2003/04 – 2005/06 SERVICE PLAN Environmental Assessment Office

Consistency with Government Strategic Plan

The Environmental Assessment Office Service Plan 2003/04 to 2005/06 supports the Government of British Columbia’s long-term goals of:

• a strong and vibrant provincial economy; and
• safe, healthy communities and a sustainable environment.

The Environmental Assessment Office’s principles and organizational values support the government’s core values. The goals, objectives, and strategies of the Environmental Assessment Office reflect government’s commitment to operate in an innovative, results-oriented, and accountable manner consistent with the following managerial principles:

• high standards of accountability, consultation and ethics;
• focused and efficient delivery of government services;
• social and fiscal responsibility;
• open and transparent government; and
• an innovative and goal-oriented public service.

While no New Era commitments refer specifically to environmental assessment, or the Environmental Assessment Office, the environmental assessment process contributes to the achievement of government commitments for:

• a thriving private sector economy and enhanced competitive business climate;
• cutting red tape and providing faster approvals and greater access to Crown land and resources;
• effective and sustainable use of provincial land and resources;
• a scientifically-based, balanced and principled approach to environmental management;
• protecting human health;
• eliminating federal/provincial overlaps that increase costs, and frustrate economic development;
• improving the regulatory regime and reducing the number of regulations by one-third within three years;
• increased focus on customer service and leadership in electronic government;
• open and accountable government; and
• responsible fiscal management of tax dollars.

Deregulation

The Government of British Columbia is committed to reducing unnecessary red tape and regulation by one-third by the end of fiscal year 2004/05. All of the legislative changes needed to meet the Environmental Assessment Office’s contribution to this one-third deregulation target have been developed and put into force. The new Environmental Assessment Act provides for a streamlined review process and allows more procedural flexibility to accommodate project-specific circumstances. Legislative and policy changes made in fiscal year 2002/03 have resulted in a 56% reduction in the regulatory burden associated with the environmental assessment process in British Columbia.