The government is discussing privatizing some of the work done by Service Nova Scotia.

The minister responsible for the service centres, Mark Furey, says the province has met with officials from other provinces that have taken the step.

Furey says he has also met with a number of private-sector companies interested in taking on the work.

Service Nova Scotia has offices across the province that offer everything from driver's licence renewals to debt counselling, but Furey only mentioned the land, motor vehicle and joint stock registries as possible areas for privatization outside cabinet today.

Furey says privatization could save money and allow the government to focus on core departments, such as health care and education.

He says no decisions have been made and nothing will happen this year.

Furey says the rights and benefits of public employees would not be compromised, adding that some other provinces were able to retain all employees after privatizing services.