About
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities can study and report to the House of Commons on the following matters:
- the legislation, expenditure plans, program and policy objectives, and the mandate, management and operation of the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (Employment and Social Development Canada);
- other issues such as Employment Insurance (EI), employment benefits and support measures, income security programs, the Canada Labour Code, skills development and training various programs for seniors, families, children and persons with disabilities; and
- the Main and Supplementary Estimates, Order in Council appointments, and returns or other papers tabled in the House of Commons and referred to the Committee.
The Committee is also empowered to study and report on the mandate, management and operations of the following agencies and Crown corporations:
Standing Order 108(3)(d) further gives this committee the specific mandate to propose, promote, monitor and assess “initiatives aimed at the integration and equality of disabled persons in all sectors of Canadian society.”
The Committee is also responsible for administering the award provided under the Centennial Flame Research Award Act, enacted in 1991 to provide an annual monetary award to a Canadian with a disability to research and produce a report aimed at publicizing the contributions to public life of persons with disabilities. The award consists of money collected from the Centennial Flame fountain on Parliament Hill. Those interested in more information on this award may consult the selection criteria or contact the Clerk of the Committee.
Under Standing Order 108(1), standing committees may examine any matters referred to them by the House of Commons and may delegate to subcommittees all or any of their powers, except the power to report directly to the House.