Performance Reporting

Overview of Ministry Goals

In early 2002, the government completed its Core Review of all ministries. The Core Review provided direction on three major areas of action for the ministry:

• Environmental Protection — shift to results-based regulation, industry responsibility and market incentives.
• Environmental Stewardship and Conservation — shift to results-based regulation and focus on priority ecosystems for protection.
• Outdoor Recreation — increase partnerships and private-sector involvement and move to market-rate fees for service.

For more information about these areas see the "Ministry Overview" section.

This direction, in conjunction with the ministry's mandate and mission, is the foundation for the four goals set by the ministry's Executive (see Figure 2). Each goal is supported by a set of objectives that shape ministry programs and activities and aim at achieving longer-term outcomes. These objectives are supported by strategies, which are developed within each program area. The strategies show the general approach the ministry is taking to achieve its objectives. Goals, objectives and strategies are updated as key initiatives are completed, new priorities evolve, innovative business models are developed or clarification is needed for public understanding.

The reorganization of the ministry, which took place at the same time as the Core Review, enabled it to align core business areas and goals with organizational divisions, thereby improving accountability. Where possible, accountability for each objective and performance measure is now linked to a specific program area (see Figure 2).

To monitor our progress toward meeting our goals, each objective is supported by at least one performance measure. These measures are intended to provide a balance of outcome and output measures. Targets are set by programs based on historical accomplishment, government priorities and availability of resources.

Figure 2 is a snapshot of how the ministry's mission, goals, core business areas, objectives, programs and performance measures currently are linked. It also reports on progress in meeting ministry targets. The measures shown in the figure focus on key aspects of the ministry's performance in 2003/04. Over the past year, some measures and objectives have been revised, discontinued or developed for future use and may not appear in the figure. These are explained more fully in the "Report on Results" section.

		Figure 2. Links between our mission, core business areas, goals, objectives, programs and measures

Report on Results

This section presents detailed information about the ministry's performance in attaining the targets it set in the 2003/04 – 2005/06 Service Plan for the 2003/04 fiscal year. The information is reported by each of last year's four core business areas and, under those, by goal, associated objectives and summarized strategies.

We are continuing to refine our performance management framework by beginning to link resources to results. This year, we adjusted our financial reporting system to provide senior managers with financial information at the objective level to help them better integrate performance information into their management and strategic decisions. This information is included under each goal below and is an important first step in linking resources to results.

Included for each performance measure is the rationale for selecting the measure, the ministry's performance relative to the target identified in the Service Plan, and other key issues related to the measure. Where appropriate, benchmarks, how the results are used, trend information and future direction are also presented to provide readers with a greater understanding of the results. For further information about the reliability and limitations of the data reported see Appendix D: Notes on Data Completeness, Reliability and Methodology. For definitions of distinct ministry terms or uncommon terms see Appendix A: Glossary.

		Goal 1: Protect the environment and human health and safety by ensuring clean and safe water, land and air.

		Goal 2: Maintain and restore the ecological diversity of fish and wildlife species and their habitats.

		Goal 3: Provide and enhance park, fish and wildlife recreational services and opportunities for British Columbians and others.

		Goal 4: Provide effective and efficient planning and support for ministry programs.

Deregulation

As part of its New Era commitments, the government pledged to reduce regulations by 33% overall. The ministry's three-year plan is to reduce regulations by 38%, which will meet this commitment. (See the performance measure for deregulation under Goal 4, Objective 1.)

• As of March 31, 2003, the ministry reduced its regulations by 5,143, or 23.87%, from a baseline of 21,541 regulations.
• The target for the 2003/04 fiscal year (by March 31, 2004) was a reduction of 2,257 regulations, or a further 11% of the total. The regulations were reduced by 1.3% by March 31, 2004, and the other reductions required to meet the target are in progress and expected to be completed by June 4, 2004.
• In addition to the reductions above, the plan is for the ministry's regulations to be reduced by an additional 4% between April 1, 2004 and June 4, 2004 to achieve the ministry's overall target of reducing regulations by 38%.