Residents in the Peace will now find it even easier to access government services with the official opening of a brand-new FrontCounter BC office in Dawson Creek, MLA for Peace River South Blair Lekstrom announced.

The Dawson Creek location is the fifth FrontCounter BC office to open this year, and the 17th 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 Peace 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 quicker 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, 9000 - 17th Street, Dawson Creek: http://flic.kr/p/bDvq5K

Quotes:

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

"FrontCounter BC embodies the vision of this ministry - it's client-centred and regionally-based. By bringing government services into communities like Dawson Creek, we're supporting economic development in B.C."

Blair Lekstrom, MLA for Peace River South -

"I'm proud that our government is committed to strong rural communities. The resource sector is an important industry in the Peace, and with improved access to services through FrontCounter BC we will meet the needs of individuals and industry alike. This single-window approach will streamline government processes, which is something our government continually works towards."

Mike Bernier, Mayor of Dawson Creek -

"Dawson Creek is a community with a long history in the natural resource sector. Having FrontCounter BC right here in town will help our natural resource clients access the support and expertise they require."

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:

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:

Brennan Clarke
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261