Ministry Role and Services

Vision, Mission and Values

Vision

The ministry's vision is a clean, healthy and naturally diverse environment that enriches people's lives, now and in the future.

Mission

The ministry provides leadership and support to British Columbians to help them limit the adverse effects of their individual and collective activities on the environment, while fostering economic development and providing recreational opportunities.

Values

The ministry plays a leadership role in managing British Columbia's natural resources in an environmentally sustainable manner and in promoting safe, healthy communities. Fulfillment of this role depends on a skilled workforce operating in an innovative and accountable culture, an integrated approach to service delivery and an emphasis on shared stewardship.

We respect our staff and create a healthy workplace that sets and communicates clear expectations, and supports a culture of staff development, recognition, reward and opportunity.

• We ensure that professional accountability and discipline characterize our behaviour.
• We focus on achieving high environmental standards through a culture of continuous adaptation to change.
• We strive to consistently meet agreed-upon client requirements and deliver our services in a transparent, fair and timely manner.
• We are committed to continuous improvement in the environmental management of the province.

Principles

• A sustainable environment is central for providing economic and social opportunities for all British Columbians and is our legacy for future generations.
• A sustainable environment is a naturally diverse environment.
• All sectors of society are responsible for ensuring a sustainable environment — government, business, industry and citizenry.
• Citizens have the right to safe, healthy communities.

Our values and principles guide us in the attainment of our goals and are reflected in our objectives and the performance measures we have developed to gauge our success in meeting them.

Ministry Overview, Core Business Areas and Structure

Ministry Overview

The mandate of the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection is to protect and enhance the quality of British Columbia's water, land and air in a way that contributes to healthy communities, recreational opportunities, a sustainable environment, and a strong and vibrant provincial economy. The ministry strives to bring an effective, balanced approach to environmental management that optimizes benefits from a healthy economy and retains British Columbia's world-renowned natural beauty and environmental integrity. To accomplish this, the ministry provides leadership, develops innovative legislation and new business models, and promotes effective relationships with clients, such as other government bodies, First Nations, industry, and the range of groups in the environmental community. Our clients also encompass the public at large, small business, users of our parks and recreational services, and our staff.¹

The ministry carries out its mandate through four divisions with more than 900 staff located throughout the following regions of the province: Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Thompson, Okanagan, Kootenay, Cariboo, Skeena, Omineca and Peace. Regional staff in the Environmental Protection and Environmental Stewardship divisions work together in regional offices to encourage teamwork and efficiency. Smaller area offices are located throughout the province to provide education and compliance activities, and park operations capacity in local areas (see Appendix F: Ministry Office Locations).

The ministry has three major areas of activity:

• Environmental Protection — Protection of water, land and air quality, including the appropriate response to climate change and environmental emergencies. The ministry develops policy and legislation, regulations, codes of practice and administers statutes. Regulatory frameworks allow the ministry to set and report on standards for environmental quality, such as discharges and emissions to water, land and air. Frameworks are also used for the acceptable remediation of contaminated sites and facilitation of effective responses to high-risk environmental and human health and safety emergencies.
• Environmental Stewardship — Stewardship of biodiversity, including wildlife, fish and protected areas. The ministry sets results-based objectives and standards informed by science for activities that affect ecosystems, species and habitat. It also monitors and reports on selected species and habitats, and acquires information on habitat and species health.
• Outdoor Recreation — Park and wildlife recreation management, including hunting, angling and wildlife viewing. The ministry supports the social, economic and cultural values associated with recreational and other uses of Crown land by managing key fish, wildlife and habitat activities, as well as managing provincial parks, protected areas and conservation lands.

An overview of the wide range of legislation administered by the ministry is included in Appendix C.

Innovative Service Delivery in 2004/05

The ministry recognizes that effective service delivery and stewardship of the environment requires forging new relationships, building trust, developing new business models and striving for ongoing improvement.

