The official opposition in Nova Scotia wants the government to move faster on improving cell coverage.
It comes after a summer of historic natural disasters and flash flooding in July which claimed four lives in West Hants.
Leader Zach Churchill introduced proposed legislation to expand cell coverage in every region of the province and improve emergency preparedness.
“We’ve seen this year, more than ever, how important it is to be prepared for emergency situations,” said Churchill. “Hard, but important, lessons must be learned from the many natural disasters our province has experienced. The bills provide practical solutions to many of the biggest challenges that were identified during some of the darkest days our province has ever experienced.”
It is being called The Highway Cellular Coverage Act and would mirror a similar initiative done in British Columbia to ensure there is cell coverage on all highways in the province.
Many pockets of Nova Scotia lack cell service and it drops in and out depending on where you are driving. Churchill says it is a significant safety hazards and creates challenges receiving emergency alerts in a timely manner.
West Hants experienced some of the worst of the flooding due to torrential rains, with 250 millimeters falling in under 24 hours.
Some residents never received emergency alerts on their phones or were not able to dial 9-1-1 because of a lack of cell coverage.
Premier Tim Houston said his government senses the urgency on the cell phone issue.
“We have made great progress on expanding internet access but cell phone coverage…we have fallen behind,” Houston acknowledged. “But we are a government of action and recognize the urgency to improve service.”
