Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

The Ministry of Small Business and Revenue contributes to the government's goal of making British Columbia an economic and business leader. Our priorities include supporting the success of small business, improving customer service and developing innovation in government revenue management. We are reducing the cost of dealing with government for British Columbians by leading the government-wide regulatory reform initiative. The revenues collected by the ministry pay for vital government programs such as health care, education, transportation and social services.

The ministry is working to support a competitive business climate in British Columbia. By creating a Small Business Roundtable this year, we will hear directly from the small business community on their priorities. Working together, our goal is to improve the economic opportunities for small business in British Columbia.

Our ministry is committed to providing excellent customer service. Earlier this year, we introduced a new Taxpayer Fairness and Service Code. It sets out taxpayers' rights to timely customer service, courtesy, respect and confidentiality in all their dealings with us.

The Taxpayer Fairness and Service Code is a result of our working partnership with small business organizations across the province and reflects our staff culture of excellence. I would like to thank all the people who have given their time and ideas to improve our service delivery to British Columbians. We will continue to partner with small business organizations to define the customer service standards that businesses and individuals can expect from the ministry. And, we will report publicly on our performance.

I am pleased with the progress the ministry is making in consolidating and improving revenue management. The ministry's private sector alliance will enhance revenue management across government. This alliance is bringing new opportunities for innovation and synergies through the transfer of revenue management functions from other Ministries. The end result — a centre of excellence for revenue management in government that provides enhanced customer service, streamlined and simplified business processes, and improvement in the total amount of revenue collected for all British Columbians.

As Minister Responsible for Regulatory Reform, I will lead the development of a modern regulatory system that makes it easier and more efficient for businesses to operate in British Columbia. Less red tape means small businesses can spend more time on what's really important — growing their business and creating more jobs. Regulations will be responsive to our fast-changing world while protecting public health, safety and the environment.

The Ministry of Small Business and Revenue 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 5, 2005 have been considered in preparing the plan and I am accountable for achieving its specific objectives.

Additionally, under the Balanced Budget and Ministerial Accountability Act, I am accountable for earning $225.6 million in gross revenue from audit and compliance related activity in respect of revenues payable under enactments administered by the Minister of Small Business and Revenue.

Service Plans are important tools in guiding ministry decisions and communicating government priorities to British Columbians. I am pleased to present this plan on behalf of the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue, and I look forward to the accomplishments it will bring over the next three years.

Honourable Rick Thorpe
Minister of Small Business and Revenue
and Minister Responsible for Regulatory Reform

SBR.Minister@gov.bc.ca

August 5, 2005