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Info Source: Sources of Federal Government and Employee Information 2023 to 2024

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Introduction

Info Source explains:

The Access to Information Act and Privacy Act apply to ESDC programs and activities.

Info Source references the personal information of:

The purpose of this document is to help these individuals find out which programs:

General information

Background

The Department of Employment and Social Development Act (DESDA) describes the powers, duties and responsibilities of the:

The Department reports to Parliament through the Minister of ESDC.

Our ministers

Raison d'être

The mission of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is to:

Mandate and role

ESDC delivers programs and services to every Canadian throughout their lives in a significant capacity. ESDC fulfills its mission by:

  1. developing policies that ensure Canadians can use their talents, skills and resources to participate in learning, work and their community
  2. delivering programs that help Canadians move through life's transitions from:
    • school to work
    • one job to another
    • unemployment to employment
    • the workforce to retirement
  3. providing income support to seniors, families with children and those unemployed due to job loss, illness, or caregiving responsibilities
  4. helping Canadians with distinct needs such as Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, homeless people, travellers, and recent immigrants
  5. ensuring labour relations stability by providing mediation services
  6. promoting a fair and healthy workplace by:
    • enforcing minimum working conditions
    • promoting decent work and employment equity
    • fostering respect for international labour standards
  7. delivering programs and services on behalf of other departments and agencies

Operating context: Conditions affecting our work

Each day, we provide important services to millions of Canadians. They expect easy to access and secure services that meet their needs online, through call centres, or in person.

With ESDC's commitment to provide Canadians high quality and timely services, we are working hard to:

We also need to:

ESDC is creating economic and social policies and programs to:

With our policies, we aim to help Canadians gain the skills and experience needed to obtain good quality jobs. We also support families, workers, and seniors to get financial security and the quality of life they deserve.

Institutional core responsibilities, programs and activities

Legend

1. Social development

Description

Departmental results

Program mapping

1.1 Accessible Canada Initiative

The Accessible Canada initiative supports a proactive approach to the identification, removal and prevention of barriers to accessibility, particularly through the implementation and ongoing administration of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), along with the advancement of broader accessibility initiatives. This includes developing regulations under the Act; providing strategic direction to support the interpretation of the Act; implementing the Federal Data and Measurement Strategy on Accessibility to measure progress in the removal of barriers to accessibility under the ACA; carrying out Public Opinion Research (POR) to measure Canadian attitudes towards accessibility; supporting the appointment of the Chief Accessibility Officer, the Accessibility Commissioner and the CEO and members of the Board of Accessibility Standards Canada; supporting a broader accessibility culture change through meaningful participation of people with disabilities in the implementation of the Act and its regulations as well as through support to disability organizations under the Social Development Partnerships Program - Disability Component for National AccessAbility Week celebrations partnership projects that further support capacity building in the area of accessibility and the annual Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion; and applying an accessibility lens to Government of Canada policy and program proposals and/or legislative reviews.

1.2 Black Led Philanthropic Endowment Fund

Anti-Black racism impacts the lives of millions of people in Canada every day. Violence, harassment, discrimination, exclusion from opportunities, and myriad expressions of unconscious bias hinder Black people in Canada's freedoms and equitable treatment. Data show that Black communities are 1 of the most disadvantaged in Canada, with a higher prevalence of low-income households, lower employment rates, as well as a much higher likelihood of discriminatory treatment at work. Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving charities and non-profits are vital players in advancing toward a more just and equitable society but face systemic racial bias within philanthropic and funding processes. The Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund seeks to provide a sustainable source of funding for Black communities in Canada. It will endow a Black-led and Black-serving recipient organization that would be responsible for investing the endowment and using the investment income to provide funding to Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving organizations across the country, including those serving Black individuals at the intersection of multiple forms of oppression.

The Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund aims to increase the social and economic inclusion of Black communities in Canada by increasing the number of projects delivered by Black-led, Black-focused, and Black‑serving organizations in support of these communities.

1.3 Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime

The Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime (CBPYVC) provides income support to eligible parents or legal guardians who suffer a loss of income while taking time away from work to cope with the death or disappearance of their child (or children) under 25 years of age as the result of a probable Criminal Code offence. Eligible parents receive a payment of $500 per week for a maximum of 35 weeks during 3 years following the date of the incident. This program is not a repayable contribution.

1.4 Early Learning and Child Care

Employment and Social Development Canada is working with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide, community-based system of quality child care, so families in Canada have access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care (ELCC) no matter where they live.

The ELCC program provides funding as transfer payments to provinces and territories (P/Ts) to support regulated ELCC programs and services consistent with the principles and objectives Multilateral ELCC Framework and the Canada-wide ELCC system. Through the Canada-wide ELCC Agreements, out-of-pocket parent fees for regulated ELCC spaces will be reduced to an average of $10-a-day by 2025-2026.

To complement funding to P/Ts, ESDC also provides grants and contributions funding to eligible organizations for projects that explore, test and develop new innovative approaches to improve the quality, accessibility, affordability, flexibility and inclusivity of ELCC programs and services across Canada.

Evidence-based best practices and lessons learned resulting from projects are shared among key stakeholders (such as experts, practitioners, researchers, partners from provincial and territorial and Indigenous governments, and national and community-based organizations, including Indigenous organizations).

ESDC also provides oversight and grants and contributions funding for ELCC data and research projects that help identify and fill data and knowledge gaps, monitor progress and inform evidence-based policy for ELCC.

1.5 Enabling Accessibility Fund

Persons with disabilities often experience barriers to their full participation and inclusion in activities of everyday living. To support their full participation, the Enabling Accessibility Fund is taking concrete action to ensure greater accessibility and opportunities for persons with disabilities. The Fund provides funding to increase accessibility and eliminate barriers in communities and workplaces across Canada. Grants or contributions are provided to eligible recipients for capital cost projects that increase access for persons with disabilities to public spaces and workplaces, programs and services, which in turn can create an equal opportunity for persons with disabilities to participate in community activities or access employment opportunities. The program has 2 funding streams: the Workplace Accessibility Stream and the Community Accessibility Stream. Calls for proposals are typically held once a year to provide grant funding for small projects (up to $200K) and youth-driven projects (up to $10K). The Program also allows mid-sized projects to be funded through multi-year contributions (up to $3M). Mid-sized projects have a greater scope and impact than small projects. Eligible recipients who receive program funding to complete construction, renovation or retrofit projects are: not-for-profit organizations; municipalities; Indigenous organizations; Territorial governments, and for-profit organizations.

1.6 Indigenous Early Learning Child Care Transformation Initiative

The Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative is led by Employment and Social Development Canada, with Indigenous Services Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada as key federal partners. The Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative supports the Government's implementation of the co-developed Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework, which reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. The Initiative enables horizontal coordination of federal investments in Indigenous early learning and child care through flexible, Indigenous-led approaches.

