst day of our lives, they are the professionals at the other end of the line to support us and send emergency responders to our location.”

In 2018, Sask911 operators took 388,456 calls from across the province.  Of those, 57 per cent or 222,755 were from a cell phone, and 16 per cent were abandoned, meaning a caller hung up after dialing.  If you do accidentally call 911, the Deputy Commissioner of 911 Communications Charlene Luskey recommends that you remain on the line so staff can verify quickly that there isn’t a real emergency.

To prevent accidental 911 calls, Luskey suggests that you:

  • Activate the lock screen on your smartphone after each use to prevent accidental dialing;
  • Manually dial 911 instead of pre-programming the number into your phone; and
  • Teach your children the importance of 911 and when it should, and should not be used.
“During a real emergency, call-takers will ask you what your name is, what emergency services you require and where you are located,” Luskey noted.  “Try to remain calm and do not hang up until you are advised to do so in case more information is required from you.”

Sask911 is overseen by the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency.  Created in 2017, the agency’s mandate was expanded earlier this year to include the emergency management and fire safety responsibilities from the Ministry of Government Relations and the Wildfire Management Branch from the Ministry of Environment.

Transitioning these responsibilities will begin in 2019, but will not impact provincial emergency services for the upcoming spring flood or wildfire seasons.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Kathy Goldfinch
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2697
Email: kathy.goldfinch@gov.sk.ca

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve