Use of E-Government Services on the Rise.

A recent PricewaterhouseCoopers survey ("Canadian Consumer Technology Survey 2000") indicates that almost half of Canadians (44%) with a home Internet connection access government services online. This number is up sharply from 32% in November 1999.

"We're at the beginning of a massive growth in the use of e-government services in Canada," says Oliver Kent, e-government leader for PricewaterhouseCoopers in Canada. "With the federal government pledging to make all services available electronically by 2004, and Ontario targeting 2003, the use of e-government services should grow rapidly."

Current users of government Web sites utilize the most basic functions -- getting information on programs and services (83%), looking for a phone number or address (36%) or searching for work or career opportunities (32%). Fewer respondents were using services that are just now available online, such as filing a tax return (17%) or applying for a service or payment (10%).

"It's important for governments to remember why people use electronic services. Whether in the private or public sector, the main driver is convenience," adds Kent. A majority of those polled (83%) said convenience would include a single Web site that would enable them to access a wide range of government services, regardless of the level of government.