New SEA ONLINE Web site will improve access to justice

Justice Minister Thomas Marshall said today that the new SEA WEB PORTAL, https://sea-remote.justice.gov.nl.ca will strengthen government�s Support Enforcement Program and is an illustration of government�s commitment to improving access to justice services.

"The new Web site provides easier access to the Support Enforcement Program by allowing clients to view the status of an account including enforcement measures taken, balance and payment activity and other relevant information online. It also provides secure communication with case workers, the ability to leave new contact information, report direct payments or to access other relevant information related to support enforcement," Minister Marshall said. "It is a concrete example of government�s commitment to improving access to justice services and protecting those most vulnerable in society.

"Government has been working hard over the past year to upgrade computer systems to be able to provide this new web service. The SEA WEB PORTAL will allow people to obtain information when they need it instead of when the Support Enforcement Program is able to provide it. We believe users will find this service very useful and user friendly."

"To improve service, transparency and accountability, government deemed it necessary to provide an alternate means of accessing the services of support enforcement. Clients who are unable to access this new service may still obtain information on their account by calling the program directly or by calling the toll-free integrated voice response system," noted Minister Marshall. "Government is committed to improving the province�s child support services and is currently considering new legislative amendments to the Support Orders Enforcement Act to arm the Support Enforcement Agency with better mechanisms to recover monies owing."

Media contact: Bill Hickey, Communications, (709) 729-6985, 691-6390

2006 02 16                                        9:15 a.m.