NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2008LCS0020-001576 Oct. 20, 2008	Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services
INNOVATIVE OFFICE WELCOMES MERRITT CLIENTS

MERRITT – The new Service BC Centre officially opened in Merritt today, providing one-window access to a wide range of government services for people in the Nicola Valley, announced Labour and Citizens’ Services Minister Iain Black and Housing and Social Development Minister Rich Coleman. 

 

“To us, it’s all about service, and this new, modern home for Service BC will let us provide even better service to clients,” said Black. “The designers have created a truly welcoming space that reflects the beautiful Nicola Valley environment.”

 

The new Merritt office now combines front-counter assistance from Service BC with services from the Ministry of Housing and Social Development, which means that people can now access all of the services and programs they need by talking to just one person.

 

“It's important that our clients know about the services offered by the Ministry of Housing and Social Development,” said Coleman. “Now they can learn about our programs and access other provincial services at the same time.”

 

There are 59 Service BC centres across the province, offering one-stop access to hundreds of provincial services, ranging from marriage licenses to registration for Medical Services Plan. The Ministry of Housing and Social Development provides job search and training programs, income assistance, and access to employment assistance workers.

 

The improved Service BC Centre is part of the Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services’ “Welcoming Office” project, which is based on best practices in design and service delivery. Through the project, redesigned Service BC offices feature improved access for people with disabilities, use of more natural light, more comfortable furnishings for clients, and locally-inspired décor.  

 

The new Service BC Centre, located at 2194 Coutlee Avenue in Merritt, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visit the Service BC website at www.servicebc.gov.bc.ca for online information and services, and find out more about services offered through the Ministry of Housing and Social Development at www.gov.bc.ca/hsd

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NOTE: The online version of this release was changed to correct an error in the link to the Ministry of Housing and Social Development’s website.

 

Media contact:	Rob Duffus Communications Director Ministry of Labour and Citizens’ Services 250 387-3134
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.