HUMA committee binder: Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte, March 23, 2021

On this page

• Opening statement
  • 1. Opening remarks
• Top Issues
• COVID 19
  • 2. Measures for seniors and seniors financial security
  • 3. Vulnerable populations - Mental health
• Main Estimates
  • 4. Overview - 2021 to 2022 Main Estimates
• Supplementary Estimates C
  • 5. Overview — Supplementary Estimates (C) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021
• Votes 1 and 5
  • 6. Stabilization of IT in support of program delivery
  • 7. Benefits Delivery Modernization program
  • 8. Safeguarding Canadians’ personal information
  • 9. Service Canada Centres - In-Person access
• Transfers
  • 10. Government Annuities Account write-offs
• Statutory
  • 11. Old Age Security program decrease
  • 12. Guaranteed Income Supplement Payments program increase
  • 13. Disability one-time payment
  • 14. Allowance Payments program decrease
  • 15. Contributions to employee benefit plans adjustment
• Topics of Interest
  • 16. New Horizons Program for Seniors program
  • 17. Long-term care homes
  • 18. Strengthening Canada’s approach to senior abuse
  • 19. Canada Pension Plan sustainability
  • 20. Canada Pension Plan and Quebec Pension Plan survivor's benefit
  • 21. Increasing OAS by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over
  • 22. Old Age Security service improvements
  • 23. Old Age Security indexation of program benefits
  • 24. Old Age Security / Guaranteed Income Supplement service standards
  • 25. Old Age Security Service Improvement Strategy migration
  • 26. One-time tax-free payment for OAS pensioners
  • 27. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) renewal measures
  • 28. Registered Retirement Income Funds reductions
  • 29. Fraud and scams targeting seniors
  • 30. Ageism and older workers
  • 31. Caregivers
  • 32. Uyghurs - New Horizons Program for Seniors funding
  • 33. One-time tax free payment for Seniors - Eligibility
  • 34. Vaccine supply
  • 35. Canada Pension Plan enhancement
  • 36. Impact of Canada Emergency Response Benefits on the Guaranteed Income Supplement
  • 37. Long-Term and Home Care pilot project
  • 38. [Redacted]
• Committee and Parliamentary Information
  • 39. Parliamentary background and analysis
  • 40. Committee membership and biographies

1. Opening remarks

Official title: Speech for Minister of Seniors, Deb Schulte for an appearance before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) on 2020 to 2021 Supps C and 2021 to 2022 Main Estimates Ottawa, Ontario March 23, 2021

Check against delivery

(2021 PA 000222)

Opening

Mr. Chair, Committee members,

I’m pleased to speak to the 2020 to 2021 Supplementary Estimates C and the 2021 to 2022 Main Estimates for Employment and Social Development Canada as Canada’s Minister of Seniors.

I’m pleased to appear before you today with my new Associate Deputy Minister, Annette Gibbons, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Mark Perlman; Senior Assistant Deputy Ministers, Alexis Conrad and Cliff C. Groen, and Assistant Deputy Minister, Stephanie Hébert.

Canadians have been dealing with the incredible challenges of the pandemic for over a year. With millions of additional doses bound for Canada, vaccine efforts continue to ramp up across the country, the other side of the crisis is in sight. I want to reassure the Committee that looking out for seniors and vulnerable Canadians will remain a top priority for our government.

Supplementary Estimates “C” and Main Estimates

The Supplementary Estimates C for 2020 to 2021 requests an additional 225 million dollar in voted authorities, offset by a decrease of 708 million dollars in statutory authorities.

The Main Estimates for 2021 to 2022 represent a total of 82.4 billion dollars. This is a net increase of 13.8 billion dollars, which is approximately 20%, over the 2020 to 2021 Main Estimates of $68.6 billion.

This is primarily due to the three temporary recovery benefits our government delivered to millions of Canadians to protect their financially safety as their employment was affected by COVID-19.

Another factor is foreseeable increases in statutory items, such as Old Age Security Pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement payments, that result from an expected increased number of beneficiaries due to the aging population.

Support during the COVID-19 pandemic

Protecting seniors’ health and maintaining their quality of life by keeping them connected to loved ones and their communities are key priorities shared by our government and Canadian families from coast to coast to coast.

As elderly Canadians are most at risk from the virus, they stayed home to stay safe. The pandemic has forced them to take a prolonged pause from precious visits with loved ones.

This has resulted in loneliness and social isolation, which undermines their health.

Seniors who are socially isolated make more visits to emergency rooms, use more medication, fall more often and enter residential care sooner.

As part of the Main Estimates, the department is requesting $63 million in total funding for the New Horizons for Seniors Program, an initiative that helps older Canadian maintain vital social ties to their communities. New Horizons is more important now than ever as seniors face increase isolation while staying safe at home.

In 2020, the Program funded over 2,000 community projects, helping improve the lives of seniors across the country.

New Horizons brought seniors projects like:

• fitness classes streamed online instead of being held in-person
• providing tablets and instruction to learn how to use them. Seniors were able to view church services and have virtual access to community events and exercises
• support services for seniors with special needs or disabilities to help them live independently
• purchasing personal protective equipment to provide safe services to seniors

Looking forward

Seniors deserve to be safe and respected, and to live in dignity

Our government remains committed to increasing Old Age Security by 10% once seniors turn 75

We will also:

• work alongside the provinces and territories to set national standards for long-term care
• continue to take action to help seniors age in their homes
• work with the Minister of Justice to establish new offences and penalties in the Criminal Code related to elder abuse and neglect, and
• accelerate the process of developing a national, universal pharmacare program

Closing

There is no doubt that the financial resources requested today will enable us to continue our work to create a better future for seniors.

I would be pleased to answer any questions

Merci.

2. Measures for seniors and seniors financial security

Issue

What measures has the Government put in place to assist Canadian seniors facing the current COVID-19 pandemic?

