Report on Performance
This section presents the Ministry's results for its goals, objectives and performance measures as outlined in the Ministry's 2005/06 Service Plan September Update. In the fall and winter of 2005, the new Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation undertook a review of its performance measurement framework. Please refer to Appendix 2 which identifies those changes made as outlined in the Ministry's 2006/07 Service Plan.
Performance Plan Summary Table
Synopsis of Ministry Performance Measure Results
Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Performance Measures
The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation maintains all data internally from discussions and agreements made at the negotiating table and incorporates data from other ministries associated with cross government initiatives with First Nations. Internally generated data addresses the Ministry's performance measures. It is reliable, independently verifiable and gives the greatest clarity for auditing purposes.
Ministry Goal 1
Increased social and economic stability and investment in the province through greater certainty over Crown lands and resources.
Through the completion and implementation of treaties and other negotiated agreements, greater stability is established over British Columbia's land and natural resources. The agreements also help increase First Nations' capacity and their ability to participate in resource development sectors.
The core business areas responsible for this goal are Negotiations, Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. The key risk associated with this goal is failure to conclude agreements and hence perpetuate uncertainty with respect to Aboriginal rights and title issues as they relate to resource development in the province.
To mitigate this risk, everyone participating in the negotiations consults with affected parties and informs the general public about negotiated agreements.
| Performance Measure |
2003/04 Actual |
2004/05 Actual |
2005/06 Target |
2005/06 Actual |
Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per cent of B.C. Crown land covered by certainty arrangements.1 | 32% | 37% | 38% | 67% | +29 percentage points |
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| Selection Rationale This measure reflects overall progress made by the province towards achieving greater economic and social stability over Crown land and resources through a variety of negotiated agreements between the province and one or more First Nations, both within and outside of the British Columbia treaty process. | ||||||
| Variance Explanation During 2005/06, the Ministry surpassed its stated target of 38 per cent, reaching a total of 67 per cent certainty over Crown land and resources. This significant increase was primarily achieved through the signing of two Agreements-in-Principle and initialing of one other Agreement-in-Principle (AIPs) and the Ministry's ongoing support of cross government initiatives including 21 new agreements negotiated by the Ministry of Forests and Range (MoFR) which provided certainty over 38.62 per cent of Crown land and resources alone. | ||||||
| Changes to the Measure As Final Agreements, Agreements-in-Principle and other operations certainty arrangements are signed, the specific amount of Crown land involved is clarified and can result in changes to certainty calculations over time. | ||||||
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| 1 | Only Treaties (currently with Nisga'a, Treaty No. 8 and McLeod Lake First Nations), Statements-of-Intent areas as outlined in the seven Agreements-in-Principle currently (with Lheidli T'enneh, Maa-nulth, Sliammon, Tsawwassen, Yale and Yekooche First Nations) and Forest and Range Agreements are included in the certainty coverage calculations. Other agreements, including Memoranda-of-Understanding, Environmental Assessment Office Endorsements and Protocol Agreements, although they are important and assist the Ministry in meeting its stated goals for government, are not included in the computation of this type of certainty coverage as these agreements do not refer to certainty provisions over specific land quanta but basically facilitate agreements for further specific negotiations. |
Objective
Concluded agreements that define rights and responsibilities between the parties and facilitate economic development.
It is through the negotiation forum that these agreements are reached with the primary result being social and economic certainty not only for British Columbia's First Nations but the rest of the province as well.
Strategies
The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation sits at the negotiating table with federal and First Nation counterparts.
To achieve this goal the Ministry focused on prime opportunities to conclude agreements with First Nations; provided leadership to ministries and provincial agencies to support accommodation activities; consulted with concerned parties on negotiations; strengthened relations between First Nations, local governments and non-First Nations business interests; and introduced improved business practices related to the more effective transfer of land, resources and program responsibility to First Nations following treaties or other agreements.
Performance Measures
Effective performance against each measure related to this goal and objective increases certainty over the province's land and natural resources through the establishment of increased capacity for First Nations and greater trust between the negotiating parties.
