Through the Core Services Review, government is currently reviewing every program and service. A wide range of options is being considered for how government—including the Forest Service—can best deliver on its core functions. To respond to this review, we are asking hard questions about the Forest Service: what are our core functions, and what is the most effective delivery model?

On a positive note, this provides us with a rare opportunity to "reinvent" ourselves in a way that will enhance our ability to successfully deliver services valued by the British Columbian public. On the other hand, I know it is also stressful and difficult for all of us, because it will bring considerable change and displacement.

I cannot yet answer every question about what the Forest Service will look like at the end of the Core Review process. But I can tell you I’m encouraged by the direction that the Core Services Review Task Force set for us as this newsletter went to press. After the minister presented our phase 1 (mandates) proposal to the task force, the task force endorsed a strong, ongoing role for the B.C. Forest Service in managing and protecting B.C.’s public forests.

As you also know, we’ve been told to plan for budget cuts of up to 50 per cent by 2004/05. Through the budget process, we will develop options that allow us to match our mandate and business model with available resources. There is no question: major budget cuts—as well as the need to meet government’s broader economic and administrative agenda— mean we will completely overhaul our approach to business and fundamentally change our regulatory framework. With fewer resources and a new mandate, we will need to sharply focus our energies on main priorities. We must drop—or let others pick up— some of the work we’ve done in the past. We must change our organizational structure to reflect government’s commitment to deregulation and sound long-term forest policy as well as to a balanced budget.

Successfully making these changes is vitally necessary. But I don’t underestimate how tough the process of change will be on all of us. I want you to know that I sincerely accept that the range of emotions that we are feeling—from fear to anger and sadness—are valid in these circumstances. The challenge for us is to understand this, and to ensure that we don’t turn these emotions against ourselves or each other.

This newsletter includes information that may help you to manage some of the stress that can accompany change in the workplace. And I expect that, in the near future, an extra edition will be published to provide more detailed information about how the B.C. Forest Services will move ahead on the coming changes. As well, check out wwwinternal.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/core/—the site’s questions and answers section will allow two-way dialogue. Executive may not have all the answers to all your questions but, in the responses on this site, we will do our best to provide as much information as possible. As well, updates will be regularly posted so that all staff can stay informed as the B.C. Forest Service evolves into its new shape.

I believe this organization is up to the challenge before us, and that we will meet it in a way that allows us to continue to protect the longer-term public interest and ensure that British Columbians benefit from their forest resources.