Message from the Minister of State for
Women's and Seniors' Services and
Accountability Statement

I am the Minister of State for Women's and Seniors' Services and under the Balanced Budget and Ministerial Accountability Act, I am accountable for achieving the following results for 2005/06:

• In cooperation with industry and education partners, identify and implement initiatives to enhance girls' and women's awareness regarding opportunities in high demand occupations with low female participation. Report on the initiatives to be provided to the Government Caucus Committee on Economy and Government Operations.
• In consultation with aboriginal organizations, support initiatives to increase the capacity of aboriginal communities to address and reduce violence against women and girls. Report on the initiatives to be provided to the Government Caucus Committee on Communities and Safety.
• Provide seniors, their families and caregivers with direct access to accurate and up-to-date information on provincial government programs and services, through a variety of options including the internet, print material and telephone service. Report on the initiatives implemented to be provided to the Government Caucus Committee on Communities and Safety.
• Support community initiatives to address and reduce violence against women and girls. Report on the initiatives to be provided to the Government Caucus Committee on Communities and Safety.

As the Minister of State for Women's and Seniors' Services, I am committed to working across government, with other jurisdictions and with community organizations to address the social and economic needs of B.C.'s women by working to prevent violence, increase their personal safety, promote their achievements and provide them with increased economic opportunities. British Columbia seniors have told us they want to live independently for as long as they can with a range of housing, transportation, social and service choices. I will work to ensure that those services that will allow them to remain independent will be available to them, their families, and caregivers.

Working with my colleagues, the Honourable Murray Coell, Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services, and the Honourable Patrick Wong, Minister of State for Immigration and Multicultural Services, we will continue to build on our commitment to social and economic opportunities and well-being, and strong, safe and healthy communities for all British Columbians.

Honourable Wendy McMahon
Minister of State for Women's and Seniors' Services

January 31, 2005