Ministry Overview

Purpose of the Ministry

The Ministry of Community Services’ mandate is to promote sustainable, liveable communities that provide healthy and safe places for British Columbians. It works in partnership with other ministries, local and federal governments, the private sector, and not-for-profit organizations to develop policy and deliver programs and services regarding local government, seniors’, women’s and community issues. Through its expert knowledge, understanding of communities, and close relationships with local governments, the ministry plays a leadership role in ensuring that: communities are able to meet their citizens’ needs, plan and prepare for sustainable development, and address issues affecting their social, economic, and environmental well-being. The ministry strives to ensure that the unique needs of women are addressed and integrated into public policy, legislation, programs, and services by: identifying and communicating emerging trends and key issues affecting women to government and the public, and by informing policy development, program direction, and decision-making that affects women. The ministry also builds relationships and collaborates with and informs other ministries, local, provincial, and federal governments, stakeholders, and community groups about issues affecting seniors.

The ministry has three core business areas: local government; seniors’, women’s and community services; and executive and support services (see Appendix I for the ministry organization chart). It is also responsible for municipal services in the University Endowment Lands. The ministry administers all or parts of 19 pieces of legislation (see Appendix II), has responsibility for the Premier’s Council on Aging and Seniors’ Issues and the Premier’s Task Force on Community Opportunities, and appoints persons to the Islands Trust Fund Board and the Municipal Insurance Association of British Columbia (see Appendix I).

The ministry works to achieve its goals and objectives through the following core activities:

• providing the legislative, policy, and governance framework for local governments;
• funding third party service providers to deliver client-centred intervention and prevention services to women and their children who are leaving, or are affected by, abusive relationships;
• coordinating resources and providing leadership to address issues in inner-cities and communities in transition;
• working with federal and local governments, other ministries, and community organizations to ensure that the unique needs of women and seniors are addressed and integrated into public policy, legislation, programs, and services; and
• building relationships with other ministries, staff, clients, and stakeholders.

Vision, Mission and Values

Vision

British Columbia’s communities are great places in which to live.

Mission

To promote sustainable, liveable communities that provide healthy and safe places for British Columbians.

Values

The ministry is guided by the following values in conducting its work:

Cooperation — promoting teamwork, and building relationships and partnerships of mutual trust, confidence, and respect.

Professionalism and Integrity — conducting respectful, honest, and ethical behaviour in all its communications and actions.

Client-centred — providing high levels of service to ministry clients and the public, in a timely and effective manner that demonstrates the ministry’s commitment to service.

Accountability — providing services efficiently, implementing sound financial management, and being accountable to government and the public for the results identified in its service plan.

Innovation and Creativity — championing a culture of learning, innovation, and creativity within all levels of the organization.