Green City Awards is administered by the Ministry of Community Services working in partnership with other provincial experts who have knowledge and experience in developing sustainable communities. Staff specializing in various aspects of sustainable development are found throughout the provincial government including the organizations listed below.
Ministry of Community Services
The Ministry of Community Services’ mandate is to promote sustainable, liveable communities that provide healthy and safe places for British Columbians. The ministry’s goals include: ensuring community governance is open, effective and accountable to its citizens; British Columbians live in resilient, sustainable communities; communities effectively meet the social and economic needs of their citizens; women are safe from domestic violence; women have the opportunity to reach their economic potential; and to improve the social and economic well-being for seniors.
Ministry of Environment
The Ministry of Environment provides leadership in environmental management through innovative legislation and programs, compliance activities and shared stewardship initiatives. The mandate of the ministry is to protect human health and safety, and maintain and restore the diversity of native species, ecosystems and habitats. Through partnerships across government, First Nations, the private sector and communities, the ministry works to enhance the protection and stewardship of water and air resources, advance sustainable use of environmental resources, and provide exceptional outdoor park and wildlife services and opportunities.
Ministry of Transportation
The Ministry of Transportation plans transportation networks, provides transportation services, develops and implements transportation policies, and administers many transportation-related acts and regulations. The ministry’s vision is the realization of a fully integrated transportation system that advances economic and social growth, moves goods and people within B.C., and to markets beyond, by creating an integrated and safe transportation network that incorporates all modes of transport, reflects regional priorities and provides a strong foundation for economic growth.
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
The mission of the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources is to facilitate the promotion and maintenance of a positive climate for the responsible development of British Columbia’s energy, mineral and petroleum resources for the benefit of British Columbians. This is in line with the vision of thriving, safe, environmentally responsible and competitive energy, mining and petroleum resource sectors, which contribute to the economic growth and development of communities in British Columbia.
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health is responsible for British Columbia’s health system, with a mandate to guide and enhance the province’s health services to ensure British Columbians are supported in their efforts to maintain and improve their health. The B.C. health system is one of the province’s most valued social programs as it touches all British Columbians’ lives — at some point virtually every person in the province will access some level of health care or health service. Furthermore, good health is critical to overall well being because it enables people to enjoy their lives to the fullest, take advantage of education and employment opportunities, and participate fully in society and the economy.
Ministry of Agriculture and Lands
The mandate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands is to enhance the economic development and environmental sustainability of the agriculture and food sectors and Crown land, while delivering safe, high quality products for the enjoyment and well-being of British Columbians. Agriculture and food sectors encompass agriculture and food/seafood processing sectors, as well as fish, shellfish and marine plant farming and their products. Crown land includes management of specified Crown land and associated resources in a manner that supports the economic and social fabric of British Columbia.
ActNow BC
ActNow BC is the health promotion platform helping British Columbians live healthier lives. By 2010, ActNow BC’s objectives are to have a population of British Columbians that: eats healthier; becomes more physically active; maintains a healthy weight; reduces, quits or avoids tobacco use and makes healthy choices in pregnancy. The goals of ActNow BC are to make BC the healthiest jurisdiction to host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, to inspire commitment to create a BC that makes the healthy lifestyle choice the easy choice for everyone and to improve the overall health of British Columbians.