During 2004/05, the ministry continued to support and establish partnerships and streamline processes that will enable it to continue to pursue an innovative approach to service delivery, such as:

• continuing to enact and bring into force significant legislation (e.g., the Environmental Management Act and its regulations) designed to streamline the province's environmental legislation and make the best use of ministry resources;
• working in partnership with the federal government to reconstruct the historic Myra Canyon trestles, a major tourism destination;
• continuing to support the Park Facility Operators of B.C. by investing significantly in upgrades to provincial park facilities such as camp sites, trails and water systems;
• developing and negotiating collaborative management agreements with First Nations for protected area management;
• continuing to partner with the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund to further conservation, habitat restoration and enhancement projects in British Columbia;
• working in partnership with local governments, conservation groups and the community to preserve significant wetlands such as Codd Wetland;
• working in partnership with the B.C. Water and Waste Association and others to bring together experts in water resource management and related disciplines from government, the private sector and academia;
• working in partnership with the B.C. Conservation Foundation to provide employment opportunities and enhance environmental awareness through programs such as the B.C. Conservation Corps, in which young people are mentored by ministry staff as they work on projects such as trail building and public outreach;
• continuing to support the role of government-recognized, private-sector environmental professionals in addressing contaminated sites;
• working in partnership with the conservation sector to establish the B.C. Trust for Public Lands in support of biodiversity conservation;
• continuing to partner with other ministries (e.g., Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Ministry of Transportation) in areas such as aquaculture compliance and highway operations and their impact on the environment;
• supporting community-based projects to improve the province's air quality (e.g., education and research projects and the development of regional airshed plans);
• continuing to work to harmonize regulatory requirements with other governments (e.g., working with the Alberta government on approaches to streamlining and harmonizing permit processing).

In addition to these partnerships and collaborative efforts, the ministry continues to use internal committees to facilitate the effective integration of operations in areas such as science, monitoring and reporting, compliance and information systems planning. (The Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management is an important partner in the implementation of a multi-year information systems plan.)

Ministry representatives also are continuing their participation in a number of cross-government initiatives, such as the Climate Change Strategy, Sea to Sky Review (2010 Olympics), Inter-agency Working Group supporting the B.C. Resort Task Force, Fire Management Team, Mountain Pine Beetle Stewardship Group, Inter-Ministry Invasive Plant Committee and the Drought Task Force. The ministry also remains part of the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management's Land Information B.C. Client Council (a key provider of information services and information technology to the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection).

Core Business Areas

The ministry relies on four core business areas to achieve its goals and objectives.

1. Environmental Protection

This core business area is led primarily by the Environmental Protection Division. Key programs and services focus on protecting human health and the environmental quality of water, land and air. Key functions aim at maintaining high environmental standards by: regulating and monitoring industrial and community activities to ensure compliance; promoting sustainable environmental practices in communities through partnerships and education on best management practices; and maintaining a system for air and water quality monitoring and reporting.

In 2004/05, approximately $54,243,000 and 342 FTEs were dedicated to this core business area.

One of the major focuses of this business area over the past year has been developing new legislation. Examples include: the bringing into force of the Environmental Management Act and the subsequent implementation of its regulatory amendments, codes and protocols; the approval of Phase 1 of the Ground Water Protection Regulation under the Water Act; and the Waste Discharge Regulation. Such legislative changes continue to facilitate outcome-based regulations that provide clear roles for governments and stakeholders, consistent performance standards, updated fee structures, decreased remedial and legal costs, and a greater focus on those not complying with regulatory requirements. Providing opportunities for industry-led stewardship programs for the disposal of post-consumer products and shifting the responsibility for lower risk spills to industry and partners continue to enable the ministry to better focus its resources on high-risk issues.

2. Environmental Stewardship

This core business area is led primarily by the Environmental Stewardship Division. Key programs and services focus on working with other ministries, industries, communities and governments to establish standards for the use and protection of species and habitats. Key functions focus on shared stewardship and sustainable economic development and are aimed at maintaining and restoring fish and wildlife species and their habitats.

In 2004/05, approximately $57,377,000 and 337 FTEs were dedicated to this core business area.

The ministry continues to work with partners to update provincial regulations and strengthen the role of science professionals in developing standards and best practices for ecosystem, species and habitat conservation. In 2004, the government made a significant contribution in support of the collaborative development of a biodiversity strategy to guide public and private sector activities. Amendments to the Wildlife Act will also enhance the government's ability to protect and recover species at risk. In 2004/05, the ministry continued to use legislation such as the Forest and Range Practices Act and it regulations, the Wildlife Act, the Park Act and the Protected Areas of British Columbia Act to protect critical habitat and enable results-based stewardship.

3. Park, Fish and Wildlife Recreation

This core business area is also led primarily by the Environmental Stewardship Division. Key programs and services focus on the provision of recreational opportunities in provincial parks and protected areas, allocation of natural resources for hunting, angling and wildlife viewing, protecting recreational values and encouraging recreation-linked economic activity. Key functions include enhancing recreational services using an approach informed by science to promote the effective management of fish, wildlife and park resources; providing park, fish and wildlife recreational services and opportunities for British Columbians and others; and establishing legislation, policies and procedures for park, fish and wildlife recreation.

