Preamble

The information age and the advent of the Internet has dramatically changed the way Canadians do business, communicate and find the information they need. The Government of Canada (GOC) recognizes the importance of information technology and the vast benefits of providing information and services to Canadians on-line. In the October 12, 1999 Speech from the Throne, the Government committed to become a model user of information technology and the Internet. In keeping with this commitment, the Government has set a target of putting the most frequently used services on-line by 2005.

Government On-Line (GOL) is the Government's plan for service transformation, which seeks to change the way services are delivered by taking advantage of technology and the Internet. GOL will provide citizens with the unprecedented ability to interact with Government, to receive information on programs and services, and to carry out business transactions electronically.

GOL is also a key component in the federal government's plan to improve service delivery to Canadians by providing better access and seamless entry to the full range of government services and institutions. To ensure the achievement of these service improvement goals, the implementation of GOL is guided by the following basic principles:

• Client-driven service
• Convenient and accessible
• Consistent
• Responsive
• Private and secure

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is committed to the GOL initiative. The department's GOL plans are contained in the GOL Public Reports (2003 and 2001). These reports provide an overview of this initiative within the department and describe planned action for each GOL service.

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