Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

British Columbia has one of the most effective transportation systems in Canada and as our province strives for a better future; its roads, rails, ferries, bridges, ports and airports are our pathways to success.

Our multi-year, integrated transportation investment efforts are supporting Premier Campbell's Five Great Goals for a Golden Decade, particularly the goal to create more jobs than anywhere else in Canada. The ministry is well served by its new business model where key services and the timely construction of critical infrastructure are delivered by the private sector under performance agreements. Current major projects delivered by public private partnerships are the Sea to Sky Highway and the William R. Bennett Bridge across Okanagan Lake. A public private partnership is also being pursued for continued improvement of the Trans-Canada Highway at the Kicking Horse Pass to make the most of the public's investment in transportation. We have also committed $435 million to the Richmond-Airport-Vancouver rapid transit project. The Transportation Partnerships Program continues to work with local communities to build an effective airport, port and cycling infrastructure throughout the province.

Planning for a better tomorrow continues in the Gateway program, including the potential twinning of the Port Mann Bridge. These long-term projects will speed the movement of goods through the Lower Mainland, building Vancouver's reputation as a world class port and boosting our economy for generations.

British Columbia's economy is moving ahead and I want every citizen to see the benefits of that growth, both today and for many years to come. Whether it's a road taking a family home or a port that keeps goods flowing around the world, the Ministry of Transportation is building transport solutions that keep our province moving in the right direction. With this Service Plan, the abilities of the ministry staff, and the valuable input of citizens and communities across the province, I know that we will attain our goals.

The Ministry of Transportation 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 Kevin Falcon
Minister of Transportation

August 31, 2005