2003/04 – 2005/06 SERVICE PLAN Ministry of Skills Development and Labour

Consistency with Government
Strategic Plan

The objectives of the Ministry of Skills Development and Labour are consistent with the government strategic plan. A healthy labour environment is essential to achieving the broad goals of government including a strong and vibrant provincial economy, a supportive social infrastructure and safe and healthy communities.

Employment standards are considered by businesses when deciding where to locate. Flexible and appropriate employment standards will attract businesses to B.C. and contribute to the provincial economy. Workers’ compensation rates and coverage also influence the attractiveness of B.C. as a place to do business. Attracting private sector businesses to the province will increase the number of high-paying job opportunities for British Columbians and contribute to economic prosperity.

The ministry’s efforts to streamline services, such as employment standards and the LRB, are consistent with the government’s priority of responsible and accountable management of B.C.’s public resources and tax dollars.

Deregulation

Cross-government deregulation initiatives, which seek to reduce the overall regulatory burden by one third, will impact all core businesses of the Ministry of Skills Development and Labour.

By the end of 2002, the ministry had reduced its regulatory requirements by over 15 per cent and the Workers’ Compensation Board had reduced its regulatory requirements by 3 per cent.

The ministry will continue its analysis to streamline regulations and eliminate unnecessary requirements throughout 2003 to 2004. Specifically, legislative reviews of the Workers Compensation Act and the Employment Standards Act will continue with changes to legislation through 2004. The ministry anticipates that the deregulation efforts of the Workers’ Compensation Board will result in substantial reductions. As a result, the ministry anticipates achieving its goal of reducing its regulatory requirements by one third by June 2004.

While efforts will continue to reduce the number of requirements imposed on the public, the ministry will also seek to ensure that the more qualitative impacts of deregulation also proceed. For example, while employers are still required to maintain records for employment standards, the length of time has been reduced from five to two years. This is a substantial lessening of a government-imposed obligation though it does not alter the ‘count’ of regulations.