Citizens' Services
The new Greater Victoria Service BC centre officially opened for business today with Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk joining staff and customers to celebrate the first fully integrated service centre in the region.
B.C.’s newest Service BC centre will improve access to hundreds of provincial government programs and provide a one-stop location for a variety of services ranging from liquor licensing to BC Hydro payments to voter registration.
(flickr.com) The new centre will provide in-person, front-counter service for B.C.’s Vital Statistics Agency, the Residential Tenancy Branch and the Ministry of Social Development and Social innovation. People can apply for a marriage licence and get information about renting an apartment or look for a job, all at the same convenient location.
New hearing loop technology will be offered for clients with hearing disabilities, which automatically transmits words from Service BC staff directly to the hearing aids of clients. Additionally, six community access terminals will provide support to people who are job hunting or looking for other self-service options.
Service BC is part of government's commitment to reduce red tape for British Columbians by streamlining and simplifying processes to make it easier and faster to access government services.
Quotes:
Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services, Amrik Virk –
“Service BC is a great example of how we can deliver a wide range of services, without wrapping people up in red tape or wasting resources. Now Victoria residents have one central place where they can access government services and trained professionals who are ready to help.”
Minister of Small Business, Red Tape Reduction and Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch, Coralee Oakes –
“The new Service BC centre will mean fast, easy access to services – saving people time and money. One of the many benefits of our commitment to reducing red tape is that British Columbians can now get information and assistance to register to be an organ donor at any of the 62 Service BC locations.”
Horizon Planning Group president Kyle Dunn –
“This is a very helpful resource for people like me. I was able to get my business and company name registered, sign up for a corporate BCeID and receive my mining certificate all in one convenient location. It was great.”
Quick Facts:
- The new Service BC centre is located at 403 - 771 Vernon Ave., and is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- There are now 62 Service BC centres located in B.C., serving more than two million people every year.
- Service BC delivers hundreds of services for government programs to residents, businesses and visitors – in person, online and over the phone, including:
- Ambulance Service Fee Payments
- Freshwater Angling/Fishing and Hunting Licences
- BC Hydro Payments
- BC Online (Government Services Online)
- BC Services Card
- BC Transplant Registration
- BC Vitals Statistics Services (Birth/Marriage/Death Certificates)
- BCeID (ID for Online Government Services)
- Child Care Subsidy Forms and Information Only
- Commercial Fisheries Licensing and Payments
- Commissioner for Taking Affidavits (limited authority)
- Corporate Registry Services
- Exam Invigilation Services
- Liquor Licensing
- Manufactured Home Registry (limited services)
- Medical Services Plan/Health Insurance BC
- Motor Vehicle Traffic Fine Payments
- Navigable Waters
- OneStop Business Registration
- Personal Property Registry
- Residential Tenancy Forms and Application Submission
- Rural Property Tax
- Water Licence - Payments
Learn More:
Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation: http://ow.ly/S42OJ
Residential Tenancy Branch: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies
Vital Statistics Agency: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/vital-statistics
Red Tape Reduction in B.C.: http://ow.ly/S9UPA
