Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Canada (Ratification: 1966)

The Committee notes the detailed information contained in the Government’s report for the period ending May 2002, as well as the supplementary information submitted by the Province of Quebec in May 2003. It also notes the useful information provided by other provincial governments and contained in the various comprehensive annexes.

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Government states that unemployment has grown, going from 6.6 per cent in June 2000 to 7.8 per cent in June 2003, according to data from the OECD. Although real GDP growth has decelerated, dropping to 1.5 per cent in 2001, total employment grew by 1.1 per cent for the same period. In the Government’s opinion, the increase in unemployment is a consequence of the global economic downturn and a higher labour force participation rate. It considers that the restoration of fiscal health, through continued fiscal and monetary policy targets and structural and macroeconomic policies is a prerequisite to achieving its economic and social objectives including, inter alia, guaranteeing equality of opportunities, building a secure society, investing in key priorities for the future and redefining the role of the federal government in the modern economy and federation.

2. The Government describes, in a document entitled "Knowledge Matters: Skills and Learning for Canadians", its plan for improving the Youth Employment Strategy with the following objectives:

-  increase responsiveness to changing labour market conditions;

-  better assist youth facing particular labour market barriers;

-  help youth develop their skills to make successful school-to-work transitions; and

-  ensure that all qualified youths have access to high-quality post-secondary education.

The Committee would appreciate it if the Government would include in its next report information on the progress of the ensemble of policies and programmes aimed at tackling youth unemployment in Canada and further indications on the outcomes of these programmes both at the federal and provincial jurisdictional levels.

3. The Commission notes the detailed information on labour market measures including the conclusion of an agreement on internal trade aimed at removing barriers to labour mobility and the reassessment of reforms on employment insurance with the aim of pursuing only those which are most effective. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on issues concerning the labour market, such as the impact of the application of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on employment. Please also provide details as to how these measures take into account other economic and social objectives, and the conditions under which they are decided and kept under review within the framework of a coordinated economic and social policy.

4. Article 3. The Committee notes the information provided in regard to consultation with the social partners concerning employment policies. It also notes the Government’s intention to engage social partners more in employment promotion. The Committee asks the Government to continue to provide information on the progress made in this respect, in particular on the roles of provincial partners and governments, and whether other groups (such as rural and informal sector workers) are consulted.

5. The Committee notes with interest the information contained in the report on measures taken or envisaged in relation to people with disabilities (including the reference to the unique needs of aboriginal persons with disabilities). It would appreciate continuing to receive details on the achievements concerning the employment policies designed for persons with disabilities. In this respect, the Government may find it useful to refer to the instruments adopted by the Conference in 1983 (Convention No. 159 and Recommendation No. 168).