Islanders can now use the new Prince Edward Island government web site princeedwardisland.ca while it continues to be developed and updated.
“This new site makes it easier to find information and do more business with government online than ever before,” Finance Minister Allen Roach said. “Although websites like ours are constantly evolving and are never completed, this renewal positions us to better respond to how Islanders want to interact with their government in 2016.”
Renewal of the original government web site – launched in 1995 – is part of government’s Throne Speech commitment to transform the site into a “client-centred web and mobile-service platform.” Information is organized based on input from Islanders during focus groups, stakeholder workshops, and employee consultations.
New online services include online application and payment for electrical permits, food premises permits, family and seniors housing applications, and access to information requests. Other improvements Islanders will see are:
• content is organized by audience and topic of interest to Islanders;
• online services are easier to find under an “Online Services” heading;
• an improved search engine allows users to find what they need faster;
• a list of open data sets along with PEI’s open data licence, principles and standards;
• vehicle registration reminders can be sent to subscribers, with more reminders to come;
• a feedback tab is on every page;
• the site is mobile friendly for smartphone and tablet users; and
• an accessible design and content for persons with disabilities that meets global accessibility standards.
The new site can be found two ways – from the existing www.gov.pe.ca and at www.princeedwardisland.ca. Portions of the existing site will remain active until all content is moved to the new site.
“As with any new web site there are bound to be glitches, so please bear with us,” Minister Roach said. “Take a moment to let us know how we’re doing by using the feedback tab found on every web page– your input will continue to help shape the new site and make it better for everyone.”
For Broadcast Use
The Prince Edward Island government web site has been launched and renamed princeedwardisland.ca to better meet the needs of Islanders. Finance Minister Allen Roach said the new site makes it easier to find information and do more business with government online than ever before. He stressed that the site is still being developed so Islanders are encouraged to provide feedback to report any glitches or difficulties when using the site.
Backgrounder
Here’s princeedwardisland.ca by the numbers:
• The new site combines 50 sites and sub-sites into one
• 80,000 pages of content have been sorted and rewritten
• 75 per cent of priority content from the existing site is now online and available for use
• 80 staff across government are trained to use the new content management system
• Phase 1 was completed for $2.5 million (comparable for a project of this scope)
• Phase 2 has a budget of $680,000 for fiscal year 2016-17 – it involves updating and moving more content, adding more online service, and creating a government-wide web strategy.
• Three full-time and two part-time project staff support the project, together with staff in each department with web responsibilities.