Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

The Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development implements strategies to revitalize the economy and helps to create a more competitive business climate in British Columbia.

Our strategies improve economic performance by increasing both the number of businesses in British Columbia and the number of people employed in those businesses. The ministry also ensures venture capital is available for small¹ and medium-sized businesses across the province. It enables businesses to grow, expand and diversify.

Moving forward, the ministry will continue to provide leadership to projects that are important to the future of our communities, that help set the stage for future economic performance and that ensure our products and services are marketed effectively to the global marketplace.

Today, we stand on the cusp of broad-based economic growth. Winning the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games renews our appetite for excellence in British Columbia, and provides a springboard for economic growth for many years to come.

The Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development is encouraged by the strides it has taken to date, and looks forward to improving on this performance.

The 2005/06–2007/08 Ministry of Small Business and Economic Development 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 John Les
Minister of Small Business and Economic Development

January 31, 2005