| Performance Measure |
2003/04 Actual |
2004/05 Actual |
2005/06 Target |
2005/06 Actual |
Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of additional initialed final agreements and agreements-in-principle. | 4 | 1 | 2 – 4 | 2 | 0 |  |
| Selection Rationale Agreements-in-Principle, stage 4 in the BC Treaty Commission process,1 are a major step towards completing a Final Agreement. The completion of this stage also contributes to increased levels
of economic and social certainty in British Columbia attracting outside investment and improving the capacity of First Nations. Final Agreements, stage 5 in the BC Treaty Commission process, provide a clear understanding of the rights and responsibilities of First Nations and governments and become a Treaty with that First Nation. A key risk associated with not meeting this measure is the continued lack of certainty surrounding economic investment and decision-making over the provincial land base. A key mitigating strategy is the Province's effort to accelerate the conclusion of Final Agreements. |
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| Variance Explanation The Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation set a target of achieving two to four Final Agreements and/or Agreements-in-Principle for 2005/06. This target proved realistic as the Ministry signed two Agreements-in-Principle. In August 2005, an Agreement-in-Principle was signed with the Yekooche First Nation. In March 2006, an Agreement-in-Principle was signed with the Yale First Nation. | ||||||
| Changes to the Measure In the Ministry's 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan, this performance measure was renumbered from 1.2 to 1.4. Minor wording changes were also made to more closely align with the Ministry's new mandate. | ||||||
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| 1 | See Appendix 1. |
| Performance Measure |
2003/04 Actual |
2004/05 Actual |
2005/06 Target |
2005/06 Actual |
Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of additional accommodation agreements/business arrangements. | 1 | 3 | 2 – 3 | 4 | +1 | |
| Selection Rationale This measure reflects British Columbia's objective to effectively address Aboriginal interests in land and resources. This measure also facilitates economic development and certainty. Agreements include transferring economic benefits to First Nations and First Nation's role in planning processes and resource management. | ||||||
| Variance Explanation The Ministry exceeded its target of two to three accommodation and/or business arrangements. Four new arrangements were established during 2005/06: Blueberry Protocol Agreement, Mountain Pine Beetle Protocol, Haida Letter of Understanding, and support for the Cultural Centre in Whistler. | ||||||
| Changes to the Measure In the Ministry's 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan, minor wording changes were made to this measure to more closely align with the Ministry's new mandate. | ||||||
| Performance Measure |
2003/04 Actual |
2004/05 Actual |
2005/06 Target |
2005/06 Actual |
Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of additional partnership initiatives involving First Nations and community organizations, including local governments. | 5 | 6 | 4 – 6 | 8 | +2 | |
| Selection Rationale Partnership initiatives are another method of actively increasing First Nation involvement in community and local government decision-making processes and promoting economic development by creating greater certainty and opportunities for First Nations and other business. This measure reflects British Columbia's ongoing commitment to invest in good relations between all parties affected by ongoing negotiations. | ||||||
| Variance Explanation The Ministry exceeded its target by a two-fold margin. Eight new partnerships were established: the Aboriginal Workforce Strategy, the Prince George Urban Aboriginal Strategy, the Aboriginal Capacity Technical Assistance Program (with the Centre for Sustainability, Vancouver Foundation and Aboriginal community representatives), grants to bridge First Nation and local government interests: Maa Nulth/District of Ucluelet, Tsawwassen/Delta, Lheidli T'enneh/City of Prince George, Hul'qumi'num/Cowichan Regional District, and finally support for a joint newsletter between the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and the First Nations Summit. | ||||||
| Changes to the Measure In the Ministry's 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan, this performance measure was renumbered from 1.4 to 1.2. Minor wording changes were also made to more closely align with the Ministry's new mandate. | ||||||
Ministry Goal 2
Social and economic opportunities and well-being for Aboriginal people.
Objective
Social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal people are improved.
Strategies
The Ministry had several key strategies focused on this objective: improving the access and quality of government services for Aboriginal people through enhanced cross government coordination and partnerships; supporting capacity development within Aboriginal communities regarding the delivery of culturally appropriate programs; and providing opportunities for Aboriginal entrepreneurs to develop or expand businesses.
A work plan, designed through collaboration with Aboriginal organizations, identified the social and economic indicators to measure progress toward achieving the Five Great Goals over the next decade.
