Appendix 1. Strategic Context

Vision, Mission and Values

Vision

A modern work environment for British Columbians that encourages innovation, rewards creative thinking and increases productivity. Employees and employers are treated fairly and equitably. A prosperous British Columbia where employers and employees have confidence in the future.

Mission

The mission of the Ministry of Skills Development and Labour is to create an employment environment with dynamic workplaces that meet the needs of workers, employers and unions. Vulnerable workers will be protected. The ministry will ensure that British Columbians have the tools they need to foster working relationships in safe and healthy workplaces. It will develop programs and legislation that contribute to provincial competitiveness and prosperity.

Values

The following values underlie the goals established by the Ministry of Skills Development and Labour:

1. Fairness — We seek fair and balanced workplaces in all sectors and will ensure that all related ministry decisions are made in a consistent, professional, fair and balanced manner.

2. Competitiveness — We support a competitive business environment that attracts investment to British Columbia and retains our skilled employees.

3. Respect — We will protect the most vulnerable employees in the province and ensure they are treated equitably, compassionately and respectfully.

4. Simplicity — We will encourage small businesses to prosper through simple and streamlined processes.

5. Responsiveness and Flexibility — We strive to be relevant and responsive to constantly changing workplaces.

6. Accountability — We promote responsible fiscal management and the implementation of affordable public policies.

7. Teamwork — We value the hard work and expertise of all ministry employees.

Planning Context

In developing this service plan and making decisions on programs, the ministry has considered the following strengths and challenges.

Strengths

In 2003/04, the B.C. economy experienced significant job growth, more work opportunities for youth and rising investor confidence.

• Statistics Canada data show that between December 2001 and November 2003, B.C. created over 131,000 new jobs, resulting in the highest employment increase in Canada at 6.8 per cent.
• A report prepared in October 2003 for the 2010 Winter Games Human Resources Planning Committee estimates that between 2003 and 2015, the growing B.C. economy will generate more than one million job openings, including new jobs, vacancies created through retirements, and opportunities generated by the Olympic Games, construction of the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, Sea-to-Sky Highway improvements, and construction of the Richmond-Airport-Vancouver Rapid Transit Line.
• Other signs of B.C.'s economic improvement are increases in residential and non-residential building permits, business incorporations, retail trade, oil and gas exploration and lumber and paper shipments.

Through the preventive endeavours of workers, employers, unions, industry associations and the WCB, the injury rate in B.C. workplaces has declined steadily every year since 1991, for an overall decline of 44 per cent in 11 years.

• The Workers' Compensation Board reports that in 2002, the injury rate declined by 11 per cent from the previous year to a record-low of 3.2 accepted short-term disability claims per 100 person-years of employment.
• The Board calculates that an injury-rate reduction of one percentage point translates to 618 fewer workers experiencing a time loss injury, $10 million in avoided costs, and approximately 30,000 productive days gained for the economy.

Challenges

British Columbia's economy is growing, but faces significant competition with international markets.

• The global economy is highly competitive for both investment and skilled workers. While B.C.'s growing economy is expected to generate over one million job openings between 2003 and 2015, there may be skills gaps — meaning demand will exceed supply unless appropriate measures are taken — in certain regions and specialized occupations.

Several public sector collective agreements will expire in 2004 requiring government to begin negotiating new contracts with the hospital employees, nurses and teachers.

• The ability of the ministry to maintain labour peace will be challenged by negotiations between these high-profile employers and unions. In 2003, government began negotiations with the Hospital Employees Union and the B.C. Government and Service Employees Union. The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia also initiated contract discussions, and B.C. Ferry Services Inc. and the B.C. Ferry and Marine Workers' Union agreed to binding arbitration in 2003.

The ministry is concerned about maintaining employment standards for the most vulnerable employees while allowing B.C. business to compete both nationally and internationally.

• The ministry is committed to protecting vulnerable employees, particularly garment workers and agricultural workers. As these groups have historically been the most disadvantaged and the least able to advance their own interests, the ministry's challenge is in trying to involve them in achieving employer compliance with employment standards.

The ministry faces the challenge of fostering continued growth in the film and television production industry in view of a labour relations climate that has the potential to limit that growth.

• British Columbia has created a positive climate for the film and television production industry with a range of programs providing financial support and incentives. The Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development reports that the industry grew from $176 million in 1991 to $1 billion in 2002. However, continued growth is threatened by the potential for labour unrest in this sector. In 2003, for example, the industry generated only $800 million. The ministry's appointment of an Industrial Inquiry Commission to study labour issues in the B.C. film industry will help to ensure that B.C. continues to be an attractive destination for film production.

Highlights of Strategic Shifts and Changes from the Previous Service Plan

The Ministry of Skills Development and Labour has experienced no shifts or changes from the goals outlined in the 2003/04 – 2005/06 Service Plan Report and, as reported this year, will stay the course with those targets.

Consistency with Government's Strategic Plan

The objectives of the Ministry of Skills Development and Labour are consistent with the government strategic plan. A healthy labour environment is essential to achieving government's broader goals, including a strong and vibrant provincial economy, a supportive social infrastructure and safe and healthy communities. For example, flexible and appropriate employment standards will attract businesses to B.C. and contribute to the provincial economy. Workers' compensation rates and coverage also influence the attractiveness of B.C. as a place to do business. Attracting private sector businesses to the province will increase the number of high-paying job opportunities for British Columbians and contribute to economic prosperity. The ministry's efforts to streamline services, such as in the employment standards area, are also consistent with the government's priority of responsible and accountable management of B.C.'s public resources and tax dollars.

The government's Strategic Plan 2003/04 – 2005/06 has been used to align the Ministry of Skills Development and Labour's strategies, achievements and plans with government's stated goals, objectives and strategies.

Government Goal 1:

A Strong and Vibrant Provincial Economy

The Ministry of Skills Development and Labour contributes to the government's goal of a strong and vibrant provincial economy by monitoring skills development in key sectors, maintaining employment standards that protect vulnerable workers while supporting employers, promoting labour stability, and fostering safe and healthy workplaces by promoting education and compliance with the Workers Compensation Act and its occupational health and safety regulations.

The ministry also contributes to B.C.'s economic prosperity by participating in government initiatives to improve the management of government, such as transparent planning and accountability reporting, reducing red-tape and introducing smart regulation.

Government Goal 2:

A Supportive Social Fabric

The Ministry of Skills Development and Labour contributes to the creation of a supportive social fabric by ensuring that a sustainable workers' compensation system meets the needs of injured workers and their partners and dependents.