The provincial government is pushing ahead with its plan to fold NL911 into the department of Justice and Public Safety.

The legislation, Bill 41, will be tabled in the House of Assembly today.

The legislation will result in some big changes behind the scenes within government, but the public will notice no difference. The current model for providing 911 service does not change, nor does the fee for emergency 911 service.

On government’s end, the legislation dissolves the NL911 board, placing their functions within the government department. Other changes on their end include the disclosure of emergency response zones and issues regarding civic addresses.

One of the major issues being discussed ahead of the legislation taking effect is the funds currently set aside for upgrades to the next generation 911 Service.

That money, which right now totals about $20-million, will go into general government revenue.

Independent MHA Paul Lane accuses the move of being a tax grab by government.

However, minister John Hogan says while the money does go into general revenue, a fund will still exist for emergency 911 service.

“That fee has to be used for that service, there’s no other way around it,” says Hogan. He says the money is mandated to be used for that service, noting that the scope has been broadened to just “emergency service” which will include things like the public radio.