Strategic Context
British Columbia continues to enjoy a strong and growing economy. The Ministry of Community Services works to bring the benefits of this vitality to British Columbia’s communities. Key factors that shape the Ministry’s efforts are urban population growth, healthy lifestyles, climate change, communities in transition, women in the workforce, domestic violence, an aging population, and the new relationship with First Nations.
Currently, most of British Columbia’s urban population lives in an area covering less than three per cent of the entire province, with an additional 1.3 million people anticipated in urban areas by 2031.1 Through the Community Charter, implemented in 2004, local governments now have greater authority to create liveable, sustainable communities that provide healthy and safe places for British Columbians. They also have the increased financial capacity to fund these developments through provincial traffic fine revenue sharing, the federal gas tax transfer and a range of new initiatives that support sustainable infrastructure development.
A key government priority continues to be promoting healthy living for British Columbians. ActNow BC is working with partners who are developing and implementing programs to increase physical activity, to encourage healthy food choices in school, at work and in the community, to live tobacco-free, and to make healthy choices in pregnancy. Involvement at the local level is essential to realizing the full benefits of this program and local governments can play an important role in encouraging ActNow BC participation in communities around the province.
British Columbia is taking a leadership role in addressing climate change by developing innovative strategies and advancing research into new technologies. The Ministry is supporting local governments across the province in taking action on climate change at the community level. The British Columbia Climate Action Charter reflects the commitment of local governments, the Province and the Union of BC Municipalities to become carbon neutral by 2012 and to create compact and more energy efficient communities.
Communities throughout British Columbia have long benefited from British Columbia’s forestry sector. Many of these communities will be affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle Epidemic, and other pressures facing the province’s forest industry. The Ministry provides support for resource-dependent municipalities to manage the effects of significant financial impacts resulting from the permanent or pending closure of industrial operations. The Ministry encourages communities to work together through regional networks and partnerships and assists them in engaging in collaborative economic and social planning.
More women are working in British Columbia today than ever before, with 72.4 per cent of women between the ages of 15 and 64 participating in the workforce.2 More than 18,900 women were employed in the construction sector in 2006, indicating that women are beginning to take advantage of the critical trade shortages currently being experienced in the province.3 The Ministry supports the growing need for a strong and skilled labour force by developing and implementing policies and programs that encourage women to enter the workforce or re-enter the workforce after a prolonged absence.
Domestic violence has a significant impact on women and their children. Supporting communities in addressing domestic violence is a key priority for the Ministry, which funds programs for violence prevention, transition houses, counselling, and outreach and multicultural outreach services across the province.
British Columbia is experiencing a significant demographic shift as a result of longer life expectancies, low fertility rates, and the aging of the baby boom generation. Within 10 years there will be more seniors than school-aged children, and in 2031, almost one in four British Columbians will be over age 65.4 Using the “Aging Well in British Columbia” report from the Premier’s Council on Aging and Seniors’ Issues as a guide, the Ministry is developing a government action plan to support the health and wellness, independence and community participation of our older population — now and in the future.
British Columbia is developing a new relationship with First Nations guided by trust, and by recognition of and respect for First Nations’ rights and title. The Ministry is committed to supporting treaty negotiations through a variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing local government and First Nations relations.
The Ministry of Community Services is strategically addressing the factors facing British Columbia’s communities, providing support through a variety of programs and services in order to achieve its mission of promoting liveable, sustainable communities that provide healthy and safe places for British Columbians.
| 1 | Ministry of Community Services. (March 2006) Local Government Statistics and Facts |
| 2 | Statistics Canada 2006 Labour Force Survey, extract from Cd1T01an.ivt |
| 3 | Statistics Canada 2006 Labour Force Survey, extract from Cd1T06an.ivt |
| 4 | BC Stats, Population Estimates (from Statistics Canada, Demography Division) |
 |
 |
 |