Performance Measures
| Performance Measure |
2003/04 Actual |
2004/05 Actual |
2005/06 Target |
2005/06 Actual |
Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of new organizational capacity partnerships, initiatives and projects. | n/a | 25 | 18-22 | 29 | +7 | |
| Selection Rationale The over-arching purpose of these partnerships, initiatives and projects is to encourage and assist in building capacity within Aboriginal organizations across British Columbia. Some examples include: providing staff mentoring and training to increase capacity in research, facilitation, planning and communications skills, facilitating Aboriginal youth to explore careers in science and technology; and supporting the development of an Aboriginal business database and directory to document and promote Aboriginal businesses. | ||||||
| Variance Explanation The Ministry exceeded its target. Approximately $1.5 million was provided to support 29 initiatives that built Aboriginal capacity in governance, organizational, community or service delivery, and economic skills development. The Ministry originally anticipated doing fewer agreements with higher levels of funding attached to each but actually did a higher number of agreements with lower levels of funding attached to each. | ||||||
| Changes to the Measure This is a new performance measure that was added as a result of government restructuring in the summer of 2005. In the 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan, this measure was dropped due to a change in program area budget. A new measure was developed for the 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan to replace this one which better aligns with the Ministry's new mandate of a new relationship (see Appendix 2). | ||||||
| Performance Measure |
2003/04 Actual |
2004/05 Actual |
2005/06 Target |
2005/06 Actual |
Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Aboriginal businesses created or sustained by the First Citizens Fund Business Loan Program. | 177 | 1291 | 150 | 136 | -14 |  |
| Selection Rationale Small business is one of the key contributors to the provincial economy. Increasing Aboriginal ownership in small business ventures helps generate income, employment and economic activity in Aboriginal communities. The ongoing creation and expansion of Aboriginal small business activity is a positive indicator of increasing Aboriginal participation in British Columbia's economy. | ||||||
| Variance Explanation The 2005/06 target is based upon a five year average of actual results. The amount of funding available to support business
loans has not changed, so variations in the annual number of businesses supported are a result of changes in average amount
of financing per business. The actual for 2005/06 is below target which indicates that a smaller number of higher value loans
were provided to fully expend the fund. One potential reason for higher value loans being negotiated by Aboriginal entrepreneurs
is an increased sense of confidence in the economy. The Ministry maintained the same level of funding support as had been provided the previous year and came within 90 per cent of its stated target of supporting the creation or expansion of 150 Aboriginal businesses through the First Citizens Fund Business Loan Program. The Loan Program assisted 136 businesses that received a total of approximately $4 million in business loan financing. These loans assisted with the start up, expansion or acquisition of businesses by Aboriginal entrepreneurs. |
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| Changes to the Measure This performance measure was reported previously by the former Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services. This measure was dropped in the 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan as it is a statement of program activity rather than a measure of government performance. A new measure has been developed for the 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan to replace this one which better aligns with the Ministry's mandate of a new relationship (see Appendix 2). | ||||||
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| 1 | The 2004/05 actuals have been adjusted to present actual rather than target numbers as were presented in the 2005/06 Ministry Service Plan. |
| Performance Measure |
2003/04 Actual |
2004/05 Actual |
2005/06 Target |
2005/06 Actual |
Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of jobs within Aboriginal businesses created or sustained by the First Citizens Fund Business Loan Program. | 343 | 3241 | 350 | 296 | -54 | |
| Selection Rationale Small business is a key source of income for British Columbians, whether as an owner or employee. This performance measure shows that the Aboriginal businesses supported by the First Citizens Fund Business Loan Program also contribute to increased employment opportunities and increased employment income, thus contributing to the provincial economy directly. In addition, businesses owned by Aboriginal people tend to employ Aboriginal people helping reduce disproportionately high rates of Aboriginal unemployment. | ||||||
| Variance Explanation The target is based upon a five year average of actual results. However, actual numbers vary from year to year based upon the particular circumstances of the businesses supported through the program and their own determination of the employment requirements of their business. The Ministry maintained the same level of funding support as had been provided in 2004/05 coming within its target by 85 per cent. The businesses supported by the Business Loan Program in 2005/06 reported creating 296 full and part-time positions resulting from the financing received for their business ventures. One potential reason for the lower employment figure could be an increase in new business start-ups. | ||||||
| Changes to the Measure This measure was reported previously in the Annual Report of the former Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services. This measure was dropped in the 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan as it is a statement of program activity rather than a measure of government performance. A new measure has been developed for the 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan to replace this one which better aligns with the Ministry's mandate of a new relationship (see Appendix 2). | ||||||
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| 1 | The 2004/05 actuals have been adjusted to present actual rather than target numbers as were presented in the 2005/06 Ministry Service Plan. |
Ministry Goal 3
Build strong and respectful relationships between government and Aboriginal organizations based on a shared commitment to reconciliation and recognition.
Performance Measure
| Performance Measure |
2003/04 Actual |
2004/05 Actual |
2005/06 Target |
2005/06 Actual |
Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Forums that facilitate and strengthen relationships between Aboriginal political organizations and the government. | 1 | 2 | 1 – 2 | 3 | +1 | |
| Selection Rationale This measure reflects the Province's commitment to facilitate and strengthen relationships between Aboriginal political organizations and the government. By organizing events where perspectives may be presented, more meaningful dialogue may take place that builds mutual understanding and stronger relationships between all parties. | ||||||
| Variance Explanation The Ministry exceeded its stated 2005/06 target. Three forums were held: the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) monthly meetings between First Nation leaders and provincial Deputy Ministers, as well as ongoing meetings between the FNLC, Ministers and the Premier; the First Citizens Forum of Aboriginal community members and Cabinet; and the First Minister's Meeting involving collaborative teamwork of First Nations leaders and provincial governments from across Canada and the federal government. | ||||||
| Changes to the Measure In the Ministry's 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan, this performance measure was changed to focus on the Ministry's mandate of building a new relationship with Aboriginal people in British Columbia and to reflect a commitment to include First Nations in policy development. | ||||||
Objective
Build trust with Aboriginal people through a reconciliation and recognition framework.
