Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

I am pleased to present the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General 2005/06 – 2007/08 Service Plan Update September 2005. As the new Minister, I feel privileged to be working with such a dedicated group of public service professionals, and will strive to maintain the ministry's high level of performance, service and accountability.

This document, while consistent with the plan detailed in February, has been strengthened to support the new government mandate and its five great goals as they relate to the health and public safety of British Columbians. The recent transfer of the Office of the Fire Commissioner complements the ministry's key objectives. The office, which is responsible for the promotion of fire prevention, life safety and property protection, will continue its strong public safety focus.

There are numerous public safety challenges facing us today. Organized crime, grow-ops, auto theft, youth gangs and cyber-crime demand complex and sophisticated responses from law enforcement. We are fighting back by giving police the tools they need to do their jobs. Integrated police units, PRIME, bait cars — these are just some of the innovative solutions we have implemented. We have also announced 215 new RCMP officers for the province as well as a new designated policing unit for SkyTrain to patrol the corridor and ensure the safety of all SkyTrain users.

The ministry has also led the development of a comprehensive strategy to attack the use and production of one of the most dangerous drugs on the street — crystal methamphetamine. British Columbia has pushed the federal government to increase the maximum penalties for production and trafficking of the drug and that strategy has paid off. We are also working with communities and the B.C. College of Pharmacists to control access to the chemicals used to make the drug.

In the coming months, we will be hosting a Provincial Congress on Public Safety to increase discussion with the public and strengthen partnerships with other levels of government and communities to find new and novel approaches to making our homes, streets, and neighborhoods as safe as possible.

I want to thank the previous Solicitor General, the Honourable Rich Coleman for his level of professionalism and dedication to increased public safety for all British Columbians and I promise to enhance and further the work he started. I am encouraged by our accomplishments to date and look forward to improving on this performance in the months and years ahead.

The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General 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 John Les
Solicitor General
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

August 31, 2005