Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more

On this page

• 1. Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy
• 2. Skills and Partnership Fund
• 3. Youth Employment Strategy
• 4. Targeted Initiative for Older Workers
• 5. Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities
• 6. Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities
• 7. Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children
• 8. Canada Job Fund Agreements
• 9. Apprenticeship Grants
• 10. Literacy and Essential Skills
• 11. Foreign Credential Recognition Program
• 12. Sectoral Initiatives Program
• 13. First Nations Job Fund
• 14. Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities
• 15. Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program – Interest Payments and Liabilities
• 16. Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program – Direct Financing Arrangement
• 17. Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program – Canada Student Grants Program
• 18. Canada Education Savings Program
• 19. Pathways to Education Canada
• 20. Wage Earner Protection Program
• 21. Old Age Security Pension
• 22. Guaranteed Income Supplement
• 23. Allowances
• 24. Canada Disability Savings Program – Grants and Bonds
• 25. Homelessness Partnering Strategy
• 26. Enabling Accessibility Fund
• 27. Social Development Partnerships Program
• 28. New Horizons for Seniors Program
• 29. Universal Child Care Benefit

1. Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy

Name of transfer payment program: Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2010 

End date: March 31, 2017

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009–10 (with a minor amendment in December 2011 and 2013 and February 2016)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment Sub-Program 2.1.9: Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy

Description: Indigenous communities have historically experienced significantly higher rates of unemployment, lower rates of labour force participation and higher rates of social assistance than other Canadian communities. The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) aims to increase Indigenous participation in the Canadian labour market, ensuring that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people are engaged in sustainable, meaningful employment. Funding from the Strategy supports over 80 Indigenous service delivery organizations, which deliver employment and training services and supports through over 600 points of service across Canada. Specific attention is given to working with partners in the private sector, educational institutions and other levels of government in demand-driven labour markets. This program is linked to the Employment Insurance Act, which enables Indigenous groups to deliver programs similar to those established by Part II of the Act. The Strategy is also linked to the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative, which provides supports for childcare to assist Indigenous parents/caregivers accessing labour market programs. Currently, the Strategy supports labour market obligations specified in Treaty and Self-Government Agreements that are in place with some Indigenous groups. The ASETS network of agreement holders is used for the delivery of the First Nations Job Fund under the Income Assistance Reform. Transfer payments are managed through contribution agreements with Indigenous organizations.

ASETS is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Through pre-employment support, skills development and demand-driven job training, an increasing number of Indigenous people are employed and integrated into the Canadian labour market

Performance measure: Number of clients who obtained employment service intervention(s); 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year

Results achieved: Number of clients who obtained employment service intervention(s); 2015-16: Employed: 19,465 and Returned to school: 10,646.

Comment on variance: No significant variance.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The evaluation of Post-2016 Indigenous Labour Market Programming is scheduled to be completed in 2019-20.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: ESDC works with ASETS Agreement Holders throughout the life of their contribution agreement. In particular, the Department interacts on an on-going basis with Agreement Holders, from the development of the multi-year Strategic Business Plan to the review of annual plans, including mid-year discussions and ongoing communications at the regional level.

2. Skills and Partnership Fund

Name of transfer payment program: Skills and Partnership Fund (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2010

End date: March 31, 2021

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009–10 (with a minor amendment in December 2011, May 2014 and March 2016)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program:  Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program: 2.1.10: Skills and Partnership Fund

Description: As a complement to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, the Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF) supports over 80 short-term projects by Indigenous organizations and their private-sector and government partners. Funding recipients deliver supports and services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to help them develop the necessary skills and job training to secure jobs. This program focuses on emerging or untapped economic development opportunities to meet the needs of high-demand sectors, as well as areas with skills shortages. Attention is given to ensuring that partnerships are in place prior to project initiation and that the focus of projects are responsive to demonstrated need with supports in the areas of training-to-employment, skills development and service innovation. Currently, the SPF supports labour market obligations specified in various Treaty and Self-Government Agreements that are in place with some Indigenous groups. Transfer payments are managed through contribution agreements with Indigenous organizations.

The SPF is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Through partnership-based and project-specific skills development and employment training, an increasing number of Indigenous people are employed and integrated into the Canadian labour market

Performance measure: Number of clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s); 2015-16 Target: Baseline Year

Results achieved: Number of clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s); 2015-16: 1,766

Comment on variance: In 2015-16, transition funding of $16.5M has been allowed to support successful projects in priority sectors in order to preserve the continuity of the program, before the 2016-17 renewal. 

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: Building Indigenous Support for West Coast Projects Initiative - the Skills and Partnership Fund Review is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in 2016-17.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The SPF program authorities were extended to 2020-2021. The 2015–16 transition funding has supported 18 SPF projects in high priority sectors such as mining, energy, and shipbuilding. Engagement with industry/employer stakeholders continues to foster partnership and solid relationships with these partners.

3. Youth Employment Strategy

Name of transfer payment program: Youth Employment Strategy (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2003

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2015–16

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program:  Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.6: Youth Employment Strategy

Description The Youth Employment Strategy helps youth aged 15 to 30 gain the skills, knowledge, career information and work experience they need to find and maintain employment. YES is an Employment and Social Development Canada-led horizontal initiative involving 10 other federal departments and agencies that assists youth in making a successful transition to today’s changing labour market. YES has three program streams — Skills Link, Career Focus and Summer Work Experience, which includes Canada Summer Jobs. This program is delivered nationally, regionally and locally via contribution agreements.  

YES is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school.

Performance measure:

1. Number of clients served who have started one or more interventions within the current fiscal year. 2015–16 Target: 46,000
2. Number of clients employed or self-employed; 2015–16 Target: 6,000

Results achieved:

1. Number of clients served who have started one or more interventions within the current fiscal year. 2015–16: 42,279
2. Number of clients employed or self-employed; 2015–16: 5,469

Comment on variance: In fiscal year 2015-16, there were some delays in approving and implementing projects due to the federal election.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Youth Employment Strategy is in progress and is scheduled to be completed in 2019- 2020.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The Government of Canada engaged recipients via contribution agreements. Employment and Social Development Canada uses Calls for Proposals as the main mechanism to engage with partners.

4. Targeted Initiative for Older Workers

Name of transfer payment program: Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (Voted)

Start date: October 17, 2006

End date: March 31, 2017

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014–17

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.7: Targeted Initiative for Older Workers

Description: The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) is a federal-provincial/territorial cost-shared initiative that provides unemployed older workers (normally between the ages of 55 and 64) with employment assistance services, skills upgrading and work experience to re-integrate them into the workforce and/or increase their employability. The Initiative assists unemployed older workers in small communities of 250,000 or less that are experiencing high unemployment, significant downsizing/closures, unfulfilled employer demand and/or skills mismatches. Under this program, provinces and territories are responsible for identifying specific communities for participation in the Initiative, designing and delivering projects, and monitoring and reporting on projects. All projects must include employment assistance activities such as résumé writing, interview techniques, counselling and job search techniques and at least two employability improvement activities such as prior learning assessment, skills training, work experience or preparation for self-employment. The Government of Canada’s investment in the Initiative complements other funding provided through various labour market transfers to provinces and territories to support Canadians in receiving the training they need to secure employment, including the Canada Job Fund Agreements, Labour Market Development Agreements and Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities.

The TIOW is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Unemployed older workers in small communities have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences and opportunities they need to return to work and /or become more employable.

Performance measures:

1. Number of approved/extended TIOW projects; 2015-16.Target: Baseline Year
2. Number of clients targeted by provinces and territories for participation in TIOW project. 2015-16 Target: Baseline Year

Results achieved:

1. Number of approved/extended TIOW projects; 2015-16: 131
2. Number of clients targeted by provinces and territories for participation in TIOW project; 2015-16: 3,585

Comment on variance: The difference is due to a variety of factors, including delays with project implementation.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in 2016-17.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The TIOW is managed through bilateral federal-provincial/territorial agreements between the Government of Canada and each participating province and territory. Under these agreements, provinces and territories are responsible for targeting specific communities as well as designing, delivering, and implementing TIOW projects that meet their local labour market situations and client needs.

5. Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities

Name of transfer payment program: Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2004

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013–14

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.4: Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities

Description: In recognition of the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in the labour market, the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities (LMAPDs) are designed to improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities by enhancing their employability, increasing employment opportunities and demonstrating the best possible results for Canadians. This program transfers funds to provinces and territories under bilateral agreements (covering 50 percent of eligible costs, to a predetermined maximum) for programs and services. Provinces and territories agree to match the federal amount. As the needs of persons with disabilities may differ between jurisdictions, provinces and territories have flexibility to determine the design and delivery of programming in the following five priority areas: education and training; employment participation; employment opportunities; connecting employers and persons with disabilities; and building knowledge. These programs and services for persons with disabilities complement other provincial and territorial employment and skills training programs funded by the Government of Canada (for example, Labour Market Development Agreements and the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities).

These transfer payments are not repayable contributions.

Expected results: Improve the employment outcomes for persons with disabilities by enhancing their employability, increasing the employment opportunities and demonstrating the best possible results for Canadians.

Performance measure:

1. Number of provinces and territories with agreements in place; 2015-16 Target: 13
2. Number of clients served; 2015–16 Target: Baseline year due to program changes

Results achieved:

1. Number of provinces and territories with agreements in place; 2015-16: 13
2. Number of clients served; 2015-16: Not Available as there is a one year time lag in data availability. Historical results for 2014-15 is approximately 352,000*
   *Number of clients served is taken from provincial and territorial annual reports for 2014-15 that have been made available to date. ESDC is currently waiting for confirmation from two remaining jurisdictions of number of clients served. Additionally, in some cases, individual clients who have been served by more than one program funded through the LMAPD in a jurisdiction may have been counted more than once in the total.

Comment on variance: No variance

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Review of the Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities is scheduled to be completed in 2018-19.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The Government of Canada engaged provinces and territories through the bilateral governance structure set out in each agreement. Provinces and territories are responsible for engaging with employers, disability community organizations and persons with disabilities in their jurisdictions.

6. Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Name of transfer payment program: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2007

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014–15 

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment Sub-Program 2.1.5: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Description: The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities assists persons with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. It supports persons with disabilities in overcoming barriers to participation in the Canadian labour market, and it supports employers to hire persons with disabilities. This program supports a wide range of programs and services, including job search supports, skills development, wage subsidies and employer awareness initiatives to encourage employers to hire persons with disabilities. The Opportunities Fund is delivered across the country by Service Canada Centres, in partnership with organizations in the community.

These transfer payments are not repayable contributions.

Expected results: Persons with disabilities have enhanced their employability, obtained employment, become self-employed or returned to school.

Performance measure:

1. Number of clients with enhanced employability; 2015–16 Target: 4,700
2. Number of clients employed or self-employed; 2015–16 Target: 2,000

Results achieved:

1. Number of clients with enhanced employability; 2015–16: 3,133
2. Number of clients employed or self-employed; 2015–16: 1,950

Comment on variance: In fiscal year 2015-16, there were some delays in approving and implementing projects due to the federal election

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in 2017-18 (Phase 1) and 2019-20 (Phase 2).

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The Government of Canada engaged recipients via both national and regional contribution agreements. The Government of Canada regularly consults with employers and service providers to design and deliver programming for persons with disabilities to support enhanced employment outcomes.

7. Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children

Name of transfer payment program: Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children (Voted)

Start date: January 1, 2013

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012–13

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-Program 4.2.6: Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children

Description: The Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children is an income support grant available to eligible parents who have suffered a loss of income as a result of taking time away from work to cope with the death or disappearance of their child (or children) under the age of 18 as a result of a probable Criminal Code offence. 

This program is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results:

The financial burden on parents of children who are deceased or missing due to a probable Criminal Code offence and who take time away from work to cope with the tragic situation is eased.

Performance measures:

1. Proportion of successful applicants; 2015–16 Target: Not applicable
2. Average number of weeks paid per recipient; 2015–16 Target: Not applicable

Results achieved:

1. 2015-16 Results are not available as there is a time lag in the availability of data. Historical result for 2014-15 is 38%
2. 2015-16: Results are not available as there is a time lag in the availability of data. Historical result for 2014-15 is 29

Comment on variance: When the Parents of Murdered or Missing Children grant was launched on January 1, 2013; the forecast was based on available data and interdepartmental consultations. Despite ongoing efforts by ESDC since 2013 to increase public and stakeholder awareness of the grant, take-up continues to be lower than estimated. The program continues to engage key stakeholders while seeking opportunities to promote the Parents of Murdered or Missing Children grant. Awareness raising activities include encouraging partners to promote the program, engaging federal and provincial law enforcement agencies, and increasing awareness among missing children networks and victims’ support organizations.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Federal Income Support for Parents of Missing and Murdered Children is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in 2017-18.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Outreach activities to law enforcement agencies and victim stakeholder groups are ongoing to raise awareness of this income support among eligible families.

8. Canada Job Fund Agreements

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Job Fund Agreements (Voted, replacing the Labour Market Agreements)

Start date: April 1, 2014

End date: March 31, 2020

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014–15

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.3: Canada Job Fund Agreements

Description: The Canada Job Fund Agreements (CJFA) ensures direct employer involvement in training decisions and increase private-sector investment in the skills training system. The Government of Canada transfers funds to provinces and territories for them to deliver programs and services that aim to increase labour force participation and help Canadians develop the skills necessary to find and keep a job. This program consists of three program streams: the Canada Job Grant to encourage greater employer involvement and investment in training by providing financial assistance to employers on a cost-shared basis in order to help Canadians develop the skills needed for available jobs; employer-sponsored training to support employer involvement in and contribution to demand-driven training programs and incentives; and employment services and supports to enhance labour market participation of Canadians, with priority given to the unemployed ineligible for Employment Insurance benefits and to low-skilled employed workers. A separate six-year agreement was signed with Quebec that does not include the delivery of the Canada Job Grant, recognizing that the core principles behind the Canada Job Grant are already embedded in Quebec’s training system. Quebec’s new agreement, however, includes a commitment to strengthened reporting and accountability. These Agreements complement other provincial and territorial employment and skills training programs funded by the Government of Canada, for example, under the Labour Market Development Agreements and the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, and the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers. 

CJFAs are not repayable contributions

Expected results: Increase labour market participation of Canadians through funding for provincial/ territorial programs that aim to help them develop the skills necessary to find and keep a job, and increase employer involvement / investment in skills training.

Performance measure:

1. Number of participants benefiting from programs covered under the Canada Job Fund; 2015–16 Target: Baseline year
2. Average employer contribution to the Canada Job Grant in a given year; 2015–16 Target: Baseline year
3. Change in employment status of participants benefiting from programs covered under the Canada Job Fund; 2015–16 Target: Baseline year

Results achieved: actual results for 2015-16 of these three indicators are not available since P/T reporting will be available in fall 2016.

1. Number of participants benefiting from programs covered under the Canada Job Fund; 2014-15: 362,000 (based on reporting from a majority of provinces and territories)
2. Average employer contribution to the Canada Job Grant in a given year; 2014-15: $480

Comment on variance: No variance

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: Provinces and Territories will carry out their own CJF evaluations by June 2018. For the province of Quebec, this report is due by June 2019. The Evaluation Directorate will produce a summary roll-up report by March 2019 based on provincial and territorial evaluations.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Funding was transferred to the provinces and territories (P/Ts). P/Ts are responsible for the design and implementation of skills training and programming and setting priorities within the parameters of the Agreements. As part of that process they are responsible for engaging with employers and other stakeholders to determine priorities.

