Message from the Minister
and Accountability Statement
British Columbia is powering its way into the future fuelled by a growing economy, increased investment and the development
of exciting new technology that will unleash our full potential as a global energy powerhouse.
The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources continues to develop and implement policies which will lay the framework
for expanding clean, secure and reliable energy sources to achieve environmental sustainability, create new business opportunities,
and lead Canada in job creation. We will build upon the success of the 2002 Energy Plan that ensured low cost and reliable
electricity, created private sector opportunities and maintained high standards of environmental responsibility.
British Columbia enjoys some of the lowest electricity prices in the world, and we are fortunate to have access to clean and
reliable hydro-electric power generation. But energy consumption is increasing, so we plan to implement aggressive conservation
targets and support the development of alternative sources of clean energy including small hydro, natural gas, wind, ocean,
tidal, solar, hydrogen and geothermal.
We will strive to ensure that all new electricity comes from British Columbia sources, and our expanded energy vision will
include new conservation targets to help make British Columbia electricity self-sufficient within the decade ahead.
We are investing in upgrading heritage assets overseen by BC Hydro and the BC Transmission Corporation, and are encouraging
the development of new sources of clean power including wood residue and mountain pine beetle-attacked wood.
The oil and gas industry generates significant revenue for government, helping to pay for health care, education and the needs
of our growing communities. British Columbia's conventional and unconventional natural gas resources are significant and we
have experienced growth in drilling activity and production over the past several years while at the same time increasing
the production replacement rate — a key success and sustainability factor. B.C. is well connected to North American markets
and is a key transit corridor for several proposed multi-million dollar energy projects.
Our Ministry will continue to ensure the Province is a leader in environmentally sustainable energy planning. We look forward
to continued collaboration with the private sector in providing clean, affordable and environmentally responsible energy for
all British Columbians. By engaging with local governments, landowners, industry, First Nations, and environmental organizations,
we will ensure the responsible development of our natural resources that will provide clean, reliable energy for generations
to come.
The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources 2007/08 – 2009/10 Service Plan was prepared under my direction in accordance
with the Budget Transparency and Accountability Act. I am accountable for the basis on which the plan has been prepared. All material fiscal assumptions and policy decisions
as of February 8, 2006 have been considered in preparing the plan and I am accountable for achieving the specific objectives
in the plan.
Honourable Richard Neufeld
Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
February 13, 2007