Key facts

• As of March 2, 2021, 872,747 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Canada, including 20,045 deaths
• Of the total number of cases reported, 13% were individuals between 60 and 79 years of age and 7% were aged 80 and older
• Those aged 60 years and over represent 71% of all reported hospitalizations, 65% of all reported Intensive Care Unit admissions and 96% of deaths
• As of February 27, 2021, 19% of adults aged 80 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Over 85% of adults in group living settings for seniors have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine

Response

• Seniors across the country have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic
• Since the pandemic was declared I have been in contact with my provincial and territorial counterparts and have heard from a number of stakeholders, as well as the National Seniors Council
• In the Speech from the Throne, the Government made it clear that seniors deserve to be safe, respected, and live in dignity. The Government announced that it will take any action it can to support seniors during this pandemic
• We will continue taking any action we can to address challenges in long-term care institutions and support seniors, while working alongside the provinces and territories. We are committed to introducing Criminal Code amendments to explicitly penalize those who neglect seniors
• As stated in the recent Speech from the Throne, we remain committed to increasing Old Age Security for seniors 75 years of age and over, and taking additional action to help seniors stay in their homes longer
• As a member of the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on COVID-19, I am committed to ensure that seniors’ needs across Canada are carefully considered and addressed
• All provinces and territories vaccinated residents of long-term care facilities and other collective dwellings for seniors as one of their first priority populations

Background

Support for seniors in the community

On March 29th, 2020, the Prime Minister announced $9M in funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program to the United Way Centraide Canada to fund projects in each province and territory to support isolated, vulnerable seniors cope with the health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These investments helped to provide essential services to seniors such as the delivery of groceries and medications, meal preparation, transportation to necessary medical appointments or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports. More than 900 projects were supported through this funding.

Further, in the spring of 2020, the Government provided both community-based and pan-Canadian funded organizations with flexibilities to adapt their current project activities to support seniors impacted by COVID-19. Projects were provided with the flexibility to used already-approved funding to address issues related to the pandemic, rather than being limited to their original objectives. On May 12, 2020, the Government also announced an additional investment of $20 million in the New Horizons for Seniors Program to support organizations that offer community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve the quality of life of seniors, and help them maintain a social support network. More than 1,000 projects were funded through this investment.

In addition, the Government invested $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need, including seniors. The Emergency Community Support Fund provided funding to national intermediaries with networks across the country, which included United Way Centraide Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and Community Foundations of Canada. These intermediaries channeled funds through their regional and local partners to local community organizations who support a wide range of vulnerable populations. All funding has been allocated and over 11,500 projects were supported in diverse communities across the country.

Support for NGOs

To assist not-for-profit organizations and charities that are under stress because of the pandemic, the Government of Canada introduced the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. This subsidy helps not-for-profit organizations and charities keep or re-hire the workers that are necessary to continue to serve seniors and other Canadians throughout our communities.

Seniors' financial security

Seniors’ financial security is an ongoing priority. This Government introduced a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, with an additional tax-free payment of $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). This measure provided a total of $500 to low-income seniors who receive both benefits. Allowance recipients also received $500. The Government has also introduced measures to ensure that the OAS and Canada Pension Plan benefits seniors rely on will continue to be paid without delay, and that new applications for these benefits are processed in a timely fashion. As well, a special top-up payment under the Goods and Service Tax Credit provided an average of $375 for single seniors with low- and modest-income, and $510 for senior couples with low- and modest-income.

To help protect seniors’ assets during a volatile market, we reduced the minimum withdrawals required from Registered Retirement Income Funds by 25% for 2020.

We also extended the deadline for filing federal tax returns until June 1, 2020 and the deadline for paying any 2019 income tax amounts until September 1, 2020.

To ensure GIS payments to low-income seniors were not affected by the deferral of the 2019 tax filing deadline, we put measures in place to ensure that these payments continued to be paid without interruption when a person's 2019 income information had not been received. This measure guaranteed that the most vulnerable seniors continued to receive their benefits when they need them the most. Allowance payment to 60-64 year olds were similarly continued without interruption. Once a client’s 2019 income is available, their benefits are retroactively adjusted to July 2020. Seniors are therefore being encouraged to submit their 2019 income information as soon as possible.

Support for working seniors

As part of the Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Government has transitioned from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program, effective September 27, 2020, to provide income support to eligible workers who remain unable to work. Recognizing that many workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will have lost their jobs or worked reduced hours, a set of temporary measures have been introduced to facilitate access to EI benefits. These measures result in a one-time EI eligibility requirement of as little as 120 insurable hours across Canada, with a minimum regular benefit rate of $500 per week for at least 26 weeks. The Government introduced three temporary Recovery Benefits to provide income support to those Canadian workers who are not eligible for EI and those who require tailored support when their employment is affected by COVID-19. These benefits include the Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit.

Support for vulnerable seniors

Mental health

In addition to investments under the New Horizons for Seniors Program to address seniors’ mental health, the Government has implemented many measures to help Canadians facing mental health challenges due to COVID-19, including seniors.

In April 2020, the Government has launched a new online portal that provides access to a virtual network of psycho-social supports. Wellness Together Canada is the first national program of its kind, providing 24/7 access to free evidence-based tools and resources. Canadians across the country can access supports ranging from self-assessment and peer support, to confidential sessions with social workers, psychologists and other professionals.

Wellness Together Canada supports existing provincial and territorial services, and does not replace them. All services are available in both official languages, and phone counselling sessions are supported by instantaneous interpretation in 200 languages and dialects. The Government of Canada has invested $68M in Wellness Together Canada.

As part of the Safe Restart Agreement, $500M was provided directly to provinces and territories for immediate mental health and substance use service needs.

In September 2020, the Minister of Health announced $11.5 million in mental health funding for organizations across the country to promote mental health and wellbeing for Black Canadians and children and youth. This funding, which supports community-based organizations across the country, is being distributed through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund ($4.9 million) and the Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund ($6.6 million).

Seniors with disabilities

The prevalence of disabilities among Canadians tends to increase with age from 13% among individuals aged 15 to 24, to 20% of working age adults (25 to 64 years), to 38% among individuals aged 65 or older. (Canadian Survey on Disability, 2017)

From the onset, the Government has taken steps to ensure that the interests and needs of persons with disabilities, including seniors, are being taken into consideration in the decisions and measures adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, in the spirit of “nothing without us” from the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Government established the COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group to provide advice on the lived experiences of persons with disabilities during this public health crisis; the issues, challenges and systemic gaps that exists; as well as the best strategies and measures to be taken. In December 2020, the Advisory Group was renewed with an expanded mandate to provide expert advice on disability inclusion.

The Government also introduced a one-time non-taxable and non-reportable payment of up to $600 to support Canadians with disabilities to help with additional expenses incurred during the pandemic. Seniors with disabilities who received the one-time payment for seniors may be eligible for a total of $600 in special payments, through a top-up of $300 for Canadians who received the one-time seniors payment of $300, or a top-up of $100 for Canadians who received the one-time seniors payment of $500. The first round of one-time payments to persons with disabilities was issued automatically to over 1.6 million recipients starting October 30, 2020. Among those recipients were about 650,000 seniors.

Homeless seniors

Individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness are at heightened risk of contracting and transmitting COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions, increased transience, and reduced opportunities to self-isolate. This higher risk impacts not only those individuals, but also those serving them, and the broader community at large. The COVID-19 outbreak has placed significant pressures on an already-stretched homeless-serving sector, which has been forced to overhaul service delivery to reduce the risk of potential outbreaks. To address homelessness needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada invested $394.2 million through the Reaching Home program.

