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NEWS RELEASE (CNS645) -->> BUSINESS/CONSUMER--BUSINESS
REGISTRY EXPANDS SERVICES




BUSINESS/CONSUMER--BUSINESS REGISTRY EXPANDS SERVICES
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Getting a business registered in rural Nova Scotia has become
easier and more convenient, says Business and Consumer Services
Minister Sandy Jolly.

At a luncheon Wednesday, Oct. 17 in Yarmouth, Ms. Jolly will
officially unveil the newest service channels that bring the
Registry of Joint Stock Companies into five other Nova Scotia
communities and every on-line personal computer in the world.
It's the first time registry services are available outside
Halifax.

"Our registry services provide a key piece of the foundation that
every entrepreneur must build in order to launch a business,"
said Ms. Jolly. "This government recognizes that small business
in Yarmouth or Kentville is every bit as important as big
business in Halifax."

Until now, people wishing to register a business or non-profit
society could only conduct their affairs in person or by mail
with the registry's head office in Halifax.

As of this fall, clients can visit any of the five Access Nova
Scotia centres that now offer business registry services in
Bridgewater, Kentville, Sydney, Truro and Yarmouth. Clients can
access the registry's database at any Access Nova Scotia site,
drop off payments and documents as well as obtain forms and fee
information.

This change is only one component of a transformation of the
registry to provide more efficient service and expanded access
options. The registry's world wide web site has been polished to
bring all of the registry's information services and forms
directly to on-line personal computers anywhere in the world. The
site has quickly become among the most popular in government,
with 3,100 hits in September alone.

Lawyers across the province will also soon be able to file
clients' business registration documents and payments
electronically using Internet e-mail.

The registry has also incorporated a new automated telephone
response system to help deal with the 400-700 calls a day made by
the public.

"The volume of telephone traffic at the registry has been so high
that many callers never got through," said Ms. Jolly. "With
Access Nova Scotia navigators, the automated telephone service,
and Internet access, the business community is getting the
information it needs, whenever it wants."


The registry's fee payment options have also expanded to allow
debit card and VISA use in addition to cash or cheque.

Wednesday's luncheon at the Rodd Grand Hotel is co-sponsored by
the Yarmouth and District Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are
available by calling Ann Muise at 742-3074.

The Registry of Joint Stock Companies directs and administers the
incorporation and/or registration of all companies doing business
in Nova Scotia and non-profit societies formed in Nova Scotia.

The Registry of Joint Stock Companies is part of the new
Department of Business and Consumer Services. Created in April
1996, the department also includes Access Nova Scotia, Consumer
and Commercial Relations, Financial Institutions, Government
Bookstore, Provincial Tax Commission, Public Enquiries, Registry
of Motor Vehicles and Vital Statistics.

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Contact: David MacNeil    902-424-2933

         Catherine Smith  902-424-7742

trp                     Oct. 11, 1996 - 12:30 p.m.