Emergency services available at some Government Service Centres

The Department of Government Services would like to advise its clients that emergency counter service is available during the public service strike at Government Service Centres in St. John�s, Gander, Clarenville, Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

Management at the five locations will handle phone inquiries and arrange appointments for emergency services as required. Clients have to cross the picket line to receive these services, but the offices are open. Some services may be possible by fax.

Vital Statistics staff at the Government Service Centre in St. John�s can issue birth certificates for emergency travel/passport purposes. Other requests for emergency services will be considered on an individual basis. Clients are advised to call ahead to ensure the request can be filled.

Government Service Centres in Harbour Grace and Grand Falls-Windsor are closed due to the labour dispute, as well as sub-offices in Marystown, Grand Bank, Lewisporte, Springdale, Rocky Harbour, St. Anthony, Stephenville and Port aux Basques.

All counter and mail service at Motor Registration Division is stopped for the duration of the strike. Management staff will still handle phone inquiries. Clients can renew their vehicle registrations at a financial institution or over the government Web site at //www.gov.nl.ca/gs/gs/mr/vr.stm.

Driver�s licences that expire during the strike will be automatically extended for 30 days.

For more information, please call the Department of Government Services at (709) 729-4834.

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-4860 or (709) 690-6157

2004 04 02                                         9:55 a.m.