1.7 New Horizons for Seniors Program

The New Horizons for Seniors Program supports the Government of Canada's overarching social goals to enhance the quality of life and promote the full participation of individuals in all aspects of Canadian society. Program initiatives at the national, regional and community level address seniors' issues through partnerships and the engagement and contributions of seniors themselves. The Program's design includes 2 streams: Community-based grants and Pan-Canadian grants and contributions. Community-based grants, administered by Service Canada regional offices, address social challenges ‘on the ground' and recognize communities as the focal point for program and service delivery. Funded projects are: volunteer-based; supported by communities; inspired or led by seniors; and, address 1 or more of the 5 program objectives. Selected through annual calls for proposals, one-year Community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding. Pan-Canadian grants and contributions, administered at the national level at ESDC, support innovative projects that create a significant impact in communities and invest in large initiatives that meet the growing social needs of seniors. Organizations can apply for projects up to 5 years in duration and up to $5M in funding under the pan-Canadian stream.

1.8 Social Development Partnerships Program

The Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP) is a grants and contributions program that supports the Government of Canada's priorities through investment in not-for-profit organizations aiming to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities, children and families, Black communities in Canada, and other vulnerable populations facing physical, economic and social pressures. The program has an annual budget supporting 2 components: Disability and Children and Families. Grants and contributions support communities, not-for-profit, and voluntary sector organizations in providing vulnerable Canadian populations with the tools and skills to respond to current and emerging social issues that they are facing, such as a limited ability to participate in the workplace or to contribute to their families and communities.

1.9 Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy

The Social Innovation and Social Finance (SI/SF) Strategy aims to strengthen the ability of communities to develop, finance and scale new solutions to persistent social and environmental challenges in Canada. The Investment Readiness Program (IRP) and the Social Finance Fund (SFF) are foundational elements in building a SI/SF Strategy for Canada. The IRP is a grants and contributions program designed to strengthen the SI/SF ecosystem and improve the ability of Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) to participate in the social finance market (that is secure a repayable investment). The SFF is a repayable contribution program designed to accelerate the growth of Canada's social finance market and increase access to flexible financing for SPOs. Another foundational element of the SI/SF Strategy is the Minister-appointed Social Innovation Advisory Council of external stakeholders.

1.10 Strategic Engagement and Research Program

To develop policies and programs in support of building a stronger and more inclusive Canada, it is important for ESDC, the Government of Canada and other levels of government to have a solid base of evidence. The Strategic Engagement and Research Program (SERP) is a grant and contribution program that is used to pay assessed contributions to international organizations. These contributions represent the Department's share of the costs to participate in the activities of international organizations on behalf of the Government of Canada. The program also funds research, and research-related events undertaken by, and with, international and domestic organizations. To be considered for funding, research and events must be related to the Department's mandate and priorities. In addition, they must not fit with the objectives of any other grant and contribution program in the Department. Finally, they must contribute to the overall knowledge base and dialogue on employment and social development issues for the benefit of Canadians.

1.11 Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to Canada's implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by working in partnership with organizations to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs include goals such as no poverty, decent work and economic growth, and climate action. The objective of the SDGs Funding Program is to increase public awareness of the SDGs, support new partnerships to advance action, and identify and implement innovative initiatives to drive domestic progress on the SDGs. Through grants and contributions, the government will support and leverage the work of stakeholders, including not-for-profit organizations, provinces and territories, municipalities, academia, the private sector, Indigenous peoples, women, youth, and vulnerable and/or marginalized populations to advance Canada's implementation of the United Nations 2030 Agenda, with the aim of leaving no one behind. The Program will support innovative projects and initiatives that are horizontal in nature, and contribute to the achievement of multiple SDGs. The Program is intended to complement existing Government of Canada efforts by supporting priorities and initiatives related to the 2030 Agenda that do not fall under existing departmental programs.

2. Pensions and benefits

Description

Departmental results

Program mapping

2.1 Canada Disability Savings Program

The objective of the program is to encourage long-term savings to help ensure the financial security of persons with severe and prolonged disabilities by providing Government of Canada incentives (grants and bonds) to open and contribute to a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP). The grant and bond respond to long-standing and ongoing needs identified by persons with disabilities, their families, and organizations supporting them to reduce barriers to saving for the future. The Canada Disability Savings Grant is a limited matching grant up to $3,500 a year that the government deposits into a RDSP to match contributions to the plan. Grants may be paid into a plan until the end of the calendar year in which the beneficiary turns 49 years old. The limit is $70,000 of grants over the beneficiary's lifetime. In addition, the Government will deposit a Canada Disability Savings Bond of up to $1,000 a year into the RDSPs of low and modest-income Canadians. The limit is $20,000 in bonds over the beneficiary's lifetime. There is no annual RDSP contribution limit, but there is a maximum lifetime contribution limit of $200,000. No contributions are necessary to receive a bond. Bonds may be paid into a plan until the end of the calendar year in which the beneficiary turns 49 years old.

2.2 Canada Pension Plan

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a contributory social insurance program under joint federal and provincial stewardship. The CPP provides eligible contributors and their families with modest income replacement in the event of retirement, disability or death. It is funded by contributions from employees, employers, self-employed individuals, and revenue from investments. The plan covers all workers in Canada outside Quebec, where the Quebec Pension Plan offers comparable benefits. The retirement pension, the CPP's main benefit, replaces 25.00% of career average pensionable earnings. This amount will gradually increase to 33.33% by 2065 as a result of the CPP Enhancement which started in 2019. The monthly retirement pension amount also depends on the age at which a beneficiary begins receiving it. To be eligible, at least 1 contribution to the Plan must have been made. Working beneficiaries can also increase retirement income through the CPP's Post Retirement Benefit. The Canada CPP Disability pension and Post-retirement Disability benefit provide eligible contributors with partial income replacement in the event of severe and prolonged disability. In the event of the death of a contributor, the CPP also provides a one-time death benefit to the estate of an eligible contributor and a monthly survivor's pension to their spouse or common-law partner. The CPP also provides monthly flat-rate children's benefits for dependent children of deceased and disabled contributors.

