About Us

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) is the department of the Government of Canada responsible for developing, managing and delivering social programs and services. We deliver some $87 billion in programs and services and have approximately 24,000 employees, approximately 19,000 of whom work under Service Canada.

  • Just the Facts - contains information dedicated to dispelling myths and misconceptions about HRSDC programs.

We are committed to excellence in what we do:

  • For people - we serve Canadians with a focus on accountability and results.
  • Through partnerships - we work with Canadians to find innovative ways to develop and deliver the policies and programs they need.
  • Through knowledge - we generate, contribute, and share knowledge effectively to support and inform decision-making.

Our Mission

HRSDC’s mission is to build a stronger and more competitive Canada, to support Canadians in making choices that help them live productive and rewarding lives, and to improve Canadians’ quality of life.

To do this, we:

  • develop policies that make Canada a society in which all can use their talents, skills and resources to participate in learning, work and their community;
  • create programs and support initiatives that help Canadians move through life’s transitions—from families with children to seniors, from school to work, from one job to another, from unemployment to employment, from the workforce to retirement;
  • create better outcomes for Canadians through service excellence with Service Canada and other partners; and
  • engage our employees, establish a healthy work environment, nurture a culture of teamwork, and build our leadership capacity.

Organizational Structure

HRSDC is the fourth-largest department within the Government of Canada, after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the department of National Defence, and the Canada Revenue Agency. In very tangible ways, our employees touch the lives of Canadians across the entire country—our operations span Canada, with more than 65 percent of our employees working outside of the National Capital Region.

Governor in Council Appointments

The Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and the Minister of Labour are responsible for recommending Governor in Council appointments to 12 different bodies including administrative tribunals, boards, a commission, and advisory groups.

Contracting Information for Suppliers

For contracting information, see Contracting Information for Suppliers: HRSDC Standard Terms and Conditions.

Information for HRSDC employees

Information intended for all employees of HRSDC, Labour and Service Canada, see HRSDC Office Status.