Thanks very much, Mr. Chair.
Good morning, committee members. Let me acknowledge that we are gathered on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people.
Thank you for inviting me to discuss Supplementary Estimates (B) for Employment and Social Development Canada.
It's a real pleasure to be able to make my first appearance here at HUMA. I want to start by sincerely thanking all committee members for the work that you do every week. I'm also honoured to be here with my friend and colleague, Minister Khera.
I was reflecting on the very mandate of this committee, which is to help build a more inclusive, more equitable and better society. The studies that HUMA conducts, the issues of the day that you dive into, and the recommendations that you offer are of great value to Canadians and the ministers whose mandates you cover.
In this work, the Department of Employment and Social Development is taking important steps. You can see that work reflected in the funding requests that we made under the supplementary estimates. Of some $93.5 billion in authorized spending already, today we are talking about $409 million in supplementary estimates (B) spending.
As you know, under the bilateral Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs) with provinces and territories, the Government of Canada provides funding for the design and delivery of programs tailored to local labour market conditions.
In Budget 2023, we announced $200 million in new funding for the agreements, as part of an additional $625 million for labour market agreements in 2023‑24. This amount is for a one-year extension.
In previous years, approximately $3 billion was provided annually to employers and individuals through labour market agreements that we negotiate with the provinces. Of this total, the Government of Canada has invested $922 million annually through the workforce development agreements. This funding enables provinces and territories to provide skills training and employment programming, with a focus on labour market development and those wishing to upskill.
In short, we're getting workers across the country the resources they need to succeed. Of particular note, this particular funding can be used to support members of under-represented groups, such as indigenous peoples, youth, older workers, persons with disabilities and newcomers to Canada.
Another significant issue for me, Mr. Chair and colleagues, is the safety of all workers. One particular priority for my team and me is the safety of those who come to Canada under the temporary foreign worker program. To that end, in supplementary estimates (B), we're asking for $12.1 million of supplementary funding for the temporary foreign worker program compliance regime. This added funding will allow the department to improve the employer compliance regime under the program, including more inspectors and the maintenance of the worker protection tip line.
The workers operating under this program play a vital role in many sectors of our economy, particularly in agriculture, hospitality, construction, homebuilding, caregiving and the seafood industry. These workers sacrifice time away from their families and friends to support our food supply and security and our economy. They're entitled to our thanks and, even more, to the same respect, protection and rights of any worker. Any mistreatment or abuse of temporary foreign workers, or any worker, is always unacceptable and can never be tolerated.
We are also requesting $10.6 million for the Recognized Employer Pilot to address labour shortages and streamline processes for repeat employers who meet the highest standards for wages, working and living conditions and worker protection.
I’ll stop there, Mr. Chair.
I’m happy to answer any questions you may have, colleagues.