A Supportive Social Infrastructure

There is a fundamental relationship between a vibrant economy and healthy social institutions. Our economy will only be strong if our social fabric supports a healthy population and a skilled workforce. Robust economies provide the funds for the social and environmental services required by the public. Over the past year and in the years to come we will work to facilitate the governmental and institutional reforms needed to build and sustain high-performing health, education and social welfare systems. Our systems of justice must be accessible, efficient, fair and affordable. We will ensure our public institutions provide citizens with services that meet standards of the highest quality, are timely, are delivered by knowledgeable and competent staff, are cost-effective and are responsive to individual choice. British Columbians will be treated with dignity and respect.

OBJECTIVES & KEY MEASURES

A. BRITISH COLUMBIANS WILL BE HEALTHY MEASURE THE RATE OF POTENTIAL YEARS OF LIFE LOST PER 1,000 POPULATION FROM ALL CAUSES OF PREMATURE DEATH DESCRIPTION: Potential Years of Life Lost (PYLL) focuses on premature deaths - deaths that occur in the younger age groups and that could be prevented or postponed. IMPORTANCE: PYLL is an overall indicator of population health, as well as the effectiveness of preventative programs. PYLL considers deaths before age 75 and weights them by age. A person dying at age 25, for example, has lost 50 years of life (75 minus 25 equals 50 PYLL). TARGET Decrease the potential years of life lost from the 1995-1999 average of 53.3 per 1,000 population Note: The 2002/03 Strategic Plan contained an error in the 1995-1999 average; it should have read 53.5 per 1,000 population     LATEST RESULTS YEAR 51.1 per 1,000 population 5 year average ending in 2000 49.2 per 1,000 population 5 year average ending in 2001 47.6 per 1,000 population 5 year average ending in 2002     MEASURE THE PERCENTAGE OF ALL LIVE BIRTHS WEIGHING BELOW 2,500 GRAMS DESCRIPTION: This indicator measures the percentage of all live births in British Columbia weighing less than 2,500 grams. IMPORTANCE: The low birth weight rate is a well-established indicator of child health. Newborns with a low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams) are more likely to die during the first year of life. They are also more likely to have problems such as birth defects, illnesses and poor health throughout childhood, and learning difficulties. It also tells us about the health of women and their ability to achieve healthy pregnancies. A high rate of babies born with low birth weight may indicate that some women are not receiving optimal prenatal care, education, and support. TARGET Decrease the percentage of all live births weighing below 2,500 grams from the 2000 baseline of 5.14%     LATEST RESULTS YEAR 4.97% 2001 5.27% 2002

 

British Columbians are among the healthiest people in Canada, and early deaths as measured by Potential Years of Life Lost (PYLL) are declining steadily in this province. Significant improvements have been made in postponing most causes of death, with particular success in reducing early deaths from heart disease and unintentional injuries.

Dying prematurely is related to social and economic conditions. There is a correlation between performance indicators in education and employment with the health of our citizens. In general, when people are educated and employed our citizens are healthier and the rates of PYLL decrease. Government’s strategic actions to build a robust economy and deliver quality education, health and social service throughout the province will assist British Columbians in maintaining their good health. In addition, the Ministry of Health Planning and Ministry of Health Services have identified the prevention and management of chronic diseases as a priority strategy, along with supporting individuals’ efforts to manage their own health. These strategies will help healthy people stay healthy and allow people with chronic conditions to better manage their conditions to prevent the progression of disease, improve their quality of life and avoid premature death.

Low birth weight is also a key indicator of health. While small variations occur year to year (5.1 per cent in 2000, 4.9 per cent in 2001 and 5.27 per cent in 2002), the rate of low birth weight babies in British Columbia has remained largely constant at approximately 5 per cent over the past 15 years. British Columbia leads the country with the lowest percentage of low birth weight babies and ranks among the best in the world when compared against countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Government is committed to maintaining the low rate of low birth weight babies in British Columbia. Poverty, low education levels and smoking during pregnancy can impact birth weights. Government’s strategies to deliver a consistent level and quality of education, health and social services throughout the province, and to enhance coordinated care networks, early childhood development and health promotion activities, are designed to keep the population healthy and continue to produce excellent health status indicators such as low birth weight rates.