9. Apprenticeship grants

Name of transfer payment program: Apprenticeship Grants (Voted)

Start date: January 1, 2007 (Apprenticeship Incentive Grant) / January 1, 2009 (Apprenticeship Completion Grant)

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011–12

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.16: Apprenticeship Grants

Description: Apprenticeship grants are incentives to attract Canadians to the trades and to assist apprentices in the Red Seal trades to progress and complete their training. This program targets eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who are out of high school and are registered apprentices in one of the 56 designated Red Seal trades. It is comprised of two grants: the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year for registered apprentices (up to a maximum of $2,000 per apprentice) who have successfully completed the technical and on-the-job training requirements for the first or second year/level of an apprenticeship program; and the Apprenticeship Completion Grant, an additional $2,000 taxable cash grant to registered apprentices upon completion of apprenticeship training and receipt of journeyperson certification. Eligibility for this program is tied to the Red Seal trades, as the Red Seal represents a standard of excellence which promotes the mobility of skilled tradespeople based on national standards. Delivery of apprenticeship grants to eligible registered apprentices involves responding to calls for information, collecting and processing applications, issuing payments and monitoring accuracy of payments.

Apprenticeship grants are not repayable contributions.

Expected results: Participant progression in and completion of an apprenticeship program in a designated Red Seal trade is increased.

Performance measures:

1. Number of Apprenticeship Incentive Grants issued; 2015–16 Target: 59,080
2. Number of Apprenticeship Completion Grants issued; 2015-16 Target: 25,053

Results achieved:

1. Number of Apprenticeship Incentive Grants issued; 2015-16: 52,415
2. Number of Apprenticeship Completion Grants issued; 2015-16: 24,210

Comment on variance: The variance between planned and actual spending in 2015-16 is attributable to the program’s overall take up rate, where eligible apprentices are not applying for the grants to which they are entitled, or not providing the necessary documentation to complete the application process.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Apprenticeship Grants (AG) and Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Program is scheduled to be completed in 2018-19.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2015-16, the Department continued to work with provincial/territorial apprenticeship authorities to identify opportunities and implement measures to increase program efficiency while offering individuals applying for an Apprenticeship Grant, a more streamlined application process.

10. Literacy and Essential Skills

Name of transfer payment program: Literacy and Essential Skills (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2006

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012–13

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.14: Literacy and Essential Skills

Description: Some Canadians, particularly from vulnerable groups, may not have the literacy and essential skills needed to fully participate in the labour force. In addition, Canadian employers' business and productivity needs also require pools of skilled workers. Literacy and essential skills contribute to the employability and adaptability of workers, and they are critical building blocks for the development of other skills. The Adult Learning and Literacy and Essential Skills Program (ALLESP) contributes to increased literacy and essential skills of adult Canadians by targeting labour market stakeholders (including employers, associations, workers and those looking for work) as well as groups that are under-represented in the labour force (such as Indigenous and immigrant populations) and providing grants and contributions funding to projects that promote skills upgrading in and for the workplace. This program, administered by the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, also develops partnerships with labour market stakeholders, supports the development and adoption of literacy and essential skills tools and resources, and pilots innovative approaches to literacy and essential skills development. The program links with the Roadmap for Canada's Official Languages 2013–2018.

The Adult Learning Literacy and Essential Skills Program is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Adult Canadians have the literacy and essential skills they need to do their job, adapt and succeed in the labour market and contribute to their communities and families.

Performance measures:

1. Number of Canadians having accessed essential skills training or supports; 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year
2. Number of organizations supporting essential skills training and development; 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year

Results achieved:

1. Number of Canadians having accessed essential skills training or supports; 2015-16: 225
2. Number of organizations supporting essential skills training and development; 2015-16: 14,204

Comment on variance: An open call for innovative essential skills training models was held in February 2015, with an annual budget of approximately $10M per year over 5 years. As of March 2016, no decisions were rendered on the call and as a result, less funds than anticipated were expended in 2015-16.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of Literacy and Essential Skills is scheduled to be completed in 2017-18.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Over 235,000 literacy and essential skills tools and resources were ordered in print and accessed online, including through partners such as Service Canada, Red Seal and the Canada Business Network. The program also hosted webinars to report on project progress and results and to share broadly "what works" to support people to develop the skills needed for the job market.

11. Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Name of transfer payment program: Foreign Credential Recognition Program (Voted)

Start date: May 26, 2010

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010–11 (in process of being updated)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.17: Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Description: The Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP) targets internationally trained professionals and tradespersons, working with provincial and territorial governments and various organizations (such as regulatory bodies, national associations and credential assessment agencies) to facilitate credential recognition processes and ensure they are fair, consistent, transparent and timely. This program provides strategic financial support to its stakeholders through contribution agreements for key high-demand professions and skilled trades as well as other occupations to ensure that professionals and tradespersons who have obtained their credentials in another country can fully use their skills in Canada’s labour market. In order to streamline foreign credential recognition processes, this program facilitates national coordination among provinces and territories and other partners. The FCRP also works to implement domestic labour mobility initiatives, and complements the Agreement on Internal Trade, by facilitating national coordination among partners and reducing barriers faced by workers in regulated occupations as they pursue employment opportunities across the country.

The FCRP is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results:  The labour market needs of immigrant workers, employers, and other stakeholders are met

Performance measure: Portion of skilled immigrants in regulated occupations targeted by systemic foreign credential recognition interventions; 2015–16 Target: 78%

Results achieved: Portion of skilled immigrants in regulated occupations targeted by systemic foreign credential recognition interventions; 2015-16: 80%

Comment on variance: The variance between planned and actual spending in 2015-16 is attributable to unused funding from contribution agreements with provincial and territorial governments and delays in implementing new projects due to the time required for project assessments.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Joint Summative Evaluation of the Foreign Credential Recognition Program and Inter-provincial Labour Mobility Initiative was completed in 2015-16. The evaluation findings can be found on the ESDC website.

The Summative Evaluation of the Foreign Credential Recognition Program is scheduled to be completed in 2019-20.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Employment and Social Development Canada continued to engage with key stakeholders through periodic meetings and conferences, and participated in regular federal/provincial/territorial activities through the Forum of Labour Market Ministers intergovernmental working groups (e.g. the Foreign Qualifications Recognition Working Group and the Labour Mobility Coordinating Group).

12. Sectoral Initiatives Program

Name of transfer payment program: Sectoral Initiatives Program (Voted) 

Start date: April 1, 2013

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: The terms and conditions governing the Consolidated Revenue Funding were approved indefinitely in 2013

Strategic Outcome(s): A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.13: Sectoral Initiatives Program

Description: The Sectoral Initiatives Program (SIP) is a grants-and-contributions program with the objective of addressing current and future skills shortages by supporting the development and distribution of sector-specific labour market intelligence, national occupational standards, and skills certification and accreditation systems. The mandate is to help industry identify, forecast, and address human resources and skills issues through partnership-based projects for key sectors of the Canadian economy, to help ease labour mobility and labour market adjustment.

The Sectoral Initiatives Program does not use repayable contributions.

Expected results: Sectoral stakeholders benefit from industry-validated labour market intelligence products, national occupational standards and certification and accreditation programs.

Performance measures:

1. Number of labour market information (LMI) reports or forecasting systems, National Occupation Standards (NOS), Certification and Accreditation regimes developed or updated via SIP projects; 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year
2. Percentage of intended beneficiaries that are using the SIP products (LMI, NOS, Certification, and Accreditation); 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year

Results achieved:

1. In 2015-16, SIP effectively managed a total of 29 multi-year projects, which resulted in products that are enhancing sectoral intelligence. As per SIP’s recipient survey, key results include:
   • 346 LMI reports
   • 42 forecasting systems
   • 150 national occupational standards
   • 59 certification programs were developed through those projects
   • 12 accreditation regimes were developed and made available
2. 152,007 users (Percentage not available*)
   * SIP recipients reported that approximately 152,007 individuals or organizations used the SIP funded products that were released in 2015-16.

Comment on variance: Gs and Cs spending was less than anticipated in 2015-16 due to delays in project start dates and related activities.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Sectoral Initiatives Program is scheduled to be completed in 2017-18.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2015-16, SIP actively engaged with potential and actual funding recipients, and continued to develop and maintain partnerships and projects. Recipients were also consulted to gather information about outputs, users and results of SIP projects.