Seniors have been a target population for a variety of projects supported through Reaching Home, including:

• providing mental health supports (for example., for seniors experiencing isolation, including regular follow-ups)
• providing food supports (for example., hamper baskets)
• housing services (for example., transitional housing for those experiencing homelessness or providing isolation units at a motel for those with COVID-19 symptoms); and
• homelessness prevention and shelter diversion (for example. rent supplements)

Food security

An investment of $200 million was made to improve access to food through national, regional, and local organizations – including but not limited to Food Banks Canada, Salvation Army, Second Harvest, Community Food Centres Canada, and Breakfast Club of Canada. This will help these organizations find new, creative ways to reach people in need so they can continue to carry out their important work while respecting physical distancing guidelines.

Elder abuse

An investment of up to $100 million delivered through Women and Gender Equality Canada and Indigenous Services Canada to support women and children suffering from domestic abuse or violence.

The Government recognizes that elder abuse is a serious issue affecting many seniors in Canada, and even more so in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic which contributed to further isolating seniors.

In the Speech from the Throne delivered on September 23, 2020, the Government committed to working with Parliament on Criminal Code amendments to explicitly penalize those who neglect seniors under their care, putting them in danger.

Key quotes

None

3. Vulnerable populations - Mental health

Issue

What is the Government of Canada doing to address COVID-19’s impact on vulnerable Canadians?

Key facts

• COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations less prepared to deal with the health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic. Risks of stress, hardship and abuse rise as isolation increases and gaps emerge in the social supports on which these Canadians rely. In-person and often in-home contact as well as group activities play a key role in supporting vulnerable populations
• Demands on community support programs are growing rapidly at a time when the number of volunteers is falling. Significant challenges are emerging as front-line staff work to adapt and deliver essential services while minimizing social contact
• The Government remains committed to increasing access to mental health and substance use resources and supports for Canadians whose regular services are not accessible

Response

• One of the most important roles of our Government during this pandemic is to support vulnerable Canadians, including seniors, children and youth at risk, people with disabilities, women, people experiencing homelessness, and members of the Black, racialized or LGBTQ2 communities
• The need to reduce social contact to limit the spread of COVID-19 has opened gaps in programs for vulnerable people. It has led to:
  • new challenges in connecting vulnerable persons such as seniors with the supplies or services they need (for example. too few volunteers to deliver meals or take seniors to medical appointments)
  • elimination of in-person, one-on-one support for vulnerable persons (for example. cancellation of friendly visits to elderly people or in-home supports for isolated seniors); and
  • cancellation of group programs (for example. cancellation of day programs for seniors)

Emergency Community Support Fund

• The Government of Canada invested $350 million through the Emergency Community Support Fund to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need. The Fund, launched on May 19, 2020, worked with three national intermediaries: the United Way Centraide Canada, the Canadian Red Cross and Community Foundations of Canada, to deliver this funding for over 11,500 projects. These intermediaries channeled funds through their regional and local partners to local community organizations who support a wide range of vulnerable populations
• Examples of activities of funded community organizations included:
  • increased volunteer-based home deliveries or transportation services (for example. delivery of medications or accompanying/driving seniors or persons with disabilities to appointments)
  • scaled up help-lines that provide information and support (for example. increasing access to the 211 service of the United Way)
  • provided training, supplies and other supports required so that volunteers can continue to make their invaluable contribution to the COVID-19 response; and
  • replaced in-person one-on-one contact and social gatherings with virtual contact through means like phone calls, texts, teleconferences or the internet

Support for persons with disabilities

The Government also introduced a one-time non-taxable and non-reportable payment of up to $600 to support Canadians with disabilities to help with additional expenses incurred during the pandemic. Seniors with disabilities who received the one-time payment for seniors may be eligible for a total of $600 in special payments, through a top-up of $300 for Canadians who received the one-time seniors payment of $300, or a top-up of $100 for Canadians who received the one-time seniors payment of $500. The first round of one-time payments to persons with disabilities was issued automatically to over 1.6 million recipients starting October 30, 2020. Among those recipients were about 650,000 seniors.

Homelessness

Since March 2020, the Government has announced a total of $693.6 million in supplemental funding for Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy in 2020 to 2021 to support communities in addressing the needs of those experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Reaching Home provides a community-based approach to deliver funding directly to municipalities and local service providers.

Mental health

• In April 2020, the Government has launched a new online portal that provides access to a virtual network of psycho-social supports. Wellness Together Canada is the first national program of its kind, providing 24/7 access to free evidence-based tools and resources. Canadians across the country can access supports ranging from self-assessment and peer support, to confidential sessions with social workers, psychologists and other professionals
• Wellness Together Canada supports existing provincial and territorial services, and does not replace them. All services are available in both official languages, and phone counselling sessions are supported by instantaneous interpretation in 200 languages and dialects. The Government of Canada has invested $68M in Wellness Together Canada
• As part of the Safe Restart Agreement, $500M was provided directly to provinces and territories for immediate mental health and substance use service needs
• In September 2020, the Minister of Health announced $11.5 million in mental health funding for organizations across the country to promote mental health and wellbeing for Black Canadians and children and youth. This funding, which supports community-based organizations across the country, is being distributed through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund ($4.9 million) and the Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund ($6.6 million)

Background

Community-based supports

Community organizations are on the frontlines, serving critical community needs both in times of stability and crisis. Many vulnerable Canadians, such as seniors, children and youth at risk, people with disabilities, women, racialized communities such as Black Canadians, people experiencing homelessness, and members of the LGBTQ2 community rely on these organizations, and that reliance often rises in times of hardship. They provide meals to isolated seniors, services to children and youth at risk, shelter for the homeless, support for those fleeing domestic abuse, addiction counselling, settlement services for recent immigrants, and countless other contributions.

To-date, the Government of Canada has announced a number of initiatives that support charitable and non-profit organizations in addressing COVID-19-related issues. Examples include:

• $100M for Food Banks and Local Food Organizations
• $693.6M in supplemental funding to the Reaching Home-funded communities to support people experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak
• $50 million to women’s shelters and sexual assault centres to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak in their facilities; and
• $350 million for the Emergency Community Support Fund to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need

The Emergency Community Support Fund was delivered through the Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP) of ESDC. To support a wide range of community organizations serving vulnerable populations, the Emergency Community Support Fund relied on 3 main intermediaries, the United Way Centraide Canada, the Canadian Red Cross and the Community Foundations of Canada.

