Report on Resources

2005/06 Resource Summary

On June 16, 2005, the government announced a reorganization that transferred programs and services previously provided by the ministry to other ministries. Eight major programs were transferred to other ministries, including the Office of the Fire Commissioner; Housing, Building and Safety; Multiculturalism and Immigration; the Aboriginal Directorate; Library Services; Business Immigration and Labour Market Partnerships; Heritage; and the Royal BC Museum. No programs were acquired; however, central support for corporate functions, including finance and administrative services, information systems, strategic human resources, corporate policy and planning, and information, privacy and records, is now also provided to the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts through a shared service model.

Overview

Government transfers to service partners accounted for approximately 93.3 per cent of gross expenditures before internal and external recoveries. Most of these transfers supported local governments, as well as funding for Stopping the Violence prevention and intervention services. Salary and benefit costs for employees accounted for 4.2 per cent of ministry expenditures, and other operating costs (i.e., information technology, building occupancy costs, and office expenses) accounted for the balance (2.5 per cent).

Local Government

Funds are used to support local governments and other related organizations as they address community needs through powers provided by the Community Charter and Local Government Act. This includes development of growth strategies in collaboration with regional districts; incorporations, amalgamations and municipal boundary extensions; planning and development of capital sewer and water infrastructure projects; provision of municipal services in the University Endowment Lands; and the facilitation of productive relationships among local governments, provincial agencies and First Nations.

On October 10, 2000, the provincial and federal governments signed the Canada-British Columbia Infrastructure Program Agreement. The contract (which expires on March 31, 2008) represents a $265.5 million commitment for the Province, and is intended to improve urban and local government infrastructure, such as water and waste-water systems, cultural and recreational facilities, and the energy efficiency of municipal buildings.

The timing of expenditures under this program is subject to many different factors, including design and construction delays and environmental assessments. As a result, annual expenditures fluctuate.

In 2005/06, more work than anticipated was completed on these projects, resulting in a variance of approximately $34,000 under the Local Government sub-vote.

Seniors', Women's and Community Services

Funding in this core business area helps form part of the social safety net in B.C. communities, including programs for women who have experienced abuse and children who witness abuse, and public education and partnership initiatives that aim to reduce violence against women. The ministry also establishes government, community and corporate partnerships to support community revitalization; provides policy analysis, research and information to government on seniors' and women's issues; and works with other jurisdictions in Canada to promote seniors' and women's interests and provide information to the public.

In 2005/06, the government earmarked an additional $12.5 million in funding for new services supporting women entering the labour force, and to help address issues of violence against women. The funding increase enhanced 214 existing services and funded 106 new services. Staggered start-up of the new services generated approximately $1 million variance in 2005/06. The ministry does not anticipate similar savings in 2006/07 once the cost of new services is fully annualized.

Executive and Support Services

This core business area consists of the Minister's Office, Deputy Minister's Office and Management Services. The primary function of Management Services is to develop infrastructure and internal systems that support ministry programs and contribute to improving service delivery capabilities. This includes a sound set of procedures and guidelines, strong financial and reporting systems, effective use of technology, and most importantly, employees who are innovative, flexible, proactive and take pride in their work.

There is no significant contributing factor to the under-expenditure of $315,000 in Executive and Support Services. Relatively minor savings were generated in various areas of expenditure.

Capital Budget

Approximately 95 per cent of the ministry's capital funding envelope is earmarked for information technology assets to maintain client-centered service delivery, make the most effective use of resources, and expand operational efficiencies. During 2005/06, however, actual expenditures for information technology were significantly less than anticipated ($361,230 versus a budget of $1.88 million). The under-expenditure resulted from changes in scope to design and design delays. The ministry does not anticipate similar savings in 2006/07. Many of the ministry's clients, including local governments and transition houses, already use some form of electronic media, such as web-enabled data collection via the Internet.