March 20, 1997
(Human Resources and Employment)

New Department Established

Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, today confirmed the establishment of a new department. The focus of the Department of Human Resources and Employment will be on active human resource development rather than passive income support. The minister said this change in philosophy has been suggested by all levels of departmental staff, the Social Policy Advisory Committee, and by citizens of the province through several consultations processes. "The time has come for a major shift in the social policy sector and real change must be made to link social policy with economic development," said the minister. "This is an opportunity to share in the development of a vision that sees all of us, ourselves, our clients and our communities as partners in the process of nurturing individual and community well-being."

"The Government will be the bridge to help people develop and move into the workforce. We are making a long-term investment in people and providing them with the opportunity to become independent and prosper."

As of April 1, 1997, Employment and Labour Market programs currently under the Department of Development and Rural Renewal will be incorporated with programs of the Department of Social Services to become the Department of Human Resources and Employment. Effective with this change the primary mandate of this department will be the development of people as a source of prosperity and the primary services will focus on income support, employment support and labour market programming.

Income Support Services will be redesigned to support an active labour market approach. "If we can channel support to individuals in a more active developmental manner and reduce systemic barriers to employment, we will be more able to integrate the development of people into the economic growth agenda," said the minister.

On April 1, 1998, Child Welfare and Community Corrections Services, family and Rehabilitative Services and Community Health Programs will be integrated and delivered under the Regional Health and Community Service Boards system. These boards will have a new mandate to deliver a coordinated, multi-disciplinary range of child, youth and family services including services for people with disabilities, with a special emphasis on early intervention and prevention. It will also provide clients with coordinated, single entry access to services.

Fiscal year 1997-98 will be a transition year of planning, during which time these services will continue to be delivered through existing systems. The minister said a planning year would promote greater community involvement in program development and delivery and provide time to make a smooth transition while still allowing quality service delivery to clients.

The minister said the new Department of Human Resources and Employment will promote an integrated approach to human resource development and involve clients more fully in identifying their service needs and matching services to those needs.

Contact: Glenn Bruce, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4062