Sea-to-Sky residents and businesses will now find it even easier to access government services with the official opening of a brand-new FrontCounter BC office in Squamish, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky Joan McIntyre announced today.

The Squamish location is the 29th FrontCounterBC office to open around the province. The expansion of the FrontCounterBC program is a key part of the Province's integrated approach to managing development in the natural resource sector.

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.

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

A shift from paper to more electronic applications for natural resource authorizations will be launched later this month through: www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca

Notices of Work for the mining sector will be added to the online system Feb. 28. The online system includes interactive e-forms to help minimize rejections and delays as well as extensive, easy to follow help for clients and the ability to submit applications at their own convenience.

Quotes:

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

"FrontCounterBC embodies the vision of this ministry - it's client-centred and regionally-based. Residents and clients in the sea-to-sky corridor can now visit this new office and get personalized help with their natural resource inquires and application packages."

Joan McIntyre, MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky -

"Resource development is still a vital part of our local economy, and with improved access to services through FrontCounter BC we will better meet the needs of individuals and industry alike."

Mayor Rob Kirkham of Squamish -

"This is great news for Squamish as we are a community with broad interests across the natural resource sector. Having a FrontCounterBC office in our community provides a one-stop shop to seek information, apply for permits, and get assistance on a wide range of topics, making transactions relating to natural resources easier and efficient."

Trevor Dunn, principal, Sea to Sky Gondola -

"Our adventure tourism company uses FrontCounterBC frequently for multiple types of natural resource applications and inquiries. Having a FrontCounterBC office now only minutes away is convenient and will allow us to spend more time focusing on the future operation and success of our business."

Quick Facts:

• FrontCounterBC offers more than 130 natural resource-related permits and authorizations at each location.

• FrontCounterBC provides services on behalf of 16 additional partner agencies.

• Since Jan. 1, 2005, over 55,100 authorizations have been processed.

• The FrontCounterBC 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

FrontCounterBC: http://www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/

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

Contact:

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