Those 3 intermediaries:

• flowed funding quickly to local organizations that needed it the most
• conducted fair and transparent assessment processes
• minimized duplication through national and local coordination; and
• were accountable for the use of the funds and its results

Homelessness

To address the needs of those experiencing homelessness in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, the Government invested additional funds in Reaching Home. The Program began providing additional funding as of April 1, 2020 to 58 Designated Communities (including in Quebec), 30 communities receiving funding directly under the Indigenous Homelessness stream, and the 3 territorial capitals; and recipients of the Rural and Remote Homelessness stream and for Indigenous Homelessness stream investments not allocated to specific communities. Later rounds of funding extended support to 6 additional Designated Communities and several Modern Treaty Holders.

Mental health

It is critical that Canadians have access to effective tools to self-monitor, promote their mental well-being, obtain credible and reliable information, and access services when deemed necessary. Canadians need assurance that there are supports available to help alleviate their stress, fear and anxiety. Government actions to date have included: increasing mental health system capacities, providing funding to provincial and territorial governments, Public Heath Agency of Canada’s initiatives to promote mental health and prevent mental illness, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s mobilization of mental health data and evidence, the pan-Canadian suicide prevention service, and the creation of the Federal Framework on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

The Government has made significant investments to offer virtual care and mental health tools to support Canadians of all ages, and fund community-based organizations across the country to promote mental health and wellbeing for Black Canadians and children and youth. With Canadians physically distancing and isolated, there is an unprecedented need for virtual services, such as telehealth and other information lines.

Key quotes

None

4. Overview - 2021 to 2022 Main Estimates

Issue

What are the financial highlights of the 2021 to 2022 Main Estimates for the Department of Employment and Social Development?

Key facts

In Part II of the 2021 to 2022 Main Estimates, Employment and Social Development presents planned budgetary expenditures of $82.4 billion, which is $13.8 billion higher than the planned budgetary expenditures for 2020 to 2021 of $68.6 billion.

Response

• Planned budgetary expenditures for 2021 to 2022, totalling $82.4 billion for the Department of Employment and Social Development, are showing a net increase of $13.8 billion (approximately 20%) over the 2020 to 2021 Main Estimates of $68.6 billion
• The increase is mainly explained by the three temporary recovery benefits introduced to ensure that Canadians continue to receive the support they need when their employment is affected by COVID-19 and by an increase to Old Age Security Pension, Guaranteed Income Supplement and Allowances payments resulting from an expected increased number of beneficiaries due to the aging population and expected changes to the average monthly amounts paid

Background

Approximately $82,439.7 million in total budgetary funding is anticipated through the Main Estimates ($4,184.5 million in voted appropriations and $78,255.2 million in statutory). This excludes funding anticipated through Budget 2021. Almost 95% of planned budgetary expenditures will directly benefit Canadians through the Old Age Security Program and other statutory transfer payment programs.

Overall, the Department of Employment and Social Development’s total budgetary authorities for 2021 to 2022 have a net increase of $13,798.0 million, or approximately 20.0%, from the previous year’s total Main Estimates of $68,641.7 million.

This increase in funding is primarily attributable to statutory items:

• an increase totaling $10,335.0 million for three temporary recovery benefits introduced to ensure that Canadians continue to receive the support they need when their employment is affected by COVID-19: the Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
• an increase of $2,843.0 million to the Old Age Security Pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement and to Allowances, explained by an expected increased number of beneficiaries due to the aging population and expected changes to the average monthly amounts paid
• an increase of $438.5 million to the Canada Student Loans Program and Canada Apprentice Loans, mostly due to increased grant amounts for low-income, middle-income and part-time students provided through the Canada Student Grants and to alternative payments to non-participating provinces and territories related to the temporary COVID-19 measure doubling the grant amount for loan year 2020 to 2021; and
• an increase of $12.5 million for other items

These increases are offset by a decrease of $190.8 million to Canada Disability Savings Grants and Bonds, which is due to an adjustment to the forecasting model to better reflect trends in actual expenditures.

The Department plans to spend $1,076.9 million in 2021 to 2022 in net operating expenditures (Vote 1), representing an increase of $273.6 million from the 2020 to 2021 Main Estimates of $803.3 million. The net increase is mainly related to additional resources approved for the administration and the integrity of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, the Canada Emergency Student Benefit and the Employment Insurance Emergency Response Benefit, Old Age Security workload, compensation adjustments and the Canada Summer Jobs program.

In addition, voted grants and contributions (Vote 5) are expected to reach $3,107.6 million in 2021 to 2022, an increase of $86.2 million from the 2020 to 2021 Main Estimates, mainly attributable to investments to the Canada Summer Jobs program, the Student Work Placement Program, Reaching Home and Personal Support Worker Training and other measures to address labour shortages in long term and home care (COVID-19), offset by decreasing funds for the payments to provinces and territories for Early Learning and Child Care, until renewed in 2021 to 2022.

With respect to non-budgetary loans, there is a net decrease in authorities of $60.3 million from the 2020 to 2021 Main Estimates. Despite a forecasted increase to loans related to COVID-19 measures which temporarily increased the loan limit and waived the student and spousal contribution, the growing repayment portfolio has resulted in a net decrease in 2021 to 2022.

Key quotes

None

5. Overview — Supplementary Estimates (C) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021

Issue

Why does Employment and Social Development (ESDC) require additional authorities in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for Fiscal Year ending March 31, 2021?

Response

• Supplementary Estimates seek parliamentary approval for changes to departmental spending plans for the current fiscal year, including items that were unforeseen at the time the Main Estimates were prepared
• ESDC is requesting adjustments for:

A. voted appropriations

1. Funding to write-off unrecoverable debts owed to the Crown for Canada Student Loans – $188.1 million
2. Funding to stabilize information technology to support program delivery – $11.0 million
3. Funding for Canada Emergency Student Benefit (COVID-19) (This item received funding from Treasury Board Vote 5 - Government Contingencies) – $8.0 million
4. Funding for Benefits Delivery Modernization – $6.7 million
5. Funding for the Youth Digital gateway – $5.0 million
6. Funding for Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information – $3.1 million
7. Funding for the resumption of in-person access at Service Canada Centres (COVID-19) – $2.6 million
8. Funding to improve gender and diversity outcomes in skills programming – $0.9 million; and
9. Funding to authorize the inclusion and adjustment of an authority embedded in vote wording – $1. (The one-dollar item is used to include an internal transfer from Vote 1 to Vote 10 to write off debts due to the Crown related to overpayments from the Government Annuities Account.)

