Today, the Province announced that digital services across provincial ministries will be delivered by a central agency, Connected Services BC, in the Ministry of Citizens’ Services (CITZ).
This change is about creating a government that works the way people, organizations and businesses expect: connected, reliable and easy to navigate.
By bringing teams and platforms together under one umbrella, the goal is that by 2030, there will be one front door for people, organizations, and businesses interacting with government online, a connected service experience that allows for whole-of-government co-ordination and reduces delays and duplication so that users:
- only need to enter information once, with systems that share data securely and appropriately across programs;
- find and access services more easily, with fewer steps and clearer information; and
- benefit from services that are reliable, connected and designed around their needs.
This is a positive move for both government and the people of B.C. as it will not only support the formation of connected services, it will also bring more consistency, clarity, and innovation related to digital tools, processes and assistance.
Effective October 1, the majority of staff from the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s Digital and Data Division will join the new Connected Services BC agency, including Assistant Deputy Minister Jennifer Wray. Staff from the Student Certification and Transcripts branch as well as multiple analytics teams will remain within the Ministry of Education and Child Care, to continue to directly support B.C.’s K-12 and Child Care sectors.
There will be no immediate change to how you receive IT services and support from the Ministry of Education and Child Care. You should continue to reach out to the same people for the same services.
The full transition to Connected Services BC will take time. Over the next few months, a full review and requirements analysis will take place and a new service delivery model will be announced in the first quarter next year.
Rest assured, the Digital and Data staff moving to Connected Services BC are well aware of our existing priorities, including upcoming procurements, and will continue to support you as they do today. We will continue to work closely across ministries and elevate your needs within Connected Services BC, as needed.
Thank you,
Kaye Krishna
Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care
