A lack of toilet paper, an abandoned shopping cart and a restaurant order that was taking too long were among the frivolous reasons Saskatchewan residents called 9-1-1 this year, according to the RCMP’s annual list of 9-1-1 calls that “missed the mark” in 2025.
“We release our annual list to remind people that misusing 9-1-1 can delay emergency responders from reaching someone in a life-threatening situation,” said Jocelyn James, manager of the Sasaktchewan RCMP Operational Communication Centre (OCC).
“Saskatchewan RCMP 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers answered 422,378 calls this year — an increase of 15% compared to 2024. Every moment that we’re spending speaking with someone who is complaining about their family member’s loud snoring is a moment that could have been used helping someone in a serious emergency.
Here are the top 10 calls that “missed the mark” in 2025:
10. End of the roll: A frustrated individual called to complain that they were out of toilet paper.
9. Rocky road: 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call from an individual that was upset because they had to drive their expensive vehicle through a construction zone.
8. Are you there? A caller advised that they called 9-1-1 because the TV show they were watching inadvertently triggered their phone to place the call.
7. This isn’t an aisle: An individual called to complain that someone left a shopping cart in their driveway.
6. Where to next: A frustrated individual called looking for a phone number for a taxi service.
5. Don’t get into a spin: 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call from a concerned individual about their neighbours not following the rules of laundry day.
4. Order up: An individual called to complain that a restaurant was taking too long to make their lunch.
3. Zzzzzz’s: 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call from an individual because their family member’s loud snoring was keeping them awake.
2. How dare you: A frustrated individual called because their friend cooked their pork chop without permission.
1. Can you send a pin? 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call from an individual saying they had lost their phone and were wondering if an officer could give the phone a call so they could hear it. (Read that again…)
The Saskatchewan RCMP would also like to remind the public that there are ramifications for those who misuse 9-1-1. Not only is there a chance of preventing someone with a life-threatening emergency from getting help, there is also a summary offence charge under the Emergency 911 Systems Act with fines up to $2,000.