Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Performance Measures 
Ministry of Environment
Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Performance Measures
The following sections provide an overview of the ministry’s key goals, their supporting objectives and strategies, and performance measures that support the government’s overall priorities.
Goal 1: Clean and safe water, land and air
Objective 1.1: Effective responses to climate change
Climate change is a serious issue that has broad local, regional and global significance. Climate change includes gradual changes in average temperature and precipitation, and increased frequency of extreme events such as drought, heavy precipitation and coastal storm surges. Changes in climate drive changes in natural systems that will also affect economic and social interests. The human-contributed greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere mean that ongoing climate change and its impacts are certain. All jurisdictions, including British Columbia, have a responsibility to join the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) and prepare for the effects of future climate change (adaptation). These two approaches are interrelated. Emission reduction is expected to slow climate change and provide human and natural systems more time to adjust to the altered environment.
The Province passed new legislation in the fall of 2007 that mandates greenhouse gas emission targets and the government’s commitment to make government operations carbon neutral by 2010. The Province is developing additional tools that will enable implementation of key elements of the government’s strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 33 per cent below current levels by 2020.
A Climate Action Team, which is made up of leaders from environmental organizations, private enterprise, the scientific community, First Nations and academia, will recommend additional actions to achieve the 2020 target and targets for 2012 and 2016.
The government has established the BC Climate Action Secretariat to co-ordinate and support the wide range of initiatives aimed at achieving provincial targets. Please see the BC Climate Action Secretariat Service Plan on page 36 for further information.
The Ministry of Environment is responsible for work in key areas that address both greenhouse gas reductions and climate change adaptation. These include:
- developing new regulations for industrial, landfill and vehicle tailpipe greenhouse gas emission standards;
- reporting on provincial greenhouse gas emissions and leading work on developing a community energy and emissions inventory;
- preparing for the impacts of climate change on water and other environmental resources in B.C. by collaborating with and supporting partners including communities, industries, other agencies and non-governmental organizations; and
- leading the initiatives designed to increase overall provincial capacity to prepare for impacts of climate change, including applied research, assessment of impacts, outreach and the development of adaptation tools.
Objective 1.2: Enhanced protection and stewardship of our water resources
Achievement of this goal is vital to a healthy and sustainable environment for British Columbia, and supports the government’s broader goal to have the best air and water quality, bar none.
Achievement of this objective through effective legislation, innovative approaches to water governance and co-ordinated watershed-based planning contributes directly to the goal and is critical to the health of British Columbians and the environment.
Strategy
- A key strategy for this objective is leading the implementation of the government’s vision for sustaining and protecting water for the future, including actions and targets for shared water stewardship.
Performance Measure 1: Water bodies monitored under the Canada–B.C. Water Quality Monitoring Agreement
| Performance Measure | 2007/08 Forecast | 2008/09 Target | 2009/10 Target | 2010/11 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of water bodies monitored under the Canada – B.C. Water Quality Monitoring Agreement with stable or improving water quality trends | 96% | 96% or greater by 2015/16 | 96% or greater by 2015/16 | 96% or greater by 2015/16 |
| Data Source: Ministry of Environment. |
Discussion
This measure monitors trends in surface water quality based on the presence of environmentally significant variables, such
as metals, nutrients, pH, temperature, 
dissolved gases and flow, within 30 water bodies monitored under the Canada – B.C.
Water Quality Monitoring Agreement. The purpose of the agreement is to provide coordination and integration of surface water
quality monitoring activities within Canada and B.C., and to develop joint, cost-shared, comprehensive assessments of water
quality in these 30 water bodies. In addition, the ministry measures water quality at approximately 150 other community-based
stations on other water bodies, either directly or through other partnership agreements such as those with Metropolitan Vancouver
and the Columbia River Integrated Environmental Management Plan.
To determine which water bodies are monitored under the agreement, the ministry bases its decisions on provincial coverage, land use, water use, widespread issues such as climate change, and events or issues near water bodies that may have negative consequences for the water quality of those water bodies. In 2006/07, 96 per cent of water bodies monitored had stable or improving water quality trends. The trend for water quality stability and improvement has been consistently increasing over the years in B.C. However, this trend may slow as the number of water bodies having stable or improving water quality trends nears 100 per cent. If the number of monitoring sites changes, or if some sites that have stable trends are replaced by other sites, the actual calculated percentages may vary slightly in years to come.
