Smooth Y2K Transition

Early reports indicate that advance Y2K preparations by the Nova Scotia government have resulted in a smooth transition to the new year with no disruptions in essential provincial services.

"All of our work certainly paid off last night," said Technology and Science Minister Jane Purves. "Throughout government, departments and agencies reported no Y2K related glitches. Verification of services will continue over the remainder of the weekend and we expect to be ready for a normal day of business on Tuesday."

The Department of Health reported no disruptions in essential medical services during the overnight transition. Likewise, the Department of Transportation and Public Works maintained regular operations of public buildings and highway maintenance equipment. The justice system, including policing and supervision in correctional institutions, was not affected by the date change.

Because the potential impact of Y2K was difficult to predict, the province had developed comprehensive contingency plans to ensure that essential services could be maintained. During the actual rollover from the year 1999 to the year 2000, it was not necessary to activate any of these plans.

"Contingency planning was a key part of the government's Y2K strategy, but the value of this whole exercise will extend well beyond this transition period," said Minister Purves. "We expect these contingency plans will continue to be a vital part of our operations for use at any time if warranted."

The government has been monitoring results of the transition from the time it started in New Zealand early Friday. Shortly after midnight, government departments and agencies across Nova Scotia started to report the status of their systems to the provincial project office.

"On behalf of the provincial government, I extend thanks to the hundreds of staff who have worked on this project to ensure that we could maintain essential public services," the Minister stated. "Without their dedication and efforts, which will continue even today and over the next few weeks, Nova Scotia's smooth transition into the new millennium would not have been possible."