Public sector organizations

Public sector organizations deliver programs and services for B.C. citizens on behalf of government ministries and include:

• Commercial crown corporations
• Service delivery crown corporations
• School districts, public post-secondary institutions
• Health authorities
• Advisory boards
• Tribunals

Commercial crown corporations

Commercial Crown corporations are separate legal entities that deliver goods and services on a commercial, for profit basis. They fully fund their operations and debt from revenue generated in a market environment, selling their services and products at commercial rates. Commercial Crown corporations collectively generate significant revenue for the government.

Examples of commercial Crown corporations include BC Hydro, Insurance Corporation of BC and BC Lottery Corporation.

Service delivery crown corporations

Service delivery Crown corporations are separate legal entities that deliver goods and services based on government policies. The majority receive all or most of their funding from the government, but several are partially funded. They provide services with social and economic benefits to the citizens.

Examples of service delivery Crown corporations include BC Housing and Destination BC.

School districts, public post-secondary institutions & health authorities

School districts, public post-secondary institutions and health authorities are separate legal entities that receive government funding and collect some fees for services.

Examples include Langara College, University of British Columbia and the Fraser Health Authority.

Advisory boards

Advisory boards provide advisory services to ministers and government. Advisory boards aren’t separate legal entities, and are subject to the same financial and administrative accountability as ministries.

Examples of advisory boards include the Auditor Certification Board and the Patient Care Quality Review Boards.

Tribunals

Tribunals are created by the government but perform adjudicative functions independent of government. They are subject to the same financial and administrative accountability as ministries. They may or may not be separate legal entities. Tribunals are supported by the Dispute Resolution Office.

Examples of tribunals include the BC Human Rights Tribunal and the BC Utilities Commission.