Section I: Ministers' Messages

In the past year, the newly created Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) has re-aligned its strategies to meet the challenge of responsive government. Together we are working to be more effective at supporting the changing needs of Canada's citizens. The 2003-2004 Departmental Performance Report details our efforts and accomplishments in providing Canadians with high levels of service and support in a year characterized by unforeseen economic challenges.

Our department played a key role in the day-to-day lives of citizens by improving access to employment opportunities, providing student assistance, and supporting workplace skills development. We worked hard to transform the way we deliver traditional services. Client Access Web Stations and a 'virtual interview' process are just two of the many new initiatives that support clients and improve the speed and accuracy with which Canadians receive their Employment Insurance benefits.

We are also committed to developing programs that enhance the skills, knowledge, and work experience of all Canadians, ensuring their full participation in society and the workplace. In 2003-2004, the department focused on modernizing its support for post-secondary education and the responsiveness of post-secondary education institutions. To help provide all Canadians with learning opportunities, a series of enhancements were made to the Canada Student Loans Program and the Canada Education Savings Grant Program that will improve access, affordability and interest relief.

In addition, foreign credential recognition processes were improved by working with professional associations, including a $1.6 million investment in the Medical Council of Canada to develop on-line self-assessment tools, and a partnership with the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers to develop tools and processes that better integrate foreign-trained engineers into the Canadian labour market.

I am proud that our department's achievements have contributed to economic growth and helped secure Canada's quality of life. We will continue to strive for accountable, efficient policies and programs in the months and years to come.

The Honourable Joseph Volpe, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

Modernization of Canada's labour legislation and improvements in the administration of our labour law are fundamental to building a fair, healthy and productive workplace. Over the past year, we revised the Canada Labour Code to reflect an increasingly adaptive and flexible workforce. Revisions to Part III (Labour Standards) of the Canada Labour Code included the Compassionate Care Leave amendment allowing workers to take time off to care for seriously ill family members without fear of losing their jobs. Following the federal lead, most provinces and territories have also moved to provide similar job protection. This change was an important step in supporting workers and promoting work-life balance.

We also demonstrated leadership in other labour related issues. In 2003-2004, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service provided assistance in 274 collective bargaining disputes. Ninety-one percent of these disputes were settled without a stoppage in work. As well, the annual report on the Employment Equity Act, designed to promote equality in the workplace, indicated that federally regulated employers and Crown Corporations were making progress. Officials have developed specific strategies to engage employers and unions to do more to increase employment for Aboriginal peoples and persons with disabilities.

With respect to homelessness, we developed and implemented Phase 2 of the National Homelessness Initiative (NHI). The NHI supports a community-based approach to build the social infrastructure needed to help homeless people move towards self-sufficiency. Homeless Canadians and those at risk of becoming homeless face not only a lack of affordable safe accommodation but also face severe health, social, income and developmental challenges. Last year, the NHI also expanded its cooperation with the non-profit, public and private sectors and increased its emphasis on transitional and supportive housing while continuing to support emergency shelter services. It provided communities with the tools to determine local priorities and develop a sustainable range of housing support and service aimed at stabilizing the living arrangements of homelessness.

The progress we have made over the past year demonstrates our commitment to strengthening the social foundations of our country. Working with my officials and our partners throughout Canada, we will continue to build on this momentum over the next year.

The Honourable Joe Fontana, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Housing