Response to parliamentary committees and external audits
On this page
- Responses to parliamentary committees and external audits
- Parliamentary committees
- House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
- Subcommittee on international human rights of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development
- House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women
- House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages
- Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology
- Senate Standing Committee on National Finance
- Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada
- Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
Responses to parliamentary committees and external audits
Parliamentary committees
House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Report 12 - Experiential Learning and Pathways to Employment for Canadian Youth
Appearance of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before the Committee: November 28, 2017 and November 30, 2017
Tabling of the report in the House of Commons: October 17, 2018
Tabling of the government response: February 19, 2019
Summary
The committee undertook a study on experiential learning and pathways to employment for Canadian youth and made made 17 recommendations related to:
- youth unemployment and how it harms the transition to the workforce
- youth under-employment after completing their education
- apprenticeships
- co-op programs and work-integrated learning
- volunteerism and internships, and how they inform work decisions for students
- entrepreneurship
- the school-to-work transition strategy in Canada compared with international models and programs
Government response and corrective actions
The government response noted that the report was aligned with the government's commitment to support young people in gaining the skills and experience to get good jobs.
Complete government response
Report 8 - Advancing Inclusion and Quality of Life for Canadian Seniors
Appearance of ESDC before the committee: June 6, 2017 and June 8, 2017
Tabling of the report in the House of Commons: March 29, 2018
Tabling of the government response: June 20, 2018
Summary
The committee undertook a study of how the government can support vulnerable seniors today while preparing for the diverse and growing seniors' population of tomorrow. The committee made 29 recommendations covering 3 major themes:
- How the government can improve income security for vulnerable seniors
- How the government can improve the overall quality of life and well-being for seniors including community programming, social inclusivity, and social determinants of health
- How the government can improve access to housing for seniors, including aging in place and affordable and accessible housing
Government response and corrective actions
The Government response highlighted the government's committment to support vulnerable seniors while preparing for the diverse and growing seniors' population of tomorrow. It also committed to continue advancing initiatives in the areas of:
- income security
- housing
- home care
- informal caregivers
- age-friendly communities
- national strategy
Complete government response
Subcommittee on international human rights of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development
Report 19 - A Call to Action: Ending the Use of All Forms of Child Labour in Supply Chains
Appearance of ESDC before the committee: December 12, 2017
Tabling of the report in the House of Commons: October 15, 2018
Tabling of the government response: February 8, 2019
Summary
The Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (the subcommittee) undertook a study on child labour in supply chains in November and December 2017.
The subcommittee made 7 recommendations covering:
- systematic focus on elimination of all forms of child labour
- inclusion of a discussion about child labour and forced labour in free trade negotiations
- improvement of support to Canadian businesses abroad
Government response and corrective actions
The government response highlighted the importance of protecting children's rights and committed to:
- combat child and forced labour in supply chains involving Canada
- contribute to the global effort to address this issue
- begin a process in 2019 to consult on possible supply chain legislation
Complete government response.
House of Commons Standing Committee on the Status of Women
Report 12 - Women's Economic Security: Securing the Future of Canada's Economy
Appearance of ESDC before the committee: February 2, 2017 and November 9, 2017
Tabling of the report in the House of Commons: June 14, 2018
Tabling of the government response: October 15, 2018
Summary
The Standing Committee on the Status of Women undertook a study on the economic security of women in Canada. The committee made 86 recommendations covering:
- factors contributing to women's economic insecurity
- measures to increase women's economic security
- measures to increase women's economic leadership
Government response and corrective actions
The government response reflects the government's commitment to promote the full participation of women in the Canadian economy and address issues related to gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination. It also highlights the government's efforts to reduce poverty and to improve the health and well-being of women and their loved ones. Finally, the response outlines government's commitment to advancing gender equality in Canada by applying Gender-Based Analysis Plus to inform policies, programs, initiatives, and practices.
Complete government response
House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages
Report 10 - Growing Up in French in Western Canada: A Review of Federal Support for Early Childhood Education
Appearance of ESDC before the committee: November 30, 2017
Tabling of the report in the House of Commons: May 8, 2018
Tabling of the government response: August 22, 2018
Summary
The Standing Committee on Official Languages undertook a study on expanding early childhood education in French in Western Canada and made 6 recommendations aiming at protecting the rights of official language minority communities.