2.3 Old Age Security

The Old Age Security (OAS) program is the Government of Canada's largest program. Its objective is to ensure a minimum income for seniors and contribute to their income replacement in retirement. It is funded by general tax revenues. The program includes 3 benefits: the OAS pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Allowances. The OAS pension is a monthly payment to all Canadians aged 65 or older who meet the residence and legal status requirements. To be eligible for the pension, an individual must have resided in Canada for at least 10 years after the age of 18. The OAS pension can be deferred by up to 5 years, from age 65 to 70, in exchange for higher monthly payments. The GIS provides additional assistance to OAS pensioners with little or no income. Eligibility to the GIS is based on the marital status and the annual individual net income in the case of singles, and annual combined net income in the case of spouses/common-law partners. The Allowances provide benefits to low-income 60- to 64-year-old individuals who are either the spouse or common-law partner of a GIS recipient (the Allowance), or who are a widow/widower (the Allowance for the Survivor). The GIS and Allowances are income-tested to ensure that the highest benefits are paid to the lowest-income seniors. In order to ensure the efficient delivery of OAS benefits, Service Canada works with Public Services and Procurement Canada, Canada Post and banks to coordinate the financial transfers of benefit payments to OAS recipients.

3. Learning skills development and employment

Description

Departmental results

Program mapping

Skills and employment

Skills and Employment Programs are intended to ensure that Canadian labour market participants are able to access the supports that they need to enter or reposition themselves in the labour market to allow them to contribute to economic growth through full labour market participation. Initiatives within these programs contribute to the common overall objectives of promoting skills development, labour market participation and ensuring labour market efficiency.

3.1 Canada Education Savings Program

The Government of Canada encourages the financing of children's post-secondary education (PSE) through savings, from early childhood, in Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP). These savings can be used to offset the costs of PSE, which includes full- or part-time studies at trade school, CEGEP, college, university, or apprenticeship program. The Canada Education Savings Program administers 2 federal education savings incentives to encourage saving in RESPs: the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG), and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB). The CESG provides 20 percent on the first $2,500 in personal contributions made to a RESP each year. An additional amount of the CESG, 10 or 20 percent on the first $500 of personal contributions, is available depending on family net income and number of children. The CESG is available until the end of the calendar year in which the child turns 17 years of age. The maximum amount of CESG is $7,200. The CLB is available for children born in or after 2004 from low-income families or under the care of a public trustee. It provides an initial payment of $500 into a RESP plus $100 for each subsequent year of eligibility, up to age 15. No personal contributions are required to receive the CLB. Eligible beneficiaries who are 18 to 20 years old and who have not received the CLB may open a RESP and request the CLB retroactively before they turn 21.

3.2 Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Part of the Government's Covid19 Economic Response Plan, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) provided a taxable benefit of $2000 every 4 weeks for up to 28 weeks to eligible workers who had stopped working or whose work hours were reduced due to Covid19. Canadian residents who were at least 15 years old and had employment or self-employment income of at least $5000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to application were eligible for the CERB. To deliver payments to Canadians in a fast and easy way, the CERB was jointly delivered by Service Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency on an attestation basis.

3.3 Canada Recovery Benefits

3 recovery benefits provided temporary income support to Canadian workers unable to work for reasons related to COVID-19 : the Canada Recovery Benefit, for those who were not eligible for EI and were not employed or self-employed for reasons related to COVID-19 or had their employment/self-employment income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19; the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, for workers who were unable to work because they were sick or had to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have underlying conditions that made them more susceptible to COVID-19; and, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit, for workers who were unable to work because they had to care for a child or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities were closed due to COVID-19, or because the child or family member was sick and/or required to quarantine or was at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19. These benefits were administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of Employment and Social Development Canada.

3.4 Canada Service Corps (CSC)

The Canada Service Corps (CSC) is a nationally delivered Grants and Contributions program with the objective of promoting civic engagement among Canadian youth, particularly Indigenous and under-served youth. It creates and facilitates access to volunteer service opportunities for youth that help them gain essential life skills and experience. By empowering youth to engage in service, CSC supports the creation of a national movement whereby youth become active citizens within communities across Canada. These unique service opportunities allow youth to: be leaders; learn new skills; grow personal and professional networks; become active citizens; and gain valuable life experience that they carry through into later stages of life. CSC funds organizations to undertake volunteer service opportunities that allow youth to serve and benefit communities across Canada as well as micro-contributions that support the implementation of small-scale youth-led projects and innovative community service ideas.

3.5 Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and Canada Apprentice Loan

The Canada Student Financial Assistance (CSFA) Program and Canada Apprentice Loan (CAL) promote access to post-secondary education and to apprenticeship training. The CSFA Program reduces financial barriers to post-secondary education by providing repayable and non-repayable student financial assistance to students, including those from low- and middle-income families, students with dependents, students with disabilities, and part-time students. The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of student financial assistance to help post-secondary students in achieving their educational goals and, ultimately, succeeding as contributing members of a productive workforce. The CSFA Program also offers repayment assistance for borrowers who experience difficulty repaying their loans, loan forgiveness in the event of severe permanent disability or death of a qualified borrower, and loan forgiveness for doctors and nurses working in underserved rural or remote areas.

CAL offers federal loans to apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade to help with the cost of technical training. Apprentices have access to assistance if they experience financial difficulty in repaying their loans. These loans complement an existing suite of government supports for apprentices. This additional support helps registered apprentices with short-term expenses (tuition, relocation expenses).

3.6 Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit

The CWLB was announced in October 2021 and became law on December 17, 2021.

The CWLB provided temporary income support of $300 ($270 after taxes withheld) per week to workers in designated lockdown regions who earned at least $5,000 in 2020 or the 12 month period prior to applying, and, due to the COVID-19 lockdown measures in their region: lost their job and were unemployed; were self-employed, but unable to continue their work; or were employed or self-employed but had a 50% reduction in average weekly income as compared to the previous year.

Eligible workers were required to apply for the benefit for each one-week period that they are affected by lockdown measures in a designated region. While the CWLB was available to both Employment Insurance (EI) eligible and non-EI eligible workers, claimants could not receive both benefits at the same time. Workers in a lockdown region had up to 60 days from the end of the period for which they are applying to make an application.

The benefit was available between October 24, 2021, and May 7, 2022, and was administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on behalf of Employment and Social Development Canada.

3.7 Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy

The skilled trades are vital to our economy, however, new apprenticeship registrations are not sufficient to fill the anticipated job vacancies over the next decade, if the participation rate stayed consistent.

The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy (CAS) provides funding to support people and organizations to undertake projects that: 1) promote the skilled trades as a good career option; 2) develop initiatives to help Canadians explore, prepare for, participate and succeed in apprenticeship; 3) help employers and unions to participate in apprenticeship; and 4) develop innovative tools and approaches to better prepare pre-apprentices, apprentices and journeypersons - including those from equity-deserving groups - for the jobs of tomorrow.

3.8 Community Workforce Development Program (CWDP)

The Community Workforce Development Program supports communities to develop local plans that identify high growth areas and connect employers with training providers to upskill and reskill jobseekers to fill current and emerging jobs in demand. It will test innovative community-based approaches to help communities recover and improve resiliency through workforce planning and skills training that aims to address regional and national priorities. The program will contribute towards strengthening local economic diversification efforts with a focus on addressing the needs of under-represented groups.

