Ministry of Environment

Purpose of the Ministry

What does the Ministry of Environment do?

The Ministry of Environment encourages environmental stewardship, provides environmental education opportunities, engages stakeholders and actively promotes the sustainable use of British Columbia’s environmental resources. In addition, the ministry is a leader in implementing the government’s climate change initiatives. This role has been strengthened by the government’s commitment to comprehensive climate action targets. The ministry, many areas of government, stakeholders, and society at large will be engaged in this critical effort.

The ministry strives to enhance the protection and stewardship of water and air resources by ensuring safe, high quality water, monitoring air and water quality, and reducing and removing wastes and toxins from the environment. The ministry champions the provincial freshwater fisheries through stewardship initiatives and works with the federal and other governments, stakeholders and industry to ensure sustainable marine fisheries, protected areas and ocean resources. The ministry also ensures that healthy and diverse native species and ecosystems are maintained and that outstanding recreational and wildlife opportunities are available to all.

The ministry has regulatory responsibilities and administers an extensive list of legislation. The ministry is also responsible for setting standards and ensuring compliance with these standards.

In carrying out its business, the ministry manages and delivers a wide range of programs and services that support the government’s environmental goals and objectives, particularly the Great Goal to “lead the world in sustainable environmental management, with the best air and water quality, and the best fisheries management, bar none.” While the ministry works to protect and enhance British Columbia’s natural environment, it also has a role in promoting sustainable economic activity for the long-term health and benefit of the province and its citizens.

Who are the Ministry of Environment’s clients?

The Ministry of Environment’s clients are all citizens of British Columbia, whom we serve in their communities, businesses and workplaces. The ministry’s clients also include national and international businesses and organizations that engage in business within B.C.

How does the Ministry of Environment carry out its business?

The ministry has approximately 1,465 skilled and experienced staff in over 50 different communities throughout the province. In addition to having an effective and credible regulatory and legislative framework, the success of the ministry’s work relies heavily on the ability to form effective relationships and partnerships with other government bodies, First Nations, industry, associations, communities and environmental groups. Some programs and services are provided by third-party partners such as park facility operators, as well as ministry-supported organizations such as the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, the Living Rivers Trust Fund, the BC Trust for Public Lands and the Pacific Salmon Endowment Fund Society. This support, in turn, helps fund local programs that enhance the ministry’s ability to fulfill its mandate. The ministry also participates in cross government initiatives with partners such as, but not limited to the BC Climate Action Secretariat, Ministry of Forests and Range, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and the Environmental Assessment Office.