Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

I have the honour to submit the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services 2005/2006–2007/2008 Service Plan. This plan outlines the priorities of our ministry to support strong, safe, healthy communities, and social and economic opportunities for all British Columbians.

With a wide range of programs and services, our ministry is the most diverse in the provincial government. Our ministry is striving to better integrate programs across departments. We are building partnerships — with both the private and non-profit sectors, and other levels of government to meet the diverse needs of all B.C. communities.

These needs can include ensuring there is funding available for housing, safe streets and infrastructure. We have increased partnerships to provide more affordable housing options for those in greatest need through Independent Living BC, the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) and the Canada — B.C. Affordable Housing Program. We have established the Premier's Task Force on Homelessness with seven B.C. mayors to develop a framework to address homelessness and addiction on a local level. We have met our New Era commitment by providing $30 million in net traffic fine revenue to municipalities for policing and crime prevention. And we are negotiating with the federal government for a New Deal for Cities in partnership with B.C. municipalities.

Our work with Aboriginal and multicultural communities continues to grow. We are working with community groups and other levels of government to maximize the social and economic benefits of immigration and cultural diversity. And, we are focusing resources to address the social and economic needs of B.C. women and seniors.

With the work of the past three years, and with a solid economic turnaround, we now have a strong foundation in place to build for our future and provide for safe and healthy communities.

The Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services 2005/06–2007/08 Service Plan was prepared under my direction in accordance with the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act. I am accountable for the basis on which the plan has been prepared. All material fiscal assumptions and policy decisions as of January 31, 2005 have been considered in preparing the plan and I am accountable for achieving the specific objectives in the plan.

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

January 31, 2005