The results of this measure will provide a good indication of the outcomes of water protection efforts and stewardship of B.C.’s water resources. In addition, the information helps inform authorizations for wastewater discharges, identifies shifts that need to occur in the management approach, and helps establish further water quality monitoring requirements.
Objective 1.3: Reduced contamination from toxins and wastes
By reducing contamination from toxins and wastes efficiently and effectively, the ministry will minimize impacts to water, land, air, human health and safety, and the economy.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- exploring new ways to reduce municipal solid waste disposal;
- supporting the development of a brownfields3 strategy for B.C.; and
- promoting the development and adoption of integrated pest management practices.
Objective 1.4: Healthy air quality
Many communities in B.C. have good air quality and meet ambient air quality standards. However, research shows that even low concentrations of air pollution can affect the health of British Columbians.
Taking action to reduce air pollution will help improve the health of the province’s citizens, address the government’s air quality targets, preserve our environment and enhance our economic competitiveness.
Strategy
- A key strategy for this objective is leading the implementation of B.C.’s air action plan, which is aimed at continuing to reduce emissions from industry, transportation, urban growth, ports and marine vessels and continuing to develop and support airshed management.
Performance Measure 2: Air quality monitoring – PM2.5 and low level ozone
| Performance Measures | 2007/08 Forecast | 2008/09 Target | 2009/10 Target | 2010/11 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percentage of monitored communities achieving the Canada-wide standard quality objective for: | ||||
| • particulate matter (PM2.5) • low level ozone |
93% 96% |
100% by 2010 | 100% by 2010 | 100% |
| Ranking of PM2.5 concentrations in Vancouver compared to major metropolitan areas of equal size (>500,000 population) across Canada | Lowest | Maintain lowest ranking | Maintain lowest ranking | Maintain lowest ranking |
| Data Source: Ministry of Environment. | |
| Note: Due to an increase in the number of monitored communities having sufficient data to generate the statistics needed to determine the Canada-wide standard, the number of communities reported on for PM2.5 and low level ozone has generally increased over time. In 2006/07, 26/28 communities met the PM2.5 Canada-wide standard objective, whereas this figure was 21/24 communities in 2005/06 and 14/16 communities in 2004/05. In 2006/07, 26/27 communities met the low level ozone Canada-wide standard objective, whereas this figure was 25/26 in 2005/06 and 24/25 in 2004/05. |
Discussion
The outdoor air contaminants of most concern in British Columbia, from a human health perspective, are particulate matter (PM) and ground level ozone.
Hybrid car
Particles smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) are believed to pose the greatest health risk. These fine particulates, which are most often generated by combustion processes and chemical reactions that take place in the air, are easily inhaled and penetrate the lungs, posing a threat to human health.
Although ozone in the stratosphere (the ozone layer) is beneficial and filters out harmful ultraviolet rays, ground level ozone is a pollutant and can be damaging to human health and the environment.
The ministry, in conjunction with regional districts and industry, collects PM2.5 data from approximately 50 air quality monitoring sites from over 30 communities across the province. The ministry also collects ozone data from approximately 35 monitoring sites from over 25 communities. The number of communities reported on for PM2.5 and ground level ozone has generally increased over time. This is due to an increase in the number of monitored communities having enough data to generate the information needed to determine the Canada-wide standard. As more communities meet the Canada-wide standard, the better the air quality — and the cleaner and healthier the environment.
The ministry continues to lead the development of initiatives designed to meet government’s goal of the best air quality. The B.C. government’s 2007 budget allocated $13.5 million over three fiscal years to achieve air quality improvements in communities throughout the province. Planned initiatives include retrofitting diesel buses, providing incentives to reduce the use of conventional wood stoves and encouraging industry to adopt the best available emission technologies. In June 2007, British Columbia became the first province in Canada to make clean technology mandatory in older commercial transport diesel vehicles in order to reduce diesel emissions and protect human health. Use of this performance measure is designed to help the ministry determine how effectively it is achieving its air quality improvement targets.
In addition, the ministry will continue to support local airshed planning efforts to improve air quality by offering technical expertise and resources, providing information sharing, and encouraging partnership building. Based on 2006 PM2.5 data, Vancouver is ranked best in Canada, with respect to its air quality, among major metropolitan areas of similar size and population. Vancouver’s ranking compared with other jurisdictions in Canada in recent years is shown in the graph below. The government’s 2015/16 target for PM2.5 concentrations in major metropolitan areas is to remain at first place.
