Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

British Columbia is rich with natural resources and as this government begins our new mandate I am committed to seeing this ministry contribute to a golden decade of prosperity for the people of British Columbia and the realization of all five of our great goals. The environmentally and socially responsible development of energy, minerals, and oil and gas resources provides the building blocks for our communities and the economy, such as aggregates to build roads, the wide range of minerals used in daily life, and natural gas for heating homes. These vibrant sectors also contribute $2 billion to government revenue, providing funding for our goals to address public priorities such as education, healthy living and health care, and support for those most in need.

Our government's goal is to lead the world in sustainable environmental management and as a province we are well on our way to achieving this through the efforts of our Alternative Energy and Power Technology Task Force and publicly owned BC Hydro. Currently almost 90 per cent of our electricity comes from clean hydro projects. As power needs grow, we will ensure energy security and delivery of supply closer to consumption through independent power production (IPP) projects that employ both conventional and alternative BC Clean electricity technologies like run-of-river, solar, biomass, tidal and wind. To date over 60 IPPs have electricity purchase agreements.

Sustainable growth of the mining and oil and gas sectors continues to be a priority as we examine how best to work with communities, governments and First Nations. Capital investment in the oil and gas sector in British Columbia was $4.5 billion in 2004. With initiatives like the summer drilling program and road rehabilitation strategy, industry now operates year-round providing opportunities for an expanded British Columbia service sector. We also continue to be committed to a science-based, environmentally responsible offshore oil and gas industry and will work with coastal communities and First Nations to ensure their interests are met. Mineral exploration, which is critical to future mine development, is on the rise and forecasted to reach $200 million in 2005. Together, these industries provide family-supporting employment and business opportunities in communities across the province, while producing products that are essential to our way of life.

By delivering on the objectives in this service plan, this ministry will help British Columbia achieve a golden decade. We will build on the success of the last four years — ensuring thriving, competitive, safe and environmentally responsible energy, mineral and petroleum development that benefits the people of British Columbia.

The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources 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 Richard Neufeld
Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

September 2, 2005