Ministry of Consumer and Business Services - Annual Reports 2002-2003/2003-2004
MINISTRY OVERVIEW
The Ministry of Consumer and Business Services (MCBS) provides a wide range of services, focused on customer service delivery and consumer protection for a fair, safe, dynamic and informed Ontario marketplace.
Through ServiceOntario, the ministry is responsible for improving access to government services in a way that was easy, convenient and secure. The goal for ServiceOntario is to provide individuals and businesses with one-stop shopping for government services whether by phone, online or in person.
Every year, the ministry serves more than 1,000,000 Ontarians at Government Information Centres, 300,000 Ontarians over the phone and enables more than 4.5 million website visits.
The ministry administers and enforces 66 statutes for consumer protection and rules for business practices. The ministry responds to approximately 75,000 consumer complaints and inquiries each year and educates consumers through communication activities.
The ministry regulates the sale, service and consumption of beverage alcohol, promotes its responsible use and enforces the Liquor Licence Act for 17,000 businesses in Ontario. The ministry requires that gaming activities, such as commercial and charity casinos, be conducted in the public interest and with honesty, integrity and financial responsibility.
The ministry registers and maintains accurate, secure information on births, adoptions, deaths, marriages and legal name changes in Ontario. The ministry provides proof of registration in the form of certificates and certified copies. The ministry also registers and maintains accurate public records and provides public access to information and records for real property, personal property and security, and companies.
ANNUAL REPORT
2003-2004
PROTECTING CONSUMERS
The ministry launched a campaign to help Ontarians reduce their risk of identity theft and make it easier to repair damage after a theft of identity had taken place. The Identity Theft Statement, which notified credit issuers and financial institutions nationwide of the loss, was developed jointly with federal, provincial and territorial governments, in consultation with banks, major retailers, credit card companies, law enforcement officials and consumer protection agencies.
IMPROVING ACCESS TO SERVICES
MCBS worked with other ministries to develop a government-wide online service to complete routine transactions such as reporting a change of address or renewing a vehicle registration. The ministry took steps to address the birth certificate backlog and improve service levels at the Office of the Registrar General.
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
The ministry established a new five-year initiative to boost development in emerging grape growing regions and increase business opportunities for small wineries. This initiative provided wineries with flexibility to source more grapes from Ontario’s more established grape growing regions.
The ministry worked with Ontario’s small brewing industry to develop an industry strategic and marketing plan.
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Ministry Expenditures ($ millions)
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|
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2003-2004 Actual
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|
| Operating |
182
|
| Capital |
1
|
| Staff Strength (as of Mar. 31, 2004) |
1,372
|
NOTE: Starting in 2002-2003, major tangible capital assets owned by provincial ministries (land, buildings and transportation infrastructure) are accounted for on a full accrual accounting basis. Other tangible capital assets owned by provincial ministries will continue to be accounted for as expenses in the year of acquisition or construction. All capital assets owned by consolidated government organizations are accounted for on a full accrual basis.
ANNUAL REPORT
2002-2003
PROTECTING CONSUMERS
The ministry introduced consumer protection reforms with the Consumer Protection Statute Law Amendment Act and the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002.
INTEGRATED ELECTRONIC SERVICE DELIVERY
The ministry facilitated one-window access to government business registration services, enabling clients to register for provincial programs as well as Goods and Services Tax, corporate income tax and payroll deduction.
The ministry upgraded e-Laws, which provides public access to Ontario laws online.
Other customer service initiatives included the "Life Event Bundle" project, providing online access to related groups of government services for Ontarians encountering major changes in their lives.
ELECTRONIC LAND REGISTRATION
The Electronic Land Registration System registered its one-millionth electronic document in 2002.
In addition, Toronto, the largest real estate market in Ontario, was connected to the electronic system in September 2002.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
In 2003, an updated European Union-Canada Trade Agreement was negotiated that secured access to European markets for all Ontario wines.
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Ministry Expenditures ($ millions)
|
|
|
2002-2003 Actual
|
|
| Operating |
178
|
| Capital |
1
|
| Staff Strength (as of Mar.31, 2003) |
1,310
|
NOTE: Starting in 2002-2003, major tangible capital assets owned by provincial ministries (land, buildings and transportation infrastructure) are accounted for on a full accrual accounting basis. Other tangible capital assets owned by provincial ministries will continue to be accounted for as expenses in the year of acquisition or construction. All capital assets owned by consolidated government organizations are accounted for on a full accrual basis.
For further information about the Ministry of Consumer and Business Services, visit the Internet site of the Ministry of Government Services at www.mgs.gov.on.ca. You can find annual reports for other Ontario government ministries online at www.gov.on.ca under “About Government”.
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