SECURITY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE WILL IMPROVE WITH VITAL STATS REGISTRY TRANSFER

Effective October 2008, the management and operation of the Vital Statistics Registry is moving from the Ministry of Health to Information Services Corporation (ISC). This move will increase access to and the improve security of the registry for the province.

"Following a thorough review, we have concluded this transfer is in the best interest of the people of Saskatchewan," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "The transfer will leverage ISC's significant registry and conversion expertise to modernize the records management system, improve record security and provide customers with enhanced access to the registry."

The Vital Statistics Registry is a province-wide system for registering births, deaths, marriages, stillbirths and changes of name. Vital Statistics employees also issue certificates as legal proof of these vital events and provide statistical information for agencies and the public.

"ISC's core business is registry services, and we will work very hard over the next few months as the transfer progresses to ensure services are not interrupted for Vital Statistics customers," Acting ISC president and CEO Scott Hodson said. "Following the transfer, ISC will be making an investment to enhance services and upgrade the Vital Statistics database. We will be working closely with customers and employees to ensure we meet the current and future needs of the registry."

Eighteen positions, sixteen of which are filled, are included in the move. No jobs will be lost as a result of the transfer.

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For more information, contact:

Grant Bastedo
Information Services Corporation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3447

Andrew Dinsmore
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083