I have the honour to submit the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services Service Plan for 2004/2005 – 2006/2007. This plan outlines the approaches our Ministry will take to support vigorous, safe and healthy communities which help to make our province strong and prosperous.

The Ministry is diverse, with a wide range of programs and services supporting all British Columbians. In many areas, we have reached a number of milestones over the last year. The Community Charter was given Royal Assent and took effect on January 1, 2004. The Charter is one of the most empowering legislative frameworks for local government in the country, giving local communities greater autonomy and providing more accountability for local citizens.

Many other achievements will help to build strong communities. Over the last year, we signed four more partnership agreements to create employment and training opportunities to improve the quality of life of Aboriginal people. We have seen management and operation of 20 heritage sites devolved to local, community-based groups.

With a renewed emphasis on immigration and multiculturalism, the Provincial Nominee Program gained further momentum by successfully nominating immigrants with much-needed skills — such as nurses, healthcare professionals, high-tech workers and others — which further strengthens our provincial economy. We continue our commitment to women's services including funding for transition houses and Stopping the Violence counselling. And, focusing on Seniors' Services will help us find new ways to meet the needs of British Columbia seniors, notably the expansion of housing options to suit individual needs.

The importance of partnerships is a recurring theme in many achievements over the last year. Through the Canada-British Columbia Infrastructure Program, in its fourth year, we contributed towards 188 "green" projects with a total value of over $600 million. These projects will ensure residents have access to safe drinking water and will improve sewage treatment.

As a Ministry, we will continue to work to capitalize on the benefits of partnerships with other levels of government, community groups and the private sector, maximizing benefits to British Columbians and making the most effective use of taxpayers' dollars. With stronger communities and effective partnerships, we will build a stronger British Columbia.

Sincerely,

Honourable Murray Coell
Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services

January 29, 2004