Province Prepares for Y2K

Crucial services provided by the Nova Scotia government are essentially ready for Y2K, Jane Purves, Minister of the Technology and Science Secretariat, announced today.

"Teams from across government have been working for some time and reports on work completed so far leave us confident vital services will continue to operate in the new year," Ms. Purves said.

The Nova Scotia government identified 99 high-priority services. Departments have reported that 71 are now Y2K ready, and another 25 will be ready this month. In the case of the remaining three, experts have been retained and work is well under way.

The province started working on Y2K, or the year 2000 computer bug, as far back as 1991. Last year, a Year 2000 Project Office was established within the Technology and Science Secretariat to support the efforts of departments and to monitor overall progress. At the same time, departments assigned staff to refocus efforts already under way and everyone involved meets regularly to share problems and solutions.

"As with large organizations, the business community, other levels of government and even individuals, we are not impervious to this issue," said the minister. "We realized, very quickly, that teams needed to be mobilized to address the potential for disruption."

The process and reporting mechanism established to manage the issue within government is meticulous. Details are posted on the Nova Scotia government year 2000 website. This site is revised monthly so anyone with an interest can obtain updates. People in Nova Scotia who do not use the Internet can get the information by calling a 1-800 line.

While the year 2000 website provides particulars on overall government preparedness, departments and agencies will continue to communicate with their clients individually. Government as a whole has also been in constant communication with others who provide important services such as major utilities, large corporations, other provinces and the federal government.

Details regarding provincial government Y2K readiness can be obtained by visiting the year 2000 website at www.gov.ns.ca/y2k or by calling 1-800-363-8989.

kjd October 6, 1999 4:10