Key advocacy and innovation recognized by global community
VIENNA, June 23,2022 – Canada’s communications network for First Responders continues to attract international acclaim. This week, the PSBN Innovation Alliance (PIA) was recognized at the prestigious International Critical Communications Awards (ICCAs) for Best Government Authority Collaboration.
“Canadians need to know that when they are in urgent need of emergency services, whether due to natural disaster or man-made crisis, first responders are going to be on the scene, and will be equipped with the critical tools to save lives and get the job done,” said Anthony Odoardi, Executive Director of PIA and Deputy Chief of one of the PIA’s founding members, Peel Regional Police Service.
The ICCAs are the premier awards that recognize groundbreaking work in the Critical Communications field across the globe. This award was presented to the PIA because of its fundamental advocacy, cutting-edge technology and innovative model. This work has resulted in Canada’s first and only operational Public Safety Broadband Network—used by First Responders that serve over 2.5 Million Canadians in life saving operations today.
The PIA has achieved rapid growth in under three years. This not-for-profit association has expanded to over 65 members, comprising Canadian First Responder organizations, governments, utilities, critical infrastructure entities, and innovative commercial partners from both Canada and around the globe.
“The digital age has created enormous new opportunities to help First Responders save lives. The PIA is focused on making critical communications technology a reality in Canada, and has already successfully demonstrated the value of PSBN in many instances, including at the recent 2021 Grey Cup, and at the 2022 NHL Heritage Classic,” said Chief Stephen Tanner of the Halton Regional Police, also one of the PIA’s founding members.
“Data has become as important to 911 operations as voice communications,” said Deputy Chief Odoardi. “First responders can now have access to advanced technologies and interoperable platforms that better enable them to perform their lifesaving work for society. On behalf of the PIA, we would like to thank The Critical Communications Association (TCCA) and the international community for recognizing our important accomplishments and our mission to make secure and resilient Public Safety Broadband Networks in Canada a reality.”
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