2002/03 Annual Service Plan Report Environmental Assessment Office

The Environmental Assessment Office plays an important role in British Columbia by delivering a thorough, timely and integrated environmental assessment process that promotes the provincial goal of sustainability by protecting the environment and fostering a sound economy.

In 2002/03 major changes were made to the environmental assessment process. The new Environmental Assessment Act provides for a streamlined review process and allows more procedural flexibility to accommodate project-specific circumstances. The increased flexibility is intended to contribute to the government's strategic priorities for an improved investment climate while preserving high environmental standards.

I am pleased to present the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office's Annual Report for the period April 1, 2002 to March 31, 2003. The purpose of this report is to facilitate the public's understanding of the core business of the Environmental Assessment Office, the resources it employs and its progress towards achieving performance targets outlined in the Environmental Assessment Office Service Plan 2002/03 to 2004/05.

I look forward to the next few years as we work to implement the Environmental Assessment Office's service plan that will lead us into a sustainable future.

Honourable Stanley B. Hagen
Minister of Sustainable Resource Management and
Minister Responsible for the Environmental Assessment Office