The 2004/05 – 2006/07 Service Plan establishes goals for the Ministry of Skills Development and Labour for the next three years, and lists targets and measures that will be used in assessing progress in meeting those goals. To date, the ministry has fulfilled several New Era commitments through changes to the Employment Standards Act and Regulation, the Labour Relations Code, and the Workers Compensation Act.

During the next three years, the ministry will continue making reforms and delivering services to protect workers, stimulate the economy and promote labour stability.

Skills development will continue to be important as we identify potential skills gaps and work with the private sector on solutions. With the awarding of the 2010 Winter Olympics to Vancouver and Whistler, the ministry will contribute to human resources strategies to get ready for the anticipated 130,000 person years of employment it will bring to our economy.

As a result of changes made to the workers' compensation system in 2002/03, we expect to see appeal backlogs reduced and potentially eliminated over the next three years. The restructured Workers' Compensation Board's Board of Directors and the Workers' Compensation Appeal Tribunal will continue implementing policy and service reforms resulting from the 2001/02 core reviews.

British Columbia continues to show strong signs of growth and new job opportunities. The Ministry of Skills Development and Labour will go on finding ways for employees, unions and employers to work together to help B.C. compete in a global economy.

Honourable Graham P. Bruce
Minister of Skills Development and Labour

February 4, 2004