Core Business Areas

The ministry's major services are provided under the BC Employment and Assistance program (BCEA), which emphasizes self-reliance and personal responsibility, and reduces long-term dependence on income assistance of those who are able to work. Clients with persistent multiple barriers to employment may need significant support in overcoming those barriers before they are able to participate in the job market, and the ministry provides programs to support them in accomplishing that goal.

BCEA offers income assistance and an array of programs designed to assist those persons with disabilities to become involved in their communities. The ministry also provides supplementary services.

The ministry delivers BCEA programs and services through six core business areas, each of which is directly tied to the ministry's vision, mission and goals:

Core Business:

Employment Programs.

Employment programs are available to assist clients to find and sustain employment. Individualized employment plans that are signed by clients may include directed job search, and referral to job placement programs and specific training for employment. Specialized programs that support persons with disabilities are included within this core business area.

Core Business:

Temporary Assistance.

Temporary assistance is available to clients who are capable of financial independence through employment, or who are unable to seek work because of a short-term condition, as described in the Employment and Assistance Act. Persons with persistent multiple barriers to employment are included in this group.

Core Business:

Disability Assistance.

Disability assistance is available to eligible persons with disabilities who are not expected to gain complete financial independence through employment, including clients with disabilities who are seeking work.

Core Business:

Supplementary Assistance.

Supplementary assistance is available to eligible people, providing health and other supports such as health services for persons with disabilities, emergency shelters, bus passes, and user fees for continuing care and for alcohol and drug facilities.

Core Business:

Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal.

The Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal provides clients with timely decisions through a single-level, regionally based appeal system that is available for individuals who wish to appeal decisions of the ministry. The tribunal acts independently of the ministry.

Core Business:

Executive and Support Services.

Executive and support services provide salaries, benefits, allowances and operating expenses of the minister's office, ministry corporate services and program management.