Residents and businesses in the Skeena will now find it easier to access government services with the official opening of a brand-new FrontCounter BC office in Terrace.

The Terrace location is the fourth FrontCounter BC office to open this year, and the 16th since January 2011. The expansion of the FrontCounter BC program is a key part of the Province's integrated approach to the natural resource sector and will provide residents and businesses in the Skeena a local office to conduct their natural resource business.

The opening also supports the 'Canada Starts Here: BC Jobs Plan' by providing easier access to government services that will help to enable job creation and support regional economic development in the natural resource sectors.

FrontCounter BC is a single-window service for clients of the natural resource sector. FrontCounter BC was created in 2005 with eight locations, a dedicated call centre and online applications.

FrontCounter BC, 5220 Keith Ave., Terrace: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/6987478751/

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

"This ministry is client-centred and regionally based. By expanding FrontCounter BC services to communities like Terrace, we are helping natural resource clients get the information and assistance they need to succeed in the natural resource sector."

Mayor David Pernarowski of

"With billions of dollars in major projects being developed in northwest B.C., it is a very positive strategic move that the Province chose Terrace as the home of a new FrontCounter BC office. The resource sector is an important industry for our region. A FrontCounter BC office will help the right projects get started in our community - projects that support B.C. families."

Quick Facts:

• FrontCounter BC offers more than 130 natural resource-related permits and authorizations at each location.
• FrontCounter BC provides services on behalf of 16 additional partner agencies.
• Since Jan. 1, 2005, over 47,000 authorizations have been processed.
• The FrontCounter BC call centre handles more than 21,400 inquiries annually.

Learn More:

For an audio clip of Thomson commenting on the new FrontCounter BC office: http://soundcloud.com/bcgov/minister-thomson-frontcounter

The BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

Find a FrontCounter near you: http://www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/contact/locations.html

FrontCounter BC: http://www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/

Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations: http://www.gov.bc.ca/for/index.html

Contact:

Vivian Thomas
Communications Manager
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-2475