Ministry Overview and Core Business Areas

The ministry plays a leading role in continuously improving the way government services and information are delivered to the public, other ministries and the broader public sector. Its budget or net voted appropriation for fiscal 2005/06 is expected to be approximately $177.0 million. The ministry's gross expenditures are expected to be approximately $383.5 million. Of its gross expenditures, $206.0 million is expected to be recovered.

In order to realize its vision and achieve its strategic goals and objectives, the ministry has established five core business areas. Further information on how resources are allocated to each of the core business areas can be found in the Resource Summary. Definitions and brief explanations of the terminology used in this plan are provided in the Glossary of Terms.

1. Service Delivery to Citizens and Businesses: This core business area is led primarily by Service BC, the provincial government's chief provider of front-line services to the public. When citizens, businesses or visitors are looking for information about services or programs offered by ministries, agencies, the private sector or other governments, they often begin by contacting Service BC. Customers can connect in person, by phone or over the Internet. By using one or a combination of these "channels", they can access programs, services and information in ways that suit their personal and business needs.

2. Service Delivery to the Public Sector: This core business area is led primarily by Solutions BC, the ministry's internal service provider for government and other public sector customers. For a government to function, it needs basic tools – computers, phones, printers, e-mail, paper – just to name a few. In addition, employees must be paid; invoices and purchase orders processed; mail processed and distributed; documents printed; and office products obtained and distributed. Solutions BC ensures that these services are delivered cost-effectively, efficiently and with a customer focus.

3. Service Transformation: This core business area is led primarily by NetWork BC, the Service Delivery Initiative Office (SDI) and the Alternative Service Delivery (ASD) Project Secretariat. Key programs and services in this core business area focus on facilitating and leading a coordinated approach to service transformation across government.

4. Governance: This core business area is led by the Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO). Key programs and services in this business area focus on ensuring that information is managed and used efficiently as a tool to enable better delivery of government services to citizens, businesses and core government.

5. Executive and Support Services: This core business area consists primarily of the Deputy Minister's Office and Corporate Planning and Performance. This area provides effective leadership and performance management as the ministry transforms itself to lead the provincial strategy for the integration of customer and client-focused, multi-channel service delivery to the public and broader public sector.