2003/04 – 2005/06 SERVICE PLAN Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries

Consistency with Government Strategic Plan

Each core business area indicates specific linkages with the Provincial Government’s “A New Era for British Columbia”. The business area descriptions also describe linkages to the Premier’s letter to the Minister where applicable.

Specifically, the government’s broad goals are:

• A strong and vibrant provincial economy
• A supportive social infrastructure
• Safe, healthy communities and a sustainable environment

All of the ministry’s core business areas address the first goal of developing a stronger economy. Specific core business areas also address one of the other goals directly, e.g., food quality and safety, and environmental sustainability and resource development, would address the last goal. All of the core business areas address each of the government’s goals to some degree.

Deregulation

This service plan indicates how the ministry will reduce regulatory impediments to competitiveness of the BC seafood and agrifood sectors. The target is to reduce regulations by one-third within 3 years. The ministry has made significant progress toward this target, and could achieve it ahead of schedule. [see Industry Competitiveness core business area section for performance targets.] Legislation and regulations inconsistent with the new mandate of the ministry will be repealed. It will be also achieved by shifting to outcome-based regulations.