News Release Archive
BUSINESS AND CONSUMER SERVICES--IMPROVED ACCESS TO SERVICES ----------------------------------------------------------------- An important step to improving access to government service for metro residents is taking place today with a tender call for office space in Halifax and Dartmouth to house a multiple-service centre in each community. Business and Consumer Services Minister Sandy Jolly said the centres are being created as part of the department's mandate to provide Nova Scotians with better and more convenient access to government services and programs. Staff at the new centres will offer Registry of Motor Vehicles licensing and registration services, help with consumer complaints and residential tenancy issues (i.e.,disputes between landlords and tenants), provide information about government services and programs and provide access to services of the Registry of Joint Stock Companies. "One of the most important aspects of this announcement is that Dartmouth will have its own Registry of Motor Vehicles office," Ms. Jolly said. " About 10 percent of Nova Scotians live in the Dartmouth area. The city has grown considerably over the past number of years but access to government service has not kept pace." The minister said Business and Consumer Services will be opening 14 similar multi-service centres over the next three to five years. In addition to Halifax and Dartmouth, one will open in Kentville this year. "In each case, existing staff from each area will be moving into a new facility," the minister said. "Government isn't getting bigger and no jobs will be lost." Evaluation of responses to the tender call is expected to be completed within six to eight weeks. -30- Contact: David MacNeil (902) 424-2933 mfm Feb. 12, 1997 10:30 a.m.