Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) and the Federal Role in Labour Programs

This presentation to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources regarding the Labour Market Development Agreements addresses the question: What should be the federal government’s role in employment training and supports? It argues that there are good constitutional and pragmatic reasons for provincial jurisdiction over the design and delivery of labour market training programs. It recommends three roles for the federal government. First, we need a hugely improved labour market information system, with real-time data at both the wholesale and retail level. Second, Ottawa should work with the provinces to provide meaningful reports on Labour Market Development Agreement outcomes and inputs. Third, rigorous and objective third-party evaluations of programs are needed.