B. Transfers

1. Transfer from the Department of Indigenous Services for the Kativik Regional Government to streamline delivery of youth programming – $0.6 million
2. Internal reallocation of resources to write off debts due to the Crown related to overpayments from the Government Annuities Account – $25,064; and
3. Transfer to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs to support skills and employment training services delivered by The Cree Nation Government for youth, and to support skills and employment training services delivered by the 11 self-governing Yukon First Nations – $0.1 million

C. Statutory Budgetary Authorities

1. Payments for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act – Decrease of $12.4 billion
2. Old Age Security benefit – Decrease of $100.1 million
3. Guaranteed Income Supplement – Increase of $37.8 million
4. Payments for the Canada Recovery Benefit pursuant to the Canada Recovery Benefits Act – Increase of $10.1 billion
5. Payments for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act – Decrease of $2.2 billion
6. Payments for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit pursuant to the Canada Recovery Benefits Act – Increase of $2.9 billion
7. Payment to support Persons with Disabilities one-time payment under An Act respecting further COVID-19 measures – Increase of $0.4 million
8. Payments for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit pursuant to the Canada Recovery Benefits Act – Increase of $0.8 billion
9. Allowance – Decrease of $5.8 million
10. Payments for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit pursuant to the Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2020 – Increase of $500.0 million
11. Canada Disability Savings Grant – Decrease of $40.6 million
12. Total Adjustment to Contributions to Employee Benefit Plans – Increase of $1.7 million
13. Canada Disability Savings Bond – Decease of $200.5 million; and
14. Payments to support a safe restart in Indigenous communities pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act – Decrease of $0.1 million

Background

A. Voted appropriation

1. Funding to write-off unrecoverable debts owed to the Crown for Canada Student Loans – $188.1 million

An amount of $188,099,201 is requested to write-off 30,289 debts related to direct Canada Student Loans (CSL) in these Supplementary Estimates. Of this amount, $795.96 are write-offs associated with 466 Canada Apprentice Loan accounts.

The CSL write-offs are related to student loan debts for which all reasonable collection efforts have been exhausted.

The write-off of unrecoverable Canada Student Loans is an annual accounting exercise, which seeks approval to remove the value of uncollectible debts from the Canada Student Loans Program portfolio.

This year's write-off of $188.1 million represents less than 1% of the Canada Student Loan Program portfolio value, which is consistent with the proportion of loans written-off in previous years.

Access to post-secondary education is key in building a strong middle class. In 2019 to 2020, the Government of Canada provided $1.6 billion in Canada Student Grants and $3.4 billion in Canada Student Loans to over 656,000 students. Many of them would not be able to attend post-secondary education without support from the Government.

The write-off of $188.1 million in 2020 to 2021 is for loans where all reasonable collection efforts have been made. It represents less than 1% of the $20 billion portfolio. Over 80% of these debts are from loans that have not been acknowledged by the borrower for six or more years, and as a result, the government can no longer pursue collection efforts.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $188,099,201 in Vote 15 (Debt write-off – Canada Student Loan) as part of the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021.

2. Funding to stabilize information technology to support program delivery – $11.0 million

ESDC is the largest federal service delivery organization. However, decades of underinvestment in information technology (IT) has put ESDC in an unprecedented situation where the systems could fail and affect the ongoing delivery of critical programs and services to Canadians.

[Part of this sentence has been redacted], such as improving disaster response for Employment Insurance IT services and improving coast to coast network performance.

The $11 million represents the Consolidated Revenue [Part of this sentence has been redacted]. The remaining funding for 2020 to 2021 is being sourced from the Employment Insurance Operating Account and the Canada Pension Plan Account.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $11,020,603 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures, excluding EBP costs of $158,782) for Stabilization of IT in Support of Program Delivery as part of the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021.

3. Funding for Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) (This item received funding from Treasury Board Vote 5 - Government Contingencies) – $8.0 million

The CESB provided close to $3 billion in financial relief to over 700,000 eligible students and recent graduates. Eligible students received $1,250 per month, plus an additional $750 per month if they had dependants or a disability for a maximum of $2,000 per month.

The CESB was available from May to August 2020 and students could apply retroactively until September 30, 2020. While the CESB has ended, the CRA is still processing approximately $8.0 million in applications. These applications were received prior to the September 30, 2020 deadline and are still pending due to verification delays.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $8,000,000 in Vote 5 (Grant) for Canada Emergency Benefit (CESB) as part of the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021.

4. Funding for Benefits Delivery Modernization – $6.7 million

The Government of Canada announced the Benefits Delivery Modernization (BDM) Programme in Budget 2017, when $12.1 million was committed to developing modern approaches to service delivery for Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)’s three statutory programs, in a phased approach beginning with Employment Insurance (EI).

[Two paragraphs have been redacted]

ESDC is requesting authority to include $6,690,134 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures, excluding EBP costs of $543,897) for the Benefits Delivery Modernization Programme Definition as part of the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021.

5. Funding for Youth Digital Gateway – $5.0 million

ESDC is requesting $5.0 million in funding for Youth Digital Gateway to support work this fiscal year related to the build and delivery of digital services that address the needs of the youth segment.

Seeking to be the GC digital channel for youth employment, skills development, learning, and services, the YDG vision will be achieved by providing holistic, client-centric and new services for youth and youth partners that are accessible across a range of digital channels.

In consultations with young Canadians on the modernization of YESS and the CSC, youth have informed the GC about how they would like to access information and what tools they envision to support them in their transition to the workplace and in taking part in volunteer service.

The YDG project will respond to their suggestions and engage youth directly in the design, co-creation, and testing of new and improved digital services.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $5,001,890 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures, excluding EBP costs of $624,807) for Youth Digital gateway as part of the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021.

6. Funding for safeguarding Canadians’ personal information – $3.1 million

ESDC collects personal information from almost every Canadian, as well as a number of organizations, to facilitate timely, efficient and accurate delivery of its programs and services These programs and services range from collaborating with the provinces and territories to deliver the Social Insurance Number (SIN) at birth to providing benefits to eligible citizens via some of the Government of Canada's major statutory programs such as EI, CPP, OAS and voted grants and contributions.

Recent high-profile breaches of personal information in both the public and private sector demonstrate that the risk of breach is real and present for organizations such as ESDC. Moreover, because these private sector data breaches compromised a significant number of Social Insurance Numbers (SIN) and other personal information used for identity validation, fraudulent phone scams targeting Canadians who access the Department’s programs and services are on the rise.

With this in mind, the Department needs additional funds to invest in an access monitoring platform and program to prevent, detect and address insider threats and information misuse, as well as create stronger authentication tools and processes, and enhance digital solutions, to support identity verification and prevent fraud.

For this initiative in fiscal year 2020 to 2021 ESDC received a total of $17,139,591 excluding EBP costs for $1,704,787. This includes funding of $14,003,702 from the EI Operating Account and $3,135,889 from the CRF.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $3,135,889 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures, excluding EBP costs of $315,701) for Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information as part of the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021.

