Highlights of the Year

For the Ministry of Management Services, 2004/05 was a noteworthy year. Some of the ministry's significant actions and achievements are highlighted below. A glossary of terms is included for reference in Appendix A.

Connecting Communities — Bridging the Digital Divide

Increasing broadband access is a major component of e-government and service transformation. Negotiations between NetWork BC (the project office created by government to bridge the digital divide) and TELUS Communications Inc. and TELUS Services Inc. (collectively TELUS) have resulted in the completion of two agreements that will help the province fulfill its commitment of bringing affordable high-speed Internet access to 366 communities by December 31, 2006. These agreements will also generate financial benefits of $54 million over four years, while improving telecommunications capacity and services to the provincial government and the broader public sector. Visit NetWork BC for further information on connecting communities.

Harnessing Private Sector Expertise

Forming effective service delivery partnerships with the private sector allows government to focus on its core businesses. In 2004/05, the Province signed five Alternative Service Delivery (ASD) contracts valued at $1 billion over the next 10 years for a variety of business process outsourcing and information technology projects. Savings and benefits to government are expected to reach nearly $500 million over the life of the contracts.

Two of the contracts directly involved the Ministry of Management Services. In November, an agreement was signed with TELUS Sourcing Solutions Inc. and TELUS Communications Inc. (collectively TELUS) to deliver government's HR/Payroll Systems and Services. A contract was signed in December with IBM Canada Ltd. that will result in better workstation service and enhanced workstation equipment. For details on the two projects, go to Workplace Support Services Project Summary, Payroll Operations and Information Management and Payroll Services Project Summary.

IBM Canada has also been selected as the preferred proponent for Service BC's Joint Solution Procurement Project. The objective of this project, following completion of the Due Diligence and Negotiations phase, will be to utilize Service BC's existing multiple service channels (over-the-counter, telephone and the Internet), to help government integrate services, ensuring seamless access and quality through any channel customers choose to access government services.

Strengthening Personal Privacy Legislation

Service enhancement through technological improvements must be accompanied by appropriate governance structures that protect the personal privacy of all British Columbians. In July 2004, the ministry, jointly with the Ministry of Attorney General, announced BC's Plan to Lead Canada in Privacy Protection, which ensures the protection of personal information. In October 2004, amendments were passed to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, further protecting the personal information of British Columbians. For more information on privacy: http://www.mser.gov.bc.ca/privacyaccess/.

Improving Front-Line Service to the Public

The ministry's Service Delivery Initiative continued its work to increase choices in how and when customers access government services and information. In 2004/05, official openings for points of service were held in Sparwood, Salmon Arm, Penticton, MacKenzie, Houston, Hazelton, Dease Lake, Chetwynd, Burns Lake and 100 Mile House. Service Delivery Networks now span 57 communities across BC, increasing efficiency and improving community service delivery. For more information on the Service Delivery Initiative: http://www.mser.gov.bc.ca/sdi.

When British Columbians choose to apply for government services online, they want assurance that their privacy will be protected. In 2004/05 the ministry initiated the Corporate Authentication Project (CAP) which, when it is launched in 2005/06, will provide citizens and businesses with secure Internet access when registering for a wide range of government services.

Reducing the cost of operating government

Solutions BC, one of the government's shared services providers, eliminates duplication and streamlines delivery of internal management services. Several new electronic initiatives introduced in 2004/05 help support cost-reduction and service improvement. Voice over Internet Protocol technology was introduced in November 2004, enabling a telephone conversation signal to be carried over SPAN/BC instead of higher cost alternatives. Electronic procurement was also implemented for all ministries, independent offices, and one crown corporation, streamlining procurement across the province. In January 2005, Asset Investment Recovery introduced BC Auction^®, an online auction service to enable the public to submit bids for government's surplus assets. In addition, Time On Line was implemented, allowing time entry and leave information to be input electronically. For more information on Solutions BC projects and initiatives: http://www.solutionsbcsharedservices.gov.bc.ca/.

Sustainability

In 2004/05 approval was given to add up to 356 hybrid vehicles to the government's provincial vehicle fleet, including 60 vehicles to be purchased in this fiscal year. This is a practical and effective example of how proven, existing technology can be used to help improve air quality and meet the Province's environmental goals. The greening of the provincial fleet is one more opportunity to show the world that British Columbia is a leader in its commitment to sustainable transportation and to provide a cleaner, healthier environment for generations to come. In 2004/05 approximately 15 per cent of the provincial government fleet consists of green vehicles, including gasoline-electric hybrids as well as natural gas and propane powered vehicles. The additional hybrids will be used as part of the provincial fleet in communities across the province, including Victoria, Vancouver, Kamloops, Kelowna, Trail, Prince George and others.

In addition, the procurement of environmentally friendly products and services is a priority, where feasible and cost-effective. Such products and services include recycled paper and paper products, recrushed cement concrete aggregate and asphalt, cleaning products with low toxicity and energy saving products.