Objective 1.5: Effective management of environmental risks
Events in the environment, such as industrial spills or flooding, can present risks to public health and safety, property and the environment itself. Although not all environmental risks are avoidable, effective management means that impacts from risks can be minimized. The ministry anticipates, responds to and manages the consequences of risks to the environment.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- responding effectively to high-risk environmental emergencies;
- reducing the risk to public health and safety and the environment through effective management and response programs, and compliance and enforcement strategies and actions;
- managing the environmental risks of human-wildlife interactions through proactive and reactive strategies; and
- managing the remediation of high-risk contaminated sites, and regulating the remediation of all contaminated sites.
Goal 2: Healthy and diverse native species and ecosystems
Objective 2.1: Well-managed and accessible information on species and ecosystems
The collection, storage, management and distribution of scientific information on native species and ecosystems provides for effective research, contributes to the understanding of the status of native species and ecosystems and is critical to making informed decisions.
British Columbia is home to a rich diversity and abundance of native species and habitats. To support the government’s actions to preserve these special features for our children, grandchildren and visitors, the ministry is engaged in a range of activities from species-at-risk inventories to habitat and park restoration initiatives.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- collecting and distributing information on species and ecosystems, including their conservation status;
- assessing the conservation status of plants, animals and ecosystems and related risks and threats within parks and protected areas; and
- providing guidelines and standards for the protection and conservation of species and ecosystems, including monitoring and reporting on achievements.
Objective 2.2: Well-managed parks and protected lands
The designation of parks and protected lands means these areas will be preserved for future generations and demonstrates British Columbia’s commitment to the conservation of native species and ecosystems.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- undertaking parks and protected lands planning and management to ensure long-term protection of natural, cultural and recreational assets; and
- maintaining and promoting partnerships for securing and managing parks and protected lands.
Objective 2.3: Protected, maintained and restored native species and ecosystems
Ministry programs conserve biodiversity, maintain and enhance native ecosystems and achieve a balance between the needs of wildlife and the needs of people. The ministry encourages others to accept a greater role in environmental stewardship and facilitates community initiatives to protect and restore local environments.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- leading the implementation of a conservation framework to set priorities for species and ecosystem recovery and management action;
- continuing to work with and expand partnerships, including those with First Nations, to identify, protect and restore species and ecosystems;
- continuing to develop and implement guidelines, policies and standards for the protection, conservation and management of species and ecosystems;
- providing leadership in species-at-risk status ranking and legal designation, and preparation and implementation of recovery plans; and
- leading, in collaboration with the federal government, the development of a marine protected area system for the Pacific coast.
Performance Measure 3: Completed designations under the Forest and Range Practices Act
| Performance Measure | 2007/08 Forecast | 2008/09 Target | 2009/10 Target | 2010/11 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of completed designations by the Ministry of Environment under the Forest and Range Practices Act, including Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHAs), Ungulate1 Winter Ranges (UWRs) and Fisheries Sensitive Watersheds (FSWs) | WHAs – 1017 UWRs – 55 FSWs – 36 |
WHAs – 1047 UWRs – 60 FSWs – 46 |
WHAs – 1077 UWRs – 62 FSWs – 66 |
WHAs – 1107 UWRs – 64 FSWs – 100 |
| Data Source: Ministry of Environment. | |
| Note: The number for UWR designations specifies the number of ungulate winter range packages, with each package representing a plan for a timber supply area or tree farm licence. In this case, a package may include as few as 1 to more than 1,000 winter ranges. When monitoring progress in this area, it is important to consider the amount of area designated. |
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| 1 | An ungulate is a hoofed mammal such as a caribou, moose, bison or goat. |
Discussion
Designations under the Forest and Range Practices Act provide special management for species and plant communities affected by forest and range activities on Crown land. These designations provide legislated protection for habitats and contribute to the conservation of native species. It is important to measure ministry progress in establishing environmental standards for the protection and restoration of species and their habitats under the Act.
