Ministry Overview
The Attorney General is the law officer of the Crown and has a unique role in government as the person who must see that the administration of public affairs is in accordance with the law. The Ministry of Attorney General fulfills that role and is responsible in government for law reform, the administration of justice and for providing legal services that ensure lawful public administration. The Ministry of Attorney General has the dual role of providing leadership to the justice sector and delivering justice services, either directly or through contracted providers. The Attorney General also has responsibility for multiculturalism.
This service plan builds on last year’s plan which strengthened the ministry’s strategic planning and introduced a new corporate framework that included law reform. This plan has a strong focus on law reform in the justice system, integration of the criminal justice system, accessibility to civil justice, and public confidence in the justice system. The strategies to support these themes will ensure that the justice system serves as a foundation for effective government and a lawful society.
The ministry will continue to evaluate and improve our existing justice system to achieve better outcomes for our citizens. This will be accomplished by being a leader in promoting improvement and enhancement of the system. It will require that the ministry continue to be a catalyst for change and will require ministry staff to engage everyone with an interest in the system, particularly the public. The ministry will strive for more consistent and coordinated direction and action among all sector participants, while respecting the independent role that many participants have in a fair and just legal system.
The ministry will endeavour to resolve the challenge of dealing with criminal justice cases with appropriate speed. Efforts will continue to simplify and streamline justice processes and increase the use of technology to maximize effectiveness of the system for citizens. Specific objectives are also introduced this year to increase understanding of the justice system.
This year the ministry will build on its performance measurement system. Public confidence is seen as a key indicator of an effective justice system and the ministry will develop and conduct surveys on public confidence in the justice system. These results will be compared to Statistics Canada data.
In carrying out its responsibilities for multiculturalism and immigration, the ministry will fund programs and services that support newcomers, including English language training and settlement services. The ministry will also provide funds to communities and organizations to promote multiculturalism and prevent racism.
Justice System:
Vision, Mission, Culture and Values
Vision
A province governed by the rule of law with an effective justice system serving all British Columbians.
The Rule of Law
The rule of law is a fundamental principle in a free and democratic society. It guarantees that law is supreme and that the exercise of public power requires a source in some legal rule. It shields individuals from arbitrary action.
Mission
We are responsible in government for law reform, for the administration of justice, and for seeing that public affairs are administered in accordance with the law.
Culture and Values
We are dynamic and innovative leaders in justice and public administration with the following operating principles and values.
- To be performance and service focused.
- To honour members of the ministry and support them in their learning and development.
- To act with professional integrity, independent from interference.
- To be forthright and strategic.
- To be collaborative and inclusive within the justice system and with the public that we serve.
- To adhere to the core values of the British Columbia Public Service, namely integrity, accountability, responsibility, respect and fostering innovation in providing services.
Independence in the Justice System
A free and democratic society based on the rule of law requires a justice system where decisions are made independently and free from interference. Justice system participants must act according to law and policy without being improperly influenced from outside sources or other participants in the system. Perhaps the clearest expression of independence is the independence of judges, who must be free to adjudicate cases without interference. Similarly, other participants in the justice system, such as police and Crown counsel, must also make decisions free of interference or control by others. This independence ensures a fair system. It operates for the benefit of society and not for the participating components of the system.
Equally, the justice system must serve the public interest and be open to public scrutiny to ensure that it does indeed serve the public interest. Justice system components must work together, recognizing the interdependence of the system without compromising the core principle of independence.
Multiculturalism and Immigration:
Vision, Mission, Culture and Values
Vision
Safe, sustainable and liveable communities where immigrants can realize their full potential, racism is eliminated and cultural diversity is valued and celebrated.
Mission
We are responsible in government to meet the settlement needs of immigrants and refugees, to promote multiculturalism and to eliminate racism.
Culture and Values
We are dynamic and innovative leaders in multiculturalism, immigration and public administration with the following operating principles and values.
- To be performance and service focused.
- To honour members of the ministry and support them in their learning and development.
- To act with professional integrity, independent from interference.
- To be forthright and strategic.
- To be collaborative and inclusive with our service partners and with the public that we serve.
- To adhere to the core values of the British Columbia Public Service, namely integrity, accountability, responsibility, respect and fostering innovation in providing services.