13. First Nations Job Fund

Name of transfer payment program: First Nations Job Fund (Voted)

Start date: May 30, 2013

End date: March 31, 2017

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013-14

Strategic Outcome(s): A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.11: First Nations Job Fund

Description: The Indigenous youth population is growing in First Nations communities, where there is high unemployment rates and high dependency on Income Assistance, especially on reserves. The First Nations Job Fund (FNJF) aims to provide on reserve First Nations Income Assistance recipients between 18 and 24 years of age, who are able to work and who are trainable within one year, with the personalized training necessary to access jobs. Clients are referred to the Fund through Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Enhanced Service Delivery system. This program is delivered through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) delivery network. Selected organizations work with local training facilities and employers to ensure that Income Assistance recipients referred from the Enhanced Service Delivery system are provided with the training-to-employment and employment supports they need to secure jobs. The Fund is one of two components of the First Nations Income Assistance Reform Initiative—a joint initiative between INAC, that administers the enhanced Service Delivery, and ESDC, that administers the FNJF.

Expected results: FNJF clients on-reserve are employed and integrated into the labour market

Performance measure: Proportion of the clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s); Target 2015–16: 30%

Results achieved: Proportion of the clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s); 2015-16: 30%

Comment on variance: Spending for the First Nations Job Fund (FNJF) is based on cost per client. Of the 5,988 clients expected to be referred by Enhanced Service Delivery (ESD) to FNJF, 1,110 clients (as of March 2016), 18% of expected, were actually referred and served by FNJF, accounting for lower than planned spending.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Joint Evaluation of the On-Reserve Income Assistance Reform was completed in 2015-16. The lead department on this evaluation is Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). The publication of the evaluation is currently in progress and will be found on the INAC website.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The First Nations Job Fund is delivered by Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) agreement holders for job training individuals who are referred from Enhanced Service Delivery. ESDC works with ASETS Agreement Holders throughout the life of their contribution agreement. In particular, the Department interacts on an on-going basis with Agreement Holders, from the development of the multi-year Strategic Business Plan to the review of annual plans, including mid-year discussions and ongoing communications at the regional level. 

14. Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities

Name of transfer payment program: Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2013

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Extended in 2013–14 (no end date)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment;
Sub-Program 2.1.8: Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities

Description: The Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities is an integral component of the Government of Canada’s strategy for official languages as expressed in the Roadmap for Canada's Official Languages 2013–2018: Education, Immigration, Communities. This program aims to enhance the development and vitality of these communities by strengthening their capacity in the areas of human resources and community economic development, and by promoting partnerships at all levels, including with federal partners. This program provides funds to official language minority communities in every province and territory by supporting professional local capacity to deliver services and supports to jobseekers, businesses and communities; generate strategic partnerships; spur investment; and consolidate efforts and resources of stakeholders to take action on priorities. The Enabling Fund is designed so that official language minority communities can plan and implement community-specific development initiatives and better access a range of labour market services and programs. In addition to contributing to community development, the Enabling Fund allows the Department to deliver on its commitments and obligations related to the Official Languages Act.

Expected results: Official Language Minority Communities are better able to implement and sustain community economic and human resource development

Performance measures: Amount invested by non-Enabling Fund funded partners* for every dollar invested by the Enabling Fund in community economic development and human resource development; 2015–16 Target: $2**
* Not-for-profit groups, private-sector organizations and other governmental partners.
** Two dollars invested for each dollar allocated to Official Language Minority Communities through the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities Program.

Results achieved: Amount invested by non-Enabling Fund funded partners for every dollar invested by the Enabling Fund in community economic development and human resource development; 2015-16: $1.84

Comment on variance: No variance

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in 2016-17.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Continued engagement through informal dialogue and through a formal tripartite governance mechanism.

15. Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program – Interest Payments and Liabilities

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Student Loans Program – Interest Payments and Liabilities (Statutory)

Start date: August 1, 1995

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Canada Student Financial Assistance Act (S.C. 1994, c. 28)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-Program 2.2.1: Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program

Description: From August 1, 1995, to July 31, 2000, the Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program operated a risk-shared loans regime with Canadian financial institutions. This transfer payment represents consolidated costs related to that regime, including interest subsidy, repayment assistance benefits, the amount of loans forgiven, risk premium put-backs and administrative costs net of recoveries on affected loans.

Expected results:

1. Students who borrowed under the risk-shared regime continue to receive in-study student financial assistance and debt management assistance in repayment.
2. Canada meets its obligations as set out under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act in agreements with financial institutions.

Performance measure: Percentage of in-study and in-repayment borrowers who are satisfied with the overall loan experience provided by the Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program.

Results achieved: The 2015-16 CLGSAP Client Satisfaction Survey shows that 83% of the borrowers were satisfied with the quality of services they receive.

In addition, as of March 31, 2016, there were 858 students (1,327 as of March 31, 2015) who had borrowed under the risk-shared regime who received in-study student financial assistance and 163,288 borrowers (178,003 as of March 31, 2015) who are in-repayment, and are eligible to apply for and receive repayment assistance measures.

Canada met its obligations as set out under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act in agreements with financial institutions.

Comment on variance: The variation is due to a lower than anticipated cost of Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) for borrowers who received Risk-Shared loans.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned:

• The Summative Evaluation of the Budget 2008 CSLP Enhancements is currently in progress and scheduled to be completed in 2016-17
• The Summative Evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan is currently in progress and scheduled to be completed in 2016-17
• The Evaluation of the Program Cost of the Canada Student Loans and Grants Program is scheduled to be completed in 2019-20

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Not Applicable

16. Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program – Direct Financing Arrangement

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Student Loans Program – Direct Financing Arrangement (Statutory)

Start date: August 1, 2000

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Canada Student Financial Assistance Act (S.C. 1994, c. 28)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-Program 2.2.1: Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program

Description: The Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program (CLGSAP) provides loans to Canadians who have a demonstrated financial need to help them participate in post-secondary education. The Program also offers debt management measures to those borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty so that they can repay their student loans in periods of unemployment or low income. It is managed in partnership with the participating provinces and territories, educational institutions and agencies, financial aid administrators, financial institutions and a service provider. The clients and beneficiaries include full- and part-time students and borrowers in repayment.

This transfer payment also includes a non-repayable contribution to provinces and territories that have elected to deliver programs comparable to the CLGSAP in their jurisdictions.

Expected results: Post-secondary education students in the province of Quebec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut continue to access financial assistance similar to the assistance provided to students in those jurisdictions that participate in the CLGSAP; and

Students in non-participating jurisdictions with financial difficulty are able to receive repayment benefits

Performance measure: Percentage and number of full-time post- secondary students (aged 15 to 29) in participating provinces/territories who used a Canada Student Loan, and/or a Canada Student Grant and/or an in-study interest subsidy, to help finance their participation in post-secondary education.

Results achieved: During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, 50% (562,000) of the student population (aged 15 -29) used a Canada Student Loan and/or Canada Student Grant and/or in-study interest subsidy to help finance their participation in post-secondary education, which is above the 48% target. Eligible full-time and part-time students received approximately $2.7B in Canada Student Loans in the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

As a result of the alternative payment, post-secondary education students in the province of Québec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut continued to access financial assistance similar to the assistance provided to students in those jurisdictions that participate in the Canada Student Loans Program. The total value of the Alternative Payment disbursed during the 2015-2016 fiscal year was $278.2M.

During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, eligible borrowers in repayment received approximately $211.9M in Repayment Assistance Plan benefits. This represents an increase of 12.4% in benefits administered compared to the 2014-2015 fiscal year.

During the 2015-2016 fiscal year, eligible family doctors, nurses and family medicine residents practicing in rural and remote communities received $16.4M in benefits towards loan forgiveness. This represents an increase of 32.6% in benefits administered compared to the 2014-2015 fiscal year.

