Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction Coralee Oakes celebrated Red Tape Awareness Week by visiting the Prince George Service BC office where local residents now have the option of accessing Service BC on Saturdays, by appointment.

The Prince George location has extended its hours in response to requests from local residents. Prince George residents can now book an appointment to access services on Saturdays like renewing their driver’s license, taking a drivers’ knowledge test or applying for their BC Services card.

This pilot project will cut red tape by improving flexibility and access to government services for citizens and businesses.

To book a Saturday appointment, call: 250 565-4488 or visit the office in person.

Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction –

“Shorter wait times and increased flexibility is great news for busy Prince George residents. Having Saturday hours makes it easier for people to get their business done on their schedule. This is a great example of how the B.C. government is cutting red tape and improving service delivery for citizens.”

Shirley Bond, MLA for Prince George-Valemount –

“Extending hours at the Service BC office is great news for people in Prince George and the region. Opening the office on Saturdays will make it more convenient for residents to access government services. If you want to visit Service BC on a Saturday, please remember to call ahead and book an appointment."

Jakob Vogt, Area 2 services manager, Service BC –

“We’re happy to offer expanded hours for local residents. We know it can be difficult to break away from work during the week, and having our office open on Saturday by appointment gives people more options.”

Quick Facts:

• Service BC delivers hundreds of government services and programs in person, online and over the phone to B.C. residents, businesses and visitors.
• There are currently 62 Service BC offices in British Columbia.
• British Columbia is a recognized leader in cutting red tape.
• For the fifth year in a row, the Province has received an “A” in red tape reduction from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business – the only province in Canada to receive an “A”.
• Red Tape Awareness Week is a national event hosted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to encourage governments to reduce the regulatory burden on business.

Learn More at:

Reducing Red Tape for British Columbians: www.gov.bc.ca/helpcutredtape

Announcement of Service BC Prince George pilot: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2015MTICS0041-002164

Prince George Service BC office: http://www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca/locations/princegeorge.html