OBJECTIVES & KEY MEASURES

B. BRITISH COLUMBIA WILLHAVE EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS MEASURE THE PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION, AGED 25 TO 54, WHO HAVE COMPLETED A UNIVERSITY EDUCATION DESCRIPTION: This indicator measures the percent of British Columbia’s population aged 25-54 whose highest educational attainment is a university degree. IMPORTANCE: This indicator reflects the proportion of the prime working age population with a university degree, which represents a critical element of the province’s human capital, knowledge and skill base necessary for innovation and is a key input for investment attraction, competitiveness, expansion and creation of businesses and provincial economic growth. It reflects both the ability of the province to attract and retain persons with a university degree, which is greatly impacted by net interprovincial and international migration. TARGET Increase the percentage of university graduates in the 25-54 cohort from the 2000 baseline of 27.7% Note: Stats Canada has revised the 2000 baseline number to 20.8%     LATEST RESULTS YEAR 20.1% 2001 21.7% 2002     MEASURE NUMBER OF SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADUATES PER 1,000 POPULATION AGED 18 YEARS (AT JULY EACH YEAR) DESCRIPTION: This indicator measures the total number of graduates from the public and independent school system divided by the number of 18 years olds (typical age at graduation). IMPORTANCE: The secondary school graduation rate is the most appropriate single indicator of the performance of the provincial K-12 school system. The measure is important because in most cases high school completion is a requirement for entry to the labour force and/or post secondary education. The higher the proportion of 18 year olds who have completed secondary school, the better equipped our youth are for employment and for advanced education. TARGET Increase the number of secondary school graduates from the 1999/2000 baseline of 736 per 1,000 population Note: B.C. Stats has revised the 1999/2000 baseline to 751 per 1,000 population     LATEST RESULTS YEAR 761 per 1,000 2000/01 768 per 1,000 2001/02

 

The quality of our educational institutions has a significant impact on the province’s economic competitiveness and the quality of life for British Columbians. Graduating from secondary school and obtaining a university education are enormously important indicators of how students will fare later in life. A university education prepares individuals to hold highly skilled, high value jobs. Access to our university system is essential to ensuring that British Columbians are able to obtain these skills.

Over the past year the percentage of the population with a university education increased. As with the performance indicators measuring the percentage of the labour force with post-secondary certificate and diplomas and the percentage of the workforce comprising persons employed in natural and applied science related occupations, the changes in the percentage of the population aged 25 to 54 who have completed a university education is the result of various factors. The measure is impacted by the number of degrees granted in British Columbia and the number of persons with university degrees gained through inter-provincial and international net migration. The measure has continued to see an upward trend since 1990. In 2002, British Columbia ranked second among all provinces in this measure, below only Ontario. The government will continue to implement programs aimed at improving British Columbian’s access to degree level programs throughout the province.

The number of secondary school graduates is also an important indicator of quality of life. Secondary school graduates are almost twice as likely as those who do not finish secondary school to be gainfully employed. The salaries that working graduates enjoy are substantially larger than those enjoyed by non-high school graduates who work. Given the importance of secondary school graduation in determining students’ prospects later in life, examining the number of students who graduate from secondary school is an important indicator of school performance. The number of secondary school graduates significantly increased over the 2001/02 fiscal year. The government will be continuing to focus on improving the performance of our education system through performance agreements with school boards, monitoring school board performance and an ongoing assessment and publication of results.