Comment on variance: The variation is composed of two major components. First, the Alternative Payment was mainly affected by the Bank of Canada holding interest rates low in 2015 and secondly, by a lower than anticipated value of Canada Student Grants being disbursed.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned:

• The Summative Evaluation of the Budget 2008 CSLP Enhancements is currently in progress and scheduled to be completed in 2016-17
• The Summative Evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan is currently in progress and scheduled to be completed in 2016-17
• The Evaluation of the Program Cost of the Canada Student Loans and Grants Program is scheduled to be completed in 2019-20

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Not Applicable

17. Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program – Canada Student Grants Program

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Student Grants Program (Statutory)

Start date: August 1, 2009

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, (S.C. 1994, c. 28)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-Program 2.2.1: Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program

Description: The Canada Student Grants Program (CSGP) provides predictable, up-front grants to assist and encourage students from low- and middle-income families, student parents and students with disabilities to participate in post-secondary education. It is managed in partnership with participating provinces and territories.

While Canada Student Loans are repayable, Canada Student Grants (CSGs), announced in the 2008 Budget, provide non-repayable assistance.

Expected results: Eligible students receive a Canada Student Grant to help them finance their post-secondary education.

Performance measure: Percentage and number of full-time post-secondary students (aged 15 to 29) in participating provinces/territories who used a Canada Student Loan, and/or a Canada Student Grant and/or an in-study interest subsidy, to help finance their participation in post-secondary education.

Results achieved: During the 2015-2016 fiscal year 50% (562,000) of the student population used a Canada Student Loan and/or Canada Student Grant and/or in-study interest subsidy to help finance their participation in post-secondary education which is above the 48% target.

As of March 31, 2016, $713.9M in non-repayable upfront grants was disbursed to eligible students in their pursuit higher education.

Comment on variance: The variation is due to slightly less students receiving Canada Student Grants than previously anticipated.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned:

• The Summative Evaluation of the Budget 2008 CSLP Enhancements is currently in progress and scheduled to be completed in 2016-17
• The Summative Evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan is currently in progress and scheduled to be completed in 2016-17
• The Evaluation of the Program Cost of the Canada Student Loans and Grants Program is scheduled to be completed in 2019-20

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Ongoing outreach to current and prospective PSE students through multiple channels.

18. Canada Education Savings Program

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Education Savings Program (Statutory)

Start date: January 1, 1998 (Canada Education Savings Grant); January 1, 2005 (Canada Learning Bond)

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Canada Education Savings Act (S.C. 2004, c. 26) Canada Education Savings Regulations (SOR/2005-151)

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-Program 2.2.2: Canada Education Savings Program

Description: The Canada Education Savings Program (CESP) was created through an Act of Parliament in 1998 (and re-enacted as the Canada Education Savings Act in 2004). It is intended to make post-secondary education more affordable by encouraging early planning and saving for education. Funds can later be withdrawn to help finance children’s post-secondary education. The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) provides matching grants on savings in Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) for Canadian children aged 17 and under. Eligible low-income families can also benefit from the Canada Learning Bond, which provides funds that are added to the RESPs of children born on or after January 1, 2004. The program is delivered through an alternative service delivery arrangement with financial institutions, banks, mutual fund companies and scholarship foundations. The CESP complements the Canada Student Loans Program and other labour market and skills development programs offered by ESDC. Funding and activities under this program are governed by the Canada Education Savings Act and related Regulations.

Expected results, Performance measures:

1. Canadians are able to finance their participation in post-secondary education using RESP savings.

• Percentage and number of full- and part-time post-secondary students (aged 15 to 29) who used RESP funds to help finance their participation in post-secondary education; 2015-16 Target: 5% by December 31, 2015

Results achieved:

• 23.1% (395,027) full- and part-time post-secondary students (15–29) who used Registered Education Savings Plan funds to help finance their participation in post-secondary education

2. Children under 18 have savings for post-secondary education in Registered Education Savings Plans.

• Total amount of RESP assets at the end of the current calendar year; Target: $44.3 billion by December 31, 2015
• Percentage of children under 18 (in the current calendar year) who have ever received a Canada Education Savings Grant; 2015-16 Target: 49.1% by December 31, 2015

Results achieved:

• Total amount of RESP assets as of December 31, 2015 was $47.0 billion. 2015-2016
• 50.1% of Canadian children aged 0-17 received the CESG as of December 31, 2015. 2015-2016

3. Low-income families open Registered Education Savings Plans for their children's post-secondary education.

• Percentage of eligible children, in the current calendar year, who have ever received a Canada Learning Bond. Target: 33% by December 31, 2015.

Results achieved:

• 33.1% of eligible children received a Canada Learning Bond as of December 31, 2015.

Comment on variance: The variation between planned and actual spending on CESP disbursements was 1%. The largest variation (8.5%) occurred with Canada Learning Bond payments. While CLB payments increased by 10% over 2014-15 due to continued growth in the number of beneficiaries, the end result was slightly lower than anticipated.

Audits completed or planned: Design Effectiveness Assessment of the Canada Education Savings Program Compliance Review Framework was completed in March 2016 by Internal Audit.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Canada Education Savings Program (CESP) - Canada Education Savings Grant and Canada Learning Bond was completed in 2015-16. The evaluation findings can be found on the ESDC website. The Evaluation of the Canada Education Savings Program is scheduled to be completed in 2020-21.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Information on the CESG and the CLB is available online at canada.gc.ca, the Program’s telephone, mail and email inquiry services and 1 800 O-Canada.

Newly and previously CLB-eligible families received letters concerning their entitlement to receive this benefit.

19. Pathways to Education Canada

Name of transfer payment program: Pathways to Education Canada (Multi-year funding agreement – Voted)

Start date: 2014

End date: 2018

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014-2015

Strategic outcome: A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-Program 2.2.1: Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program

Description: Pathways to Education Canada, a charitable organization founded in Toronto in 2001, is the largest community-based early intervention program in Canada. The program was created to reduce poverty and its effects by lowering the high school dropout rate and increasing access to post-secondary education (PSE) among disadvantaged youth. The Pathways to Education program provides non-financial supports such as tutoring, mentoring and counselling; and financial supports such as bursaries for PSE and funding for certain immediate costs related to attending high school (such as bus tickets).

Expected results: Federal funding is expected to allow Pathways to continue to support the approximately 5,000 existing participants across the program’s 15 active sites; to expand into three additional sites; to expand programming to support between 900 and 1,400 additional youth in six provinces; and to increase the number of program participants entering PSE.

Pathways programming is expected to benefit youth from populations under-represented in post-secondary education, such as Indigenous youth, youth from low-income families, and youth from families without previous post-secondary experience.

Performance measures:

1. The total number of students enrolled in the Pathways program across all sites as of October 30, 2015
2. Percentage of students who graduated and went on to PSE

Results achieved: ESDC continues to work with partners to address the financial and non-financial barriers to education faced by many Canadians. Budget 2013 confirmed renewed support to Pathways to Education Canada, a charitable organization working with community-based partners to deliver after-school programming designed to reduce high school drop-out rates, increase transitions to PSE in low-income communities and improve labour market transitions for at-risk youth. In April 2015, an additional $10.5M over three years was announced to further support program expansion including resources for Indigenous students, knowledge transfer and employability supports.

Since the signing of the first funding agreement in 2010, Pathways to Education Canada has expanded its programming capacity from helping approximately 2,500 students annually in 8 sites across 2 provinces in the 2009–2010 school year, to helping approximately 5,242 students annually in 17 sites across 5 provinces by the end of the 2014-2015 school year. The Pathways model continues to support students in low-income communities to complete high school and successfully transition to PSE. Since the program’s inception, 75% of all Pathways participants who graduated from high school while in the Program have gone on to PSE or training.

Comment on variance: Additional funding of $3.5M was approved in Supplementary Estimates C, therefore it was not included in the 2015-16 plans.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of Pathways to Education Canada is scheduled to be completed in 2018-19.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: As stipulated in the funding agreement between Pathways to Education Canada and the Government of Canada, Pathways will ensure that funded activities are effectively captured. The organisation will use indicators to evaluate the outputs of its activities, to determine to the extent to which results support expected objectives and outcomes, and to capture lessons learned. This information will be reflected in financial statements, annual reports and in the final report.

