Message from the Minister of State
for Intergovernmental Relations
and Accountability Statement
My role as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations is to advance British Columbia's national and international governmental
relationships as we shape Canada's Pacific Century. In this role and under the Balanced Budget and Ministerial Accountability Act, I am accountable for achieving a number of results for 2007/08.
I will promote an equitable distribution of federal spending and benefits for British Columbia by working with Ministers to
present proposals to the Government of Canada for policy changes and federal funding under existing or new national programs
in the areas of: closing the socio-economic gaps between Aboriginal people and other Canadians; Pacific Gateway investments;
ways to address the social, economic and environmental consequences of the Mountain Pine Beetle epidemic; and, a national
human resource strategy.
I will work with Ministers to maximize the benefits of our proximity and cultural ties with the growing Asia-Pacific market.
In partnership with Alberta, British Columbia is reducing inter-provincial trade barriers and working to expand our Trade,
Investment and Labour Mobility agreement to include other provinces and territories. I am accountable for leading the development
and presentation of proposals for additional cooperation with the Province of Alberta under the Protocol of Cooperation, with
the State of Washington under the Memorandum of Cooperation, and between neighbouring States in the Pacific Northwest and
along the North American Pacific Coast.
I will also continue to work to ensure that the movement of people and goods between Canada and the United States for lawful
purposes continues without disruption.
British Columbia also has a rich culture and heritage in our French-speaking community. I will make recommendations on how
B.C. can market and celebrate the rich culture and heritage of that community.
British Columbia's ties and relations with our trading and cultural partners are critical to our success and our ability to
take advantage of the many opportunities before us.
Honourable John van Dongen
Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations
February 12, 2007