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International Labour Affairs - An Overview

Labour Program: An International Mandate

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s Labour Program manages Canada’s international labour affairs and represents the country in international discussion of matters such as the elimination of forced labour and child labour, workplace health and safety, industrial relations and employment standards. The Labour Program negotiates and implements Labour Cooperation Agreements with Canada’s free trade partners and represents Canadian interests in multilateral organizations dealing with labour issues, including the International Labour Organization.

International Labour Issues

The Government of Canada has taken a leadership role in addressing international labour issues. Promoting fundamental labour rights and Canadian values worldwide directly supports social stability in developing countries. It also contributes to reducing the growing divide between rich and poor.

The Labour Program actively participates on the international stage by:

  • representing Canada in international forums;
  • negotiating and implementing international labour cooperation agreements and cooperation frameworks;
  • implementing programs to promote improved labour administration in developing countries; and
  • promoting respect for internationally recognized core labour standards at home and abroad.

Canada’s Action on Labour Rights

Canada has long been a leader in the area of human rights and democratic governance – the reflection of a society that is based on the values of fairness, justice, achievement and opportunity for all – and will continue to help its international partners address social and labour challenges.

Labour Cooperation Agreements

The Labour Program negotiates and implements Labour Cooperation Agreements (LCAs) with Canada’s free trade partners. LCAs help create work environments in which fundamental labour standards are respected.

LCAs play a key role in levelling the playing field for Canadian enterprises by ensuring our competitors do not gain a competitive advantage by failing to respect fundamental labour rights. The objective is that economic growth be achieved in a fair and sustainable manner.

Highlights for the Future

The Labour Program will continue to support Canadian interests and values through its dedicated work in the negotiation and implementation of international Labour Cooperation Agreements with free trade partners.

The Labour Program will also continue to foster cooperation between Canada, the United States and Mexico in the context of the North American Agreement on Labour Cooperation in addition to providing leadership in international discussions dealing with labour issues.

The Labour Program is promoting respect internationally for the core labour principles of freedom of association, the abolition of child labour, the elimination of forced or compulsory labour and the elimination of discrimination in the workplace.

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Date Modified:
2011-10-06