Clients Give Department Higher Marks

* Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry [to Oct 1996]
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry minister Walter Bradley said today that improving the way the department does business gives the primary resource industries "a better shot" at improving the provincial economy. He released the results of a recent client survey which showed that Islanders working in the primary resource sectors have given the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry higher marks this year for the quality of advice, assistance and information it provides.

The survey showed that the overall level of client satisfaction increased to 75 percent, up from 68 percent a year before. The results are based on a client survey of almost 800 people from all three industries, conducted in March of this year. A similar survey was carried out in 1995.

The overall level of satisfaction with the performance of departmental staff is approximately 80 percent.

The client survey was undertaken to measure the department's progress in achieving one of its goals, that of increasing the level of satisfaction with its programs and services. It has established a standard of satisfaction of 90 percent by the year 2000.

"I am pleased with the progress we have made over the past year in meeting our target goals," said Walter Bradley, minister. "Improving the quality of advice, assistance and information and increasing the level of satisfaction among the people we serve remain our top priorities."

Mr. Bradley said that ongoing dialogue with people in the industries on critical issues, a willingness to adapt programs to new realities and a strong commitment by staff to high quality, courteous service are possible contributors to the improved results.

The minister said the feedback is especially rewarding and informative for a government department, particularly when government can't always make decisions that are popular with everyone.

The overall level of satisfaction with the Agriculture Division increased to 72 percent from 64 percent over the past year. The areas with best results were farm safety (pesticide training), dairy lab services, livestock production, farm business management and performance of staff, all with a satisfaction level of more than 85 percent. Areas of least satisfaction were understanding issues and assisting the industry make needed changes.

Approval rating for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division declined slightly, from 61 to 57 percent. Feedback from clients suggests this level reflects dissatisfaction with decisions of the federal department of Fisheries and Oceans, including increased license fees, reduced support for fishing harbours and lobster conservation issues.

"March was a rather tumultuous month in the fishery," said Mr. Bradley.

In the Forestry Division, the overall level of satisfaction was 77 percent, down just two percentage points over a year earlier. The areas showing greatest satisfaction from clients were quality of seedlings, forest management advice and assistance and following environmentally sustainable practices. The areas of least satisfaction are in improving industry involvement and cooperation with the federal government.

The periods being surveyed include the loss of federal funding and the negotiation of a new forest partnership agreement between the department and the industry.

Mr. Bradley said that at a time when the role of government in many areas is being questioned, becoming more client-focused and results-oriented is essential. "By providing good value for our clients, we can continue to help them create sustainable economic growth in our province," he said.

Media Contact: Wayne MacKinnon