2003/04 – 2005/06 SERVICE PLAN Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection

Planning Context

The ministry operates within the context of government priorities and a variety of external factors. Each year, the ministry analyzes how these priorities and factors will affect its strategic direction by noting progress and assessing future challenges and opportunities.

Government Priorities and Commitments

The government continues to place priority on encouraging a thriving economy that creates high-paying jobs, supports social programs, maintains high environmental standards and respects the strong environmental values of British Columbians.

The ministry is committed to this direction. It has already achieved many of its New Era commitments and continues to provide leadership and develop policies and legislation that support the government’s strategic plan. (See Consistency with Government Strategic Plan for a complete list of the ministry’s achievements and current New Era commitments.)

Environmental Factors

British Columbians have made progress in improving the state of the province’s environment. The discharge of chlorine compounds and toxic by-products into provincial waters has dropped substantially as a result of changes in pulp-mill bleaching and treatment processes. The total amount of waste going to landfills continues to decrease despite an increase in population. Environmentally responsible production practices continue to increase in the agricultural sector. There has also been an increase in the number of important forest ecosystems protected by legislation and in the number of key estuaries under conservation management. (Trend information: British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection. Environmental Trends in British Columbia 2002.)

However, pressures from an expanding population do present significant management issues for society. Road development, water consumption and discharge of pollutants into the environment continue to affect air and water quality and ecosystems in the province. The rapid expansion of human activities, especially in southern areas of British Columbia, continues to alter habitat and increase the number of species at risk. Human activity also heightens conflicts between wildlife and humans. As well, the release of carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to atmospheric warming has increased markedly in British Columbia.

An opportunity exists to create a legacy of effective legislation. This legislation would protect human health, natural diversity and habitat without unduly limiting access to natural resources for economic, recreation and community development purposes. Opportunities also exist for individuals, industry and local government to take greater responsibility in maintaining environmental standards.

Economic Factors

British Columbia’s economy is based both on the direct use of natural resources (such as forestry, hunting, angling and aquaculture) and on environment-related activities (such as tourism and recreation) that depend on natural diversity and environmental quality.

Balancing economic activity with environmental protection remains a ministry priority. A key challenge is concern that the provincial government has impeded economic development in the past by imposing prohibitive regulatory controls on industry. To address this issue, the ministry is actively reviewing regulations and legislation to focus on activities that pose the highest risk to the environment, while encouraging innovation in achieving environmental targets.

Environmental technology and clean energy industries are part of a growing sector. These industries provide waste collection and recycling, carbon dioxide emission reductions, advanced technology, and research and environmental engineering. They contribute more than $1.6 billion to the province’s gross domestic product (British Columbia Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise, 2002). The ministry is working to identify and promote these opportunities where possible.

There is strong public support for increased recreation opportunities related to fish, wildlife and park recreation services. Opportunities for economic development, employment in rural communities and partnerships with First Nations are possible through the revitalization of the province’s parks system and appropriate development of commercial recreational services.

Social Factors

British Columbians continue to be keenly interested in environmental projects and environmental practices. Non-government environmental groups are highly informed and active. International awareness of the province’s environmental resources and issues has grown significantly. British Columbia’s need to respond to and participate in national and international environmental agendas, such as oil and gas exploration and global climate change, has also grown. The ministry is already developing progressive strategies and programs to meet these challenges. Sound environmental practices and investment in recovery planning, species at risk and biodiversity aim at addressing public interest in protecting ecosystems and at preserving international markets.

British Columbia’s fish, wildlife and park resources are among the best in the world. The recreation services and opportunities supported by the ministry are highly valued by British Columbia residents and a drawing card for visitors to our province.

The public continues to be interested in the impact of air and water quality on health. The ministry supports amendments to enhance the Drinking Water Protection Act, and is working with the Ministry of Health Planning and other ministries to deliver on the Action Plan for Safe Drinking Water. The plan strengthens the protection of drinking water from source to tap in British Columbia.

Other Factors

The ministry has made significant progress in achieving its strategic shifts. However, significant challenges remain due to the extent of changes in regulation and service delivery. Such changes affect both the ministry and the other agencies upon which the ministry depends.

To be successful, the ministry must manage issues and potential risks related to:

• developing meaningful partnerships in and out of government with those who share our stewardship interests;
• setting effective science-based guidelines and standards to replace permit systems;
• meeting revenue requirements;
• ensuring access to information systems required for development of standards, monitoring and public reporting;
• ensuring effective compliance and enforcement systems; and
• providing staff with the necessary skills to fulfill the ministry’s mandate.

Both the public and industry increasingly demand transparent decision-making and clearly communicated standards, policies and guidelines based on impartial, scientific information. The ministry is continuing to explore opportunities (such as web-based communication) to provide transparency and accountability. Regular reports of ministry plans, initiatives and results related to the environment, public health and industry operations will enhance the ministry’s capacity to make information public.