National

911 phone service for seniors

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Sep, 2023 01:27 PM

Vancouver police are offering free 9-1-1 cellphones to seniors who can’t afford their own phone.

Police say in a statement that seniors on fixed or low incomes are sometimes less inclined to rely on technology for safety, especially if it involves a monthly cost.

#VPD is offering free 911 phones to seniors in need. These phones can provide 911 access in emergency situations. They have a large keypad, and maintain a charge for up to 14 days.
Phones are now available at VPD HQ located at 2120 Cambie St. More info: https://t.co/1qfCaJF4xY pic.twitter.com/IepBSPsz55
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) September 20, 2023

The new program offers seniors a cellphone that can be used only to call 9-1-1 and has no upfront costs or monthly payment plan.

Constable Tania Visintin says many seniors live alone and are especially vulnerable during emergencies, so the cellphones will give them access they didn’t have before.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Western Canada a global hot spot over summer months: Climate Central study

An analysis has found that Western Canada was one of the global hot spots in a summer that climate change made one of the warmest on record. The extensive study by Climate Central concludes that Canada saw nine days of high temperatures that were made at least three times more likely by greenhouse gases.

Western Canada a global hot spot over summer months: Climate Central study

Morning stabbing in Nanaimo

Police in Nanaimo are looking for a knife used in a stabbing this morning. R-C-M-P say one person was stabbed after an altercation in the 100 block of Victoria Crescent.

Morning stabbing in Nanaimo

Liberals could ask Bank of Canada to stop hiking interest rates: NDP

The New Democrats say the federal government should follow the lead of British Columbia's premier and ask the Bank of Canada to stop raising interest rates. Premier David Eby wrote to Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem last week and asked him not to hike rates again as Canadians struggle to pay for food and rent.

Liberals could ask Bank of Canada to stop hiking interest rates: NDP

Children's Ministry refuses to compensate youth it misinformed: B.C. Ombudsperson

British Columbia's government is refusing to pay a young woman for its own mistakes and the provincial ombudsperson says she may not be the only one harmed. Jay Chalke says the Ministry of Children and Family Development gave the woman incorrect information, leading her to believe she was eligible for government support for post-secondary education worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Children's Ministry refuses to compensate youth it misinformed: B.C. Ombudsperson

Feds award $15 million contract to Sun Life to lay groundwork for dental care program

The federal government has awarded a contract worth up to $15 million to lay the groundwork for a new national dental insurance plan. The new plan, which was a key demand from the NDP as part of the its supply and confidence agreement with the governing Liberals, will replace the interim dental benefit for kids rolled out last year.

Feds award $15 million contract to Sun Life to lay groundwork for dental care program

Rental of B.C. school for Sikh referendum vote is cancelled by district

The Surrey School District says in a statement that it cancelled the rental of Tamanawis Secondary School for the Sept. 10 referendum because promotional posters featured a picture of the school alongside what it called "images of a weapon."