BILL NO. 88
(as introduced)
1st Session, 64th General Assembly
Nova Scotia
70 Elizabeth II, 2021
Private Member's Bill
Executive Council Act (amended)
and
Public Service Act (amended)
The Honourable Patricia Arab
Fairview–Clayton Park
First Reading: November 5, 2021
Second Reading:
Third Reading:
Explanatory Notes
Clause 1 adds the Minister of Digital Government and Services to the list of members of the Executive Council holding offices at the pleasure of the Lieutenant Governor.
(a) establishes the Department of Digital Government and Services to be presided over by the Minister of Digital Government and Services; and
(b) sets out the mandate of the Department.
An Act to Amend Chapter 155
of the Revised Statutes, 1989,
the Executive Council Act,
and Chapter 376 of the Revised Statutes, 1989,
the Public Service Act,
to Create the Department of
Digital Government and Services
Be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows:
1 Section 3 of Chapter 155 of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the Executive Council Act, as amended by Chapter 14 of the Acts of 1992, Chapter 21 of the Acts of 1993, Chapter 19 of the Acts of 1994, Chapter 1 of the Acts of 1995-96, Chapters 8 and 25 of the Acts of 1996, Chapter 4 of the Acts of 2001, Chapter 4 of the Acts of 2008, Chapter 14 of the Acts of 2009, Chapter 9 of the Acts of 2011, Chapter 37 of the Acts of 2013 and Chapter 34 of the Acts of 2014, is further amended by adding immediately after clause (k) the following clause:
- (ka) the Minister of Digital Government and Services;
2 Chapter 376 of the Revised Statutes, 1989, the Public Service Act, is amended by adding immediately after Section 32 the following heading and Sections:
- 32A The Department of Digital Government and Services is established.
32B The Department of Digital Government and Services shall be presided over by the Minister of Digital Government and Services who has the supervision, direction and control of all matters relating to the Department and who shall supervise the performance of the functions of the Department.
32C (1) The Minister of Digital Government and Services has, unless specifically assigned to another member of the Executive Council, the supervision, direction and control of all affairs and matters relating to
(a) developing and enforcing a set of digital standards that ensure government services--online, in-person and by phone--are user-centric, fast, simple and secure;
(b) implementing a secure seamless identity management and login system that protects Nova Scotians' private information;
(c) enhancing digital tools and systems to ensure that the public service is efficient and can design and deliver services and programs that get the best results for Nova Scotians;
(d) ensuring that the Province's information technology infrastructure is adequately protected against cyber-security threats;
(e) taking the lead to analyze and improve government procurement and internal processes and the implementation of digital solutions within government departments;
(f) championing the acceleration of government-wide adoption of digital service delivery that enables efficient interaction with government for residents and businesses; and
(g) such other matters as may be assigned to the Minister by the Governor in Council or by statute.
(2) The Minister shall support the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Service Effectiveness to create a culture of nimble, flexible and effective digital service delivery across government that reduces unnecessary red tape and regulatory burdens for residents and businesses.
This page and its contents published by the Office of the Legislative Counsel, Nova Scotia House of Assembly, and © 2021 Crown in right of Nova Scotia. Created November 5, 2021. Send comments to legc.office@novascotia.ca.
