Section I: Ministers' Messages
![The Honourable Joe Volpe, P.C., M.P
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development](/web/20061203165115im_/http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/dpr/03-04/HRSDC-RHDCC/images/minister01.gif)
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
![The Honourable Joe Frank Fontana, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Housing](/web/20061203165115im_/http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rma/dpr/03-04/HRSDC-RHDCC/images/minister02.gif)
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
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