HRDC was created in 1993 by
Prime Minister Kim Campbell's government in an attempt to decrease the size of the federal cabinet by grouping several departments with similar responsibilities. In the case of HRDC, the former Department of Employment and Immigration formed its nucleus. HRDC had one of the largest departmental budgets and a variety of responsibilities ranging from the
unemployment insurance program to the issuance of
social insurance numbers and job training and counseling. Although HRDC was operationally functional since 1993, the
Department of Human Resources Development Act was not adopted until 29 May 1996 and officially entered into force on 12 July 1996 when it received Royal Assent and was published in the
Canada Gazette.
Department of Employment and Immigration The
Department of Employment and Immigration, in operation from 1977 to 1996, was the department that preceded HRDC and succeeded the
Department of Manpower and Immigration. The department was abolished on 12 July 1996. The role previously held by the Minister of Employment and Immigration in regard to labour was taken on by the Minister of Human Resources Development, while the portfolio for immigration was transferred to the office of
Minister of Citizenship and Immigration following the reorganization of the government and formation of the department for
Citizenship and Immigration Canada.
Dissolution (2003) HRDC was dissolved in a December 2003 government reorganization which saw two departments, the
Department of Social Development and the
Department of Human Resources and Skills Development created in its place. The two departments were re-amalgamated on February 6, 2006, though now named
Employment and Social Development Canada. == Ministers ==