The National Council of Welfare was established as an advisory group to the Minister of National Health and Welfare by the Government Organization Act of 1969. The Council now reports to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC).
The mandate of the Council is to advise the Minister regarding any matter relating to social development that the Minister may refer to the Council for its consideration or that the Council considers appropriate.
The Council advises the Minister on matters concerning poverty, the realities of low income Canadians; and related programs and policies by:
The Council fulfills its mandate and achieves its objectives by:
The Council publishes reports and communicates with the Minister on a wide range of issues. Over the years, subjects have included:
For program purposes, the Council operates independently of HRSDC and publishes reports under its own authority. The Council Secretariat also functions independently in carrying out its responsibilities to the Council's work, while executing administrative and financial responsibilities according to Public Service standards.