Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

I have the honour to submit the Ministry of Community Services 2005/06 – 2007/08 Service Plan Update. This updated Service Plan outlines the approaches the ministry will take to support the government in achieving the five great goals for a Golden Decade. Our long-term vision of making British Columbia the best it can be — a province of prosperity and exceptional promise — is well underway.

The Ministry of Community Services was formed on June 16, 2005. The new Ministry will continue to work with local governments, inner-cities, communities in transition and seniors' and women's organizations. I am proud to build on the solid foundation of accomplishments forged by my predecessors in the former Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services, the Honourable George Abbott and the Honourable Murray Coell. I am also responsible for the Public Service Agency. This agency has its own service plan.

Over the past four years we have followed through on our commitments to local governments, passing the Community Charter, returning 100 per cent of traffic fine revenue to local governments, protecting local government grants and continuing to contribute to local infrastructure through the Canada/BC Infrastructure Program and the new BC Community Water Improvement Program. Through our work with the federal government and in collaboration with the Union of BC Municipalities, British Columbia communities will receive $635.6 million of federal gas tax monies (New Deal for Cities and Communities) over the next five years.

Looking to the future, we will review issues related to regional governance, recognizing the uniqueness of each B.C. region while ensuring strong regional economic leadership. We are conscious of the challenges faced by communities in transition, and will be working with those communities to address these challenges. Building on our experience with the Vancouver Agreement, an urban development initiative of the governments of Canada, British Columbia and the City of Vancouver, we will work to address inner-city issues in other communities using this partnership approach.

Our efforts in acknowledging and meeting the special needs of seniors and women will continue. We will provide support to the Premier's Council on Aging and Seniors' Issues, and we will collaborate with other ministries on a coordinated response to the Council's recommendations. We will continue to support a range of services to women and their children at risk of violence, including prevention and intervention services. As well, we will lead initiatives aimed at assisting women to advance their education, skills and employability to facilitate their entry and re-entry into the workforce.

The Ministry of Community Services 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 Service Plan and I am accountable for achieving the specific objectives.

Honourable Ida Chong
Minister of Community Services
and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues

August 31, 2005