Private Registry Services
March 8, 2010
Mrs. Forsyth: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Many years ago the government made the decision to get out of running government registries and allow community-based entrepreneurs to step in. While the oversight of the important registry function remains with the government, these entrepreneurs have built strong, credible, and important community-based businesses. My questions are to the Minister of Service Alberta. Why is your department threatening to ruin hundreds of businesses across Alberta by opening up the registry business to banks, financial institutions, and others?
The Speaker: The hon. Minister of Service Alberta.
Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I first want to say that registry agents do excellent work across Alberta, the over 200 offices that we have doing the front-line counter service that needs to be done on a daily basis. It’s really important here: over these last couple of years just meeting with the registry agents, talking to them about the partnership they can continue to have with the government, and moving forward in a number of new areas like online services, areas like that.
Mrs. Forsyth: Minister, that wasn’t the question I asked you. Mr. Speaker, many Albertans have invested huge amounts of time and money to build a livelihood and a private business for their family. Sadly, this government faction once again is undermining the ability of businesses to invest with confidence and certainty. The provincial government is now moving forward with a plan to allow banks, financial institutions, and others to get into the private registry business. My question is again to the same minister. If you’re going to allow banks and financial institutions to get into the registry business, will you ensure that the playing field is truly level and require them to operate as stand-alone businesses?
The Speaker: The hon. minister.
Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to some of the comments that the hon. member has made, at any time we are discussing ongoing things. Nothing has been set in stone. We are discussing and having good feedback on a number of issues. Just last year we signed a phenomenal registry agent agreement. It took one year to sign that agreement. I was very proud of that work, very proud of the partnership we have with the agents on this. Moving forward, anything we do will be discussed openly, and that’s what’s really important.
Mrs. Forsyth: Minister, it was your document that was leaked to the association, not mine. My final question is to the same minister. Why are you allowing your department to undermine the confidence and security of the investment that thousands of Albertans have made in their own registry business by not stopping this ill-conceived plan in its tracks?
The Speaker: The hon. minister.
Mrs. Klimchuk: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It’s very good to clear this up. Any time internal documents are shared with the public, that’s something we have to look at. It’s really important to note that it’s an internal discussion document. Nothing has been decided. We are moving forward and will be consulting with registry agents as well as with Albertans. I think what’s really important here is being competitive, more online services, and giving registry agents a chance to succeed and do more good business.
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