20. Wage Earner Protection Program

Name of transfer payment program: Wage Earner Protection Program (Statutory)

Start date: July 2008

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic outcome: Safe, fair and productive workplaces and cooperative workplace relations

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 3.1: Labour; Sub-Program 3.1.3: Labour Standards and Equity; Sub-Sub-Program: 3.1.3.3: Wage Earner Protection Program

Description: 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 declares bankruptcy or becomes subject to receivership. Workers can receive an amount up to four weeks of maximum insurable earnings under the Employment Insurance Act. When eligible workers receive payments under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act, they sign over their rights as creditors of the employer to the federal government , but only up to the amount of the payment received from the Program. Applicants who disagree with Service Canada’s eligibility decision can request a review within 30 days of the initial decision for appeal within 60 days of the review decision. The appeals are handled by an independent adjudicator appointed by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The federal government seeks recovery of the amounts as the creditor of the employer in the bankruptcy or receivership process. This Program covers workers in all labour jurisdictions. Delivery of Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) benefits to eligible workers involves responding to calls for information, collecting and processing applications, issuing payments and monitoring for accuracy of payments.

There is no repayment of statutory transfer payments, unless a Wage Earner Protection Program recipient receives an overpayment.

Expected results: WEPP applicants receive a payment, or a non-payment notification, in a timely manner

Performance measure: Percentage of initial WEPP payments and non-payment notifications issued within 42 calendar days; 2015–16 Target: 80%

Results achieved: Percentage of initial WEPP payments and non-payment notifications issued within 42 calendar days; 2015-16: 98.9%*
* The target was exceeded as a result of additional training provided to processing resources. Performance improvement can also be attributed to updated procedure and reference material, which increased efficiencies in claims processing. Additionally, there were improvements made to the online Wage Earner Protection Program application system. These changes resulted in more accurate and complete client information, which improved claim processing performances.

Comment on variance: The Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) annual spending for fiscal year 2015-16 increased slightly compared to the previous fiscal year ($23.4 million compared to $22.8 million resulting in a spending increase of $600,000 or 3%). This is due to a higher number of recipients during 2015-16 (11,076) compared to 2014-15 (10,738). The annual program spending remains well below the statutory envelope allocated to the WEPP due to relatively low demand on the program year over year.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Wage Earner Protection Program is scheduled to be completed in 2018-19.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2014-2015, the Labour Program completed the five-year statutory review of the Wage Earner Protection Program Act, its operations and administration, which culminated with the tabling of a Report in both Houses of Parliament on June 18, 2015. Subsequent to the review, the Labour program continues to engage with internal and external stakeholders to identify ways to improve the administration and service delivery.

The WEPP again surpassed its service delivery standard and ensured applicants receive payments in timely manner. This year, 99 percent of initial payment and non-payment notifications were processed within 42 days, which significantly exceeded the 80 percent target. Given this processing success, this performance measure is being adjusted in 2016-2017 to 80 percent of initial payment and non-payment notifications issued within 35 days. In 2015-16, over 11,000 workers received WEPP payments (with 50% receiving the WEPP maximum, while the average WEPP payment was $2,581). In 2015 the WEPP maximum payment was $3,808 and in 2016, it is $3,904.

21. Old Age Security Pension

Name of transfer payment program: Old Age Security Pension (Statutory)

Start date: 1952

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program:  Program 4.1: Income Security; Sub-Program: 4.1.1: Old Age Security

Description: The Old Age Security (OAS) Pension Program contributes to the income security of seniors by providing a monthly payment to all Canadians aged 65 or older who meet the age, residence and legal status requirements. An applicant's employment history is not a factor in determining eligibility, nor does the applicant need to be retired.

Expected results: Canada's eligible seniors have a basic income to live and receive the OAS pension benefits to which they are entitled.

Performance measure: Percentage of seniors receiving the Old Age Security pension in relation to the total number of eligible seniors (benefit take-up rate). 2015–16 Target: 98%

Results achieved: Percentage of seniors receiving the Old Age Security pension in relation to the total number of eligible seniors (OAS take-up rate); 98.0%*
* Beginning in July 2013, seniors could defer receipt of their OAS pension and those seniors are included in this figure.

Comment on variance: The overall variance for the OAS pension is $129.5 million. The factors that contributed to this underestimation are:

• An underestimation of $1.01 in the average monthly rate for the OAS pension, resulting in $68.7 million more in annual expenditures than expected. This variance in the forecasted benefit amount can partially be explained by higher quarterly increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) than expected
• An overestimation of the number of beneficiaries i.e., forecasted at 5,653,359 compared to the actual number of 5,636,562, translating into an overestimation of $109.3 million benefit expenditures in the Main Estimates
• The benefit repayment from higher-income OAS recipients through the OAS Recovery Tax was $1,517.0 billion compared to an estimate of $1,687.1 billion, representing an increase in spending of $170.1 million

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned:

• The Evaluation of Old Age Security is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in 2017-18 (Phase 1) and 2018-19 (Phase 2)
• The Evaluation of International Social Security Agreements is scheduled to be completed in 2019-20
• The Evaluation of OAS/GIS Service Improvement is scheduled to be completed in 2021-22

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2015-16, the automatic enrolment functionality resulted in 46% of new OAS pensioners being enrolled without having to apply. Additionally, the Department advanced work on expanding automatic enrolment to more seniors for 2016-17.

22. Guaranteed Income Supplement

Name of transfer payment program: Guaranteed Income Supplement (Statutory)

Start date: 1967

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.1: Income Security; Sub-Program: 4.1.1: Old Age Security

Description: Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) contributes to the income security of seniors by providing an additional benefit, on top of the Old Age Security (OAS) Pension benefit, to low-income seniors living in Canada. To be eligible for the GIS, applicants must be receiving the OAS pension benefit and have no or little income.

The GIS is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Canada’s eligible seniors receive the GIS benefits to which they are entitled.

Performance measure: Percentage of seniors receiving the GIS in relation to the total number of eligible seniors (Guaranteed Income Supplement take-up rate). 2015–16 Target: 90%

Results achieved: Percentage of seniors receiving the GIS in relation to the total number of eligible seniors (Guaranteed Income Supplement take-up rate; 85.2%

Comment on variance: Overall, the GIS expenditures were overestimated by $683.8 million. This can be explained by two factors:

• The average monthly rate was $453.46 as opposed to the forecasted benefit amount of $459.12, resulting in an overestimation of $129.5 million in annual GIS expenditures
• The number of beneficiaries was overestimated by 101,633 (1,924,961 estimated beneficiaries in the Main Estimates versus 1,823,328 actual beneficiaries) accounting for an overestimation of $554.3 million in expenditures

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Guaranteed Income Supplement Take-up is scheduled to be completed in 2018-19.The Evaluation of OAS/GIS Service Improvement is scheduled to be completed in 2021-22.

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

In 2015-16, as part of ongoing improvements in the delivery of pension programs a group of seniors who did not have their GIS benefits renewed automatically was identified. As a result, these individuals received retroactive payments to which they were entitled, and the Department worked with its provincial and territorial counterparts to mitigate the impact of these payments on provincial and territorial income-tested benefits.

To improve services for Canada’s seniors, a proactive automatic enrolment regime was introduced in 2013. In 2015-16, the Department advanced work on developing automatic enrolment for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), which will enable eligible seniors to receive the GIS without having to submit an initial application.

In 2015-16, the Government announced an increase to the GIS for the lowest-income single seniors, and the cancellation of the increase in the age of eligibility for the GIS from 65 to 67, which was set to begin in 2023.

23. Allowances

Name of transfer payment program: Allowances (Statutory)

Start date: 1975 – Allowance; 1985 – Allowance for the Survivor

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable 

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.1: Income Security; Sub-Program 4.1.1: Old Age Security

Description:  Allowances contributes to the income security of near-seniors by providing an additional benefit to low-income individuals aged 60 to 64 who are the spouse or common-law partner of a Guaranteed Income Supplement recipient, or who are a widow/widower.

Allowance payments are not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Eligible low-income near-seniors receive the Allowance benefits to which they are entitled.

Performance measure: Percentage of near seniors receiving the Allowances in relation to the total number of eligible near seniors (Allowances take-up rate). 2015–16 Target: 65%

Results achieved: Not Available*
*This measure is no longer reported as data do not allow us to make a clear distinction between near-seniors who are entitled to the Allowances and those who are not.