Government response and corrective actions
The government response highlights the contribution to early learning and child care (ELCC) made through the implementation of the Multilateral Early Learning and Child care Framework. It mentions in particular the support for families living in official language minority communities (OLMCs) provided through the ELCC bilateral agreements.
Complete government response
Report 9 - Adult Literacy and Skills Development: An Essential Component of the Education Continuum in Official Language Minority Communities
Appearance of ESDC before the committee: February 7, 2018
Tabling of the report in the House of Commons: April 19, 2018
Tabling of the government response: July 18, 2018
Summary
The committee undertook a study on adult literacy, numeracy and essential skills to help understand the impact of changes made to ESDC's programs pertaining to the development of literacy and essential skills of adults in official language minority communities (OLMCs).
The committee made 7 recommendations to better support adult literacy in Canada. Complete report
Government response and corrective actions
The government response agreed with the committee regarding the importance of family and community literacy. It also agreed that workplace essential skills ensure the vitality of OLMCs. The government identified new initiatives and ongoing measures that directly address a number of the concerns raised by the committee.
Complete government response
Senate Standing Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology
Report 27 - The Shame is Ours - Forced Adoptions of the Babies of Unmarried Mothers in Post-war Canada
Tabling of the report in the Senate: July 19, 2018
Adoption of the report in the Senate and request for a government response: September 25, 2018
Tabling of the government response: February 22, 2019
Summary
The committee undertook a study to examine the issue of forcing "unwed mothers" to surrender their babies to adoption. The committee made 4 recommendations to respond to post-war forced adoptions in Canada.
Government response and corrective actions
The government response acknowledged the individuals who shared their stories as adopted persons. It noted the government's commitment to ensure that forced adoption practices do not occur again. It also recognized though that under Canada's Constitution, the provinces have responsibility for adoption.
Complete government response
Report 26 - Breaking Down Barriers: A critical analysis of the Disability Tax Credit and Registered Disability Savings Plan
Appearance of ESDC before the committee: February 8, 2018
Tabling of the report in the Senate: June 27, 2018
Adoption of the report in the Senate and request for a government response: September 27, 2018
Tabling of the government Response: February 21, 2019
Summary
The committee undertook a study of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The committee made 16 recommendations related to:
- the structure and administration of the DTC
- the re-establishment of the Disability Tax Advisory Committee
- the accessibility and administration of the RDSP
Government response and corrective actions
The government response agreed with the 16 recommendations of the committee and highlighted the work the government is pursuing to address them. This include:
- administrative improvements,
- policy changes to existing tax savings measures
- income support for persons with disabilities
Complete government response
Report 24 - The Federal Role in a Social Finance Fund
Tabling of the report in the Senate: May 10, 2018
Adoption of the report in the Senate and request for a government response: September 27, 2018
Tabling of the government response: February 25, 2019
Summary
The committee undertook a study of a social finance fund. It looked especially at the role of the federal government, if any, in providing capital for that purpose and made 6 recommendations to strengthen social finance practices in Canada.
Government response and corrective actions
The government response reiterated the government commitment to developing a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy for Canada.
Complete government response
Senate standing committee on national finance
Report 19 - Getting Ready: For a new generation of active seniors
Tabling of the report in the Senate: June 27, 2017
Adoption of the report in the Senate and request for a government response: April 25, 2018
Tabling of the government response: June 20, 2018
Summary
The committee undertook a study on the government readiness to accommodate the needs of active seniors. The committee made 4 recommendations regarding working with the provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners to put measures in place to enable seniors to:
- remain at home while having access to support services
- increase labour force participation of underrepresented groups
- better match labour demand with labour supply in order to mitigate the negative impact of population aging on the economy and on the labour market
Government response and corrective actions
The government response highlighted the government's continued actions to improve seniors' economic and social inclusion. The Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health asked the National Seniors Council (NSC) to focus on 4 work priorities. These included examining potential objectives and elements of a national Seniors strategy. This work will inform recommendations regarding the value, potential objectives and elements of a national Seniors strategy.
Complete government response.
Response to audits conducted by the Office of the Auditor General of Canada
(including audits conducted by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development)
Report 1 - Building and Implementing the Phoenix Pay System
Summary
In its Spring 2018 Report, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) released a performance audit that examined whether Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) effectively and efficiently managed and oversaw the implementation of the new Phoenix pay system. The audit focused on PSPC as the lead organization for building and implementing the system and for operating centralized pay operations for 46 departments and agencies in the Public Service Pay Centre in Miramichi, New Brunswick.
