HRSDC designs, develops, monitors, tests and helps oversee a range of employment policy and program initiatives all aimed at promoting labour force participation. The department provides effective and efficient support and labour market transitions for unemployed, underemployed Canadians and those facing barriers to employment. The majority of employment programs are decentralized, regionally-based programs delivered by Service Canada on behalf of HRSDC. HRSDC also delivers a number of national programs from National Headquarters.
The work of HRSDC involves extensive research and analysis and is carried out in close collaboration with other federal departments, international bodies and in partnership with provincial and territorial counterparts, Aboriginal organizations, and service providers.