December 1, 1999
(Executive Council)

The following statement was issued today by Anna Thistle, President of Treasury Board. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am pleased to stand in the House today and report on government's state of readiness for the roll over from 1999 to 2000 or as it has become known, the Year 2000 issue.

The Year 2000 issue (Y2K) is associated with computer-based systems that rely on a date to perform particular tasks and have not been programmed to accommodate the start of the year 2000. This is a serious global issue that has required much technical and media attention. Leading industry advisors have estimated the world wide cost of the problem will exceed one trillion American dollars.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, government departments have spent approximately $15 million to address this issue. This money was spent in a combination of upgrading existing equipment and systems and when necessary, the replacement and modification of affected areas that were non-compliant.

The provincial government in Newfoundland and Labrador initially recognized the need to modify or replace affected computer systems in 1995 when the Motor Vehicle Registration System was changed to allow the issuance of driver licences that would expire in the Year 2000.

In 1996, NewTel Information Solutions reviewed government's major information systems. The major systems that would require modification or replacement prior to the Year 2000 were identified and work commenced on fixing potential problems.

I am delighted to inform the House that all provincial departments are reporting that all mission critical systems are Year 2000 compliant. The government of Newfoundland and Labrador does not expect a problem during the roll over period. As a precaution, departments have developed contingency and rollover plans in areas determined to be critical such as government's accounting and payment systems.

In terms of the state of readiness in our province's health care facilities, the Health and Community Services Association have worked with the regional boards in addressing Y2K issues. The association tells us that they are not currently aware of any equipment related problems that would have a direct negative impact on patient care and that they will be ready for the Year 2000. Regional health boards have expressed confidence that all major Y2K issues with medical devices, facility systems, computer software and hardware and the supply of goods and services have been adequately addressed. Government will spend approximately $2.5 million specifically on related equipment to address Y2K issues in the health care sector alone.

Officials from government have been in contact with all major utilities including NewTel, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power. They have informed us that they are also reporting Y2K compliance.

In addition to the critical systems within government, officials with the Provincial Emergency Measures Organization of Municipal and Provincial Affairs are working closely with the Information Technology Branch of Treasury Board, federal and municipal governments, as well as the RNC and RCMP and all major utilities in developing a provincial emergency response plan in the unlikely event of a Year 2000 problem that would require their involvement.

Preparations for Y2K have been an initiative that this government and the previous government have taken very seriously since 1995. I am confident that by working with key agencies and industries in the province, Newfoundland and Labrador will face the Year 2000 with confidence and optimism.

1999 12 01                     2:25 p.m.