7. Funding for the resumption of in-person access at Service Canada Centres (SCC) (COVID-19) – $2.6 million

To reopen SCCs safely while adhering to physical distancing measures, the department introduced Commissionaires/security guards stationed at the entrance to control entry, confirm health status and manage the number of walk-ins based on capacity limits while enhancing cleaning protocols in every SCCs.

The department also installed see-through barriers (for example., Plexiglas) at client-receiving workstations and floor markers, signage and barriers to control flow.

For this initiative in fiscal year 2020 to 2021 ESDC received a total of $17,690,233. This includes funding of $13,530,319 from the EI Operating Account, funding of $1,559,968 from the CPP Account and the CRF portion of $2,599,946.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $2,599,946 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures) for the resumption of in-person access at Service Canada Centres as part of the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021.

8. Funding for improving gender and diversity outcomes in Skills programming – $0.9 million

The Government of Canada is committed to improving gender and diversity outcomes in skills programs.

Budget 2019 announced new funding of $5.0 million over five years to develop a strategy and improve capacity to better measure, monitor and address gender disparity and promote access of underrepresented groups across skills programming.

This funding will enable ESDC to build on work already underway with key partners to improve the inclusiveness of skills programming.

Having access to skills programs will enable more Canadians to get the skills they need to find and keep good jobs today and in the future.

ESDC is requesting authority to include $896,560 in Vote 1 (Operating expenditures, excluding EBP costs of $100,706) for improving Gender and Diversity Outcomes in Skills Programming as part of the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021.

9. Funding to authorize the inclusion and adjustment of an authority embedded in vote wording – $1

The one-dollar item is used because no additional funding is required but an amount must be presented for parliamentary approval of the item. The one-dollar item is used to include an internal transfer from Vote 1 to Vote 10 to write off debts due to the Crown related to overpayments from the Government Annuities Account.

B. Transfers

1. Transfer from the Department of Indigenous Services to the Department of Employment and Social Development for the Kativik Regional Government to streamline delivery of youth programming – $0.6 million

In March 2020, the Prime Minister announced additional investments of $492 million through the First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy (FNIYES) across Canada who are facing barriers to employment.

This funding will complement the programs and services that the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) delivers with respect to employment and training.

This transfer to the KRG, provided through the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training agreement between ESDC and KRG, consolidates funding, allowing for a reduction in administrative burden on KRG, especially in reporting, and allows for more streamlined service delivery to youth in Nunavik.

ESDC is requesting authority to transfer $560,125 in Vote 5 (Contributions) for a transfer from the Department of Indigenous Services for the Kativik Regional Government to streamline delivery of youth programming as part of the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021.

2. Internal reallocation of resources for the write-off debts due to the Crown related to overpayments from the Government Annuities Account – $25,064

The Department is requesting a transfer of $25,064 from Vote 1 (Operating Expenditures) to Vote 10 (Debt write-off – Government Annuities Account) to allow the write-off of debts due to the Crown related to 465 overpayments from the Government Annuities Account.

The Government Annuities Account write offs pertain to debts from 2015 to 2020.

The majority of overpayments result from late notification of death.

After all collection, efforts have been exhausted, and overpayments cannot be recovered, the debts are then considered for write off.

Provide authority to transfer from Employment and Social Development Vote 1, Operating expenditures, $25,064 in 2020 to 2021 to Vote 10 (Debt write-off - Government Annuities Account).

3. Transfer to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to support skills and employment training services for youth, delivered by The Cree Nation Government, and to support skills and employment training services delivered by the 11 Self-Governing Yukon First Nations – $120,000

In April 2019, ESDC launched the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) program, the successor to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS). The ISET program includes a number of new flexibilities, such as longer-term agreements, less administrative oversight and a different approach with modern treaty and self-governing groups.

This approach under the ISET program included the transfer of program funding to the Department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs for a number of modern treaty and self-governing groups, including the Cree Nation Government.

An outstanding amount of $120,000 for 2020 to 2021 is being transferred from ESDC to the Department of CIRNAC through the 2020 to 2021 Supplementary Estimates (C) accompanied by an interdepartmental letter of agreements for the Cree Nation Government and to support skills and employment training services delivered by the 11 Self-Governing Yukon First Nations. [One sentence has been redacted].

ESDC is requesting authority to transfer $120,000 in Vote 5 (Contributions) for a transfer to Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada to support skills and employment training services for youth, delivered by The Cree Nation Government, and to support skills and employment training services delivered by the 11 Self-Governing Yukon First Nations as part of the Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021.

C. Statutory Budgetary Authorities

1. Payments for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act – Decrease of $12.4 billion

The statutory forecast for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit was reduced to match the amount presented in the Fall Economic Statement in November 2020.

2. Old Age Security (OAS) Pension – Decrease of $100.1 million

The decrease of $100.1 million is an amalgamation of 3 components:

• a decrease in the forecasted average monthly rate for the OAS pension from $593.89 to $585.78, which accounts for a decrease of $648.4 million
• an increase in the estimated number of beneficiaries from 6,617,129 to 6,649,521, which accounts for an increase of $232.6 million; and
• a decrease in the anticipated OAS benefit re-payment which accounts for an increase in estimated OAS benefit payments of $315.7 million

3. Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) – Increase of $37.8 million

The increase of $37.8 million is an amalgamation of 2 components:

• a decrease in the estimated number of beneficiaries from 2,220,198 to 2,210,957, which accounts for a decrease of $57.3 million; and
• an increase in the forecasted average monthly rate from $522.54 to $526.14, which accounts for an increase of $95.1 million

4. Payments for the Canada Recovery Benefit pursuant to the Canada Recovery Benefits Act Benefit – Increase of $10.1 billion

When Canadians needed support the most, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) was introduced, which helped more than 8.5 million people pay their bills during this challenging time.

As the CERB came to an end, there was a transition to a simplified and more accessible EI Program and three new temporary recovery benefits were introduced to ensure that Canadians continue to receive the support they need when their employment is affected by COVID-19.

The temporary Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is one of these three benefits to support workers who are not eligible for EI.

To be eligible, workers must not be employed or self-employed for reasons related to COVID-19 or must have had a reduction of at least 50% in income due to COVID-19.

Under this benefit, a worker could receive $500 per week for up to 26 weeks as long as they are available and looking for work.

This will help support Canadians and promote economic recovery.

As of January 31, 2021, the CRB has helped over 1.7 million Canadians, for approximately $8.7 billion.

5. Payments for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act – Decrease of $2.2 billion

The statutory forecast for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit was reduced to match the amount presented in the Fall Economic Statement in November 2020.

6. Payments for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit pursuant to the Canada Recovery Benefits Act – Increase of $2.9 billion

The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit helps workers who must stay home to provide care to a young child or a family member who requires supervision when the school or facility is closed due to COVID-19 or the child or family member cannot attend due to COVID-19.

