‘20 for 2020’ -- This is NOT to reduce budgets for these three ministries, INSTEAD, it is to ensure what’s allocated provides BC residents the best services and education possible

Today's topic on “20 for 2020” is one that is occasionally heard – generally from individuals and political parties who describe themselves as grassroots or populist -- but the idea is often times dismissed as too much work.

That idea?? Bottom up budgeting.

Given however that the Ministry of Health consumes over $20 billion dollars each and every year (approximately 36+ percent of the provincial budget), and that amount continues to increase ...

... and that the Education system (K to 12) has a budget of $6.355 billion ... and Advanced Education, Skills, and Training has a budget of $2.212 billion ... they consume over 16+ percent of the provincial budget ... an amount which also continues to grow annually.

Well over half of the BC budget (many have stated it is in fact nearly 60%) is consumed by these three all important ministries.

To do a complete bottom up budget for each of these three would indeed consume much by way of time, and likely ‘initial’ financial costs, therefore a schedule over multiple years would likely be mor practical, and could be adjusted as needed:

For each of the six Health Authorities ... 1 per year

For the provinces 60 school districts ... 10 districts per year

Advanced Education ... every 3 years

Skills and Training ... every 3 years

Let me be clear, my thought towards this is NOT to reduce the budgets of these three ministries, INSTEAD, it is to ensure the highest portion of monies allocated provide BC residents the best services and education possible.

This could also give British Columbians a better understanding of staffing levels between front-line workers (some would say too low) and administration (some would say too high) – something which I also hear many questions about.

Regardless, there you have it ... suggestion number 13 in our series of “20 for 2020” is to provide bottom up budgeting for the Health and Education Ministries. Care to share any thoughts you may have on this topic?? I’d be delighted to hear them.

Just a reminder that if you have missed any of the previous ideas and suggestions, from “20 for 2020”, you can catch up at the following links:

#1 … those who wish to lead, should acknowledge that government must be about people.

#2 … a review of services provided to areas and regions where much of the provinces revenues are collected from.

#3 … there should be a full review of all license costs and fees, which the provincial government has imposed upon us, to see where and how they are being used

#4 ... we need a permanent fix to the problem of keeping medical practitioners in some of the more rural areas of the province

#5 ... put an immediate end to the Community Benefits Agreement

#6 ... the next BC government must be committed to sustainable resource development

#7 ... government should make treatment for chronic conditions free to residents

#8 … new schools should be designed to incorporate community uses as identified by the areas they are to be located

#9 ... Bids submitted to build future ferries will include not just the lowest submission that meets structural requirements, but will also include the financial benefits of building in BC

#10 ... soberly audit the health ministry with a mind to make adult decisions for the long-term betterment of our health and care

#11 ... ICBC’s monopoly on vehicle insure must end

#12 ... Make politicians accountable to their electors, and maybe convince British Columbians that it is actually worth it to cast a vote