Comment on variance: Overall, the Allowance expenditures were overestimated by $33.3 million. This can be explained by two factors:

• The average monthly rate was $566.60 compared to an estimate of $556.73, resulting in an underestimation of $9.9 million in annual benefit expenditures
• The number of beneficiaries was estimated at 81,718 but was actually 75,386, resulting in an overestimation of $43.2 million in annual expenditures

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: No evaluations were planned for the 2015-16 reporting period.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2015-16, the Government announced an increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement, which included an increase for lowest-income Allowance for the Survivor recipients, and the cancellation of the increase in the age of eligibility for the Allowances from 60 to 62, which was set to begin in 2023.

24. Canada Disability Savings Program – Grants and Bonds

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Disability Savings Program – Canada Disability Savings Grants and Canada Disability Savings Bonds (Statutory)

Start date: December 2008

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.1: Income Security; Sub-Program 4.1.4: Canada Disability Savings Program

Description: Canadians with severe and prolonged disabilities often have low income and have to rely on family and others for support and care, leaving them financially vulnerable. The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) was introduced in 2008 to help people with disabilities achieve long-term financial security by providing a tool to encourage them and their families to save for the future. This program complements the RDSP by providing Canada Disability Savings Grants and Canada Disability Savings Bonds as additional supports to encourage savings. Canadian residents who have a Social Insurance Number and are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can open an RDSP up until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 59, while grants and bonds can be paid up until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 49. Money paid to a beneficiary out of their RDSP will not affect their eligibility for federal benefits, such as the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance. This program is enabled by the Income Tax Act, the Canada Disability Savings Act and associated Regulations.

Expected results and performance measures:

1. People with severe and prolonged disabilities have a measure of long-term financial security.

1. Percentage of individuals (aged 0 to 49) in receipt of the DTC that have a RDSP; 2015–16 Target: 17%
2. Percentage of individuals (aged 0 to 59) in receipt of the DTC that have a RDSP; 2015–16 Target: 14%
3. Percentage of RDSPs receiving a government contribution (a Canada Disability Savings Grant and a Canada Disability Savings Bond); 2015–16 Target: 30%

Results achieved:

1. Percentage of individuals (aged 0 to 49) in receipt of the DTC that have a RDSP; 22.1%
2. Percentage of individuals (aged 0 to 59) in receipt of the DTC that have a RDSP; 18.6%
3. Percentage of RDSPs receiving a government contribution (a Canada Disability Savings Grant and/or Canada Disability Savings Bond*); 83.5%
   * The Target was based on an indicator that measured the percentage of all beneficiaries with a registered plan who received both a bond and a grant payment. This indicator was reported up until 2013-14. The current indicator, which was first reported in the 2014-15 DPR, measures the percentage of all beneficiaries with a registered plan who received a bond and/or a grant. This better reflects the program’s performance because not all beneficiaries are eligible to receive a bond. Receiving a bond or a grant, or both, contributes to helping the long term financial security of all people with severe disabilities and therefore best represents the purpose of the program.

2. Eligible beneficiaries receive Canada Disability Savings Bonds.

• Average annual Canada Disability Savings Bond; 2015–16 Target: $1,700

Results achieved: Performance measure: Average annual Canada Disability Savings Bond; 2015-16: $2,375

3. Eligible beneficiaries receive Canada Disability Savings Grants.

• Average annual Canada Disability Savings Grant; 2015–16 Target: $4,300

Results achieved: Average annual Canada Disability Savings Grant; 2015-16: $4,292

Comment on variance: The planned spending of bond and grant payments for the 2015–16 fiscal year was based on the estimated growth rate of registered plans and the observed average monthly payments of bonds and grants until September 2014. The difference between planned and actual spending of grants and bonds is largely explained by higher than anticipated take-up of the program.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Canada Disability Savings Program is scheduled to be completed in 2017-18.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Ongoing and planned activities to increase program awareness, understanding and take-up included: 

• two mail-outs targeting DTC-eligible Canadians who do not have an RDSP
• four teleconferences followed the mail-out for answering inquiries (Nov and Dec 2015); approximately 293 individuals from across Canada called in with questions
• fact sheets and brochures distributed at conferences or provided to stakeholder groups
• exhibited at 22 conferences in 2015-16; conferences were attended by service providers, practitioners, people with disabilities and their families, and the general public
• facilitated stakeholder engagement meetings/discussions in the locations where they were participating in conferences
• a newsletter was sent via email to approximately 5,000 community stakeholder organizations (Nov 2015)
• two webinars provided to staff from Alberta’s Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), who work directly with people with disabilities

25. Homelessness Partnering Strategy

Name of transfer payment program: Homelessness Partnering Strategy (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2014

End date: March 31, 2019

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013–14

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-Program: 4.2.1: Homelessness Partnering Strategy

Description: Homeless individuals and families can face a wide range of personal, financial and social challenges. Addressing these challenges in a sustainable manner requires the coordinated action of a number of partners including the federal government. The objective of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is to support the implementation of effective, sustainable and community-based solutions to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. As a community-based strategy, it provides grant and contribution funding to communities and service providers across the country with a focus on the Housing First approach, providing access to permanent housing and supports to help clients remain housed. These services target individuals, families and Indigenous people who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless in major urban centres, rural communities and the North. Federal funding is prioritized based on input from Community Advisory Boards, in recognition that communities are best placed to identify their own unique homelessness-related needs. Complementary activities under the Strategy include promoting data development and collection; disseminating knowledge among communities, partners and stakeholders and exploring innovative approaches to homelessness such as social enterprise. Grants to not-for-profit organizations, municipal governments, Band/tribal councils and other Indigenous organizations help communities more effectively address homelessness issues, and contributions to not-for-profit organizations, municipal governments, Band/tribal councils and other Indigenous organizations support activities to help alleviate and prevent homelessness across Canada.

The HPS is a transfer payment program with non-repayable contributions; however, some repayment clauses are outlined in the Terms and Conditions.

Expected results and performance measures:

1. Housing stability for homeless individuals and those at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

1. Percentage of individuals receiving a housing loss prevention intervention who when contacted at three months had remained housed; 2015-16 Target: 80%
2. Reduction in the usage of emergency shelters, as measured by number of “bednights” utilized; 2015-16 Target: 15%
3. Reduction in the estimated number of shelter users who are episodically or chronically homeless; 2015–16 Target: 20% reduction from baseline

Results achieved:

1. Percentage of individuals receiving a housing loss prevention intervention who when contacted at three months had remained housed; 87%*
2. Reduction in the usage of emergency shelters, as measured by number of “bednights” utilized; Data not available until end of 2016-17
3. Reduction in the estimated number of shelter users who are episodically or chronically homeless; 0.3%*
   * Data not available for some of the original 20 sample communities. Therefore the sample size used for 2015 is15 communities. Historical results have been updated to match sample size for accurate comparison.

2. Partners are engaged to maximize and coordinate collective efforts

• Amount invested by external partners for every dollar invested by the HPS; 2015–16 Target: $1.50

Results achieved: Amount invested by external partners for every dollar invested by the HPS; 2015-16: Data not available until fall 2016.

Comment on variance: Actual spending was slightly less than anticipated due to delays in launching Calls for Proposals (CFP) for projects in the second year of the renewed program. The focus was on the implementation of Housing First at the community level and a strategy is under development to ensure the strategic use of national funds which will include a focus on measurement/Point-in-Time counts, as well as on developing and testing innovative approaches to prevent and reduce homelessness particularly among specific homeless populations such as Indigenous Canadians, youth, women fleeing violence and veterans.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (Phase 1) is currently in progress and is scheduled to be completed in 2016-17.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: As a community-based and partnership-enhancing program, the HPS engages and seeks to build relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders. To engage applicants and recipients, the HPS uses various methods, such as calls for proposals, targeted solicitation of applications, unsolicited proposals and expressions of interest or letters of intent.

26. Enabling Accessibility Fund

Name of transfer payment program: Enabling Accessibility Fund (Voted)

Start date: The Enabling Accessibility Fund was introduced in Budget 2007, renewed in Budget 2010 for an additional three years and extended on an ongoing basis through Budget 2013.  