OBJECTIVES & KEY MEASURES

C. BRITISH COLUMBIA WILL HAVE A FAIR AND EFFICIENT SYSTEM OF JUSTICE MEASURE MEAN NUMBER OF APPEARANCES TO COMPLETE A CRIMINAL CASE IN PROVINCIAL COURT DESCRIPTION: This measure describes the average number of times a person accused of a criminal offence must appear in court in order to complete the case. IMPORTANCE: As criminal cases grow in complexity and involve intricate legal issues, multiple parties, large volumes of technical evidence and expert witnesses, they often take longer to resolve and use more court resources. They also can require more court appearances before the case is completed. If the average number of court appearances needed to complete all criminal cases can be maintained at baseline or reduced, court resources can be utilized to process more cases through the justice system at a lower cost per case. This contributes to a more efficient use of court resources. TARGET Reduce the number of appearances to complete a criminal case in Provincial Court from the 2000/01 baseline of 5.6 appearances Note: The Ministry of Attorney General has restated the 2000/01 baseline to 5.8 appearances     LATEST RESULTS YEAR 5.7 2001/02 5.8 2002/03     MEASURE PROPORTION OF SMALL CLAIMS CASES SETTLED THROUGH OUT-OF-COURT MEDIATION IN THE SMALL CLAIMS MEDIATION PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This measure represents the proportion of all small claims cases that have reached out-of-court settlements after being referred to the small claims mediation program. IMPORTANCE: An increasing proportion of small claims cases settled through out-of-court dispute resolution means that more cases that might otherwise have gone to court are being resolved through less costly means. This leaves more resources available to process cases that must be resolved within the courtroom. An increase in this measure could also reflect a growing public willingness to undertake faster and less costly out-of-court alternatives. TARGET Increase the percentage of small claims settled through dispute resolution from the 2000/01 baseline of 56% Note: The Ministry of Attorney General has restated the 2000/01 baseline to 58%     LATEST RESULTS YEAR 57% 2001/02 50% 2002/03

 

Government’s objective is to ensure all people have access to the justice system and are able to participate fully in society. The cost and timeliness of court processes are indicators of the accessibility of justice. The number of appearances in court increased fractionally over 2002/03. This performance was impacted by several high profile and complex criminal cases over the past year (e.g. Air India and Pickton Farm). Today, most large criminal cases require more appearances to consider all of the legal issues and technical evidence involved. However, what these results do not highlight is that the less complex cases are being processed faster and with fewer court appearances allowing more time and resources to be spent where they are required. New criminal case flow management rules, intended to increase procedural efficiencies such as lowering the average number of appearances required to complete cases and reducing the average number of days to completion have now been implemented in all 13 Judicial Districts of the Province. Government is continuing to monitor the effects of these new rules and procedures in consultation with the Provincial Court.

Over 850 mediations were held in 2002/03, of which 50 per cent were settled through the Small Claims Mediation Program. Small claims settlement rates are dependent upon a number of factors, including the complexity of the cases and the economy. During 2002/03, the Small Claims Mediation Program received many more difficult cases than it had in previous years; hence, the lower settlement rate of 50 per cent. In addition, during times of economic downturns, disputants often feel financially and emotionally stressed and are not as inclined to negotiate and compromise as they are when the economy is good. Government will continue to support out-of-court mediation policies and services. Mediation for small claims construction cases is now mandatory. As well, a Notice to Mediate process can now be used by one disputant to compel the other party or parties to mediate. In addition, the government will support and fund high-quality training for mediators, a strategy that also increases the number of qualified mediators available for small claims cases.

 

