EMO responds to concerns of residents

The Emergency Management Office (EMO) has responded to the concern of residents of Fourchu and Framboise who have had issues with their landline service for a few years.

The service, provided by Bell Aliant, was out for Framboise residents for the month of August. Both communities report frequent times when the landlines will be full of static and that phones are dead when the power goes out, which in the winter can be up to a week.

When this happens, no calls can be made to 911 and no fire or medical responders can be dispatched, which concerns residents.

Lori Errington, spokesperson for the EMO, said in an email statement: “The EMO is always concerned if phone service interruptions may affect people’s ability to reach help if they need it.

“EMO staff has been communicating with the municipal emergency management co-ordinator to discuss the situation. The municipality is the lead on anything that could affect the safety of its residents.”

Alana Paon, MLA for the area, confirmed her office is drafting a letter to the EMO urging them to force infrastructure repairs and upgrades and possibly the addition of cell phone towers.

Currently, there is no cell phone service in Framboise and limited service in Fourchu.

Errington also suggested people with complaints to file them with the CRTC as they are the governing body for telephone companies.