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: September 2013.

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-Program 4.2.5: Enabling Accessibility Fund

Description: People with disabilities often experience barriers to their full participation and inclusion in activities of everyday living. The objective of the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is to improve accessibility, remove barriers and enable Canadians with disabilities to participate in and contribute to their community. The Fund supports capital costs of construction and renovations related to improving accessibility and safety for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces. Grants or contributions are provided to eligible recipients for capital costs projects that increase access for people with disabilities to their programs and services or create employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

The EAF is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results and performance measures:

1. Recipient organizations have accessible facilities, technologies and transportation

1. Number of communities with funded projects; 2015–16 Target: 172
2. Percentage of project costs for funded projects that are from other sources of funding; 2015–16 Target: 35%

Results achieved:

1. Number of communities with funded projects; 2015-16: 203
2. Percentage of project costs for funded projects that are from other sources of funding; 2015-16: 81%

2. Accessible communities and workplaces which allow people with disabilities to have access to programs, services and employment opportunities

• Number of job opportunities created or maintained as a result of the project; 2015–16 Target: Not applicable*

Results achieved: Number of job opportunities created or maintained as a result of the project; 113

Comment on variance: In the third year of the renewed program, Actual Spending was less than Planned Spending due to repayments received from organizations that did not complete all of their expected activities.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Enabling Accessibility Fund is scheduled to be completed in 2017-18.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2015-16, a call for proposals (CFP) was held for small projects under the community accessibility stream of the EAF. A complete communication package, including media lines and questions and answers, have been developed for the CFP. Also, departmental officials responded to public inquiries submitted through the generic email box of the program during the CFP. These inquiries were related to eligibility criteria of the CFP. Answers provided by the Department have helped interested applicant in developing and submitting their proposals.

27. Social Development Partnerships Program

Name of transfer payment program: Social Development Partnerships Program (Voted)

Start date: April 1998

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010–11

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-Program 4.2.2: Social Development Partnerships Program; Sub-Sub-Program 4.2.2.1: Children and Families; Sub-Sub-Program 4.2.2.2: Disability

Description: The Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP) makes strategic investments to support government priorities related to children and families, people with disabilities, the voluntary sector, official language minority communities and other vulnerable populations by playing a unique role in furthering broad social goals. It provides an opportunity to work in partnership with social not-for-profit organizations to help improve life outcomes of these target groups. Activities funded by the program are expected to lead to the development and sharing of knowledge of existing and emerging social issues; the creation of collaboration, partnerships, alliances and networks; and the development of approaches to respond to existing and emerging social issues. Over the long term, program support for these activities will help the not-for-profit sector and partners be more effective in addressing existing and emerging social issues, and will help target populations have access to information, programs and services tailored to their unique needs.

This is a grant and contribution program with non-repayable contributions in general. Under certain circumstances, provisions may specify repayment terms.

Expected results:

Not-for-profit sector and partners have improved capacity to respond to existing and emerging social issues for target populations.

Performance measure: Percentage of SDPP projects that leverage funds from non-federal partners; 2015–16 Target: 90%

Results achieved: Percentage of SDPP projects that leverage funds from non-federal partners: 2015-16: 79.4%

Comment on variance: Children and Families component: this component of the program primarily develops intermediary model projects that leverage funds from partners across sectors to maximize the impact of federal funding for projects benefitting vulnerable populations. Developing projects under the intermediary model takes longer than in the previous funding model and therefore spending was lower than expected. Projects are currently being developed to maximize the program’s budget going forward. 

Disability component: While the SDPP had a variance of 31.6% overall, the variance in the disability component was 4.5%. A decision to not launch a CFP in this component of the Program resulted in slightly lower spending than expected. Of the $8.5M in grant funding, $8M is ongoing and $0.5M is a temporary top-up to support the Canadian Business SenseAbility (announced in Budget 2013 as the Canadian Employer Disability Forum). The funding for SenseAbility is time limited to 4 years at $500k per year from 2013–14 to 2016–17.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the Social Development Partnerships Program is scheduled to be completed in 2018-19.

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

SDPP-Children and Families: SDPP Children and Families uses various methods to engage applicants and recipients, such as targeted solicitation of applications, unsolicited proposals and expressions of interest or letters of intent.

SDPP-Disability: In summer 2015, the SDPP-D conducted a stakeholder roundtable on data collection practices and reporting tools used by the program. Program Officials sought feedback from stakeholders who have had experience with SDPP-D’s current reporting tools and gained insight into their experience.

Feedback received informed the development of the program’s data collection strategy and the performance measurement strategy.

The Department will continue to engage stakeholders to communicate key aspects of the SDPP-Disability Component as they relate to the renewal of the Program.

28. New Horizons for Seniors Program

Name of transfer payment program: New Horizons for Seniors Program (Voted)

Start date: Original program: October 1, 2004; Expanded Program: September 27, 2007; Enhanced Program: September 30, 2010

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013

Strategic outcome: Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Program, sub-program and sub-sub-program: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-Program 4.2.3: New Horizons for Seniors Program

Description: The growth in the population of seniors in Canada is accelerating, with the total number of seniors projected to reach approximately 10 million by 2036. This presents both opportunities and risks for seniors and their communities. Empowering seniors, encouraging them to share their knowledge, skills and experience with others in the community and enhancing seniors' social well-being and community vitality are goals of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). This program provides grants and contributions funding for projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. The program has five objectives: promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations; engaging seniors in the community through mentoring of others; expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse; supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors; and providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors. Community-based projects are typically eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding per project for up to one year. Pan-Canadian projects are eligible to receive up to $750,000 for up to three years in duration. In order to test elements of the Social Partnerships Agenda in the NHSP, pilot projects involving the leveraging of funds commenced in 2014–15 for a period of two years. This program is complemented by a range of policies, programs and services targeted at seniors such as the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and the National Seniors Council.

Expected results: Seniors participate in and contribute to communities.

Performance measure:

1. Total number of NHSP projects that primarily promote volunteerism among seniors and other generations; 2015–16 Target: 230
2. Total number of NHSP projects that primarily engage seniors in the community through mentoring of others; 2015–16 Target: 298
3. Total number of NHSP projects that primarily expand awareness of elder abuse; 2015–16 Target: 120
4. Total number of NHSP projects that primarily support social participation and inclusion of seniors; 2015–16 Target: 1,269

Results achieved:

1. Total number of NHSP projects that primarily promote volunteerism among seniors and other generations; 2015-16: 158 (including 136 community projects and 22 Pan-Canadian projects)
2. Total number of NHSP projects that primarily engage seniors in the community through mentoring of others; 2015-16: 242 (including 230 community projects and 12 Pan-Canadian projects)
3. Total number of NHSP projects that primarily expand awareness of elder abuse; 2015-16: 77 (including 65 community projects and 12 Pan-Canadian projects)
4. Total number of NHSP projects that primarily support social participation and inclusion of seniors; 2015-16: 1,457 (including 1,423 community projects and 34 Pan-Canadian projects)

Comment on variance: The annual budget total for the NHSP is $43.1 million. Actual spending was less than anticipated due to delays in the approval and launching of Calls for Proposals.

Funds are transferred from grants to contributions within the NHSP budget envelope as necessary, depending upon the projects to be funded.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Summative Evaluation of the New Horizons for Seniors Program was completed in 2015-16. Evaluation findings can be found on the ESDC website.

The Evaluation of the New Horizons for Seniors Program is scheduled to be completed in 2019-20.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Information about NHSP calls for proposals is posted on Employment and Social Development Canada's website. For the 2015-16 Pan-Canadian Projects Call for Proposals (CFP), the Department partnered with the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation to provide on-the-ground engagement of, and support to, potential applicants. For the annual Community-Based Projects CFP, potential applicants are engaged as part of the community outreach activities performed by Service Canada. In addition, a systematic approach to identify Community-Based project best practices is being developed and once completed, these best practices will be disseminated broadly, including with future applicants.