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 Mandate
Functions
Intergovernmental
Relations
Interdepartmental
Relations
International
Relations
Strategic
Planning
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
interdepartmental, government and agency relations.
There are four key areas of
focus for the work of this Division: (1) intergovernmental relations (2)
interdepartmental relations (3) international relations and (4) strategic
planning.
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.
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| Social Services
Federal, provincial
and territorial Ministers responsible for Social Services meet in
the Fall of each year for their annual business meeting. Ministers
discuss and consider strategic policy issues as necessary and meet
as required. Deputy Ministers normally assess ongoing work developed
by working groups pursuing priorities identified through the
Conference of Deputy Ministers. As well, the Deputy Ministers meet
at least twice each year. Provinces and territories rotate the role
of Co-Chair (with Human Resources Development Canada) of the Conference and host annually. Newfoundland and
Labrador hosted the Ministers Conference in 1997/98. In addition,
Atlantic Ministers pursue regional initiatives through
subgroups.
Within this sector
the provincial Departments of Health and Community Services and Human
Resources and Employment share responsibilities. Issues of joint
interest include the National
Child Benefit (NCB), the National
Children’s Agenda (NCA), disabilities issues, changes to
federal immigration legislation as it relates to international
adoptions and joint sectoral meetings (Health and Social Services)
in relation to early childhood development.
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| 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.
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| Youth
Corrections (Justice)
Federal, provincial and territorial
Ministers and Deputy Ministers responsible for Justice meet on a
regular basis. The Minister of Health and Community Services
periodically attends meetings when issues pertaining to youth
corrections and child protection are under discussion. The Governmental
Relations Division monitors activities in these areas at the
national and provincial/territorial level and participates as
necessary.
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| 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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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 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.
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).
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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