In 2004/05, approximately $27,116,000 and 162 FTEs were dedicated to this core business area.

In 2004, the government introduced amendments to the Park Act and the Protected Areas Act that will expand the provincial parks system and boost tourism. Key partnerships were further supported in 2004/05 by the government's commitment to invest in significant upgrades to park facilities. These improvements, which will be funded by the ministry, will help park operators in their efforts to maintain facilities and enhance visitors' outdoor recreation experiences. The B.C. Conservation Corps, administered jointly by the ministry and the B.C. Conservation Foundation, will also help enhance and protect the environment.

Over the coming years, the ministry will continue to respond to the Recreation Stewardship Panel's recommendations to further support responsible tourism growth. The 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will provide an opportunity to encourage sound environmental planning and infrastructure development associated with the Games. The ministry will continue to promote fish, wildlife and park-based recreation and appropriate development within the province's parks to encourage further regional economic opportunities.

4. Executive and Support Services

This core business area is led through the Deputy Minister's Office, Strategic Policy Division and Corporate Services Division. Key programs and services in this business area focus on providing effective planning and legislative support to assist core business areas in achieving their objectives.

In 2004/05, approximately $21,874,000 and 106 FTEs were dedicated to the core business areas of Executive and Support Services.

In 2004/05, this business area continued to support key ministry initiatives, such as streamlining legislation and encouraging cooperation for stronger environmental protection (ongoing work through bilateral agreements with Idaho, Montana and Washington states). The ministry will continue to support legislative reform and improve critical information systems to enhance client service and monitoring. Efforts will also focus on further integrating the ministry's planning processes, identifying risks and reporting environmental trends to the public.

Ministry Organizational Structure

The ministry's structure supports the services, programs, regulatory reform and other initiatives carried out in each core business area. Figure 1 below shows the ministry's organizational chart and the main responsibilities of each division.

Compliance Operations

This new core business area was established at the end of the 2004/05 fiscal year. It provides support to the Environmental Protection Division and the Environmental Stewardship Division. Key programs and services in this business area address a range of education and compliance-related activities, including policy and planning and those of the Conservation Officer Service (COS). This area provides education to help citizens be better stewards, promotes understanding of and compliance with regulatory requirements, conducts inspections and, when needed, works within ministry programs on a range of enforcement options.

Figure 1. Ministry organizational chart

LINK TO LARGER VERSION

Ministry Operating Context

The ministry's service delivery is influenced both by government priorities and by trends in the environment, economy and society. How the ministry's strategic goals align with the government's priorities are presented at the beginning of the Report on Performance section. A regular review of the external factors that shape the context in which the ministry must operate provides the ministry the opportunity to continually refine its strategic direction and improve its business planning methods. Adjustments to Service Plan objectives, program priorities, targets and internal budget allocations may result from our analysis of a range of factors, such as the degree of economic activity in the province, the impact of changing weather patterns or international market demands.

The ministry operates within a complex environment that is influenced by many factors, such as:

• An increasing number of severe and unpredictable natural or biological events that can impact ecosystems, human health, and local, national, or international economies. For example, an outbreak of the Avian Flu last year affected the poultry industry in the Lower Mainland, and the ministry was part of an inter-agency team to work to eliminate this disease in the province.
• Rapid population and urban growth in the province that places pressure on habitats, communities, and resources. The ministry has responded to this issue through a number of avenues, from introducing measures for increased drinking water protection, to increasing funding for invasive weed control, and to developing regulations and environmental reporting that are region-specific. For example, the ministry is currently working on a State of British Columbia's Coast and Marine Environment Report in partnership with others.
• The need to apply multi-disciplinary approaches to problems, considering scientific, social and economic factors. As an example, the ministry uses an internal committee structure to facilitate the effective integration of its activities and to improve its decision-making and accountability, involving staff from a variety of disciplines and job functions.
• Prevailing economic conditions and the recognition that the economy and the environment are linked. The ministry acknowledges the role that a healthy environment plays in supporting the economy, and the role that a healthy economy has in supporting government's ability to deliver its environmental and other goals. For example, the British Columbia economy grew 3.9% in 2004, leading all provinces, after growth of 2.5% in 2003. This growth and a budget surplus has allowed for increased investments in some of the ministry's priorities.
• Public expectations that legislation and regulations should be both effective and efficient in achieving objectives. Public confidence comes from the belief that legislation and regulations are well designed, minimize duplication, have the flexibility to adapt to new circumstances, and will encourage compliance while not unduly burdening stakeholders with unnecessary process and cost. Public confidence comes from the knowledge that the ministry carries out periodic program reviews, audits and assurance pilots to enhance its ability to deliver services, develop effective legislation and business practices and report on its performance fairly and openly.

