Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, has issued the following statement about the Emergency Communications Professionals labour dispute:

“I have appointed Vince Ready as a special mediator under the Labour Relations Code to work with the union, CUPE Local 8911, and the employer, Emergency Communications for British Columbia, to assist the parties in negotiating a renewed collective agreement.

“Mr. Ready will begin work with the parties on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for a period of up to 10 days to help the parties reach a settlement. If a settlement is not reached, Mr. Ready will issue binding recommendations on all outstanding issues.

“I would like to thank Mr. Ready for agreeing to take on this important work. I am grateful to the parties, who jointly requested the appointment and have agreed to binding recommendations for their determination to find a resolution.

“I encourage both parties to work together with the special mediator, with urgency and determination, to reach a fair and timely agreement.”