Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

As Minister, it is my responsibility to provide an income assistance system that is fair, affordable and accountable — a system that will be there for British Columbians if they need it. Our government continues to be committed to providing assistance to those most in need, and helping people who are able to work to find and keep jobs.

The ministry is committed to improving the quality of life for British Columbians with disabilities. Through the Minister's Council on Employment for Persons with Disabilities, we are drawing together business and community leaders to remove barriers to employment and promote people with disabilities as highly skilled and motivated members of the workforce. For persons with disabilities for whom employment is not a possibility, we will continue to provide our highest levels of assistance and support.

While we will always provide assistance to those most in need, our objective remains to support and encourage clients who are able to work to achieve sustainable employment. We will continue to deliver employment programs to meet the changing needs of our clients so they can develop skills, access training and find employment. By helping our clients achieve independence, they are building brighter futures for themselves and their families.

In addition to the ministry's core services, we will continue to manage the province's highly respected Emergency Social Services (ESS) program. With 5,000 trained ESS volunteers in 150 communities across the province, the government is able to deliver essential services in times of crisis — from floods, apartment fires or catastrophic forest fires. I am proud of the dedication and work British Columbia's volunteers perform each year.

I look forward to working together with ministry staff to meet our goals and initiatives for the upcoming year and would also like to take this opportunity to thank them for their ongoing dedication and professionalism.

The 2005/06–2007/08 Ministry of Human Resources 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.

Honourable Susan Brice
Minister of Human Resources

January 31, 2005