2015–16 Report on Plans and Priorities - Message from the Minister of Employment and Social Development

As the new Minister of Employment and Social Development, I am committed to keeping taxes low, the budget balanced and Canadians working in rewarding jobs. It is my pleasure to present the 2015–16 Report on Plans and Priorities, which details how we will achieve this and other priorities.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) delivers a range of programs and services that help Canadians in all stages of their lives—from childhood, through adulthood, to retirement—including providing seniors with basic income security, supporting unemployed workers, helping students finance their post-secondary education and assisting parents who are raising young children. We are also providing specific support to vulnerable populations such as seniors, people with disabilities, Aboriginal people, homeless people and recent immigrants. For any of this to work, we need to be responsible in our spending, limit our debt and keep taxes as low as possible.

The best anti-poverty program is a good job. That is why ESDC is supporting the Government’s top priorities of creating jobs, economic growth and ensuring long-term prosperity by helping all Canadians obtain the skills and training necessary for jobs that are in demand along with providing specific initiatives for traditionally under-represented groups in the labour market. At the same time, ESDC will improve the delivery of frontline services that Canadians rely on.

We remain committed to working with the provinces to ensure that training programs are working effectively. In partnership with key players, we will improve labour market information, develop and harmonize skills training programs, encourage greater employer participation in skills training decisions and better align educational opportunities to jobs.

We recognize that the best social safety net is a strong family. To assist parents who are raising children, we will implement the proposed enhancements to the Universal Child Care Benefit, pending parliamentary approval of the necessary legislation.

I am confident that we will continue to provide high-quality and affordable programs and services to all Canadians.

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The Honourable Pierre Poilievre, P.C., M.P.

Minister of Employment and Social Development, Democratic Reform and Minister for the National Capital Commission

Message from the Minister of Labour

Canada’s economic growth and long-term prosperity remain our Government’s top priorities. With this in mind, as we move forward for the coming year, we are guided by the Labour Program’s long and proud history of protecting the rights and well-being of both workers and employers in federally regulated sectors.

We will do this by continuing to improve the Labour Program’s legislation, policies and programs to better align them with the challenges of a fast-paced and evolving workforce, while at the same time ensuring that Canadians are being treated fairly on the job.

As employers and employees are at the forefront for injury and illness prevention, we will take a collaborative and proactive approach to reducing fatalities and injuries in the workplace.

We will also make sure that all Canadians have the opportunity to work in an environment where opportunities are based solely on their skills and abilities.

I am proud that our efforts are recognized not only domestically, but internationally as well. Our harmonious labour relations based on mutual respect and ongoing employer and union collaboration are recognized worldwide.

Our Government will continue to collaborate with domestic and international partners to promote the importance of respect for fundamental labour principles and rights through the negotiation and implementation of labour provisions in trade agreements.

Moving forward, the Labour Program will strive to meet its mandate of achieving workplaces that are fair, safe, healthy, stable, cooperative and productive by providing federally regulated employers and employees with the tools and support they require to succeed and continue to build Canada’s prosperity.

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The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., O.Ont., M.P.

Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women