3.9 Employment Insurance

The Employment Insurance (EI) income support benefits provide eligible workers with temporary support to partially replace lost employment income. These benefits include regular and fishing benefits for eligible unemployed workers while they look for employment or upgrade their skills, and special benefits for workers who take time off due to specific life events (illness, pregnancy, to care for a newborn or newly adopted child, to provide care or support to a critically ill or injured family member or a family member requiring end of life care). EI income support benefits are delivered through a multi-channel service delivery model - online, by phone or in person - designed to meet the needs and preferences of clients.

3.10 Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities

The Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities (EF-OLMC) program aims to enhance the development and vitality of official language minority communities (OLMCs).

The EF-OLMC program currently provides funding to a network of 14 organizations across Canada to help OLMCs strengthen their capacity in the areas of human resource and community economic development, and by promoting collaboration at all levels, including federal partners. The EF-OLMC Program is 1 of the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada's main programs that supports meeting its legal obligations under the Official Language Act (OLA) to enhance the vitality of OLMCs. In line with the spirit of the OLA, the EF-OLMC program is centered on the ‘by and for' approach, supporting OLMC organizations to identify and respond to the needs of their communities.

The EF-OLMC program has been a contributor to the Government of Canada's Official Action Plans, including the current version: Action Plan for Official Languages 2023 to 2028: Protection-Promotion-Collaboration.

3.11 Foreign Credential Recognition Program

The Foreign Credential Recognition Program is a contributions program that supports the labour market integration of skilled newcomers through: enhancing foreign credential recognition processes; providing loans and support services to help qualified newcomers navigate the foreign credential recognition processes; and providing employment supports to help skilled newcomers gain Canadian work experience in their field of study and fully use their talents. The objective of the Program is to support skilled newcomers and reduce barriers that keep them from fully participating in the Canadian labour market.

3.12 Future Skills

Disruptive factors (for example, artificial intelligence, new business models, and unforeseen events) are changing on-the-job expectations for workplaces. In February 2019, Future Skills was launched to ensure that Canada's skills policies and programs adapt and keep up with the pace of change to meet jobseekers', workers' and employers' evolving needs. Working with provinces and territories, private sector, labour, educational and training institutions, not-for-profit, and Indigenous organizations to adopt proven practices, Future Skills helps ensure that Canadians are prepared for jobs of the future. Future Skills includes: a Ministerial advisory Council of multi-sectoral leaders to advise on skills and workforce trends, identify and mobilize action on areas of pan-Canadian significance; an independent Centre that identifies emerging in-demand skills, and prototypes, tests, and evaluates innovative approaches to skills assessment and development; and an Office to provide a secretariat function to the Council, liaise with the Centre, and establish working partnerships across the federal government, and with provincial and territorial governments. This is done through the Forum of Labour Market Ministers to support the broader adoption of best practices and advice stemming from the initiative. Future Skills includes a focus on the inclusion of under-represented and disadvantaged groups so all Canadians can benefit from emerging opportunities. The Council concluded their membership in June 2021. Their report "Canada - A Learning Nation", released in November 2020, is accessible on Canada.ca.

3.13 Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program

The ISET Program aims to help reduce the skills and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people by providing Indigenous people with opportunities to develop and improve their skills and attain employment. The Program funds and supports a network of Indigenous agreement holders (service delivery providers) across Canada that design and deliver a full suite of skills development and employment training and supports targeting all Indigenous people. Co-developed with Indigenous partners, the Program is founded on a distinctions-based approach to better meet the needs of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban/Non-affiliated Indigenous people. The Program is linked to the Employment Insurance (EI) Act, which enables Indigenous organizations to deliver programs similar to those established by Part II of the EI Act. The Program supports labour market obligations specified in Treaty and Self Government Agreements that are in place with Indigenous groups. It also supports the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 7 to develop with Indigenous groups a joint strategy to eliminate educational and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians. In Canada, Indigenous Peoples have historically experienced significantly higher unemployment, lesser educational attainment and lower literacy and essential skills levels.

3.14 Job Bank

Commissioned by the Employment Insurance Act, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) delivers the National Employment Service on behalf of the Canada Employment Insurance Commission.

As part of the National Employment Service, Job Bank is a free to use and bilingual platform which is co-delivered with provincial and territorial governments. Job Bank provides a listing of job opportunities across Canada. Job seekers can use Job Bank and its various job searching tools (Job Search, Job Alerts, Job Match, Resume Builder and the Job Bank mobile app) to find suitable employment. Employers can use Job Bank to post their job vacancies and find qualified candidates. Job Bank supports the delivery of other ESDC employment programs and works with private job boards to increase the diversity of jobs that it can offer.

The National Employment Service also produces a wide range of labour market information (LMI) products (including wage and outlook reports, occupational and sectoral profiles, news, and economic reports) in collaboration with other orders of government and industry experts. These products provide a common framework for understanding and providing services related to the Canadian labour market. In addition, the dissemination of LMI and the provision of LMI tools facilitate exploration of the Canadian labour market and informed decision making related to careers, education, training and hiring.

3.15 Labour Market Development Agreements

Labour Market Development Agreements fund programs and services to help Canadians find and return to work. These agreements provide funding to design and deliver Employment Benefits and Support Measures. Employment Benefits provide eligible participants skills development, self-employment support and wage subsidies; while Support Measures, such as Employment Assistance Services (for example, employment counselling, job search assistance, needs assessments) are available to all workers. This program is funded through Part II of the Employment Insurance Act. Provinces and territories work with employers and other stakeholders in their jurisdictions to inform priority setting and program delivery.

3.16 Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities helps reduce skills and employment gaps between persons with disabilities and those without disabilities. This program helps persons with disabilities, particularly those who are further from the labour market, to find and keep good jobs, advance in their careers, or become entrepreneurs. The program also supports persons with disabilities who are already employed to advance in their careers. Projects funded by the program provide skills and pre-employability training, self-employment activities, job placements, and a range of other wrap-around supports. Third-party organizations in the community deliver this program.

The program also funds projects that help employers hire and retain persons with disabilities and create more inclusive and accessible workplaces, as well as projects that help to increase the supply, capacity, and reach of individuals and organizations that work to support disability inclusion and accessibility in employment, including by ensuring smooth transitions and long-term retention. The program is a key vehicle for the implementation of the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities.

3.17 Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP)

The objective of the SWSP is to help employers and workers by supporting key sectors of the economy develop and implement solutions to address current and emerging workforce needs.

The SWSP funds organizations to deliver sectoral projects that focus on a range of industry-driven activities such as training and reskilling workers, helping employers retain and attract a skilled and diverse workforce and other creative solutions to help sectors address labour market needs. This will help employers find skilled workers and connect Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs in key sectors. It will also support equity-deserving groups by promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and providing wrap-around supports as needed to those facing barriers to participation.

