Message from the Minister of State and Accountability Statement
Message from the Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations
British Columbia's intergovernmental initiatives during 2005/06 supported achieving the Five Great Goals. Our constructive relationship with the federal government continued to yield progress for British Columbia and for Canada in the 2005/06 fiscal year. By advancing British Columbia's interests in a co-operative manner, we received from the Government of Canada:
- $100 million to fight the mountain pine beetle in B.C. forests; and
- a $30 million investment in the Port of Prince Rupert.
In addition, we achieved commitments from the Government of Canada for:
- $591 million in Pacific Gateway investments over eight years;
- $1 billion over ten years to fight the mountain pine beetle;
- agreement to close the socio-economic gap in health, housing, education and economic opportunity with First Nations in Canada (as part of the Council of the Federation);
- $635 million over five years under the New Deal for Cities and Communities; and
- a three-year Cooperation Agreement on Official Languages.
During 2005/06, British Columbia signed a cooperation agreement with the State of Alaska to enhance economic development opportunities and create stronger ties. A memorandum of cooperation between British Columbia and the State of Washington will promote trade and cooperation. British Columbia also worked with the State of Montana on environmental issues related to natural resource development. Our work with these neighbouring states supported several of the Great Goals including number four, " Lead the world in sustainable environmental management, with the best air and water quality, and the best fisheries management, bar none".
Our active bilateral relations with neighbouring states yielded positive results in the support we received on issues like the proposed passport requirement. The Premier wrote joint letters with the Governors of Alaska, Washington and Montana to the United States federal government expressing our concern about the potential impact of the proposed passport requirement on cross-border tourism and trade.
Under the Balanced Budget and Ministerial Accountability Act, I was accountable for successfully achieving the following results in 2005/06:
- Promoted an equitable distribution of federal spending and benefits for British Columbians by working with ministries to present proposals to the Government of Canada for federal funding under existing or new national programs and/or for policy changes. Proposals were presented in the areas of First Nations, Pacific Gateway investments, national transportation strategy, national training strategy, and immigration.
- Developed and presented to Cabinet proposals for additional cooperation under the Protocol of Cooperation between British Columbia and Alberta.
Honourable John van Dongen
Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations
June 30, 2006
