Ministry Overview

Purpose of Ministry

The Ministry of Small Business and Revenue fosters a competitive environment for small business1 and investment in all regions of British Columbia, and provides a centre of excellence in the Province of British Columbia for tax administration and revenue management. The Ministry leads the Regulatory Reform Initiative for government, and supports the Province's property assessment processes. In addition, the Minister is accountable for BC Assessment, which establishes and maintains uniform real property assessments for all property owners in British Columbia.
1  A small business is a business that has fewer than 50 employees or is operated by a person who is self-employed without paid help. Refer to Appendix A — Glossary.

Specifically, the Ministry:2

  • Supports the vital role small business plays in all regions of British Columbia's economy by being a champion for small business in government. The Ministry of Small Business and Revenue works with other ministries, partners and the small business community to implement strategies and initiatives to support small business start-up and growth.
  • Identifies and collects amounts owed to government through fair, efficient and effective tax administration and revenue management processes. These revenues support the provision of important government programs such as health care, education, transportation and social services for British Columbians.
  • Provides a centre of excellence for tax administration and revenue management services to other ministries, local governments and other agencies.
  • Leads regulatory reform across government to create a modern, effective and responsive regulatory regime that improves government programs and services, as well as encourages prosperity, innovation and opportunity to increase British Columbia's economic and business competitiveness.
  • Provides policy and administrative support for provincial property assessment and review processes to ensure transparent, flexible, fair and equitable service to British Columbia property owners.
2  Refer to Appendix B for a list of legislation administered by the Ministry of Small Business and Revenue.

The Ministry is committed to service excellence — providing prompt, quality service that meets the needs of our diverse customers and partners, and fulfills the service excellence standards set out in the Taxpayer Fairness and Service Code. The Code, developed in partnership with small business organizations across British Columbia,3 is a demonstration of the Ministry's commitment to service excellence. It details a taxpayer's right to timely customer service, courtesy, respect, fair treatment and confidentiality. It includes service excellence standards against which the Ministry's performance is monitored and reported publicly.
3  Partner organizations include the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, British Columbia Chamber of Commerce, Retail Merchants' Association of British Columbia, Retail Council of Canada, Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia and Sales Tax Practitioners Liaison Committee. For more information on the Taxpayer Fairness and Service Code, view online at http://www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/fairness/.

Vision, Mission and Values

Vision

The Ministry of Small Business and Revenue supports the prosperity of British Columbians through small business growth, effective tax administration and revenue management, and a responsible regulatory system.

Mission

The Ministry will:

  • Work in partnership to promote the success of the small business sector.
  • Identify and collect provincial revenue to support government programs and services.
  • Provide a centre of excellence for tax administration and revenue management.
  • Enhance regulatory reform to include a citizen-centred approach to improve government programs and services.

Values

The Ministry's values, and the fairness and customer service principles in the Taxpayer Fairness and Service Code guide the organization and its employees in conducting the business of the Ministry and achieving its goals. The Ministry adheres to the core values of government — integrity, fiscal responsibility, accountability, respect and choice — and the Standards of Conduct expected of all employees in the public service.

Government's Core Values

Integrity — to make decisions in a manner that is consistent, professional, fair, transparent and balanced.

Fiscal responsibility — to implement affordable public policies.

Accountability — to enhance efficiency, effectiveness and the credibility of government.

Respect — to treat all citizens equitably, compassionately and respectfully.

Choice — to afford citizens the opportunity to exercise self-determination.

The following demonstrates how the Ministry ensures its core values are carried into its daily operations.

Ministry Values Philosophy
Customer Service We are committed to customer service excellence through timely, courteous, fair and respectful treatment, and the protection of privacy and confidentiality.
Accountability We are committed to serving the public interest, and measuring and reporting on our performance.
Partnership We build and support partnerships with customers and organizations to achieve results.
Professionalism We act with integrity, consistency and transparency, and maintain high corporate and personal standards.
Back. Balanced Budget 2007 Home. Next