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

Strategic Context

Ministry Overview

The Ministry of Skills Development and Labour is working to build a modern employment environment that meets the needs of employees, employers and unions in British Columbia. The core functions of the ministry include skills development, industrial relations, employment standards and workers’ compensation.

Highlights of Changes From the Previous Plan

In 2002/03 the ministry continued to build on initiatives set forth in the 2002/03 service plan. There were no fundamental changes in direction from the goals and courses of action detailed in the service plan tabled last year.

Planning Context

Approximately two million people were employed in B.C. in 2002. Almost 354,000 worked in the broader public sector, more than 1.2 million worked in the private sector and approximately 370,000 were self-employed. In the same year, about 600,000 B.C. employees were members of trade unions. Small business in B.C. grew by 48 per cent between 1991 and 2001. Currently, 47 per cent of employed British Columbians work in small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. This overview provides the context within which the ministry’s work will take place in the future.

Strengths and Opportunities

• Government has a strong mandate to improve and revitalize the provincial economy by enhancing B.C.’s labour relations environment.
• The changing world of work and an expanded economy have led to diversification and growth of non-traditional areas such as entertainment, technology and eco-tourism, creating greater employment opportunities.
• B.C.’s educated workforce is attractive to potential employers.
• Reviews of the workers’ compensation system, the Labour Relations Code and Employment Standards Act will ensure that legislation and programs reflect the realities of today’s workplaces.
• Government is committed to reducing red tape and legislation.

Challenges

• Provincial, national and global economic climates continue to produce instability in many workplaces in the province. The ministry strives to establish a stable employment environment to counter external forces and balance internal pressures as much as possible.
• Continuing changes in the nature of work in B.C. have produced job losses and closures in many traditional resource-based sectors.
• The core services of the ministry have been identified and measures are being implemented to strengthen core services, within the limits of available resources.

Risks

• The core review identified some services that will no longer be provided. However, the essential services of the ministry will be maintained.

Assumptions

• Government will continue to enforce minimum workplace standards and procedures to protect the public interest, promote industrial stability and encourage economic growth. Outside of this, employers and employees are in the best position to determine how their workplaces should operate.
• Stakeholder groups will continue to have differing interests, but will share an interest in an economy that works.

Vision

A modern work environment for British Columbians that encourages innovation, rewards creative thinking and increases productivity. Employees and employers are treated fairly and equitably. A prosperous British Columbia where employers and employees have confidence in the future.

Mission

Our mission is to create an employment environment with dynamic workplaces that meet the needs of workers, employers and unions. Vulnerable workers will be protected. We will ensure that British Columbians have the tools they need to foster working relationships in safe and healthy workplaces. We will develop programs and legislation that contribute to provincial competitiveness and prosperity.

Values

The following values are integral to achieving the goals of the Ministry of Skills Development and Labour:

• We seek fair and balanced workplaces in all sectors and will ensure that all related ministry decisions are made in a consistent, professional, fair and balanced manner.
• We support a competitive business environment that attracts investment to British Columbia and retains our skilled employees.
• We will protect the most vulnerable employees in the province and ensure they are treated equitably, compassionately and respectfully.
• We will encourage small businesses to prosper through simple and streamlined processes.
• We strive to be relevant and responsive to constantly changing workplaces.
• We adhere to sound fiscal responsibility and management and the implementation of affordable public policies.
• We value the hard work and expertise of all ministry employees.