OBJECTIVES & KEY MEASURES

D. BRITISH COLUMBIANS WILL BE SELF-SUFFICIENT MEASURE NUMBER OF PEOPLE UNDER 65 YEARS REQUIRING INCOME ASSISTANCE DESCRIPTION: This measure indicates the level of dependency for the age group eligible for provincial income assistance. IMPORTANCE: A lower number implies sound policy, a stronger economy and more people working. Individuals and parents who are working have higher incomes, their children are less likely to receive income assistance as adults, and they attain higher levels of training and education. Their children are also more likely to complete high school and be actively involved in the labour market. The proportion of the population collecting income assistance benefits is an important indicator of the economic health of a jurisdiction and may also indicate problems in the incentive structure of the income assistance programs within a jurisdiction. TARGET Decrease the number of people under 65 years requiring income assistance from the 2000 baseline of 262,000     LATEST RESULTS YEAR 253,000 2001 181,000 2002     MEASURE PERCENTAGE OF SENIOR CITIZENS REQUIRING MAXIMUM GUARANTEED INCOME SUPPLEMENT DESCRIPTION: This measure indicates the number of seniors with little or no working experience prior to their 65th birthday. IMPORTANCE: A lower number of seniors who require the full federal guaranteed income supplement means that more seniors have employment related pension income and that they were able to participate in the labour force prior to the age of 65. TARGET Decrease the percentage of senior citizens requiring the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement from the 1999 baseline of 32% Note: The baseline data in the 2002/03 Strategic Plan had an error; it was missing a decimal point. The baseline should have read 3.2%     LATEST RESULTS YEAR 3.2% 2000 3.0% 2001 3.0% 2002

 

Self-sufficiency is an important indicator of community and individual health and well-being. The Province of British Columbia has a responsibility to support individuals and families in achieving their social and economic potential. As part of this responsibility, the government provides income support to those in need and helps people find sustainable employment. Jurisdictions around the world have been exploring ways to reduce dependence on income assistance for those able to find and maintain employment, and at the same time ensure support is provided to those in need. The two measures in this section help government gauge its success in achieving its goal by measuring dependence for the population both under and over 65 years of age.

It is difficult to compare the number of people on income assistance across Canada because eligibility for income assistance is defined provincially and is not consistent across all provinces. The number of people under 65 receiving income assistance in British Columbia is expected to continue to decline. While the results of this measure show considerable improvement as those who can work are now finding work, those who cannot provide for themselves are still receiving assistance. For example, there has been an increase in the number of people with disabilities who are receiving income assistance.

There has also been a significant decrease in the number of people over age 65 requiring income assistance. The number of senior citizens who require maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), a federally administered program, has also been declining, indicating that more seniors have employment-related pension income than in the past. Seniors are retiring with more resources. The trend will continue to decline as people are retiring with more varied resources. The self-sufficiency measures have been refined in the government’s 2003/04 Strategic Plan to include the development of a measure of self-sufficiency for First Nations peoples.

