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Government Relations Division

• Mandate
• Functions
• Intergovernmental Relations
• Interdepartmental Relations
• International Relations
• Strategic Planning
• Contact Information

Mandate

The mandate of the Governmental Relations Division is to provide strategic support and coordination services to the Department of Health and Community Services with respect to federal/provincial/territorial (F/P/T) issues and international.

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Functions

There are key areas of focus for the work of this Division: (1) intergovernmental relations (2) international relations and (3) strategic planning.

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Intergovernmental Relations

Federal/provincial/territorial (F/P/T) relations at the level of Ministers and Deputy Ministers encompass the provision of strategic advice on complex and diverse policy and program areas, incorporating government’s broad policy objectives. Corporate strategies are developed and advice is provided on relations with the federal and other jurisdictional governments. Ongoing liaison with other provincial/territorial governments occurs so as to develop common positions/strategies on issues of mutual interest. A link to national press releases and information on conferences is available through the Canadian Intergovernmental Conference Secretariat (CICS).

There are several key areas where ongoing work at the national level occurs:

Health

Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Health meet in the Fall of each year for their annual business meeting. Ministers of Health meet to discuss strategic policy issues as necessary. As well, Deputy Ministers normally assess ongoing work developed through Advisory Committees and working groups which pursue priorities identified through the Conference of Deputy Ministers. Deputy Ministers meet face to face at least twice each year, generally in June and December. Provinces and territories rotate the role of Co-Chair (with Health Canada) of the Conference and host annually. Newfoundland and Labrador hosted the Ministers Conference in 1991/92 and again in 2000/01. In addition, Atlantic Health Ministers pursue regional initiatives on an ongoing basis, and work at the officials’ level occurs regularly. The Division is also involved in bilateral and/or multilateral negotiations with the federal government, primarily with Health Canada, on new initiatives.

By virtue of their position, all Ministers of Health serve as Members of the recently established national blood system, the Canadian Blood Services Corporation (CBS) .

Members are required to meet once a year and usually do so during the annual Fall Ministers meeting. A Board of Directors, appointed by Members, manages the day to day activities of the Corporation.

Deputy Ministers of Health, by virtue of their position, serve as Members of the Canada Health Infoway Inc., established by the federal government to address information technology issues. The first meeting of Members of the Corporation was held in St. John’s on June 8, 2001.

Seniors

Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors’ issues normally meet every 18-24 months. Co-Chairing (with Health Canada) of the Conference is rotated annually among provinces and territories. Newfoundland and Labrador hosted the Conference in 1998/99 in St. John’s. Work in this sector is assigned to a senior officials committee which pursues the priorities of the Ministers.

Intersectoral

The Governmental Relations Division has a role in the implementation of the Social Union Framework Agreement , the co-ordination of federal programs and initiatives as they relate to the Provincial Strategic Social Plan, and the interpretation of the Canada Health Act and other federal legislation. The Division assists the Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat in preparing for discussions by the Ministerial Council on Social Policy Renewal, the Council of Atlantic Premiers (CAP) , P/T Premiers and F/P/T First Ministers.

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Interdepartmental Relations

The Governmental Relations Division co-ordinates, provides analyses and assists department staff in preparing briefing material for federal/provincial/territorial negotiations and assists in prioritizing intergovernmental relations. New initiatives are reviewed for consistency with national and provincial priorities and policies. The Division also assists staff in the preparation and development of submissions to Cabinet related to intergovernmental issues and facilitating these submissions through government’s internal processes. The Division is the primary liaison with Cabinet Secretariat, Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat, Treasury Board Secretariat and other government departments.

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International Relations

The Governmental Relations Division is the primary point of contact on international health policy issues through such organizations as the World Health Organization and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) .

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Strategic Planning

The Governmental Relations Division participates in planning, developing, interpreting and coordinating policies at the national and international level. Significant intergovernmental issues are monitored and reviewed with other provincial departments and agencies as necessary.

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Contact Information

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