Government Restructuring Act Introduced in the Legislature

?TREASURY/POLICY BOARD--Government Restructuring Act Introduced in the Legislature

Legislation to restructure and improve accountability throughout the government of Nova Scotia was introduced today by Ron Russell, Minister responsible for Treasury and Policy Board.

"The right organizational structure promotes efficiency and accountability in government operations," the minister said. "That’s important for Nova Scotians who deliver, use and ultimately pay for government services."

An Act to Restructure the Government of Nova Scotia amends 11 other acts to implement significant structural changes developed over the last year.

It creates a new Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, a Public Service Commission and the Treasury and Policy Board.

It also formalizes amalgamation of six departments to three -- Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Environment and Labour -- and updates the mandates of other departments, such as Tourism and Culture, that made smaller structural changes.

In addition, the act changes the Voluntary Planning Act to allow that agency''s board to appoint sector councils and it provides for the elimination of some redundant government agencies and boards.

The Public Service Commission, to be headed by a commissioner, will have a broader mandate than the former Department of Human Resources. In addition to promoting responsive and accountable human resource management, it will be designated to play a more significant role in collective bargaining.

The Treasury and Policy Board, a committee of Cabinet supported by an administrative unit, is given responsibility for establishing overall plans and policies for the effective administration of government, including financial management and spending. Treasury and Policy Board replaces the former Priorities and Planning Committee, which did not deal with financial planning.

The act amends the Liquor Control Act to create the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation, replacing the Nova Scotia Liquor Commission. A nine-member board of directors, increased from three commissioners, will oversee operations and report to government on the performance of the corporation.

The new corporate structure is designed to make the corporation more efficient for the taxpayer and more responsive to customers and businesses. Amendments will also permit the corporation to proceed with initiatives such as allowing designated private retailers to sell beverage alcohol products.

Premier John Hamm announced a major restructuring of the government of Nova Scotia in March 2000 to reduce the size and improve the efficiency of government. Many government departments have also been implementing internal structural changes to promote efficiency and accountability in their organizations.