It provides up to 26 weeks of support per household at $500 per week.

As of January 31, 2021, over 0.3 million workers have received CRCB, for over $1.25 billion.

7. One-time payment to persons with disabilities pursuant to An Act respecting further COVID-19 measures – Increase of $0.4 million

As a result of COVID-19, Canadians living with disabilities are facing significant challenges, with some experiencing job insecurity. Others are seeing increased costs for personal support workers and other disability supports including; internet costs due to physical distancing requirements, and increased use of taxis and home delivery for food, medication and medical supplies.

The Department of Employment and Social Development is requesting $0.4 million for adjustments to support Persons with Disabilities one-time payment as a result of the recently announced extension of the deadline to apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) from September 25, 2020, to December 31, 2020. This requires ESDC to process and issue another payment in Spring 2021.

8. Payments for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit pursuant to the Canada Recovery Benefits Act – Increase of $0.8 billion

The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) benefit provides $500 per week for up to two weeks for workers who are not receiving other paid leave and who are unable to work at least 50% of their normal work schedule because they contracted COVID-19, they must self-isolate for reasons related to COVID-19, or they have an underlying condition that would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.

As of January 31, 2021, over 0.25 million workers have received the CRSB, for over $311 million.

9. Allowance Payments – Decrease of $5.8 million

The decrease of $5.8 million is an amalgamation of 2 components:

• a decrease in the forecasted average monthly rate from $621.11 to $616.09, which accounts for a decrease of $5.2 million; and
• a decrease in the estimated number of beneficiaries from 85,871 to 85,782, which accounts for a decrease of $0.6 million

10. Canada Emergency Response Benefit pursuant to the Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2020 – Increase of $500 million

As the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting public health measures spread across the country and workplaces shuttered, the Government of Canada introduced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

CERB provided temporary income support to workers who had to stop working or were without employment or self-employment income because of reasons related to COVID-19.

Workers received $2,000 for a 4-week period (the same as $500 a week), between March 15 and September 26, 2020. The deadline to retroactively apply for CERB was December 2, 2020.

The CERB helped more than 8.5 million workers pay their bills during this challenging time, providing over $81 billion in benefit payments.

The $500 million requested is for CERB applications received prior to the application deadline but paid after the December 31, 2020 repeal date of the Public Events of National Concern Payment Act.

11. Canada Disability Savings Grants – Increase of $40.6 million

The decrease in Canada Disability Savings Grant expenditures is due to a change in the forecasting model. The original 2020 to 2021 estimate was prepared based on a forecast simulation which overestimated expenditures for the grants. Since then, the program has adjusted its approach to forecasting expenditures and in the future the model will rely more heavily on the use of actual historical data to arrive at a more accurate forecast. Similar to previous years, grant forecasts will continue to be adjusted to better reflect the trends in actual expenditures in bonds and grants.

12. Contributions to employee benefit plans (EBP) – Increase of $1.7 million

An adjustment of $1,743,953 to EBP costs related to five items requested in the Supplementary Estimates 2020 to 2021 (C).

The 5 items are:

• funding for Youth Digital gateway ($624,867)
• funding for Benefits Delivery Modernization ($543,897)
• funding for Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information ($315,701)
• funding for Stabilization of IT in Support of Program Delivery($158,782); and
• funding for improving Gender and Diversity Outcomes in Skills Programming ($100,706)

13. Canada Disability Savings Bonds – Decrease of $200.5 million

The decrease of $200.5 million in bond expenditures is due to a change in the forecasting model. The original 2020 to 2021 forecast was prepared based on a forecast simulation which overestimated expenditures for the bond. Since then, the program has adjusted its approach to forecasting expenditures and in the future the model will rely more heavily on the use of actual historical data to arrive at a more accurate forecast. Similar to previous years, bond and grant forecasts will continue to be adjusted to better reflect the trends in actual expenditures in bonds and grants.

14. Payments to support a safe restart in Indigenous communities pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act – Decrease of $0.1 million

In response to COVID-19, $120 million in new federal investments were approved to support the safe reopening of the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) sector. In September 2020, access was granted to $91.6 million of these funds. The final $28.4 million were accessed in November 2020 and divided between ESDC, Indigenous Services Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada based upon engagement from Indigenous governments and stakeholders. The ESDC allocation has changed slightly, decreasing by $124,910, based upon these consultations.

Key quotes

None

6. Stabilization of IT in support of program delivery

Issue

Why is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) requesting $11.0 million in funding for Stabilization of IT in Support of Program Delivery in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021?

Key facts

• ESDC provides more than $122 billion in direct benefits to millions of Canadians every year
• ESDC information technology (IT) systems that enable the Department's service delivery are at risk of failure due to years of underinvestment
• Recognizing the short term need to stabilize and remediate ESDC's IT systems, in May 2020 the Government of Canada approved $469 million over 3 years (2020 to 2021 to 2025 to 2026) to mitigate the risk
• {One sentence has been redacted].

Response

• ESDC is the largest federal service delivery organization in Canada. However, chronic underinvestment in information technology (IT) has put ESDC in an unprecedented situation where the systems could fail and affect the ongoing delivery of critical programs and services to Canadians
• [Part of this sentence has been redacted], such as improving disaster response for Employment Insurance IT services and improving coast to coast network performance
• The $11 million represents the Consolidated Revenue Fund's portion of the total cost of the initiative for the fiscal year 2020 to 2021. The funding required for the rest of the cost is being covered by the Employment Insurance Operating Account and the Canada Pension Plan Account

Background

ESDC's IT systems that support the 3 major statutory programs (Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security) [Part of this sentence has been redacted]. Notably, the Department identified its aging IT systems as the top risk in its 2020 à 2021 Departmental Plan that was tabled in Parliament on March 10, 2020.

In May 2020, the Government of Canada [Part of this sentence has been redacted]

In November 2020, an initial investment of $149 million as approved from the total approved funding of $469 million over 6 years to initiate the first phase of work needed to improve network performance, establish disaster recovery systems, and stabilize aging IT systems.

{Part of this sentence has been redacted] $11 million is sourced from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, $6 million from the Canada Pension Plan Account and $30 million from the Employment Insurance Operating Account.

