Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

It is my pleasure to deliver the Service Plan for the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. This Service Plan provides me with the opportunity to outline the actions the Ministry will be taking during the next fiscal year to continue our work towards a new relationship of reconciliation with Aboriginal people across British Columbia.

Together with all government ministries we will foster effective working relationships with Aboriginal people to help us to achieve the Five Great Goals. British Columbia will only fulfill its potential when Aboriginal people are full partners in the province's socio-economic development.

The Ministry will continue its work to reconcile Aboriginal rights and title in British Columbia and will ensure the process is honoured and respected with First Nations.

After more than a decade of treaty negotiations, we are making progress. Working jointly with our federal and First Nations partners, we have reinvigorated the treaty process in British Columbia. While we recognize it will be some time before treaties are in place across the entire province, we are working hard to achieve greater certainty over land and resources in British Columbia. With this certainty we can better attract and retain investment, create jobs and build stronger communities for First Nations for the benefit of all British Columbians. I believe, with our continued commitment, creativity and flexibility, we will continue to build on the momentum that has been achieved over the past year.

British Columbia is leading change that has the potential to reshape our social and economic landscape and lead to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all British Columbians.

The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation 2005/06 – 2007/08 Service Plan Update September 2005 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 August 31, 2005 have been considered in preparing the plan and I am accountable for achieving the specific objectives in the plan.

Honourable Tom Christensen
Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

September 2, 2005