3.18 Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship (Red Seal Program)

The Program is a partnership between the federal government, the provinces and territories (who are responsible for apprenticeship training and trade certification in their jurisdictions), and industry, to develop national standards and examinations for each of the designated Red Seal trades. The department sponsors the Secretariat services for the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship which is responsible for the oversight of the Red Seal Program. The Red Seal endorsement promotes excellence to employers, instills pride in skilled workers, and facilitates labour mobility.

3.19 Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF)

The Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF) is a partnership and project-based program that funds partnerships between Indigenous organizations and industry employers to provide skills training for Indigenous peoples linked to economic opportunities at the local, regional and national level. SPF has the flexibility to adjust to government priorities and address emerging economic opportunities.

SPF aims to reduce the skills and employment gaps that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and increase Indigenous participation in the labour market by ensuring Indigenous participants have improved skills and employment opportunities. SPF focuses on training Indigenous people for industry-identified, specific jobs that align with emerging labour market needs and government priorities.

3.20 Skills for Success Program

The Skills for Success Program helps Canadians improve their foundational and transferable skills. The Program funds organizations to design and deliver skills training to develop assessment and training tools, and to conduct research to identify ways to help individuals improve their skills. Foundational and transferable skills training helps Canadians develop strong skills, become more resilient to labour market changes, and have better employment outcomes. Funded projects support all Canadians, including those facing barriers to employment, to improve their foundational and transferable skills. Successful projects funded under the Skills for Success Program could be expanded in other areas across Canada.

In addition, the Skills For Success program includes the Women's Employment Readiness Pilot Program, which is a two-year pilot ending on March 31, 2024. The pilot funds organizations to provide and test pre-employment and skills development models for multi-barriered women and works with employers to test models to improve workplace inclusivity. The results of the pilot program will be used to inform systemic changes to skills and employment programs to better serve the unique needs of women.

3.21 Student Work Placement Program (SWP)

The SWP Program funds a variety of work placements for post-secondary students in all academic disciplines. Student work placements help students to develop the "work-ready" skills that Canadian employers are looking for.

The SWP Program supports 2 types of work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities.

Student work placements funded by the Program vary in length and intensity to accommodate the needs of student participants and employers. The Program supports third party sector-based organizations to build partnerships between post-secondary education (PSE) institutions and employers, to better align learning and demand. The majority of Program funding supports wage subsidies for employers to create new WIL opportunities for students. Employers are eligible to receive 50% of wages (up to $5,000) for a standard placement. Increased wage subsidies of 70% (up to $7,000) encourage employers to hire students in under-represented groups and first-year students. Under-represented groups are defined as: Women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), Indigenous students, Persons with Disabilities, visible minorities, and Newcomers.

3.22 Supports for Student Learning

The Supports for Student Learning Program aims to bridge gaps in educational attainment, address systemic inequities and create academic opportunities for youth, particularly for students who may face greater barriers to education.

The Supports for Student Learning Program includes 2 program streams to support learners facing barriers.

The Supports for Student Learning Program aims to reach students who may face greater barriers to education. This includes (but is not limited to): Indigenous students, visible minority and racialized students, students living with disabilities, students living in a low-income household, and students identifying as 2SLGBTQ+.

3.23 Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The objective of the TFWP is to provide Canadian employers with access to temporary foreign workers when qualified Canadians or permanent residents are not available and to help ensure that foreign workers are protected. The Program is jointly administered by 3 departments: Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC); Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The TFW Program operates under the authority of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations (IRPR). ESDC works closely with IRCC, CBSA and the provinces and territories to monitor and share information related to the integrity of the Program. The Program administers a compliance regime, including inspections of worksites to help maintain program integrity and to help protect foreign workers. Service Canada conducts Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA) for employers applying to hire temporary foreign workers.

The LMIA provides an assessment of the likely impact of the hiring on the Canadian labour market, the genuineness of the job offer, and whether the employer has adhered to program requirements designed to improve the protection of workers and enhance program integrity. To participate in the Program, employers also commit to a number of key worker protection measures, such as paid return airfare and a commitment to help with affordable housing.

3.24 Workforce Development Agreements

The Workforce Development Agreements provide individuals and employers with skills training and employment programs through bilateral agreements with provinces and territories. These agreements support individuals with weaker labour force attachment in finding employment and include funding for programs for persons with disabilities, with a focus on supporting members of underrepresented groups such as Indigenous peoples, youth, older workers, and newcomers to Canada. Provinces and territories work with employers and other stakeholders in their jurisdictions to inform priority setting and program delivery.

3.25 Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS)

The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) is a horizontal Government of Canada initiative led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and delivered in partnership with federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations. The YESS aims to provide a flexible approach to employment services, including enhanced supports that are tailored to the individual needs of youth (aged 15-30). In particular, programming focuses on youth facing multiple barriers to employment by providing the opportunity to gain work experience and develop the skills they need to find and keep quality jobs. The Strategy offers a diverse range of programs, including Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ), a wage subsidies program that supports employers across Canada to create summer employment opportunities for youth.

YESS implements its program by providing funding to third-party organisations to deliver a range of activities that help young people overcome barriers to employment and acquire a wide range of skills and knowledge to participate meaningfully in the current and future labour market.

4. Work conditions and relations

Description

Departmental results

Program mapping

4.1 Federal Workers' Compensation

The Federal Workers' Compensation Service (FWCS) of the Labour Program (Minister of Labour) is responsible for administering the Government Employee Compensation Act (GECA). The Act provides compensation benefits such as medical expenses, treatments, and wage replacement to federal employees for workplace injuries and occupational illnesses. Based on Service Agreements with the Minister of Labour, the provincial workers' compensation boards (WCBs) are responsible for the adjudication of workers' compensation claims for federal government employees, for providing benefits and services such as payment of medical expenses, wage replacement, and for facilitating return to work. Once claims are adjudicated, WCBs charge the Labour Program for claim related costs plus administration fees. The Labour Program recovers these costs from employers from which the claims occurred. Federal government employers must provide all their employees with a safe work environment and deal with workplace injuries in a timely manner. Where an occupational injury or illness requiring professional medical care (beyond first aid) occurs, employers are expected to report that injury or illness within 3 days of being made aware. Employees covered by the GECA have the responsibility to work with their employer, their WCB and FWCS as they submit their claim for compensation and work towards their recovery and reintegration back into the workplace.

4.2 International Labour Affairs

This program seeks to protect Canadian workers and employers from unfair competition from other countries with poor labour standards or lax labour law enforcement. The program negotiates international labour standards that reflect Canadian values and oversees Canada's participation in international labour forums. This program also promotes fundamental labour rights domestically and internationally to support equitable growth and social stability in developing countries, protect human rights and contribute to reducing the growing global divide between rich and poor. The program negotiates and implements the labour provisions of free trade agreements (LPFTAs) and provides technical assistance to developing partner countries.

