Message from the Minister
and Accountability Statement

It is with pleasure that I offer the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General Service Plan 2007/08 – 2009/10. It is built on a vision of all British Columbians working together to make our province the safest place to live in Canada and guided by innovative planning, leading-edge technology and effective service delivery.

We've developed and launched a number of successful initiatives over the past years. Many, like B.C.'s fight against crystal meth, are leading the country in terms of innovation and research-led practice. In the coming years, we will continue to draw on research and partner agencies to study methods of combating marijuana grow ops, auto theft and impaired driving.

The effective use of technology is also at the heart of programs on which the Ministry is focused. British Columbia is the first province to use Automatic Licence Plate Recognition to target traffic violators, prohibited drivers and car thieves. And a state-of-the-art online data sharing system among police — PRIME — is continuing to enhance public and officer safety across the province. Together with extra officers on the street and more community-based public safety programs, these initiatives are helping us keep pace with the changing face of crime.

We know there are challenges ahead. Organized crime is increasingly crossing community, provincial and national boundaries and manifesting in criminal activity like human trafficking, illegal gaming, identity theft, Internet fraud and luring. Large-scale investigations are growing and the criminal justice system continues to deal with a disproportionate number of individuals affected by serious mental illness or developmental disability. In response, the Ministry is focusing on integration of police services and partnerships with other ministries to advance an understanding of the root causes of criminal behaviour.

Integration is also fundamental to our disaster response approach. With the creation of Emergency Management British Columbia, we will better coordinate prevention, preparedness, response and recovery among all levels of government and throughout British Columbia.

We also remain committed to enhancing our strong and effective legislative and regulatory response to protecting children and consumers, keeping our roads safe and managing liquor and gaming in a fair and equitable way that protects the public interest.

The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General 2007/08 – 2009/10 Service Plan 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 February 15, 2007 have been considered in preparing the plan and I am accountable for achieving the specific objectives in the plan.

Honourable John Les
Solicitor General
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

February 15, 2007