Minister requests suggestions from front-line workers

Front-line government workers now have an opportunity to provide direct input to the provincial government on their ideas for savings, efficiencies and modernizing of government programs and services. Loyola Sullivan, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, announced today that a toll-free telephone number and Web site are available to allow employees on the front-line to provide their ideas anonymously to government, as it prepares for the upcoming budget and program review process.

"Throughout the pre-budget consultation period, many individuals and groups urged government to talk to the people who deliver our services on the front line. They knew that the first-hand knowledge of those delivering government programs and services would elicit ideas and suggestions to update old government programs which, although suitable when first developed, are perhaps no longer serving a purpose. Participants in the consultation sessions also said front-line workers would be able to advise on ways to modernize and update current operations to achieve efficiencies," said the minister.

"Similarly, many of my colleagues have noted the value of the input they have received from departmental employees. Many ministers have taken the time to talk to those who work one-on-one with the public everyday, and they will continue to do so in the coming weeks."

Minister Sullivan said it would be constructive and advantageous to give all front-line provincial government employees throughout Newfoundland and Labrador a means of providing their input on programs and services to the government during this time period so that the government could assess the suggestions in light of the upcoming budget and program review process. In particular, the minister is interested in receiving advice on how efficiencies can be found, and what programs and services need to be changed, updated or eliminated, as well as what new programs or services need to be developed and implemented to address the needs of Newfoundland and Labrador today.

The toll-free line is 1-888-729-0042 and will function on a "message manager" basis. Employees can also access and submit an on-line suggestion form at www.gov.nl.ca/employeesuggestions All suggestions can be left anonymously.

The toll-free line and on-line form will remain in effect until the end of March 2004.

Media contact: Diane Keough, (709)729-6830

2004 02 10                                        2:30 p.m.