Service Delivery and Core Business Areas

Service Delivery

The Ministry of Attorney General has a central role in a democracy governed by the rule of law. The Attorney General is the law officer of the Crown and has a unique role in government as the person who must see that the administration of public affairs is in accordance with the law. The Ministry administers the province's criminal, civil and family justice systems; provides leadership in law and justice system reform; and is responsible for multicultural, immigration and anti-racism initiatives.

The Attorney General Act sets out the powers, duties and functions of the Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism.

All Ministry services, which are summarized below, are provided directly or through contracted professionals and agencies. Legislation for which the Ministry is responsible is listed in Appendix C.

Core Business Areas

Court Services

Court Services Branch administers the province's three levels of courts at the direction of the judges of the British Columbia Court of Appeal, the British Columbia Supreme Court and the Provincial Court of British Columbia. The branch provides administrative services, including security and court order enforcement, to the independent judiciary, the public, lawyers, and the police and corrections authorities.

This core business area supports the following Ministry goals: A leader in law reform and innovative justice processes; An effective criminal justice system; Effective civil and family justice systems.

In 2005/06, Court Services Branch net operating expenses were $140,558,000 and full time equivalent employees (FTEs) numbered 1,293.

Legal Services

Legal Services Branch is the government's lawyer, and its clients include the Attorney General, cabinet, ministries and certain public agencies. The branch provides advice to help ensure government acts lawfully and that government is represented by legal counsel when necessary.

This core business area supports all Ministry goals, and in particular two goals: A leader in law reform and innovative justice processes; Effective legal services enabling government to administer public affairs in accordance with the law.

In 2005/06, Legal Services Branch net operating expenses were $15,823,000 and full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) numbered 357.

Prosecution Services

In British Columbia, Crown counsel in the Criminal Justice Branch are responsible for prosecution as part of the Attorney General's independent role as law officer for the Crown. Following police investigation, Crown counsel consider whether there is substantial likelihood of conviction based on the available evidence, and, if so, whether a prosecution will serve the public interest. These decisions are undertaken with fairness, impartiality and integrity and help deliver justice for victims, witnesses, defendants and the public.

This core business area supports the following Ministry goals: A leader in law reform and innovative justice processes; An effective criminal justice system.

In 2005/06, Criminal Justice Branch net operating expenses were $83,973,000 and full time equivalent employees (FTEs) numbered 739.

Justice Services

Justice Services Branch leads the Ministry's responsibilities in civil, family and administrative justice reform to promote access to the justice system. The branch works with others in the justice sector to develop innovative solutions to reduce the cost and complexity of dispute resolution. Justice Services is also responsible for the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program and services allowing disputes to be settled out of court. In consultation with the Legal Services Society, the branch manages the provincial funding of legal aid.

This core business area supports the following Ministry goals: A leader in law reform and innovative justice processes; Effective civil and family justice systems.

In 2005/06, Justice Services Branch net operating expenses were $93,522,000 and full time equivalent employees (FTEs) numbered 173.

Multiculturalism and Immigration

Multiculturalism and Immigration Branch is responsible for the negotiation and implementation of the Agreement for Canada-British Columbia Cooperation on Immigration. The branch funds basic adult English language instruction and other settlement service supports to new immigrants. It also funds initiatives to increase understanding of multiculturalism and prevent racism. The branch supports the work of the Multicultural Advisory Council, which advises the Minister on issues related to multiculturalism and anti racism.

This core business area supports the Ministry goal of effective immigrant settlement and adaptation services, and multiculturalism and anti-racism initiatives.

In 2005/06, the Multiculturalism and Immigration Branch net operating expenses were $7,016,000 and full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) numbered 35.

Executive and Support Services

Executive and Support Services provides executive, administrative and infrastructure support services to the Ministry and contributes to all Ministry goals. It includes the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, and the Management Services Branch, as well as the following offices:

In 2005/06, Executive and Support Services net operating expenses were $41,038,000 and full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) numbered 233.