MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY MINISTERS' COUNCIL
Victoria
Thank you.
To all members of the BC Public Service: thank you for all you do on behalf of the people of British Columbia and their elected government. As Deputy Ministers, every one of us is conscious of how lucky we are to lead an organization comprised of so many talented, committed and passionate public service colleagues.
Your dedication to your work has never been more evident than in the public service’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is inspiring to see how quickly you adapted to ensure continued services to the people of B.C., while also adopting entirely new ways of working. We have seen the very best of what it means to be a public servant, and the impact of the pandemic validates the direction set out in this plan.
What all of us in the public service do is more important than ever, and so is how we do it. It matters that we all take an oath to put the public interest ahead of our own when we come to work every day. It matters that we remain an organization grounded in ideas like integrity, loyalty, and service. It matters that we consistently strive to uphold the trust placed in us by government and the people of B.C., delivering the services people depend on and providing the objective, honest and impartial advice government needs. It’s not always easy work. And in a sense, it shouldn’t be easy – because it’s too important. It matters too much.
The BC Public Service continues to be looked to by other jurisdictions for its leadership in adapting to the changing context in which we all pursue our important work. As an employer, we continue to be ranked one of the best not only in B.C. but across Canada. And that continues to attract thousands upon thousands of people seeking to join us and build their careers with one of the leading public service jurisdictions in the country.
This edition of our corporate plan sets out how we will continue supporting you in your work, whether you are established in your career here or just joining us. As always, we need to respond to the priorities of the government we serve and to the economic and social context around us. Where that requires us to apply different perspectives to our work – like GBA+ or the principles of reconciliation – you’ll have continued support in doing so. Where it requires us to adjust to evolving fiscal pressures and changing priorities, you will have our commitment to manage that as thoughtfully and transparently as possible. Where it requires us to listen and adapt, you can expect us to be open to your ideas and input. That is our job: to provide the direction, conditions and support you need to do your job as effectively as possible.
We know that the more effectively you are supported to do your work, the better the public service will be in meeting the needs, expectations and aspirations of British Columbians. As always, we welcome the opportunity to explore that path together with you.
