The Honourable Belinda Stronach, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and the Honourable Scott Brison, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, were in Kentville, Nova Scotia on November 8 for the official launch of Service Canada in the province.

Ms. Stronach said the launch of Service Canada in Nova Scotia will improve access to government services, especially for communities in rural areas. “Expanding our service delivery network makes it more convenient for Canadians to access needed services and benefits,” said Minister Stronach. “We are delivering on the Service Canada commitment of ensuring Canadians know about its services by having a presence in communities across the country.”

“The Kentville Service Canada Centre will be a model office for service delivery with the renovations that have been planned for the next few months,” said Minister Brison. “It will accommodate people who want to use a computer as well as those seeking a private consultation with a Service Canada employee.”

Today, the Service Canada network brings together 320 points of service in communities throughout Canada; a national 1 800 O-Canada telephone service providing Canadians with information about all federal government services; and a range of on-line services at www.servicecanada.gc.ca. Service Canada Centres will operate in 24 locations throughout Nova Scotia.

The Nova Scotia launch provided an opportunity to showcase a brand-new service offering – the Canadian Agricultural Skills Service – to be delivered by Service Canada on behalf of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.  The program is targeted to the agricultural community in Nova Scotia, giving farm producers and their spouses access to training that will help improve their skills or diversify their incomes.