Minister Mitch Murphy announced today that Islanders can take comfort knowing that the provincial government's essential services and mission critical systems are Year 2000 ready, due to the diligent work and extra efforts put forward by Y2K project team members.
"Government departments have had dedicated teams of individuals working on the Y2K issue since as early as 1996," said Minister Murphy. "Given the significant efforts achieved in all areas of the project, the public can be assured that provincial government is well prepared for the transition into the new millennium and beyond."
A Year 2000 Central Project team was created to plan and coordinate government's overall response. This team has been devoted to providing guidance and assistance to departments regarding information systems readiness and embedded systems, and has also addressed key business management issues such as supply chain readiness, business continuity planning, due diligence, quality assurance and communications.
The results of a readiness assessment conducted across government by the Year 2000 Central Project Office indicates all areas of technology have been investigated thoroughly and appropriate steps have been taken to address issues identified.
According to Minister Murphy, the global challenge of the Y2K issue is interdependencies. Many organizations, including the Government of Prince Edward Island, have done exhaustive supply-chain readiness studies and have implemented extra security in the form of back-up plans.
"Despite all the speculation, this event has never been experienced so no one can be completely sure everything will work perfectly come January 1, 2000, added Minister Murphy. "However, the Province has made the Y2K issue a top priority and department and corporate plans are in place to ensure continuity of service in the case of exceptional circumstances."
The government has been promoting readiness and providing assistance to the broader public service, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, school boards and other essential services.
In addition to internal efforts, the provincial government is working cooperatively with federal, provincial and territorial counterparts as well as the province's essential service providers, to share information to minimize the potential impact of Y2K on Islanders. Minister Murphy encourages all Islanders to take practical steps to assess their own readiness for Y2K in their home or business.
Additional information is available on the Province of Prince Edward Island Year 2000 Challenge website at www.gov.pe.ca/y2k or by contacting the Year 2000 Central Project office at 368-6665 or e-mail to y2k@gov.pe.ca.