4.3 Labour Relations

The Labour Relations Program (LRP), which includes the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), promotes cooperative labour relations between unions and employers in federally regulated workplaces. This encompasses: banking; telecommunications; broadcasting; air, interprovincial rail, road and pipeline transportation; shipping; uranium mining; grain handling; along with workplaces in the territories, aboriginal public administration and some Crown Corporations. Section 70.1 of the Canada Labour Code gives the service responsibility for assisting employers and unions in the negotiation and renewal of collective agreements and the management of relations resulting from their implementation. Other program activities include: mediation and conciliation assistance to parties to resolve collective bargaining disputes; dispute prevention skills training; facilitation services; grievance mediation; research and analysis to produce information and provide advice to the Minister of Labour on a range of industrial relations issues; and mediation assistance to artists and producers in the negotiation of scale agreements under the Status of the Artist Act.

4.4 Labour Standards

This program seeks to support fair and equitable workplaces through the administration and enforcement of labour standards (Part III of the Canada Labour Code) that define minimum conditions of employment in the federal jurisdiction. The program also develops educational materials to assist employers, employees and interns understand their obligations and rights, and responds to questions regarding labour standards. investigates complaints of possible violations of Part III, responds to contraventions with compliance and enforcement tools, including Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) where necessary. The program officers conduct proactive inspections of employer records to verify compliance, while targeting those employers with a history of non-compliance. The Canadian Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) contributes to the dispute resolution process when it becomes necessary to hear unjust dismissal complaints, complaints related to reprisals, complaints related to genetic testing, and wage recovery appeals.

4.5 Occupational Health and Safety

The role of Labour Program is to encourage, facilitate and monitor employer compliance with Part II (Occupational Health and Safety) of the Canada Labour Code and its Regulations, and respond to instances of non-compliance to ensure that workplaces in the federal jurisdiction are safe and healthy. The Labour Program conducts proactive inspections of workplaces to monitor compliance with the Code, and conducts reactive investigations of hazardous occurrences, refusals to work and safety complaints in response to injuries, fatalities and safety complaints. The Labour Program ensures that workplaces are safe and able to keep up with the demands of the evolving workforce through the development of and amendments to legislation and regulations under Part II of the Code and the Non-Smokers' Health Act. The workplace parties have a major role to play in taking steps to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. The Labour Program has an occupational health and safety compliance policy that includes promotion and awareness of the requirements of the legislation, as well as enforcement tools including Assurance of Voluntary Compliance, Directions, and Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMP). Where compliance cannot be achieved, prosecution (when AMP has not been used) may be initiated to deter future non-compliance. The introduction of Part IV of the Canada Labour Code and AMP Regulations provides an additional tool to obtain compliance with Part II of the Code and its regulations.

4.6 Wage Earner Protection Program

This program is designed to reduce the economic insecurity of Canadian workers who are owed unpaid wages and vacation, termination and severance pay when their employer files for bankruptcy or becomes subject to a receivership, or other Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) qualifying insolvency proceeding within the meaning of subsection 243(2) of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. Employees can receive a one-time payment of up to an amount equivalent to 7 times the maximum weekly insurable earnings under the Employment Insurance Act ($8,278.83 for 2023). Service Canada's delivery of the WEPP involves answering program queries by telephone, online, and at in-person points of service; collecting and processing applications; issuing decision letters; collecting and transferring requests for ministerial review; collecting and processing appeal requests; and monitoring claims for accuracy. Applicants who disagree with an initial eligibility decision can request a review by the Minister within 30 days from the date Service Canada informed them of the decision and file a request for appeal within 60 days from the date they were informed of the Ministerial review decision. When eligible individuals receive payments under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act (WEPPA), they sign over their rights as creditors of the employer to the federal government to the extent of the Program payment. The Federal Government seeks recovery of the amounts as a creditor of the employer in the bankruptcy or receivership process. Appeals, which are based solely on questions of law or jurisdiction, are submitted directly to the Canada Industrial Relations Board.

4.7 Workplace Equity

Workplace Equity comprises 3 programs. The Legislated Employment Equity Program (LEEP) promotes, supports, and enhances employment equity outcomes for 4 designated groups - women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities - in federally regulated private-sector employers, Crown corporations and other federal organizations that have 100 or more employees and fall under the Employment Equity Act. This involves collecting data on representation and pay gaps affecting the 4 designated groups. Data collected under LEEP will be published through Labour Program's upcoming data visualization website. The Federal Contractors Program (FCP) ensures that contractors who have a combined workforce in Canada of 100 or more employees and have received an initial federal government goods and services contract valued at $1 million or more achieve and maintain a workforce that is representative of the Canadian workforce. Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity is a grant and contribution program designed to support employers subject to the Employment Equity Act in their efforts to improve designated group representation in areas of low representation through the development of partnerships and industry-tailored strategies.

5. Information delivery and services on behalf of other departments

Description

Departmental results

Program mapping

5.1 Canadian Digital Service

The Canadian Digital Service builds reusable digital components for common service steps that any department can use to make it easier and less expensive to deliver better, more consistent services. It provides the hands-on help departments need to improve the user experience for Government of Canada services and accelerate project timelines; it influences government-wide efforts for change through the Government of Canada design system and drives changes to improve the fragmentation of delivery experience across government.

5.2 Citizen Service Network

The in-person service delivery network supports the delivery of Government of Canada services and information through a network of approximately 600 points of service across the country. Canadians can also request assistance by completing an eService Canada Request Form online on Canada.ca or calling the Service Canada Outreach Support Centre, a 1-800 toll-free service, which ensures access to service specifically for Indigenous communities and vulnerable clients who face barriers. The network provides information, application intake, and access support for programs and services. It supports clients with personalized assistance due to complex program needs or barriers to access; provides access support to digital platforms, including guiding clients to self-serve on computer workstations; helps clients with pathfinding by transferring to specialized call centres or redirecting to other levels of government; builds strong community relationships and supports effective partnering with other levels of government to help meet the needs of the most vulnerable clients.

5.3 Government of Canada Internet Presence

The Government of Canada Internet presence supports Canadians and the international public by providing easy, fast, reliable, secure and convenient access to information and services online. Through Service Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada is the principal publisher for a single Government of Canada website, Canada.ca. The site provides a common user experience, citizen-centric, theme-based content, and a search for all Government of Canada information. Canadians can locate detailed information on the programs and services offered through Employment and Social Development Canada, and on all Government of Canada programs and services. Canada.ca is part of the Federal Emergency Response Plan. The program is comprised of Canada.ca (central window to Government of Canada information and services), Social Media Account Management, and analytics across GC websites. Through Principal Publisher / the Government of Canada Internet Presence, departments and agencies across the Government of Canada are enabled to provide information as a service to the Canadian and international public.

