Ministry Overview
Purpose of Ministry
The Ministry of Community Services' mandate is to promote sustainable, liveable communities that provide healthy and safe
places for British Columbians. The Ministry implements this mandate through the following core activities:
- providing the legislative, policy, and governance framework for local governments;
- providing advice and resources to local governments so that they can better meet the needs of their citizens through planning
for sustainable development and addressing issues related to communities' social, economic and environmental well-being;
- providing leadership and coordinating resources to address issues facing inner-cities and assist communities in transition
as a result of significant economic change;
- ensuring that the unique needs of women and seniors are addressed and integrated into public policy, legislation, programs,
and services;
- contracting third-party service providers to deliver intervention and prevention services to women, and their children, who
are leaving, or are affected by, abusive relationships; and
- building relationships and developing partnerships with other ministries, local and federal governments, the private and not-for-profit
sectors, and stakeholders.
The Ministry administers all or parts of 19 pieces of legislation (see Appendix I), and has responsibility for appointing
persons to the Islands Trust Fund Board (see Appendix II). The Ministry also appoints Provincial representatives to the Municipal
Insurance Association of British Columbia.
The Ministry has three core business areas: local government; women's, seniors' and community services; and executive and
support services (see Appendix II for the Ministry organizational chart). It is also responsible for providing municipal services
in the University Endowment Lands.
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.
Citizen-Centred Service — providing high levels of service to Ministry clients and the public in a timely and effective manner.
Accountability — providing services efficiently with sound financial management; being accountable to government and the public for the results
identified in the Ministry Service Plan.
Innovation and Creativity — championing a culture of learning, innovation, and creativity within all levels of the organization.