Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

The Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management continues to provide vital leadership in developing and implementing land and resource-use planning, policy develpment and the management of information concerning British Columbia's natural resources.

Our natural resource sectors have been leading the revitalization of the province's economy. This ministry provides clear policies, plans and results-based regulatory practices. This has lead to increased certainty around resource access, First Nations consultation and accommodation, and tenure security. With greater certainty we have an improved business climate and are able to maintain and improve access to markets and investment.

We are nearing completion of strategic land and resource-use plans for the Central and North coasts, Lillooet, Morice, Sea-to-Sky and Haida Gwaii/Queen Charlotte Islands and have begun government-to-government consultations with First Nations on all but the last of these. Once complete, 85 per cent of the province will be covered by strategic land-use plans. These plans provide the blueprint for economic development and environmental management on the land base and contribute to our strategic direction. Throughout the province we have completed a number of smaller, more detailed, management plans. These continue to further specific development opportunities in the resource, recreation and tourism sectors.

In the past year we have also established the Land Title and Survey Authority and have made advances in the development of a central delivery system of resources and geographic information through Land Information BC. We have also expanded our commitment to clean up Crown contaminated sites and we are contributing to the maintenance of sustainable ecosystems through the establishment of the $8 million BC Trust for Public Lands which will help conserve ecologically important private lands throughout the province.

I would also like to acknowledge the dedicated team of employees who are the driving force behind the ministry's success in delivering on its mandate and providing a sustainable future for British Columbians. The 2004/05 Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management Annual Service Plan Report compares the actual results to the expected results identified in the ministry's 2004/05 Service Plan. I am accountable for those results as reported.

Honourable George Abbott
Minister of Sustainable Resource Management

June 14, 2005