News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government is earning an international reputation for its innovative approach to using information technologies to change its corporate culture, increase productivity and reduce costs.

"Our government is committed to improving the quality of its programs and services while striving toward fiscal sustainability and a brighter future for all New Brunswickers," said Premier David Alward. "I commend our information technology professionals for their efforts to improve the management of the province and build a better New Brunswick."

In 2012, the provincial government embarked on a project to change how it manages, co-ordinates and monitors information technologies across departments and agencies.

The goal was to find ways for the provincial government to make the best use of existing and emerging information technologies.

So, instead of working in administrative silos, departments have been working together, sharing information and coming up with government-wide solutions.

The approach has attracted attention nationally and internationally. Provincial officials have presented their work in several ways:

●    They are participating in CISCO Live!, an international information technology conference, being held in Milan, Italy, from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2.
●    Earlier this month, Hewlett-Packard published a case study on the cost-efficient approach of the provincial government to achieve efficiencies and streamline its use of information technologies.
●    In November 2013, provincial representatives attended the Information Security Forum's 24th World Congress, held in Paris. They were the only Canadian officials present.
●    Also in November 2013, they attended the VMWare Inc. Atlantic Forum, held in Halifax. They discussed how the provincial government is consolidating its data centres.
●    In October 2013, they attended Canada's Government Technology Event, held in Ottawa. They made a presentation to more than 200 federal, provincial and municipal information technology representatives.
●    Also in October 2013, Canadian Government Executive Magazine carried an article about how the provincial government is using information technologies.

"Information technology plays a crucial role in making government more efficient, flexible and better able to meet the needs of New Brunswickers now and in the future," said Christian Couturier, chief information officer for the provincial government. “A great deal of work has been done so far such as renegotiating contracts for hardware, software and services as well as sharing of services among 240 organizations. But that was just scratching the surface. Now, we need to change the culture across government and to embrace new technologies to drive down costs and to deliver more efficient and better services to taxpayers."