The 2004/05 – 2006/07 Service Plan indicated that the ministry's budget was expected to continue to stabilize over a three-year period. However, ongoing success in achieving the ministry's mandate also requires effectively addressing issues that may affect its capacity to serve its clients. During 2004/05, the ministry continued to address capacity issues in the following ways:

• Implementation of new business models. The ministry continued to work on establishing new business models to improve service delivery and make more efficient use of ministry resources. Efforts continued to develop an effective model for identifying and remediating contaminated sites in British Columbia. In April 2004, the ministry introduced a simplified application and administrative process for permits and commercial licences through the centralized Permit and Authorization Service Bureau.
• Effective leadership and a skilled workforce. The ministry invested in the training of its middle managers through a series of Management Fundamentals workshops. Investments were also made in staff training to reorient skills to meet the ministry's changing requirements. In response to concerns about workforce demographics, the ministry continued to enhance its succession planning efforts to manage key ministry positions and knowledge retention issues. As well, the ministry established the B.C. Conservation Corps, which engages students' and recent graduates' interest in conservation activities. The Conservation Corps will focus on key environmental priorities identified by ministry staff.
• Shared stewardship. During the year, the ministry continued to develop partnerships and stakeholder relationships. The ministry also worked with other jurisdictions on the harmonization and streamlining of regulatory requirements (e.g., permit processing). These efforts will encourage collaborative approaches and consistent action for addressing environmental issues.
• Modernized legislation and streamlined processes. The ministry continued to develop and bring into force several pieces of legislation, such as the Integrated Pest Management Act and the Environmental Management Act. Such regulatory change will help clarify the responsibilities of industry, local government and other stakeholders and allow the ministry to focus its resources on high-priority issues.
• Investments in information technology. In 2004/05, the three-year Information Management and Information Systems Plan was developed. This plan is focused on enabling the ministry to carry out key business functions and initiatives related to its mandate.

Risk Management

The ministry remains an active proponent of risk management and has considerable experience in examining risks related to human health, the environment, public and private property, Crown assets and its own business operations. During 2004/05, the ministry continued to manage external and internal risk factors. Appendix D: Risk Identification and Ministry Response is an overview of a variety of potential risk factors identified by the ministry and the risk management activities needed to address them.

Strategic Shifts and Significant Changes in Policy Direction

As noted in this and past annual reports, the ministry has made significant strides in changing its business practices and shifting its strategic direction:

This change in direction continues, and the ministry has responded to the challenge of such strategic change by:

• developing partnerships to protect species and habitat;
• streamlining legislation to both protect the environment and contribute to economic development;
• developing innovative business models;
• adjusting its core business area structure (e.g., adding Compliance Operations) to continue to deliver on key initiatives;
• refining its results reporting to focus on a few key measures that link to environmental and operational outcomes.

New Era Commitments

In 2001, the government set out key priorities for the ministry, including a list of New Era commitments. Since that time, the ministry has made significant progress in fulfilling these commitments, beginning or completing work on all nine New Era commitments involving the ministry. The ministry has also made progress toward completing other key projects as directed to the Minister.

Some of the ministry's accomplishments in 2004/05 include:

• Phase 1 of the Ground Water Protection Regulation was approved by the government under the Water Act.
• Creation of 37 new Class A parks and one ecological reserve and expansion of 34 existing Class A parks and four ecological reserves.
• Funding provided to the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund for conservation, habitat restoration and enhancement projects.
• Ongoing support for communities who are developing or about to develop regional airshed plans.
• Additional funding for the Living Rivers initiative, which is administered by the Vancouver Foundation.
• Approval of the Recycling Regulation and increased number of used oil recycling facilities across the province.
• Amendments to a number of Acts to enable the transfer of land to the federal government and allow the establishment of the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
• Amendments to the Wildlife Act that enhance the government's ability to designate and protect species at risk in British Columbia.

For more information about the ministry's progress in addressing the government's New Era commitments see Appendix B: Progress on New Era Commitments and Key Projects.