Labour Canada

Labour Canada

Labour Canada, established 1900 as the Department of Labour under the Conciliation Act to "aid in the prevention and settlement of trade disputes." In 1994, it became a ministry within the newly created Department of Human Resources Development. Its objectives are to promote and protect the rights of parties involved in work and to ensure equitable access to employment opportunities in enterprises subject to federal labour jurisdiction.

Its functions are implemented through the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Program, which appoints conciliation officers in labour disputes; Program Developments and Central Operations Program, which produces labour-related data; the Policy Co-ordination and Liaison Program, which co-ordinates Canada's participation in the International Labour Organization; and the Administrative Policy and Services Program, responsible for the department's personnel relations. The Canada Labour Relations Board reports to the minister.