Strategies
Key strategies included: working cooperatively with First Nations to identify an agenda of activities focused on reconciliation and recognition; developing policies, positions and mandates consistent with the principles of reconciliation and recognition that improve relationships between Aboriginal people, the Crown, local governments and all citizens; providing leadership to line ministries and provincial agencies undertaking reconciliation activities; and undertaking initiatives to increase public awareness and understanding to promote a vision of reconciliation.
| Performance Measure |
2003/04 Actual |
2004/05 Actual |
2005/06 Target |
2005/06 Actual |
Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of actions taken to implement agreed joint activities. | 2 | 4 | 7 | 11 | +4 | |
| Selection Rationale This measure reflects the number of activities carried out by the Ministry in collaboration with First Nations that contributed to relationship-building between both parties. | ||||||
| Variance Explanation The Ministry exceeded its stated 2005/06 target. Ten activities were organized: the Aboriginal Employment Partnership Initiative (an expansion of joint federal/B.C./Aboriginal partnership); the Aboriginal Tourism Strategy; an Agreement to support Aboriginal Women in Leadership; revisions to Forest and Range Agreements; the Mountain Pine Beetle Strategic Action Plan; the First Minister's Transformative Change Accord; the New Relationship Fund; the First Nations Leadership Council; the First Citizens Forum; and the K–12 Educational Jurisdiction Agreement. | ||||||
| Changes to the Measure In the Ministry's 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan, this performance measure remained the same with an increased emphasis on written documentation. | ||||||
| Performance Measure |
2003/04 Actual |
2004/05 Actual |
2005/06 Target |
2005/06 Actual |
Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of activities undertaken to build public awareness. | 105 | 115 | 115 – 120 | 115 | -5 | |
| Selection Rationale This measure reflects the Ministry's continued efforts to build relationships by undertaking initiatives that increase public awareness and promote a vision of reconciliation. Activities undertaken to build public awareness include announcements, meetings and public events, open houses, publications and speeches. | ||||||
| Variance Explanation The Ministry continued its efforts to build relationships by undertaking initiatives that increased public awareness and promoted a vision of reconciliation through announcements, meetings and public events, open houses, publications and speeches. These activities were especially important in 2005/06 with the introduction of the "New Relationship Vision" document, which is based on mutual respect, reconciliation and recognition of Aboriginal rights and title. As a result, the Ministry has become the cornerstone for government to work with First Nations on activities to increase public awareness of First Nations issues. | ||||||
| Changes to the Measure In the 2006/07 – 2008/09 Ministry Service Plan, minor wording changes were made to more accurately reflect the Ministry's new mandate. | ||||||
Ministry Goal 4
Optimal and cost-effective planning, management, administrative and operational support.
Objective
Improve administrative operations through innovative business practices and technology.
Strategies
Key strategies implemented: reviewing of business practices and office procedures to adopt best practices to improve cost-effectiveness and efficiency; developing a human resources plan to support and encourage employee learning and skills building; and, identifying technology solutions to better track and report performance and risks.
Performance Measures
| Performance Measure |
2003/04 Actual |
2004/05 Actual |
2005/06 Target |
2005/06 Actual |
Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of employees with performance management plans. | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | n/a | |
| Selection Rationale Creating a workplace culture of accountability and continued professional development begins at the individual level. In the short-term, by supporting each employee's performance goals, the Ministry creates additional professional capacity with respect to meeting its own goals. | ||||||
| Variance Explanation No variance. Target was achieved. | ||||||
| Changes to the Measure During 2005/06, a cross-government decision was made that internal measures would be reported out in each ministry's annual business plan. Accordingly, this performance measure was not included in the 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan. | ||||||
| Performance Measure |
2003/04 Actual |
2004/05 Actual |
2005/06 Target |
2005/06 Actual |
Variance | Target Met? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of best management practices adopted. | 5 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 0 | |
| Selection Rationale Targets reflect the number of new practices adopted each fiscal year and include such measures as automated processes, improved procedures, enhanced communication activities, employee input and information sharing initiatives. | ||||||
| Variance Explanation The Ministry met its stated target of adopting four best practices during 2005/06. These were: a Leadership Communications Project with an Executive sponsor assigned to support project and implementation; a Ministry-wide workshop focusing on New Relationship Leadership; a redefined process for Ministry Communication and Organizational Change to meet its new vision and mandate; and, a redefined Financial Accountability and Responsibility process. | ||||||
| Changes to the Measure During 2005/06, a cross-government decision was made that internal measures would be reported out in each ministry's annual business plan. Accordingly, this performance measure was not included in the 2006/07 – 2008/09 Service Plan. | ||||||
