2002/03 Annual Service Plan Report Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise

Performance Reporting

The following tables identify the Ministry's performance targets for each objective and core business, and the actual result attained in 2002/03. Where appropriate, an explanation of any variances between targets and results is included.

Performance Measures and Targets by Core Business

Goal #1: Establish a Competitive Investment Climate

Goal #2: Promote Economic Growth

Goal #3: Innovation, Science and Technology Transfer

Deregulation

Ministry of Competition, Science and Enterprise Deregulation

The Ministry has been a leader in achieving Government's deregulation commitment. As of March 31, 2003, the Ministry had achieved a 31 per cent net reduction from its baseline of 2,329 regulatory requirements, far exceeding the Ministry's initial 12 per cent target for 2002/03. The Ministry's 2003/04 – 2005/06 service plan incorporates this result into revised targets leading to a net reduction of 35.6 per cent in 2004/05.

This year, the Ministry eliminated 719 unnecessary regulations through the repeal of outdated or obsolete legislation (Small Business Development Act; Special Enterprise Zone and Tax Relief Act; Industrial Development Incentive Act; Natural Resource Community Fund Act; the Job Protection Act; and the Northern Development Act).

As of March 31, 2003, the British Columbia Securities Commission achieved a net reduction of 2.6 per cent of its baseline of 21,316, primarily through eliminating unnecessary forms. Major changes are in progress under the Commission's deregulation initiative, which involves an extensive overhaul of securities regulations. This overhaul is targeted to reduce regulatory burden by one-third in 2004/05.

The Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) reached its target of 15 per cent net reduction from its baseline of 5,022, in part through the expansion and simplification of the Rural Agency Store Program. These changes created more opportunities for small business, streamlined the application and approval process, and provided more autonomy in everyday business. The LDB has set a final regulatory reduction target of 54 per cent for 2004/05. (Responsibility for the LDB was transferred to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General on April 24, 2003.)

Government Wide Deregulation

The Government exceeded its 12 per cent deregulation target for March 31, 2003, with a net reduction of more than 50,000 unnecessary regulatory requirements. This achievement, under British Columbia's innovative and comprehensive deregulation framework, reinforces that British Columbia is regulating sensibly and thoughtfully, and encourages prosperity, innovation and enterprise across the province.

British Columbia is unique in imposing rigorous performance standards with tough measurable targets for regulatory reform that will promote smart, effective and efficient regulation. Top priorities are regulations with the most direct impact on competitiveness. Major strides have been made in the areas of employment standards, liquor control and licensing, land use management, and the resource sectors. Many of the changes exemplify the shift towards results-based regulation that will encourage innovation and competitiveness. All ministries and agencies across Government are striving for smarter regulation and streamlining to make it easier for all British Columbians to interact with Government, and help create new opportunities in all economic sectors across the province, particularly in the Heartlands.