STRATEGIC INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AGENDA ENHANCED

The Government of Saskatchewan is undertaking a comprehensive approach designed to maximize the use of information technology (IT) as a tool for improving internal business practices, providing efficient public services and helping build a sustainable provincial economy.

"Information technology holds enormous potential for our province," Minister responsible for Information Technology Andrew Thomson said. "In order to fully capture that potential, we must encourage growth and innovation in the sector and ensure our efforts are focused on delivering IT services to citizens and business.

In addition to working with industry, the Information Technology Office will collaborate with other government departments to improve internal government IT operations. The agenda includes finding cost savings and opportunities for improved program delivery through infrastructure consolidation and better co-ordination of internal and external IT service delivery.

"The work on consolidation and service delivery will result in long-term savings and benefits far surpassing the immediate costs," Thomson said. "In addition, it will accelerate initiatives that will provide better services to the public, increased security for government systems and better protection of public information."

The Information Technology Office will receive $1.7 million in incremental funding for the current fiscal year so it has the resources necessary to implement the initiatives already underway and others still in the planning stages.

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For More Information, Contact:

Art Newton Information Technology Office Regina Phone: (306) 787-2215