5.4 Government of Canada Telephone General Enquiries Services

The Government of Canada telephone general enquiries services support Canadians through 1 800 O-Canada as well as Customized Information Services (CIS). 1 800 O-Canada provides a single point of contact for Canadians to access quick, up-to-date government information over the phone. It acts as the first point of contact for general information on all Government of Canada programs, services, initiatives and events including public consultation and citizen engagement activities; it supports key government priorities and messaging, including those outlined in the Budget and Speech from the Throne; and it supports the Government's communication needs in crisis situations. CIS provide support to Canadians on behalf of other Government of Canada departments that require a service delivery partner to meet their communication needs which includes ongoing requirements, targeted campaigns, and temporary needs in crisis situations. Canadians who require specialized or client-specific information are connected to, or are directed to, appropriate online resources, program call centres or in-person resources. CIS are delivered on a cost recovery basis.

5.5 Passport

Through Service Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada delivers the Passport program on behalf of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Service Canada is the provider of domestic passport service delivery within Canada through multiple service delivery channels (in person at a Service Canada Centre, at Service Canada Centre-Passport Services, at select Service Canada Scheduled Outreach sites, by mail or through the Passport Call Centre). Service delivery includes provision of information, intake of applications, validation of identity, production of passports and their distribution to eligible applicants, on time and error free.

5.6 Service Delivery Partnerships

This program encompasses services delivered to the public by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for partners, as well as services to the public delivered by partners for ESDC. Partners include federal institutions, provinces and territories, municipalities, specified indigenous organizations and non-profit corporations or public bodies that perform a function for a previously mentioned partner. Service delivery partnerships include, but are not limited to: the delivery of assistance to Canadians, provision of basic and detailed program and service information, application intake and review, client authentication, validation of identity documents, processing and issuance of payments, quick and direct access to specialized agents, and provision of boardroom or office space in the In-Person service delivery network.

6. Internal services

Internal services constitute groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are management and oversight services, communications services, legal services, human resources management services, financial management services, information management services, information technology services, real property services, materiel services, acquisition services, and travel and other administrative services. Internal services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

6.1 Management and Oversight Services

Management and oversight services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction and allocating resources among services and processes, as well as those activities related to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, or plans.

6.2 Communications Services

Communications services involve activities undertaken to ensure that Government of Canada communications are effectively managed, well-coordinated and responsive to the diverse information needs of the public. The communications management function ensures that the public- internal or external- receives government information, and that the views and concerns of the public are taken into account in the planning, management and evaluation of policies, programs, services and initiatives.

6.3 Legal Services

Legal services involve activities undertaken to enable government departments and agencies to pursue policy, program and service delivery priorities and objectives within a legally sound framework.

6.4 Human Resources Management Services

Human resources management services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction, allocating resources among services and processes, as well as activities relating to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and plans.

6.5 Financial Management Services

Financial management services involve activities undertaken to ensure the prudent use of public resources, including planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, control and oversight, analysis, decision support and advice, and financial systems.

6.6 Information Management Services

Information management services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective information management to support program and service delivery; foster informed decision-making; facilitate accountability, transparency, and collaboration; and preserve and ensure access to information and records for the benefit of present and future generations.

6.7 Information Technology Services

Information technology services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective use of information technology to support government priorities and program delivery, to increase productivity, and to enhance services to the public.

6.8 Materiel Management Services

Materiel services involve activities undertaken to ensure that materiel can be managed by departments in a sustainable and financially responsible manner that supports the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

6.9 Acquisition Management Services

Acquisition services involve activities undertaken to acquire a good or service to fulfil a properly completed request (including a complete and accurate definition of requirements and certification that funds are available) until entering into or amending a contract.

6.10 Real Property Management Services

Real property management services involve activities undertaken to ensure that real property (for example, land and buildings) is managed in a sustainable and financially responsible manner throughout its life cycle to support the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

7. Travel and other administrative services

Travel and other administrative services include Government of Canada travel services, as well as those other internal services that do not fit smoothly in any of the internal services categories.

Classes of personal information

Provincial personal information supplied to ESDC

Employment and Social Development Canada may obtain provincial personal information pertaining to various programs administered by provinces if applicable information sharing agreements are in place.

Currently, ESDC has information sharing agreements with the provinces whereby ESDC exchanges Employment Insurance data with selected interested provinces in return for data on social assistance. The Canada Social Transfer supports social assistance programs, which are administered by provinces and territories.

In the course of carrying out EI-related policy analysis, research and evaluation activities, departmental Project Authorities may make use of personal information pertaining to provincial social assistance recipients that is collected in accordance with applicable provincial laws and made available to ESDC by various provinces. This personal information may include, for example, age, gender, marital and/or family status, number of dependents, benefits paid and other sources of income. All such provincially collected personal information is transmitted securely to the Data Development Unit of ESDC, where it is anonymized. The ESDC Project Authorities who are provided access to the anonymized information for their approved/authorized Policy Analysis, Research and Evaluation activities are not able to identify individuals.

The purpose of this personal information is to improve the effectiveness of EI programming and to ensure that federal labour market and labour-market-related income support policies and programs are developed and implemented in a manner consistent with national economic and social goals. Masked provincially collected and supplied social assistance administrative data may be shared with ESDC employees and their duly authorized contractors to undertake approved/authorized ESDC Policy Analysis, Research and Evaluation activities in support of this purpose.

Application Intake Service for Grants and Contribution-Funded Opportunities.

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) may collect limited personal information from applicants to opportunities supported by ESDC grants and contribution programs and share this information with the organizations offering those opportunities.

ESDC has a grants and contributions program that provides funding to organizations to create opportunities for youth. ESDC provides a platform for funded organizations to post opportunities on Government of Canada webpages.

Organizations using this platform may choose to allow applicants to provide personal information to them through this secure platform, to facilitate communication with the applicants. This information may include, for example, the applicant's name, age range, phone number and/or email address.

All decisions about applicants are made by the organizations, not ESDC. ESDC does not use this information for any administrative purpose. ESDC program officers may access anonymized information for Policy Analysis, Research and Evaluation Activities.

List of applicable programs/activities:

Manuals

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)

Service Canada

Additional information

Access to Information and Privacy

The Access to Information and Privacy Division is responsible for the administration of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act throughout the ESDC portfolio, including the Labour Program and Service Canada.

