Government Investment in 2-1-1 Will Improve Access to Social Services

Published by the Premier's Office

Friday, April 8, 2011

Nova Scotians will get faster, easier access to public and community services with a new provincewide 2-1-1 service that is expected to begin in 18 months. Premier Darrell Dexter announced the province will provide $585,000 in 2011-12 to establish the service, and annual operational funding, which will increase over the next five years to $945,000.

Quotes

“ We have a wonderful network of community and not-for-profit groups, working hand-in-hand with government to support families who need help. But it only works when those families can find the right program or the service when they need it. By supporting 2-1-1, we're making life better for families. This service will help the many valuable social agencies across the province to reach people who need them. ” Premier Darrell Dexter

“ We are always hearing from people who struggle to navigate the complex arrangement of government and community-based supports, so we're delighted that government has committed to this valuable service. The people who use 2-1-1 may be new moms or new Canadians, their English may be strong, but their hearing or vision impaired. Or they may be overwhelmed by their life circumstances. 2-1-1 will make these services so much easier for people to find. ” Catherine Woodman, president and CEO of the United Way of Halifax Region

“ Today's announcement makes Nova Scotia the home of Atlantic Canada's first-ever, provincewide 2-1-1 service, and Bell Aliant is very proud to be one of the first supporters of this important social initiative. ” Chuck Hartlen, senior vice-president of customer experience for Bell Aliant and chair of the 2-1-1 Nova Scotia Board

“ Nova Scotia Power is honoured to play a part in the creation of a 2-1-1 service for Nova Scotia. Providing a single point of access will make a real difference in the lives of Nova Scotians when they need assistance. ” Alan Richardson, vice-president of integrated customer services, Nova Scotia Power

Quick Facts

• The funding will be provided to the United Way of Halifax Region, which will work with 2-1-1 Nova Scotia, a not-for-profit organization, to establish and run the service. It is expected to be operational in the fall of 2012.
• 2-1-1 will be a toll-free, 24-hour, 365-day-a-year service that will provide people with information and referrals to services offered by all levels of government, government-funded organizations, not-for-profit and volunteer services. It will provide non-emergency information and referrals.
• Bell Aliant has committed $40,000 plus key team members and in-kind services, to the launch of 2-1-1 Nova Scotia.
• Nova Scotia Power Inc. has also committed $225,000 to set up 2-1-1 Nova Scotia.
• There are 2-1-1 services in parts of Ontario, B.C., Quebec and Alberta, but Nova Scotia is the first to initiate the service provincewide.

Learn More

• Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
• Premier's Office
• United Way of Halifax Region
• Bell Aliant
• Nova Scotia Power Inc.

Media Contacts

Janet Lynn McNeil

Premier's Office

Cell: 902-237-4287

E-mail: mcneiljl@gov.ns.ca

Rachel Boomer

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations

902-424-2733

Cell: 902-719-7430

E-mail: boomerra@gov.ns.ca