April 26, 1996
(Government Services and Lands)

Happy Valley-Goose Bay Regional Government Service Centre officially opened

The Happy Valley-Goose Bay Regional Government Service Centre was officially opened today (April 26) by Ernest McLean, Minister of Government Services and Lands.

The centre is a one-stop service enabling the public and the business community to deal with one department when applying for permits, licences, certificates and Crown Land approvals. Additionally, it coordinates the investigation and inspection functions of government; identifies the types of permits and licences needed to start a business and provides printed information on government programs and services.

Mr. McLean and centre staff cut a ribbon at noon today to officially declare the Happy Valley-Goose Bay office open for business.

"The objective is to ensure that citizens have easy access to information about government services and programs," said Mr. McLean. "Citizens are now able to avail of those services in a timely manner and without the frustrations of the past of having to deal with too many departments and too many regulations." This approach is in keeping with that outlined in the Strategic Economic Plan of focusing on service quality by providing a user friendly service.

"With the opening of this centre, emphasis is being placed on prompt, reliable and friendly service, " said Mr. McLean. "We will continue to look for ways to deliver quality services at reduced costs because it makes economic and business sense to do so."

In addition to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, regional service centres are located at St. John's, Clarenville, Corner Brook and Gander.

Operational offices are located at Carbonear and Grand Falls-Windsor. Assistant Deputy Minister Michael Dwyer, of Government Services, has responsibility for its operation together with other licence programs such as Vital Statistics and Motor Vehicle Registration. Government Service Centre staff from seven government departments now serve as employees of Government Services and Lands.

Mr. McLean said the Government Service Centre staff located in offices on the island and in Labrador are playing a vital role in the delivery of government services. He said they are employing existing and new technologies to ensure that customer needs are met and that clients are kept up-to-date concerning the status of their requests.

A detailed description of services is available at all Government Service Centre offices.

Contact: Gary Callahan, Director of Public Relations, (709) 729- 3142.