2003/04 – 2005/06 SERVICE PLAN Office of the Premier

A Message from the Premier

The next three years will present both challenges and opportunities for government. The global economic recession has posed many challenges and requires strong fiscal management, but as economic growth returns the opportunities for a resource-rich and skills-rich British Columbia will abound. Over the past year British Columbia’s economy has begun to turn the corner, out-performing many of the forecasts made during the past year. We have created over 75,000 new jobs during the year, alongside double-digit growth in housing starts and a flourishing consumer sector. However, the province continues to face many economic challenges. Perhaps the greatest impact on our efforts to revitalize the economy has been the result of external forces, such as U.S. protectionism. We have been working closely with Canadian and international governments to open the doors to commerce and cultural activities with other nations, so that British Columbia is a leader in Canada.

As we look to the challenges that confront us — whether they are in health care, education or revitalizing the economy — we have to open our minds to the inherent opportunities British Columbia possesses. With our natural resources and our talented people, there is absolutely no reason that British Columbia should not be making a major contribution to the Canadian economy and to the quality of life of every single person who lives here. This government is working to position British Columbia to take full advantage of those opportunities. The Office of the Premier will lead and support the ministries in this work, consistent with this work, consistent with this Service Plan.

Honourable Gordon Campbell
Premier