New-look Government Unveiled

Premier John Hamm today unveiled a new-look provincial government which will have clear direction and focus, and seven fewer departments. The number of departments will be reduced from 21 to 14.

"Nova Scotia's best days are just over the horizon," the premier said. "To get there we need a government with a sense of direction and purpose."

Premier Hamm said the government will focus its attention and resources on education and life-long learning; improving access to health care; creating the conditions for economic growth; and helping Nova Scotians on social assistance move into the workforce.

"The government's commitment to education is reflected in budget decisions," said the premier, adding that overall cash for education will not be reduced this year, or in any year during the term of his government.

"In every area of public endeavour, we need to focus less on dollars spent and more on results achieved," he added.

The premier said the government's objective in health care is to ensure a greater share of the public investment finds its way to front-line caregivers. He noted that while spending on health care increased by almost 40 per cent in the past four years, Nova Scotians have not noticed any improvement in health services.

To make it easier for business to grow and create jobs, the premier said the government will get out of the way of legitimate businesses.

Premier Hamm released a government business plan, titled The Course Ahead, which promised that 2000 would be a year of transition for government. He said the realignment of departments will take up to a year to complete to ensure core government services do not suffer during the transition.

At a news conference at Province House, and later in the legislature, the premier talked about the need for change.

Over time, he said, Nova Scotia's government has grown "beyond its capacity to serve."

"In response to a variety of demands, the government of Nova Scotia has tried to become all things to all people. In the process, it lost sight of its purpose; lost focus and direction," he said.

"When we talk of change, we are talking about nothing less than a redefinition of the role of government. We are talking about government which focuses on the priorities of the people. That requires a change in direction -- away from intrusive government that tries, and too often fails, to respond to every demand -- to a government that knows its place and its purpose."

Premier Hamm said four principles will guide his government -- value for taxpayers' money, accountability, fairness, and quality service.

The government is considering alternative methods of delivering services, and determining whether the future of government-operated businesses lies in the public or the private sector.

Relocation of government offices to regions outside Halifax is also in the plans. The premier said the government will spread the economic benefits that come from government activity across the province.

A new service-oriented department of government -- Service Nova Scotia -- will have a presence in every county in the province, the premier said.

"Technology has largely eliminated distance as an excuse for poor service. Likewise, technology has eliminated government's excuse for concentrating its offices in one location."

The premier also said senior officials in government will be held accountable for meeting financial, as well as service-delivery, objectives.

"The reorganization of government is the most significant in decades," Premier Hamm said. "It is designed primarily to reduce overlap and improve service delivery; and to bring down the barriers that inhibit coordination of government efforts."

NOTE TO EDITORS: Copies of the premier's speech to the House of Assembly are available; please e-mail [email protected] .

The government's business planning document, entitled The Course Ahead, is available on the Internet at www.gov.ns.ca/prio/Pub.htm , or by visiting the Government Bookstore at 1700 Granville St., 1-800-526-6575.