Message from the Minister and
Accountability Statement

It is with great pleasure that I present the 2005/06–2007/08 service plan for the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management. Through the ministry's four previous annual service plans our focus has remained the same: to find a balance between economic development and environmental integrity while ensuring that decisions on Crown land are sustainable, accountable and responsible to future generations.

I am pleased to say that we have made exceptional progress over the last three years primarily with the completion of a number of strategic land-use plans, notably the Central Coast, North Coast, Morice and Lillooet. Additionally, we have laid the groundwork for the Working Forest. Land Information BC is completing several of its major projects including electronic land-title filing and the independent Land Title and Survey Authority is now open for business. The cross-ministry contaminated sites policy was approved by Cabinet and acknowledged as representing real progress in a recent review by the Auditor General.

This year's service plan outlines key business areas and strategies that will continue to improve the climate for investment in BC's resource sector. The sector is experiencing buoyant market conditions but also faces continuing challenges like mountain pine beetles. We are working to support our sustainable resource economy, in particular by providing greater certainty of access to Crown land and other resources for the benefit of all British Columbians.

This plan also sets out target dates for the completion and adoption of specified land-use plans, particularly in the Sea-to-Sky corridor in the run-up to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

I look forward to delivering on this service plan and meeting my ministry's vision of a vibrant economy supporting the social and environmental values of British Columbians.

The 2005/06–2007/08 Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management 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 28, 2005 have been considered in preparing the plan and I am accountable for achieving the specific objectives in the plan.

Honourable George Abbott
Minister of Sustainable Resource Management

February 3, 2005