MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
ERNIE MCLEAN
MINISTER OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND LANDS

New On-Line Personal Property Registry System

I would like to advise Members of the House of Assembly that the province has entered into an agreement with Unisys Canada and xwave solutions which creates an electronic, personal property registry system for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, this new service, which reforms outdated legislative and business practices in our personal property registry, is now on-line.

The formal announcement took place at a news conference held just prior to the opening of the House.

At that time, I was joined by David Wagner, President and CEO of Unisys and Peter Shea, Vice-President, Public Sector Practice with xwave. Also in attendance at the conference were: Peter Ringrose, Executive Director of the Law Society of Newfoundland; Sam Walters, Chair of the Canadian Bankers Association; Ray Piercey, a member of the Board of Directors of the Newfoundland and Labrador Credit Union; and Gerlinde Van Driel, President of the Canadian Bar Association.

Mr. Speaker, these representatives are also in the House today. Their presence is a strong indication of just how welcome this new system is.

With Unisys and xwave, we now offer a service that is in line with services provided throughout this country.

Using a personal computer with a modem or Internet access, clients of the registry now give electronic notice of their security interest or encumbrance on personal properties such as cars, boats and appliances. This registration establishes their priority over other creditors with respect to those properties.

The new system also enables new types of securities such as licences, leases and stocks to be registered. The registration of these properties enables individuals to use such assets as collateral when seeking financing.

Because information is now being transferred electronically, clients no longer have to visit a central registry located in St. John's to conduct business. They can access the service from any location in Newfoundland and Labrador. Extended hours of operation are also in place. The new registry is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday.

Registry clients also pay fees electronically as each transaction is processed.

Mr. Speaker, because businesses can now conduct their operations in a more efficient manner, this should also result in more timely service to the general public.

The new registry system will be made available through Atlantic Canada On-Line, an electronic service providing access to information maintained by the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada. ACOL is managed by Unisys Canada in partnership with the four provinces.

Mr. Speaker, information kits, which provide additional information about the new Personal Property Registration System have been distributed to all Members.