The audit also examined whether the decision to implement the system was reasonable and considered selected aspects of standard management practices for system development; whether the system was fully tested, would deliver the functions needed to pay federal employees, was secure, and would protect employees' private information; and, whether PSPC adequately supported selected departments and agencies in their move to Phoenix. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) was 1 of 9 departments and agencies included in the audit.
The OAG concluded that the Phoenix project was an incomprehensible failure of project management and oversight. Phoenix executives prioritized certain aspects, such as schedule and budget, over other critical ones, such as functionality and security. Phoenix executives did not understand the importance of warnings that the Miramichi Pay Centre, departments and agencies, and the new system were not ready. They did not provide complete and accurate information to deputy ministers and associate deputy ministers of departments and agencies, including the Deputy Minister of PSPC, when briefing them on Phoenix readiness for implementation. In the OAG's opinion, the decision by Phoenix executives to implement Phoenix was unreasonable according to the information available at the time. As a result, Phoenix has not met user needs, has cost the federal government hundreds of millions of dollars, and has financially affected tens of thousands of its employees.
Note: There were no recommendations for ESDC. OAG complete report
Report 2 - Canada's Preparedness to Implement the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
Summary
In its Spring 2018 Report, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) released an audit that examined whether the Government of Canada was prepared to implement the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) was 1 of 7 organizations included in the audit.
The CESD concluded that the Government of Canada, as represented by Employment and Social Development Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Global Affairs Canada, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Status of Women Canada, and the Privy Council Office, was not adequately prepared to implement the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is important to note that a "Subsequent Event" was cited in the audit report which outlined the proposed Budget 2018 commitment to provide $49.4 million over 13 years, starting in 2018–2019, to establish a Sustainable Development Goals Unit and to fund monitoring and reporting activities by Statistics Canada.
Note: The Department is on-track for completing the 4 recommendations directed to ESDC.
Report 3 – Departmental Progress in Implementing Sustainable Development Strategies
Summary
In its Fall 2018 Report, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) released an audit that examined whether the organizations examined had adequately applied the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals, and whether they had met their commitments to strengthening their strategic environmental assessment practices. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) was 1 of 26 organizations included in the audit.
The CESD concluded that the organizations examined had adequately applied the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals to most policy, plan, and program proposals submitted for approval to Cabinet in 2017. Overall, the organizations had applied the directive to 93% of proposals, which represents a significant improvement in comparison with observations made in our previous reports on the same topic over the past 5 years. These organizations had also made satisfactory progress toward meeting their commitments to strengthening their strategic environmental assessment practices.
Note: There were no recommendations for ESDC. Complete report
Report 6 - Employment Training for Indigenous People—Employment and Social Development Canada
Summary
In its Spring 2018 Report, the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) released a performance audit that examined whether Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) managed the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy and the Skills and Partnership Fund to increase the number of Indigenous people getting jobs and staying employed.
The OAG concluded that ESDC's management of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy and the Skills and Partnership Fund was not sufficient to demonstrate that these programs increased the number of Indigenous people getting jobs and staying employed.
Note: Of the 8 recommendations directed to ESDC, the department has fully addressed 2. The remaining 6 recommendations are on-track for completion.
Response to audits conducted by the Public Service Commission of Canada or the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages
Results of the System-Wide Staffing Audit - Final report
Summary
In December 2018, the Public Service Commission (PSC) released a System-Wide Staffing Audit that examined compliance with respect to organizational staffing system requirements; compliance with respect to requirements during the appointment process and for appointments; and, stakeholder awareness and understanding of requirements, and of their roles and responsibilities. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) was 1 of 25 organizations included in the audit.
The PSC concluded that overall, all 25 participating departments and agencies had implemented required changes to their appointment framework. With respect to appointments, they observed high levels of compliance for requirements regarding consideration of persons with a priority entitlement, merit and other appointment related authorities. However, the audit did identify areas for improvement. It concluded that efforts should focus on improving system-wide awareness and understanding of staffing requirements; improved quality control of documents in relation to official languages; and having sufficient documentation to explain appointment decisions.
Note: There were no recommendations for ESDC. Complete report
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