Service New Brunswick
eNB initiative leads to innovation and advancement for New Brunswick
(05/01/20)
NB 52
Jan. 20, 2005
FREDERICTON (CNB) - Business New Brunswick Minister Peter Mesheau, Minister responsible for the eNB initiative,
reported today on the status of the eNB Action Plan's recommendations and highlighted some of the greatest successes of
this initiative.
"Collectively, our eNB efforts have resulted in significant innovation and advancement for the province," Mesheau said.
"The government's strong commitment to becoming a global leader in the digital economy of the 21st century and
collaboration between the public, private and academic sectors, has been instrumental to our success and continues to drive
new development. The eNB strategy is an important cornerstone of embracing innovation, a key building block of the
prosperity plan."
Since the eNB action plan was released, the majority of the approved 36 recommendations made by the Premier's
Roundtable on eNB and Innovation have been implemented and the remainder are being acted upon. New Brunswick is
making tremendous progress in each of the four eNB components which are: e-Government, e-Learning, e-Business, and
e-Infrastructure.
The eNB Report Card, that explains the status of all recommendations, is available
online at http://www.eNB.ca. Here are some examples
of successful initiatives that illustrate New Brunswick as a vibrant and innovative
province:
- The Department of Health and Wellness has developed a high level vision for the Electronic Health Record which is
entitled "One Patient - One Record". It is working closely with its stakeholders on several components of the e-Health
agenda and is developing a provincial plan for expansion and integration of Telehealth Services in New Brunswick, with
links to other provinces.
- More than 40 online courses are available to support the K-12 curriculum. The Province's Quality Learning Agenda
ensures continued growth in this area.
- New Brunswick was one of the first provinces to wire broadband to all public schools in NB and now has a high-speed
network connecting all of its training facilities. This broadband network will be expanded to all communities in New
Brunswick. This has been made possible by a $12.5 million contribution by the government, a federal contribution of
$16.5 million and an investment from Aliant of $15.6 million. As a result, 90 per cent of New Brunswickers will have
access to high-speed Internet. In addition, 95 per cent of business lines, and 100 per cent of regional health care centres,
business parks and First Nations' communities will gain access.
- Service New Brunswick, a recognized world-leader in the delivery of government services to citizens, now conducts
more than 40 per cent of all its transactions electronically, and provides more than 200 services to the public. These
online service offerings have contributed to the red tape reduction initiative, a commitment of the government.
- In partnership with municipalities and the private and academic sectors, SNB has developed a citizen engagement
survey toolkit. This initiative has contributed to greater citizen participation in government decision-making and in the
use of technology.
- A New Brunswick chapter of the Canadian Society for Training and Development has been formed through the
continued commitment of the e-learning industry. New Brunswick's e-Learning companies and institutions train people
around the world and have over 1 million alumni.
The eNB group is now working on a second Action Plan. This plan will be consistent with the directions and leadership
actions outlined by the Premier's Roundtable on eNB and Innovation. It will further advance current efforts and identify
new priorities and initiatives to support the Province in achieving the eNB vision.
The eNB strategy is New Brunswick's integrated strategy to take full advantage of today's digital world. It is a partnership
between the public, private and academic sectors that uses the resources, strengths and know-how of all three to ensure that
New Brunswick continues to be at the forefront of the digital economy.
05/01/20
MEDIA CONTACT: Diane Gauthier, communications officer, Service New Brunswick, 506-453-7416.
05/01/20