FRONTCOUNTER BC OPEN TO SERVE SMITHERS

SMITHERS – FrontCounter BC’s award-winning services are now available in Smithers to serve natural resource clients, Bulkley Valley-Stikine MLA Dennis MacKAY announced today on behalf of Agriculture and Lands Minister Pat Bell.

“Businesses and citizens can think of FrontCounter BC staff as their direct link to B.C.’s natural resource-related ministries and agencies,” said MacKAY. “Essentially, a client can go to one person for help with virtually every provincially regulated natural resource issue related to their business or day-to-day life.”

In the past, the process of obtaining permits and authorizations was both complex and time consuming, with clients running from agency to agency tracking down information. For example, a guide outfitter operating in the north requires an estimated 12 to 24 licenses and permits from up to five different provincial natural resource agencies and eight other agencies. FrontCounter BC simplifies the process by offering single window assistance in applying for the required permits and authorizations.

“I’ve dealt with FrontCounter BC on a number of different occasions,” said Anthony Bing of Yukon Suspension Bridge Ltd. “The reason I keep coming back is because of the professional manner in which I am addressed and how I am kept up to date on the application process as well as how streamlined FrontCounter BC is. I am confident when I leave my businesses livelihood to them, which in turn allows me to focus on what I do best, run our tourism business.”

“In dealing with FrontCounter BC staff we’ve found them to be so friendly and helpful,” said Evan Breton, owner-operator of Glacier Adventures and Bed & Breakfast. “The entire application process has been totally straightforward in that I haven’t had to go to a number of different offices for approvals.”

FrontCounter BC provides complete information across the provincial natural resource sector and accepts applications and fees for over 100 licenses, tenures, and related authorizations on behalf of partner agencies. Clients can pay for services using cash, debit or credit card. Staff do not ‘lobby’ to have projects approved; they act as liaisons between the client and host ministries and agencies, advocating for timely decisions and responses. Last year, FrontCounter BC gained major recognition by taking top honours in the cross-governmental integration category at the Premier’s Innovation and Excellence Awards.

In addition to its single-window service for clients of provincial natural resource ministries and agencies, FrontCounter BC also offers OneStop Business Registry services as well as access (via a Community Access Terminal) to a wide range of government information and services available online.

FrontCounter BC Smithers is located on the 1st Floor, 3726 Alfred Avenue. The office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is open through the lunch hour. For more information on FrontCounter BC, visit www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca or call toll-free 1 877-855-3222 (FCBC).

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Media contact:	Liz Bicknell Communications Director 250 356-2862 250 213-3072 (cell)

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