The ministry is assessing its progress by monitoring the number of legal designations for Wildlife Habitat Areas (WHAs), Ungulate Winter Ranges (UWRs) and Fisheries Sensitive Watersheds (FSWs). Since 2004, the number of WHAs and UWRs has steadily increased as outlined in the table below. The number of FSWs, a new designation and measured since 2006, has also increased and is expected to increase annually for several years.
| FSWs | WHAs | UWRs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 31, 2007 | 31 FSW designations1 | 917 WHA designations approved covering 743,863 hectares | 48 UWR designations approved covering 3,601,200 hectares |
| March 31, 2006 | 17 FSW designations | 414 WHA designations approved covering 668,424 hectares | 35 UWR designations approved covering 2,658,725 hectares |
| March 31, 2005 | n/a | 320 WHA designations approved covering 658,935 hectares | 28 UWR designations approved covering 2,284,917 hectares |
| March 31, 2004 | n/a | 160 WHA designations approved covering 49,120 hectares | 15 UWR designations approved covering 913,462 hectares |
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| 1 | Fisheries sensitive watersheds ranged from 2,700 to 71,000 hectares. |
Goal 3: British Columbians share responsibility for the environment
Objective 3.1: British Columbians understand the benefits of healthy living and the effect of their actions on the environment
Attaining the government’s objectives for environmental sustainability depends on the collective knowledge, commitment and actions of individuals, organizations, communities and all levels of government as a whole. Achievement of this goal requires strong and expanded partnerships with industry and stakeholders, and an environmentally conscious and knowledgeable public.
In order for a society to become environmentally conscious, its citizens must understand the relationship between their actions and how those actions directly impact their health, the quality of their lives, and the lives of other people and species with which they share ecosystems. As British Columbians continue to make the connection between actions and impacts, they are much more likely to take on the role of stewards and demand a much higher environmental standard for their own actions and those of others.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- implementing and supporting a comprehensive and integrated ministry stewardship outreach strategy; and
- promoting outdoor activities as beneficial for a healthy lifestyle.
Objective 3.2: Shared environmental stewardship is a priority for all British Columbians
The ministry recognizes that a successful shared stewardship model needs to integrate cooperative and collaborative partnerships
with First Nations, industry, associations, academia, communities, environmental groups and other government bodies across
all sectors and geographic jurisdictions. Success depends on information and knowledge sharing, consultation and partnerships.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- recognizing, promoting and enhancing shared stewardship through consultative processes and volunteer initiatives that engage stakeholders, clients and partners;
- promoting sustainable natural resource management through collaborative management; and
- enhancing and promoting shared stewardship through effective and timely communication of compliance activities to protect the environment.
Objective 3.3: Industry and client groups implement best environmental management practices
British Columbia continues to enjoy expanding economic opportunities. More and more, industry, organizations and other ministry client groups understand the benefits of incorporating environmental values and best practices into their decision-making processes and activities. Good environmental management practices not only protect the environment, and greatly reduce costs (e.g., by using resources and energy more efficiently), they also set the foundation for good corporate citizenship.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- continuing to work with industry to develop, implement and continuously improve industry-led product stewardship programs;
- continuing to research and collaborate with key stakeholders on product categories suitable for inclusion in the B.C. Recycling Regulation;
- continuing to explore opportunities to reduce regulatory burden through changes such as implementing codes of practice to replace permit-based frameworks, while promoting best environmental management practices and maintaining stringent environmental standards; and
- encouraging compliance by reporting those in non-compliance with ministry environmental standards and/or regulatory requirements.
Performance Measure 4: Industry-led product stewardship programs
| Performance Measure | 2007/08 Forecast | 2008/09 Target | 2009/10 Target | 2010/11 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of product categories with industry-led product stewardship programs | 9 | 9 | 9 | 11 |
| Data Source: Ministry of Environment. | |
| Note: Target figures are cumulative. |
Discussion
For this measure, the ministry is counting the number of post-consumer product categories with industry-led product stewardship
programs. Last year, a new industry-led product stewardship program for electronic products was initiated. This brought the
total number of programs in place to nine — electronic products, tires, paint, used oil products, beverage containers, pharmaceuticals,
solvents and flammable liquids, domestic pesticides, and gasoline. The ministry has initiated a process to add two additional
product categories within the next three years, which would bring the total to 11 product categories by 2010 / 11. The ministry
is currently consulting with the public, industry and other stakeholders to determine the next two product categories.
Industry-led stewardship programs require producers (manufacturers, distributors and retailers) to be responsible for the life-cycle management of their products, including collection and recycling. The outcome of these stewardship programs is increased investment in the B.C. recycling industry, less waste in landfills for local governments to manage and reduced environmental impact. Industry-led product stewardship programs are primary examples of how shared stewardship can produce superior environmental results.
