News release

Province Looks to Collaborate, Share Services

Treasury Board (Sept. 2009 - June 2013)

The province is looking for more efficient and effective ways to provide Nova Scotia families with the programs and services they depend on.

A request for proposals to improve collaboration and share services across government was issued today, Aug. 28. This review will also include working with school boards to find savings through shared administrative services and will allow those savings to be put back into the classrooms.

"This review will help find areas for more collaboration across government and in our school boards that will ensure every available dollar is spent where it's needed most, in our classrooms," said Treasury Board Chair Frank Corbett.

"This review is an opportunity to explore ways to work together even more efficiently and effectively," said Margo Tait, superintendent of the Annapolis Valley Regional School Board. "I welcome the chance to find more savings that can be put to use for our students."

The province will look to find improvements in four key areas: information technology, financial services, human resources, and building infrastructure and asset management.

The review is part of the province's commitment to live within its means while ensuring responsible and sustainable spending in programs and services important to Nova Scotians.

Others strategies include the provincial spend analysis, ending excessive end-of-year spending, holding the line on overall spending and reducing debt-servicing costs.

The province hopes to receive the final report by next spring.