Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2015, published 105th ILC session (2016)

Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88) - Canada (Ratification: 1950)

The Committee notes the observations of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) received on 2 September 2015 and the Government’s reply thereto included in its report.

Article 1 of the Convention. Contribution of the employment service to employment promotion. In reply to the previous comments, the Government provides in its report detailed information on the activities carried out by the employment service at the federal and provincial levels and recalls that Service Canada has been responsible for accessing programmes, services and benefits since its creation in 2005. The Committee notes in this regard that the Government collaborates with the provinces and territories to provide an integrated suite of programmes across the country, in support of skills development and employment. It further notes the information provided on two key initiatives, the Red Seal Program and the Labour Market Information initiative. In its observations, the CLC refers to Article 6 of the Convention and indicates that public spending on employment services and active labour market measures is dismal. The CLC adds that government spending on active labour measures dropped to 0.24 per cent of gross domestic product in 2012 from 0.35 per cent in 2004, thus ranking Canada near the bottom of industrialized countries. In its reply to the CLC’s observations, the Government indicates that all Canadian federal and provincial governments are pursuing, as a major goal, active policies designed to promote full, productive and freely chosen employment and that policies support the aims identified in Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the impact and effectiveness of the activities carried out by the employment service and the manner in which it ensures “the best possible organisation of the employment market as an integral part of the national programme for the achievement and maintenance of full employment and the development and use of productive resources” (Article 1(2)). Please also continue to provide information on the number of public employment offices established, the number of employment applications received, the number of vacancies notified and the number of persons placed in employment by the offices.

Articles 4 and 5. Cooperation with employers’ and workers’ representatives. In its observations, the CLC indicates that it has urged the Government to establish a national labour market partners forum to facilitate ongoing dialogue, cooperation and coordination between key stakeholders (governments, employers’ and workers’ organizations, educators and trainers) and provide public policy advice on labour market issues. In its reply, the Government refers to the information provided in its current and previous reports, adding that persons affected by the measures taken, including representatives of employers and workers, are consulted. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government concerning consultations at the federal and provincial levels. Moreover, it notes from the Government’s report that there are no advisory committees established in Saskatchewan. The Committee requests the Government to continue to provide information on the manner in which the employers’ and workers’ organizations are consulted at the federal and provincial levels in the organization and operation of the employment service and in the development of employment service policy.