The Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development was created to develop and implement strategies to revitalize the economy and create a more competitive business climate in British Columbia. Formerly the Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise, the newly re-focused Ministry and its revised mandate will allow us to direct resources more effectively and better meet our goals and commitments.

Our goals are:

• Improving our competitive position in the national and international economy;
• Increasing economic development throughout British Columbia, particularly in the Heartlands;
• Marketing British Columbia as a preferred place to live, visit, invest and do business;
• The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games are successful and leave a legacy for British Columbia; and
• British Columbians excel in sport and culture.

In the 2003 Throne Speech, Premier Gordon Campbell assigned this Ministry responsibility for driving the cross-government Heartlands Economic Strategy — a plan to restore and expand wealth generation and prosperity in all parts of the province and from all aspects of the land base. We look forward to continuing this work in 2004, and accelerating economic development by removing barriers to growth.

Regional economic growth remains a priority for the new Ministry. Premier Campbell's government recognizes that small business forms the backbone of many regional economies, which is why our revised Ministry mandate emphasizes support for this sector. We are streamlining regulatory processes, cultivating an attractive investment climate and consulting extensively with the private sector to determine how government can best meet the needs and address the concerns of small business operators.

Tourism remains an integral part of the Ministry mandate. This sector is worth nearly $10 billion to British Columbia's economy, and government is dedicated to helping the industry achieve every possible success, in the run up to the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

We are encouraged by the strides the Ministry has taken to date, and will continue to improve on this progress in years to come.

We are pleased to present the details of our Ministry's service plan for 2004/05 – 2006/07.

Honourable John Les
Minister of Small Business and Economic Development

February 4, 2004