Ministry Overview and Core Business Areas

Ministry Overview

The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources is tasked with managing the responsible development of British Columbia's energy and mineral sectors. Natural gas is now the single largest source of provincial revenue derived from a natural resource. As commodity prices for natural gas, oil, electricity and minerals remain strong, British Columbians can expect to see continued benefits and resource development opportunities. This Service Plan outlines the Ministry's strategy to increase the jobs, investment and revenue related to these sectors, while acting as an environmental steward protecting the land base from which they come.

The Ministry administers 25 statutes pertaining to the energy and mining sectors. In addition, the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources is responsible for the Assayers Certification Board of Examiners, British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, British Columbia Transmission Corporation, Columbia Power Corporation, Mediation and Arbitration Board and the Oil and Gas Commission.

Core Business Areas and Structure

Oil and Gas

The Crown owns the vast majority of the Province's petroleum and natural gas. The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources is the steward of these resources and is mandated to protect the public interest in oil and gas development and ensure that benefits from resource development are maximized for all British Columbians. In 2004/05, provincial government revenue generated directly from the production of oil and gas in BC was $1.8 Billion, or about eight per cent of total provincial revenues. With abundant oil and gas deposits throughout the province, oil and gas revenue will continue to play an important role in the provincial budget.

The Oil and Gas Division develops and implements policies and programs to maximize the benefits from BC's oil and gas resources, including increasing provincial revenues and private sector business opportunities through innovative oil and gas infrastructure and royalty programs, promoting BC's geological potential and enhancing the competitive business climate for BC's oil and gas service companies.

The Titles Division issues and administers tenures for Crown-owned petroleum and natural gas, geothermal and underground gas storage rights and collects associated revenues. The monthly disposition process for oil and gas rights generates over $300 million in revenue annually, while the administration of tenure provides a further $60 million each year.

Offshore Oil and Gas

The Offshore Oil and Gas Team was established to enable offshore oil and gas development to occur in British Columbia in a scientifically sound and environmentally responsible manner. The Province of British Columbia believes that the potential opportunities provided by offshore oil and gas development are of significant public value. The Province is taking a principled approach to researching management and regulatory regimes in other jurisdictions in order to identify best practices for west coast offshore development. Moving forward, the team will continue to work with communities, First Nations, the Federal Government and key stakeholders. The Offshore Team's focus through 2007/08 is to complete various components of the Offshore Team Project Plan. The core elements of this plan are to consult with First Nations and all coastal communities, develop a comprehensive regulatory regime and further the state of knowledge pertaining to offshore energy development.

Mining and Minerals

Mining has fueled economic development throughout the province since the first Gold Rush nearly 150 years ago. British Columbia is rich in mineralization and is ranked high by companies with respect to mineral resource potential including coal, aggregate, industrial minerals and metal resources. Mining revenues and jobs are increasing as government policies and commodity prices fuel investor confidence and attract the mining industry to develop these rich resources. The Province is committed to attracting exploration investment and building the mining industry in order to ensure benefits for all British Columbians.

The Mining and Minerals Division develops and implements policies and programs to attract investment, manage the exploration and development of mineral resources, while ensuring involvement of communities and First Nations, environmental stewardship of the land and the protection of mine workers and the public. The Mining and Minerals Division is responsible for the development and implementation of the BC Mining Plan.

The Titles Division issues and administers mineral, coal and placer tenures. In January 2005, the Division enhanced service delivery to clients through implementation of Mineral Titles Online, a state-of-the-art, internet-based mineral tenure acquisition and maintenance system.

Electricity and Alternative Energy

The Electricity and Alternative Energy Division develops and implements policies and programs to support all forms of electrical power generation, alternative energy sources, energy efficiency measures, and leading edge technologies. Energy, economic and environmental policies are intertwined. As British Columbia's economy strengthens and diversifies, it continues to rely on low-cost electricity. At the same time, British Columbians are committed to environmentally responsible energy development and energy efficiency. The government is dedicated to striking a balance between the development of conventional sources of electricity in a responsible manner, and developing policies that will lead to the use of new and alternative sources. The Division is responsible for implementing the electricity and alternative energy policy actions in “Energy for Our Future: A Plan for BC” and for developing and implementing provincial policy with respect to BC Hydro and the BC Transmission Corporation.

Executive and Support Services

The Marketing, Aboriginal and Community Relations Division leads the Ministry's aboriginal and community stakeholder strategy, investment promotion and marketing, corporate policy, strategic planning, intergovernmental relations and legislation. The Division is responsible for the Ministry's objective of strengthening its relationships with First Nations and communities in the development of energy and mineral resources throughout the province. The Ministry aims to increase First Nations participation in these resource sectors through consultation and accommodation initiatives. The Division is also responsible for the administration of the Mediation and Arbitration Board.

Financial and administrative support services, such as the correspondence unit, payroll, human resources and budgeting, are provided by the Management Services Division as a shared service with the Ministry of Economic Development.