STRATEGIC ACTIONS & ACCOUNTABILITY

EDUCATION AND FAMILY SERVICES STRATEGY ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRESS CREATE MORE CHOICE FOR STUDENTS BY ENHANCING ONLINE LEARNING, EXPANDING CREDIT TRANSFERABILITY BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS AND CONSIDERING THE POTENTIAL FOR PURSUING DEGREES FROM A WIDER VARIETY OF INSTITUTIONS, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE Advanced Education ON TRACK: Several initiatives are underway including targeted student enrolment growth for online learning; the development of BC Campus as a system-wide, collaborative initiative to provide comprehensive online and distance learning opportunities and learner services; and course transfer agreements between institutions as well as new legislation to expand degree opportunities at both private and public institutions. RATIONALIZE STUDENT FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS BY COMBINING THEM INTO A MORE COHERENT, INTEGRATED AND UNDERSTANDABLE PROGRAM AND BY WORKING TOWARDS REDUCING STUDENT LOAN DEFAULT RATES Advanced Education ON TRACK: Development of simplified and integrated programs is underway, including improved information via the Internet, increased use of on-line applications and improved loan management practices. Actions to reduce student default rates include working with public and private institutions and students. REVIEW TUITION POLICY AND DEVELOP AN APPROACH THAT BALANCES THE APPROPRIATE COSTS OF EDUCATION AMONG GOVERNMENT, STUDENTS AND FAMILIES Advanced Education ACHIEVED: The Ministry lifted the tuition freeze, allowing institutions greater flexibility in expanding programs and services to suit the needs of their students and their communities. REVISE THE POST-SECONDARY FUNDING FORMULA SO THAT IT FOCUSES ON RESULTS RATHER THAN SOLELY ON INPUTS Advanced Education ACHIEVED: Block funding for colleges, university colleges and institutes was introduced in 2002/03. Institutions are required to report on results, such as the delivery of New Era commitments and their overall student enrolment targets. REDUCE THE PROPORTION OF CHILDREN IN CARE WHILE ENSURING THEY ARE PROTECTED Children & Family Development ON TRACK: During the 2002/03 fiscal year there was a 4.6 per cent reduction in the proportion of children in care. ESTABLISH A LEGACY FUND FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT Children & Family Development ACHIEVED: An Early Childhood Development Legacy Fund was established at the Vancouver Foundation. The Ministry invested $5 million to help community groups serve children. WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A NEW GOVERNANCE AND SERVICE DELIVERY STRUCTURE FOR ADULT COMMUNITY LIVING SERVICES Children & Family Development COMMENCED: The Ministry established and worked with a Community Living Transition Steering Committee to seek advice for a new governance and service delivery structure. WORK IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES TO CREATE A MODEL THAT WILL BETTER MEET THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN BY INCREASING A FAMILY’S CAPACITY TO CARE FOR ITS CHILDREN THROUGH FAMILY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Children & Family Development COMMENCED: A Child and Family Development Steering Committee was created in 2002 to seek input to improve services. DEVELOP AN UNDERSTANDABLE, TRANSPARENT, COMPREHENSIVE, POPULATION-BASED FUNDING FORMULA FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS Education ACHIEVED: The School Amendment Act 2002 established new population based funding and 3-year funding envelopes. INCREASE FLEXIBILITY AND CHOICE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLING Education ACHIEVED: The Public Flexibility and Choice Act, 2002 enables flexibility in class size and school calendars and controls the size of classes in kindergarten through grade 3. In addition, the School Amendment Act 2002 enables school districts to undertake entrepreneurial activities, removes the limits on program enrolment and opens up district boundaries. SHIFT THE FOCUS OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM TO STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND TO CLEAR, MEASURABLE PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES Education ACHIEVED: School Planning Councils and District Parent Advisory Councils were established. The accountability framework institutes clear, measurable outcomes including school plans, district reviews, accountability contracts, enhancement agreements, public reporting of results, compliance audits and the appointment of a Special Advisor. IMPLEMENT POLICIES TO ENSURE PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT Competition, Science & Enterprise; All Ministries ON TRACK: In addition to the new energy policy and major reforms in forestry, the government has worked to provide greater certainty for investors by fast-tracking interim measures and treaty talks with First Nations. Increasing access to Crown land, water and resources and reducing backlogs are encouraging increased private sector activity. The Energy Plan focuses on the private sector for new electricity generation and for major investment in oil and gas.   