Access to Information and Privacy

Submit a request for information

Note: The Access to Information and Privacy Division is responsible for processing requests received under the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act only for records held by Employment and Social Development Canada, which includes the Labour Program and Service Canada. These requests should be forwarded to the following:

Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator

Employment and Social Development Canada
Phase IV, Level 12, Mail stop 1203
140 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau QC  K1A 0J9
Telephone: 819-654-6972
Fax: 819-953-0659

Generic Mailbox: NC-COMM-ATIP-AIPRP-GD@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

For additional information about the programs and activities, visit the Employment and Social Development Canada website.

Completed Access to Information requests

ESDC provides a list of completed access to information requests online. All requests related to ESDC, Service Canada, Labour, and the Canada Employment Insurance Commission are processed by ESDC and are included in these statistics.

Privacy Impact Assessments

To assure Canadians that privacy principles are being taken into account when there are proposals for, and during the design, implementation and evolution of programs and services that raise privacy issues by:

Privacy Impact Assessments provide a framework to ensure that privacy is considered throughout the design or re-design of programs or services. The assessments will identify the extent to which proposals comply with the provisions of the Privacy Act, regulations and Treasury Board Directive on Privacy Impact Assessment. Assessments assist managers and decision-makers to avoid or mitigate privacy risks and promote fully informed policy, program and system design choices.

Public summaries: Privacy impact reports

Subsection 5(2) of the Privacy Act requires government institutions to notify individuals of the intended uses, consistent uses and disclosure of personal information when it is being collected. To complement this requirement and to promote a broader understanding of how privacy issues related to the program or service have been addressed, institutions must make summaries of the results of their Privacy Assessments available to the public.

Privacy Impact Assessments 2012 to 2019

Before 2012
2012 to 2013
2013 to 2014
2014 to 2015
2015 to 2016
2016 to 2017
2017 to 2018
2018 to 2019

Privacy Impact Assessments 2019 to 2024

2019 to 2020
2020 to 2021
2021 to 2022
2022 to 2023
2023 to 2024

Contracts and Information Sharing Agreements (ISAs) implemented since October 26, 2022

Contracts:

2022 to 2023

Annual Participant Survey of the Canada Service Corps (CSC) Participants to Support the Evaluation of the CSC Program

Summary

The aim of this survey is to gain a better understanding of the impacts of your volunteer service placement and/or youth-led project. This survey should take approximately 15 minutes or less to complete.

The organization you volunteered with or received micro-grant funding from had received funding through the Canada Service Corps (CSC) program which is delivered by Employment and Social Development Canada. Ference & Company, an independent research company, has been hired by Employment and Social Development Canada to conduct this survey about your experience.

Capacity on Demand for Human Resources Services

Summary

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) seeks to award an "as and when requested" contract that satisfies the department's need for:

Evaluation of Soft Skills Development Outcomes of Students participating in the Outbound Student Mobility Pilot

Summary

The Outbound Student Mobility Pilot (OSMP) is a program under the Supports for Student Learning Program (SSLP). The SSLP aims to bridge gaps in education attainment, build competencies, and create education opportunities for youth in Canada. The SSLP funds a variety of youth-serving organizations to provide supplemental supports (financial and non-financial) needed to empower students to gain in-demand skills and to increase school completion rates. Within the SSLP, the OSMP creates opportunities for college and undergraduate university students to study and/or work abroad in order to develop transferable skills.

This contract is to evaluate the extent to which students who have received funding through the OSMP, also branded as the Global Skills Opportunity (GSO), have developed soft skills and intercultural competencies through their participation in study and/or work abroad. The acquisition of soft skills is a desired outcome and key progress indicator of the OSMP and is considered to be linked to OSMP ultimate outcomes, such as improved labour market outcomes.

Future Skills evaluation

Summary

The Evaluation Directorate of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) conducted an evaluation of the Future Skills Program. Phoenix has been contracted on behalf of ESDC to conduct the key informant interviews in support of this evaluation. The views will help ESDC better understand the successes and challenges associated with the Future Skills Program.

2023 to 2024

Information Sharing Agreements (ISA)

2022 to 2023

Passport Service Delivery in Canada - Between Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Summary

Some data elements are collected from the passport application form, as they relate to the applicant and the child when applicable, by the Minister of IRCC to determine the applicant's identity, eligibility to passport services and current and/or ongoing entitlement to a passport. These data may be used by IRCC Passport Entitlement and Investigation Division for review and/or subsequently as part of an investigation and/ or referral to law enforcement.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program Information Sharing Agreement - Between the Crown in right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Employment and Social Development (ESDC) and The Crown in right of Northwest Territories (NWT) as represented by the Minister Responsible for Education, Culture and Employment and Minister Responsible for Workers' Safety and Compensation Commission.

Summary

This Information Sharing Agreement establishes an administrative framework for the exchange of personal information between ESDC and NWT including all aspects of collection, use, disclosure, retention and destruction. The primary objectives of this agreement are to strengthen the protections for Canada's labour market and Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) as well as ensure the integrity of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This agreement will facilitate, where appropriate, the exchange of information that results from coordinated field inspections and/or investigation operations between ESDC and each of the Parties in order to support and/or enforce compliance with each Party's respective program mandates.

Respecting the Sharing of Information between the Department of Employment and Social Development (ESDC) and the Province of British Columbia represented by the British Columbia Ministry of Finance regarding Employment Insurance - Record of Employment and Employment Insurance - Emergency Response Benefit

Summary

The British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Finance wishes to obtain information held by the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) with respect to Employment Insurance – Emergency Response Benefit (EI-ERB) and Employment Insurance - Record of Employment (EI-ROE). BC Ministry of Finance requires this information for the purpose of administering and enforcing the BC Income Tax Act, and more specifically, the BC Emergency Benefit for Workers.

For the Education Savings referral Service

Summary

The Department of Employment and Social Development Minister and the Department (collectively referred to as ESDC) are responsible for human resources and skills development in Canada, the social development of Canada and for developing, managing, and delivering social programs and services on behalf of the Government of Canada. ESDC has established the Education Savings Referral Service (ESR Service) provided via Service Ontario's online birth registration service for the purposes of facilitating the first contact between an individual and the Promoter of the individual's choice offering Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP) and the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and Canada Learning Bond (CLB). The purpose of this process is for the Promoter to assist the individual in deciding whether to make an appointment to further discuss and obtain details about opening a RESP and requesting the CESG or the CLB. Individuals that do not wish to use the online birth registration service for the purposes of the ESR Service may submit the required information via ESDC's Client Services Centre. As part of the ESR Service, ESDC will disclose required personal information to the Promoter, as outlined in this Agreement.

2023 to 2024

Reading room

In accordance with the Access to Information Act and Privacy Act, an area on the premises will be made available should the applicant wish to review materials on site. The address is:

National Headquarters
Place du Portage, Phase IV, Level 12
140 Promenade du Portage,
Gatineau QC  K1A 0J9

Regional offices

To locate a Service Canada Office where you can access Info Source, visit the Service Canada website.

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