Goals, Objectives and Strategies — Continued

Core Business Area: Executive and Support Services

Goal 4: Provide effective and efficient planning, support and enforcement for ministry programs.

Objective: Clear vision, leadership, direction and support for all ministry programs.

Strategies: Provide guidance on how the ministry will make decisions about initiatives based on the consideration of all relevant factors, including economic, social and environmental factors. Establish strong strategic policy leadership that focuses on broad directions, continuous improvement and innovation. Undertake strategic planning and provide leadership and support to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to ministry initiatives in all regions of the province (e.g., delivery through an effective committee structure). Eliminate, revise or develop new legislation as appropriate to facilitate delivery of the ministry’s strategic shifts and to address deregulation requirements. Continue to guide and support the improved use and better integration of science and risk management in ministry decision-making. Participate and provide leadership in intergovernmental forums and facilitate implementation of associated initiatives [e.g., Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM)]. Participate in interministry forums to support ministry interests in addressing cross-ministry initiatives (e.g., Partnership Committee on Agriculture and the Environment). Support key government initiatives, such as the government’s economic and fiscal strategy, B.C. Lands Trust, the 2010 Olympic Bid, and the acquisition of Burns Bog. Effectively communicate expectations and results to staff, clients and the public. Establish a formalized mechanism for business liaison to address concerns and expedite the resolution of issues.

Objective: Efficient program management, fiscal responsibility and client service.

Strategies: Develop and implement a comprehensive performance management framework, including effective monitoring, reporting and performance measurement. Develop and implement a human resource strategy that acknowledges changing workforce requirements, fosters healthy and knowledgeable staff, and supports achievement of business objectives. Ensure service requirements and fiscal targets are aligned. Work with ministries and others to develop effective agreements and memorandums of understanding to share expertise, services and service facilities across the regions. Review ministry fees and licences, and develop and implement changes as appropriate to ensure consistency between the fees and the services and opportunities provided. Identify methods to reduce the costs incurred by those who must meet environmental standards, reduce conflicts and litigation, and eliminate service backlogs. Implement an effective information system strategy. Coordinate environmental assessment referrals for the ministry.

Objective: Effective and efficient compliance and enforcement.

Strategies: Provide enforcement services to support Environmental Protection and Environmental Stewardship (fish, wildlife and protected areas) objectives. Implement an annual compliance plan that helps prevent violations, includes deterrence incentives, outlines enforcement actions, and recognizes good performance. Develop a set of compliance tools (such as administrative penalties and stewardship initiatives) that results in higher rates of compliance and effective targeting of resources. Develop geographic area-based plans for compliance and enforcement activities that target situations posing high risks to human health or the environment. Use the call centre to enable conservation officers to maintain their field presence and conduct enforcement activities in regional communities. Work with local communities on strategies to prevent wildlife-human conflicts. Ensure professional excellence through continuous improvement and accreditation programs.