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March 26, 1998
(Government Services and Lands)


Committee identifies savings in provision of driver examination services Privatization iitiative cancelled

Ernie McLean, Minister of Government Services and Lands, said today that because of the efforts of a union/management committee, his department has decided not to proceed with privatization of driver examination services.

Mr. McLean said: "Government announced its plans to privatize driver examinations in the 1997-98 Budget. After the announcement, the Newfoundland Association of Public Employees asked government to consider the establishment of a union/management committee to identify cost-saving measures which would enable its staff to continue to provide these services. Government agreed with this proposal.

"The union/management committee was successful in identifying significant savings and Government Services and Lands was also able to find additional ways to maximize savings within its overall budget. Because of our combined efforts, we have been able to come up with a solution that is acceptable to us all.

"Union and management staff in the driver examination section were able to work together on this task in a spirit of cooperation and innovation and I am delighted that Government Services and Lands, in conjunction with NAPE, is able to move in this direction.

"Now that the decision not to proceed has been made, we will continue to work together to seek measures to improve our driver examination services. One project the department is particularly excited about is a program of school visitations to give written tests and to take student photos. The program is for high-school students who would be of legal driving age within six months of taking the test. Many students seek these services during the summer and this program will significantly reduce demand during this peak period. This program has received much favourable comment from school administrators because students no longer have to take time off from classes. Also, parents and guardians no longer have to make arrangements to drive students to our motor registration offices."

Contact: Rick Callahan, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4860.

1998 03 26 4:40 p.m.

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