Year-at-a-Glance Highlights

For the Ministry of Management Services, 2003/04 was a noteworthy year. Beginning with the presentation of the 2003 budget in February, the ministry significantly expanded its mandate and organization. At that time, the Chief Information Office (CIO), the Service Delivery Project, Government Agents, and the government's telecommunications function became part of the ministry. Below are the key accomplishments that support the goals of the ministry. A glossary of terms is included for reference in Appendix A.

• Launch of Solutions BC — Shared Services: In April, government's commitment to create a shared services organization became a reality with the launch of Solutions BC. By introducing this leading-edge best practice approach to reducing the cost of delivering internal management services (payroll, procurement and supply services, corporate accounting, and information technology), ministries can focus resources on core priorities. Further information on Solutions BC can be found in Core Business Area 4 and at www.solutionsbcsharedservices.gov.bc.ca/.
• Passage of the Procurement Services Act: Also in April, the Procurement Services Act was passed. The new Act replaced an outdated Purchasing Commission Act, and enables Solutions BC to provide best practices procurement services to ministries and other participating public sector agencies. The new legislation represents an important step forward in procurement reform, and toward fulfilling the government's New Era commitment to restore open tendering on government contracts.
• Creation of the Alternative Service Delivery (ASD) Project Secretariat: Harnessing private sector expertise to improve service delivery is the focus of the ASD Project Secretariat, which was established in June 2003. The Secretariat works with ministries to design and implement new service delivery solutions — particularly in the information technology and business process areas. In 2003/04, seven ASD projects were put to tender. Additional information on ASD can be found in Core Business Area 2.
• Introduction of the Government Web Portal: In September, the ministry introduced a new government web Portal. The Portal gives individuals and businesses convenient, secure access to government information and services. The Portal is organized to meet the needs of the user, rather than according to the structure of government.
• Launch of the Government Authentication Project: The Government Authentication Project was launched in November 2003. Authentication will allow Internet access to government services that have eligibility requirements, while protecting privacy. Additional information on the Government Authentication Project can be found in Core Business Area 1 and at www.cio.gov.bc.ca/gap/default.htm.
• Enactment of the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA): On January 1, 2004, the government's Personal Information Protection Act came into effect. PIPA establishes rules for how businesses and non-profit organizations may collect, use or disclose personal information about clients, customers and employees. PIPA strikes the right balance between strong privacy protection and allowing the private sector to use the personal information it needs for legitimate business purposes. A toll-free information line and free training sessions continue to be provided to businesses and non-profits to assist them in complying with the Act. Additional information on PIPA can be found in Core Business Area 1 and at www.mser.gov.bc.ca/foi_pop/Privacy/.
• BC Bid Upgrade: As a leader in e-Government, British Columbia is the first government in Canada to offer businesses e-bidding services. In 2003/04, BC Bid, the government's procurement and electronic tendering website, introduced a new design and innovative features. Suppliers are now able to submit bids and proposals electronically, saving time and money. The new system also offers improved search and bid matching options. Additional information on BC Bid can be found in Core Business Area 4 and at www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca/open.dll/welcome.
• Bridging the Digital Divide: Short and long-term strategies to bring affordable high-speed broadband Internet access to all BC communities, in partnership with the private sector, were initiated in 2003/04. Bridging the "digital divide" will help extend e-learning and tele-health programs to all areas of the province and create new economic opportunities, particularly in the Heartlands. Additional information can be found in Core Business Area 2 and at www.network.gov.bc.ca/.
• Service Delivery Initiative: The Service Delivery Initiative (formerly known as the Service Delivery Project) works to make government services more accessible, easier to deal with, and more responsive to the needs of clients. In 2003/04, 42 Cross Ministry Work Teams were active in 57 communities across British Columbia. The Teams work with ministries and other levels of government to identify opportunities for optimizing local service delivery in communities. This "one government" approach ensures that services are developed and organized around the needs of customers and clients in the most cost-effective and efficient way. More information on the Service Delivery Initiative can be found in Core Business Area 2 and at www.gov.bc.ca/mser/popt/service_delivery/.