JUSTICE AND SAFETY STRATEGY ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRESS DEVELOP ACCOUNTABILITY CONTRACTS WITH SCHOOL DISTRICTS, INCLUDING THE REPORTING OF OUTCOMES, AND GIVE SCHOOL BOARDS INCREASED FLEXIBILITY Education ACHIEVED: All school districts have submitted annual accountability contracts. EXPAND THE EARLY USE OF ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESSES FOR CIVIL DISPUTES Attorney General ACHIEVED: The Child Mediation Protection Program was implemented province-wide. A roster of qualified mediators on contract to the Ministry was expanded to 180 from 120. UNDERTAKE A CONSULTATION PROCESS TO REVIEW CIVIL LIABILITY ISSUES Attorney General ON TRACK: This is a multi-year review process. Stakeholder consultations were completed and summarized. INCREASE THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY TO STREAMLINE PROCESSES AND FACILITATE ACCESS TO JUSTICE Attorney General ON TRACK: All initiatives are on track or achieved. An example of a completed project is the increase in the number of video conferencing units in use in courtrooms and correctional facilities to 65 from 62. Refer to the Ministry Service Plan for additional examples. REVIEW ADJUDICATIVE AGENCIES AND IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS Attorney General ACHIEVED: Phase I of the Administrative Justice Project is completed. The agencies were reviewed and an Administrative Justice Office was established to direct the implementation of reforms. REVISE PROVINCIAL SAFETY STANDARD REGULATIONS TO SELF-REGULATION, COMPLIANCE AND OUTCOME-BASED CODES AND STANDARDS Community, Aboriginal & Women’s Services ON TRACK: The government introduced the Safety Standards Act and Safety Authority Act to, respectively, modernize and streamline safety administration in British Columbia and allow for safety inspection activities to be transferred to an independent agency. Consultation on the objective-based Building, Fire and Plumbing Codes is underway. CONSOLIDATE CONSUMER PROTECTION REGULATIONS Public Safety & Solicitor General ON TRACK: Consultation with industry and the public was undertaken in January 2003. Seven consumer statutes are being consolidated into one statute to simplify, streamline and clarify the legal framework, and to allow for deregulation. Legislation and regulations are presently being drafted. ENSURE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE AND SAFE INDUSTRY PRACTICES Skills Development & Labour ON TRACK: The occupational safety and health recommendations of the Alan Winter report on Workers’ Compensation Board legislation and policy are being examined with the intent to proceed with future legislative amendments. DEVELOP FAIR AND BALANCED EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS THAT ALLOW MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS Skills Development & Labour ON TRACK: The Employment Standards Amendment Act and regulations were passed in 2002 to ensure that employees and employers are treated fairly and equitably. Self-help kits were introduced in July 2002 as the change from an investigation model to a more efficient and effective mediation model was achieved.   HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES STRATEGY ACCOUNTABILITY PROGRESS CREATE A HEALTH SYSTEM THAT IS BASED ON THREE GOALS: HIGH QUALITY PATIENT-CENTRED CARE; IMPROVED HEALTH AND WELLNESS FOR BRITISH COLUMBIANS; AND, SUSTAINABLE, AFFORDABLE PUBLIC HEALTH Health Planning; Health Services ON TRACK: The health ministries’ service plans, the health authority redesign plans and the performance agreements between the Ministry of Health Services and each health authority articulate strategies to meet the government’s health system goals. SHIFT THE SYSTEM FROM FRAGMENTED MANAGEMENT, LACK OF CLEAR ACCOUNTABILITY AND LITTLE FOCUS ON PATIENT OUTCOMES TO A PLANNED, WELL-MANAGED SYSTEM THAT RESPONDS TO PATIENT NEEDS AND IS ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC FOR RESULTS Health Planning; Health Services ON TRACK: Six new health authorities have been established, new boards appointed, and new accountability contracts and measures established. The health authorities have been provided with three-year rolling funding commitments and have established three-year health service plans to renew and reform patient services in each region. CONTINUE TO PRESSURE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO RESTORE HEALTH FUNDING Health Planning; Health Services; Intergovernmental Relations; Finance ON TRACK: The First Ministers’ Accord on Health was completed in February 2003. The Accord has resulted in an increase in federal funding for health services. DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT MULTI-YEAR PLANS FOR HUMAN RESOURCES, HEALTH CARE FACILITIES AND MEDICAL EQUIPMENT Health Planning; Health Services; Advanced Education ON TRACK: Multi-year plans are under development