News release

Shared Services Act Introduced

Internal Services (June 2014 - May 2019)

Government is improving service delivery across the public sector.

The Shared Services Act, introduced today, Oct. 28, will allow the provincial government to streamline support, such as procurement, information technology, telecommunications and some construction projects. The plan applies to all provincial government departments, school boards, district health authorities, the IWK Health Centre and some Crown corporations.

"This approach is about working smarter to deliver the best service possible to Nova Scotians," said Internal Services Minister Labi Kousoulis. "This legislation will allow us to proceed with plans over the next number of months to consult with stakeholders and standardize administrative and support services within the public service."

Mr. Kousoulis said government took a significant step to find efficiencies earlier this year by creating Internal Services. The department is working with the public sector to improve quality, find and implement efficiencies, standardize practices and reduce costs.

"We know that there are opportunities to address the province's significant economic and fiscal challenges by doing things differently," said Mr. Kousoulis. "There's potential for substantial savings when the public sector works together by sharing technical and support services.

"Government is always looking at ways to work more effectively across the public sector and provide better, more efficient services to Nova Scotians."