2002/03 Annual Service Plan Report Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection

Summary Reports on Other Planning Processes

Human Resources Management Plan

The ministry recognizes that successfully implementing significant changes in service delivery in the longer term requires a skilled and healthy workforce functioning in an environment that promotes innovation, learning and results consistent with the government's commitment to public service renewal. As well, staff must have a clear understanding of their roles. The following are some key strategies:

• Ensure the ministry has the staff resources and succession plans to meet its present and future performance commitments.
• Acquire, develop, retain and share critical knowledge and skills.
• Recognize employee contributions and enhance employee and workplace wellness.

Achievements

Following consultation with staff across the province in August 2002, the ministry developed a Human Resource Renewal Strategy. In addition, the ministry implemented an employee ombudsman initiative. In 2002/03, the ministry began to formally move towards having an Employee Performance and Development Plan (EPDP) in place for each employee. As of March 2003, an estimated 35% of all management staff and roughly 20% of all ministry staff had an EPDP that linked work and development goals to the Service Plan. The target in the 2003/04 – 2005/06 Service Plan is for 100% of staff to have an EPDP by May 31, 2003.

Information Resource Management Plan

All ministry systems applications are hosted by the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management, which also collects and integrates data and provides information access for the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection.

During 2002/03, the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection refined its Information Resource Management Plan, which is linked to both the ministry's strategic and operational processes. The ministry has established a Systems and Information Planning Committee (SIP) to ensure efficient and effective delivery of ministry technology services and business solutions. The following are some key strategies:

• Provide real-time public access through the Web to environmental data, recreational opportunities, proposed regulatory changes, guidelines and industrial activities.
• Consolidate ministry authorization applications (e.g., fishing and hunting licences, hunting permits, park use permits, waste discharge permits).

Achievements

In 2002/03, the ministry was able to complete an inventory of all ministry applications and perform a major enhancement of existing Web sites. In addition, the complex business requirements for the authorization compliance project were completed.