Streamlining Services

The province is becoming a smarter shopper. A new system to control the purchase of legal services from the private sector is being implemented.

The policy will ensure a co-ordinated approach to the procurement of legal services, and will feature a tracking system to ensure government is getting the best value for taxpayers' dollars.

"We must spend taxpayers' dollars wisely, and carefully," said Justice Minister Michael Baker. "Experience in other jurisdictions indicates we can save as much as 20 per cent in legal fees. We can also make sure that money that must be spent on lawyers is done in a fair and equitable manner among the private bar."

The new policy means the Department of Justice will oversee the acquisition of private legal services for all departments and many agencies. This co-ordinated approach will mean that private lawyers will be retained only when they are more cost effective, have specialized expertise, or are more appropriate than internal counsel due to a conflict of interest or time requirement. This change brings Nova Scotia in line with all other jurisdictions in the country.

The approval tracking system will mean that accurate information about the cost and type of services provided to government by the private bar will be implemented. As well, the system will track all legal fees paid by government, both for internal and external counsel. In this way, government can ensure the most cost-effective option is chosen, whether through the public or private sector.

The new policy is effective immediately. Each department and agency is responsible for identifying the need for legal services. If the anticipated fees are under $5,000, a Justice Department solicitor may provide approval to acquire private legal services. If fees are estimated over $5,000, a Justice legal services director may provide approval. When approval is given to retain outside counsel, the relevant department/agency must do so in accordance with government's fair procurement policy.