Goal 4: Sustainable use of British Columbia’s environmental resources
Objective 4.1: Wise management and continued benefits of water and air
Sustainable use means that resources are used in ways that ensure their continued availability today and for generations to come. This goal reflects the government’s focus on the sustainable use of British Columbia’s environmental resources, which promotes job creation and contributes significantly to the quality of life of residents and visitors.
British Columbia’s water and air resources sustain a full range of economic, community and ecosystem needs. Understanding the important benefits these resources provide, the ministry ensures that wise and prudent management of our water and air resources will continue to provide these benefits to British Columbians in the future.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- promoting increased community and stakeholder involvement at the local level;
- responding in a timely manner to water licence applications, based on reviews that ensure optimal environmental, social and economic outcomes;
- ensuring sustainable use and benefits for water through legislative review, economic and other incentives and promoting water use efficiency and demand management;
- promoting and facilitating multi-stakeholder watershed management plans;
- promoting and facilitating multi-stakeholder airshed management plans;
- continuing to support local air quality projects; and
- continuing to fund scientific research into the relationship between air quality and health.
Performance Measure 5: Completed and implemented water or watershed management plans
| Performance Measure | 2007/08 Forecast | 2008/09 Target | 2009/10 Target | 2010/11 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of water or watershed management plans completed and implemented | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Data Source: Ministry of Environment. | |
| Note: Target figures are cumulative. |
Discussion
Water or watershed management plans are undertaken to co-ordinate development and management of water, land and related resources
to optimize the benefits and sustainability of the community, economy and environment. These plans serve as a valuable tool
to address conflicts between water users and in-stream flow requirements, risks to water quality and aquatic ecosystems, concerns
about land use and other issues. Currently, the Trepanier Creek Watershed Plan has been completed, and it is expected that
additional plans will be completed in 2008/09.
The water management plan performance measure assesses both the number of water management plans designated under the Water Act and plans with no statutory basis. The provincial government will seek to promote and facilitate the completion and implementation of water management plans over the coming years as an important part of its goal to sustain British Columbia’s water resources.
Objective 4.2: Optimize public, outdoor and commercial opportunities from British Columbia’s parks, fish and wildlife
British Columbia’s parks, fish and wildlife provide a variety of unique outdoor opportunities for residents and visitors in the form of recreation, camping, marine and freshwater angling, hunting and wildlife viewing. Engaging in these activities by British Columbians and visitors promotes healthy living and an appreciation of B.C.’s landscape, native species and the environment as a whole. The use of campgrounds contributes to the maintenance and infrastructure of B.C.’s natural places and to environmental protection and management activities. Several commercial organizations also provide services and recreational activities, attracting visitors from around the world. This creates jobs within B.C. and contributes significantly to the province’s economy. Effective management and use of these resources will ensure their sustainability and promote economic opportunities.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- maximizing stewardship and economic opportunities with First Nations, local communities, non-profit groups, private land owners and others;
- developing strategic plans for parks, fish and wildlife management that promote exceptional outdoor opportunities, while ensuring long-term protection of natural resources;
- developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote healthy living through park visitation;
- improving and expanding the quality of park recreation opportunities and services;
- providing angling licences through electronic licensing and developing the provision of hunting licences through a similar framework; and
- streamlining the provision of commercial licences (e.g., for guides, trappers and fur traders) through process improvement and regulation simplification focused on client service standards.
Performance Measure 6: Park visitation and visitor satisfaction
| Performance Measure | 2004/05 Baseline | 2007/08 Forecast | 2008/09 Target | 2009/10 Target | 2010/11 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of recorded park visits and visitor satisfaction level | |||||
| • Park visits | 18.0 million | 18.9 million | 19.4 million | 19.8 million | 21.6 million |
| • Visitor satisfaction level | 80% | 83% | Maintain or improve | Maintain or improve | Maintain or improve |
| Data Source: Ministry of Environment. | |
| Note: Recorded park visits: The number of recorded visits to B.C. parks was approximately 19.0 million as of March 2007. | |
| Visitor satisfaction: The satisfaction rating is based on an extensive satisfaction survey that is conducted in campgrounds and day-use areas around the province and is based on nearly 5,000 respondents. The five-year rolling average for 2004/2005 was approximately 80 per cent, which is based on the Visitor Satisfaction Index rating of the reporting years of 2000/01 to 2004/05. The five-year rolling average for 2003/04 was approximately 80 per cent, which is based on the Visitor Satisfaction Index rating for the reporting years of 1999/2000 to 2003/2004. |
Discussion
Recreational services and opportunities provided in provincial parks make an important contribution to local economies, promote healthy living and support an appreciation for the environment by protecting representative landscapes and native species. The number of visitors to provincial parks is used to measure the contribution of parks to the government’s priorities of health, tourism and economic goals. The trend in these data should provide a reasonable indication of the trend in the public, outdoor and commercial opportunities from British Columbia’s parks.
