The Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services has published government’s response to consultations on the future of digital service delivery and the BC Services Card.

During the consultations, held in fall 2013, government heard from experts and the public resulting in recommendations on an overall approach to digital service delivery.

The feedback provides guidance for developing digital services moving forward. British Columbians were clear that while they want government to deliver high-value digital services, any new service or use of the BC Services Card must be designed with a continued commitment to protecting citizens’ privacy and with open, ongoing communication.

Also published are the consultation reports submitted to government by the Specialists’ Forum, the User Panel and the results of the online public survey.

Quote:

Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Andrew Wilkinson -

“The BC Services Card is a tool that can help provide easier and convenient access to government services for people, while also making them more secure.

“Thanks to the feedback provided by everyone who participated in the consultation process, we have a strong citizen-based framework to develop new digital services with security and privacy top of mind.”

Facts about the Digital Services Consultation process:

• The consultation consisted of three streams:
  • Online public digital survey gathering more than 1,100 responses.
  • Specialists’ Forum bringing together approximately 100 experts in identity management, privacy and related fields for a two day conference in Vancouver.
  • Citizen User Panel consisting of 35 randomly selected people representative of the diverse range of ages and backgrounds of British Columbians who gathered in Vancouver for a series of workshops.
• The Citizen User Panel provided clear direction, through a list of conditionally endorsed services, where the BC Services Card could be used to digitally authenticate identity. Among the services identified were:
  • Online access to health records, lab results, prescription history and renewals;
  • Student loan applications;
  • Birth, death and marriage certificate applications;
  • Disability bus pass applications;
  • General confirmation of a citizens’ eligibility for services.

Facts about the BC Services Card:

• The BC Services Card was introduced in February 2013 to replace the previous CareCard.
• Citizens have the option to combine the BC Services Card with their B.C. driver’s licence.
• By the end of February 2014, over one million cards have been issued.
• The BC Services Card has advanced high-tech anti-counterfeit and fraud protection design.
• Includes a contactless chip, similar to a debit or credit card, which could be used in the future by an individual with a passcode to prove that they are who they say they are when they access digital services. The chip contains no personal information.
• The BC Services Card is a more secure form of ID than its predecessor the CareCard and improves the safety and security of people’s personal information.

Learn More:

Read the full report including the results of the consultation: www.gov.bc.ca/citz/reports_publications.html

More information on the BC Services Card: www.bcservicescard.ca

Media Contacts:

Jason Macnaughton
Communications Director
Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services
250 387-3134