for health human resources, health care facilities and medical equipment. Health human resource planning has resulted in medical school spaces being increased from 128 to 224 by 2005, and 1,813 new training spaces having been added for nurses and other health professionals over the past three years. Facility and equipment planning has resulted in new operating rooms in Surrey, Kelowna and Vernon, new CT Scanner and MRI machines in Kelowna, Victoria and Nanaimo, and 25 new kidney dialysis centres across the province. INSTITUTE PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS SO HEALTH AUTHORITIES CAN BE MORE PATIENT-CENTRED, EFFECTIVE AND RESPONSIBLE Health Services ACHIEVED: Performance agreements have been developed with each health authority that define expectations and measures for three fiscal years. PLAN AND PROCEED WITH PATIENT CARE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AREAS OF PREVENTION, CHRONIC CARE, PRIMARY CARE, MENTAL HEALTH AND COMMUNITY CARE Health Services ON TRACK: Provincial initiatives are underway in prevention, chronic care, primary care, mental health and community care. PHASE IN A POPULATION NEEDS-BASED FUNDING FORMULA TO ACHIEVE EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF HEALTH DOLLARS Health Services ACHIEVED: A population needs-based funding formula for determining funding allocations to health authorities was implemented. ESTABLISH A LEADERSHIP COUNCIL OF HEALTH SYSTEM LEADERS TO HELP SET THE DIRECTION AND IMPLEMENT CHANGES TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA Health Services ACHIEVED: The Leadership Council has been established. The Council meets regularly and consists of the CEO’s of the six health authorities and the Deputy Ministers of the health ministries. ESTABLISH THE PROVINCIAL HEALTH SERVICES AUTHORITY TO REDUCE VARIABILITY IN ACCESS TO SPECIALIZED SERVICES ACROSS PATIENT GROUPS AND PLACE OF RESIDENCE Health Services ACHIEVED: The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) has been established to manage and coordinate provincially delivered health services. ESTABLISH A NEW AND COST-EFFECTIVE STRATEGY TO PROVIDE 5,000 NEW INTERMEDIATE AND LONG-TERM CARE BEDS OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS Health Services ON TRACK: Independent Living BC was established in April 2002 to develop 3,500 supportive living units. IMPLEMENT A PLANNING FRAMEWORK FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND INTERMEDIATE, LONG-TERM AND HOME CARE Health Services ACHIEVED: Performance agreements are in place that hold health authorities accountable for the delivery of patient care, patient outcomes and the allocation of funds. These agreements include requirements for mental health and home and community care services over the next three years. DEVELOP AN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT STRATEGY, FOCUSING ON HEALTH INFORMATION FOR THE GENERAL POPULATION AND ON DATA STANDARDS FOR REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES Health Services ACHIEVED: A five-year Strategic Plan for Health Information Management in British Columbia and a Framework for an Electronic Health Record for British Columbia have been developed. WITHIN THE CURRENT BUDGET ALLOCATION ENSURE EARLY ACTION ON MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES Health Services ACHIEVED: Government is implementing a $263 million commitment to revitalize services and facilities for people with mental health problems. IMPLEMENT NEW INCOME ASSISTANCE PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES THAT SUPPORT CLIENTS’ EFFORTS TO FIND SUSTAINABLE EMPLOYMENT AND ASSIST INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN NEED Human Resources ACHIEVED: The Ministry introduced the B.C. Employment and Assistance Act and the B.C. Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act to focus on employment and self-sufficiency and to support those in need. REDESIGN EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS TO MOVE EMPLOYABLE CLIENTS QUICKLY INTO THE LABOUR MARKET THROUGH JOB SEARCH, JOB PLACEMENT AND LABOUR MARKET SPECIFIC SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAMS Human Resources ACHIEVED: Employment plans have been introduced to assist income assistance clients find sustainable employment and achieve independence. Employment programs including job placement and specific training for employment have been developed and implemented across the province. DEVELOP PERFORMANCE BASED MANAGEMENT POLICIES THAT STREAMLINE SERVICE DELIVERY, INCREASE ACCOUNTABILITY WITHIN THE MINISTRY, STRENGTHEN CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH THIRD PARTIES AND PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT APPEAL SYSTEM Human Resources ACHIEVED: The Employment and Assistance Appeal Tribunal, a new independent, single, streamlined appeal system, has been implemented across the province. Management policies that support performance and outcome-based contracting have been developed and implemented.

 

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