Additionally, the ministry is the largest supplier of overnight camping accommodation throughout British Columbia. Since 1985,
the ministry has monitored the effectiveness of providing services in provincial park campgrounds and day-use areas by conducting
an annual satisfaction survey with a random sample of park visitors in these campgrounds. The results of this survey are used
by ministry staff and park facility operators to better assess which services are being provided well and which services require improvements.
The targets for park visitation and visitor satisfaction are realistic and a key focus for the ministry. However, the target forecasts for park attendance contain a variable degree of risk associated with key business drivers, such as weather conditions, major construction projects, forest fires and forest health, which may be specific to the province, a region or an individual park. External variables can also affect park attendance and tourism trends. Some examples include gas prices, the value of the Canadian dollar and terrorism threats in North America.
The Parks for People Strategy, developed by the ministry in 2006, identifies world class, high quality recreation, tourism and stewardship opportunities, while ensuring the protection of B.C.’s special places. Activities include increasing visitor attendance and satisfaction, investing in facility upgrades, working with partners such as the Society of Park Facility Operators and the Federation of BC Naturalists to offer interpretation services, expanding partnerships with communities and stakeholders to encourage visitation, engaging in stewardship activities and continuing to administer the visitor satisfaction surveys to understand and effectively respond to client needs.
Objective 4.3: Collaborative management and use of marine and ocean resources
British Columbia’s marine and ocean resources provide great economic and social benefits to the citizens of the province. The ministry works in close collaboration with the federal government, particularly the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, to represent British Columbia’s interests through new shared governance arrangements for ocean and marine resources and to ensure that these resources are managed in a sustainable manner.
Strategies
Key strategies for this objective include:
- representing B.C.’s interests to ensure a fair share of federal and cross government programs, initiatives and activities to promote research, exports and investment for our seafood sector; and
- undertaking initiatives, such as third-party certification of B.C.’s fisheries, to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of B.C.’s seafood products in domestic and international markets.
Performance Measure 7: Marine-based commercial and recreational fisheries managed through a collaborative decision-making process
| Performance Measure | 2007/08 Forecast | 2008/09 Target | 2009/10 Target | 2010/11 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of marine-based commercial and recreational fisheries managed through a collaborative decision-making process | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
| Data Source: Ministry of Environment. | |
| Note: Target figures are cumulative. |
Discussion
Economic sustainability is dependent on the level and certainty of access to resources. The federal government has the constitutional authority for the management and regulation of B.C.’s marine fisheries. The B.C. government actively participates in marine fisheries management to represent the Province’s interests, and is a key partner in federal management activities and decision-making processes. Measuring the increase in the number of B.C. marine fisheries that are managed collaboratively and include provincial government and stakeholder participation will determine if B.C.’s interests concerning fair allocation and certainty of access to resources are represented.
During 2006/07, the Strait of Georgia rockfish and lingcod fishery joined the herring, hake and tuna fisheries that are now governed with a collaborative management regime that includes strong stakeholder and ministry participation. Together, hake, herring, tuna, rockfish and lingcod generate over $220 million in wholesale value to the B.C. economy.
| 3 | Brownfields are abandoned, vacant, derelict or underutilized commercial or industrial properties where past actions have resulted in actual or perceived contamination and where there is an active potential for redevelopment. |
| 4 | British Columbia continues to make regulatory reform a priority across government, making it easier for businesses to operate and succeed in B.C., while still preserving regulations that protect public health, safety and the environment. Regulatory reform has been and will continue to be undertaken throughout the ministry as the organization pursues its move to a results-based regulatory approach. Since 2001, the ministry has reduced its regulatory requirements by 42 per cent, while continuing to maintain stringent environmental standards. |
| 5 | B.C. Ministry of Environment. 2005 British Columbia Seafood Industry Year in Review. September 2006. Available at www.env.gov.bc.ca/omfd/reports/YIR-2005.pdf. |
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