| In Nova Scotia, Employment Support Services (ESS) is part of the
Income and Employment Support Services Division and is administered
by the Department of Community Services. ESS is responsible for the
development of employability related initiatives for individuals in
receipt of income assistance throughout the province.
The vision of ESS is "to encourage and empower individuals
in moving toward employability and increased self-sufficiency" .
The objective of ESS programming is to support income assistance recipients
to increase employability and promote selfsufficiency by facilitating
access to upgrading, training programs and job opportunities. Specific
activities covered by the program either directly or through referral
to community services providers include:
- adult basic education/literacy training, and;
- high school completion
In keeping with the Department's objective to provide active employment
benefits and measures in order to support labour market attachment and
place a stronger focus on self reliance/self sufficiency, the focus
of employment support services has broadened from facilitating a short-term
attachment to employment to a longer term commitment to supporting individuals
to enhance employability skills.21
5.8 Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC)
In December of 2003, Human Resources Development Canada, was split
into two new departments: Social Development and Human Resources and
Skills Development.
The Department of Social Development will focus on social policy and
The Department of Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSD) is responsible
for providing all Canadians with the tools they need to thrive and prosper
in the workplace and community. They support human capital development,
labour market development and are dedicated to establishing a culture
of lifelong learning for Canadians. Among their clients are employees,
employers, individuals receiving Employment Insurance benefits, students
and those who need focused support to participate in the workplace.
HRSD provides federal-level management of labour and homelessness issues,
and supports students through the Canada Student Loans Program. |