Message from the Attorney General and Accountability Statement

I am pleased to present this Service Plan, which furthers the ministry's efforts to promote innovation and provide more affordable, accessible, efficient and convenient justice services.

The Ministry of Attorney General plays a key role in the debate and development of law that is just, principled, easy to understand and that serves the public interest. During the past year, the ministry strengthened its commitment to innovation and reform within the provincial justice system. We redefined our focus for the next three years and restated our guiding principles — vision, mission, culture and values, goals and objectives. This public Service Plan illustrates our renewed mandate. By building on our prior successes with innovation and reform, we will continue to improve justice services and keep costs low while improving access.

It is also our aim to inspire and lead law reform and justice innovation in the province. We have already taken the lead in the prosecution of highly complicated criminal mega-cases by pioneering new technology and creating new case management techniques. We have introduced novel and affordable out-of-court alternatives for resolving some family and civil disputes. We have streamlined administrative procedures and developed simpler and more efficient legislation. Working with our justice partners and our highly motivated public service workforce, we will vigorously pursue our renewed vision of an efficient justice system with the capacity to meet future challenges.

As Attorney General, I also have the unique responsibility in government to see that public affairs are administered in accordance with the law. My ministry will continue to exercise this function diligently by providing government with high-quality, cost-effective legal advice.

The 2005/06–2007/08 Ministry of Attorney General Service Plan was prepared under my direction in accordance with the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act. I am accountable for the basis on which the plan has been prepared. All material fiscal assumptions and policy decisions as of January 31, 2005, have been considered in preparing the plan, and I am accountable for achieving the specific objectives in the plan.

January 31, 2005