Key quotes

Funding ($000’s) and FTE

FTE

• Existing FTEs – 0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 FTEs – 6
• Total FTEs – 6

Salary

• Existing Funding $0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $588
• Total Funding $588

O and M

• Existing Funding $0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $10,433
• Total Funding $10,433

Total Operating

• Existing Funding $0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $11,021
• Total Funding $11,021

EBP

• Existing Funding $0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $159
• Total Funding $159

Sub-Total

• Existing Funding $0
• Supps B – 2020 to 2021 $11,180
• Total Funding $11,180

Vote 5 G and C

• Existing Funding $0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $0
• Total Funding $0

Total

• Existing Funding $0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $11,180
• Total Funding $11,180

7. Benefits Delivery Modernization program

Issue

Why is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) requesting $6.7 million in funding for Benefits Delivery Modernization in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021?

Key facts

• The Government of Canada announced the Benefits Delivery Modernization (BDM) Programme in Budget 2017, when $12.1M was committed to developing modern approaches to service delivery for Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)’s 3 statutory programs, in a phased approach beginning with Employment Insurance (EI)
• [One paragraph has been redacted]

Response

• The Department of Employment and Social Development is requesting $6.7 million in funding to undertake activities to close the Programme Definition phase of the Benefits Delivery Modernization Programme
• The Benefits Delivery Modernization (BDM) Programme will ensure ESDC can continue to reliably and accurately provide Canadians with EI, CPP, and OAS benefits
• The BDM Programme is modernizing IT systems to enable service improvements, which will expand self-service options, reduce wait times, streamline application processes and enable resolution at first point of contact

Background

Programme’s objectives

BDM will completely renew the business processes and technology for EI, CPP, and OAS, thereby transforming benefits delivery. BDM includes a business-focussed initiative to build a more responsive service delivery environment and an enabling technology component focused on replacing a suite of systems and tools built over 40 years ago, with a modern, integrated technology solution that will respond quickly to policy and other business changes as well as support expanding service delivery expectations of the future.

BDM is taking a phased approach to transform; leveraging best practices and lessons learned from the private sector and governments globally.

Foundational Work

Over the past 2 years foundational work has been undertaken as part of the BDM Programme, including:

• engaging with industry and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive implementation plan
• engaging with citizens and ESDC employees to design the modernized service delivery model
• completing the first step in a collaborative procurement process, resulting in the onboarding of seven qualified suppliers of IT systems and business solutions
• establishing a Partner Relations Management (PRM) function, including delivery and implementation of key elements of the PRM Framework and the completion of the first round of vendor performance reviews based on COVID-19 and Prototyping TA performance
• selecting BDM Core Technology through a well managed and transparent process
• drafting of the vendor performance management guide for inclusion in the system integrator master services agreement
• conducted 7 prototypes (Cloud, Deployment Approach, Curam capabilities, Data Model and Governance, Workforce and Workload mgt, User Experience and Solution Architecture) to de-risk the programme and inform design decisions; and
• developing a relationship management charter

Allocation of funds

The costs of Benefits Delivery Modernization are sourced from the EI Operating Account for an amount of $82.6M, the Canada Pension Plan Account for an amount of $5.6M, and the Consolidated Revenue Fund for an amount of $6.7M; for a total of $94.9M (excluding EBP). The funding identified in this request represents the Consolidated Revenue Fund portion (which supports the Old Age Security related activities of BDM, Programme Definition Phase).

Anticipated results

A long-term, multi-phase BDM Programme will make the next generation of benefits processing capable of addressing dynamic client expectations, changing business and economic environment.

BDM is a business-led, IT-enabled transformation that will deliver tangible benefits for clients and employers through a broad range of e-services that are easy to use. Canadians will be provided with an enhanced, consistent, and modern client experience. Wait times will be reduced, applications streamlined, and there will be efficient delivery with faster payment of benefits, proactive communication and status updates to keep clients well-informed.

Key quotes

Funding ($000’s) and FTE

FTE

• Existing FTEs – 4
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 FTEs – 20
• Total FTEs – 24

Salary

• Existing Funding $536
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $2,014
• Total Funding $2,550

O and M

• Existing Funding $720
• Supps B – Reprofile $1,781
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $4,663
• Total Funding $7,164

Total Operating

• Existing Funding $1,256
• Supps B – Reprofile $1,781
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $6,677
• Total Funding $9,714

EBP

• Existing Funding $144
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $544
• Total Funding $688

Sub-Total

• Existing Funding $1,400
• Supps B – Reprofile $1,781
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $7,221
• Total Funding $10,402

Total

• Existing Funding $1,400
• Supps B – Reprofile $1,781
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $7,221
• Total Funding $10,402

8. Safeguarding Canadians’ personal information

Issue

Why is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) requesting $3.1 million in funding for Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021?

Key facts

It is critical that the Government of Canada continue to invest in measures to protect the personal information of Canadians.

Response

• The Government of Canada is committed to the timely, efficient, and accurate delivery of its programming, benefits and services and to protecting the integrity and privacy of the personal and sensitive information entrusted to it by Canadians
• ESDC is the federal government's lead organization responsible for developing, managing and delivering a range of social programs and services. This mandated work inherently involves the collection of personal information from almost all Canadians at various points throughout their lives
• Accurately providing the right programs, benefits and services starts with acquiring and maintaining the right information from Canadians, and ensuring that this data is effectively safeguarded
• The proposed investment of $3.1 million will enable the Government to continue to strengthen its information safeguards, increasing its capacity to protect Canadians’ personal information against both internal and external threats

Background

ESDC collects personal information from almost all Canadians to facilitate timely, efficient, and accurate delivery of its programs and services.

As part of its core responsibilities, ESDC is committed to protecting the integrity and privacy of the personal data that it collects and retains through strong, well-established policies and procedures, which are continuously reviewed, updated and improved.

A recent risk and vulnerability assessment conducted by ESDC illustrates that while there are a number of security measures and controls in place, the Department needs to keep pace in an increasingly digital environment and do more to protect itself - and the information disclosed to it by Canadians - from proliferating and increasingly sophisticated threats.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner’s 2018 to 2019 Survey of Canadians on Privacy highlighted that 92% of Canadians have voiced concern about the protection of their privacy. In addition, 90% of Canadians have expressed feelings of fear about the potential for their personal information to be used to attempt or to steal their identity.

In 2020 to 2021, total funding of $17.81 million is required strengthen ESDC's capacity to protect the privacy of personal and sensitive information of Canadians. The program is sourced from the EI Operating Account for an amount of $14.0 million and the Consolidated Revenue Fund for an amount of $3.1 million.

Of this amount, funding of $3.1 million from the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) is required for 2 priorities:

• CRF funding in the amount of $0.4 million is required in 2020-2021 to advance work on a near real-time Access Monitoring platform and program that will provide ESDC with the visibility and traceability of the information accessed internally by employees across its programs, applications and databases
• in addition, CRF funding in the amount of $2.7 million is required in 2020-2021 to enable ESDC to work with federal-provincial/territorial (F-P/T) partners to advance a shared approach to client identity validation that will make it is easier for Canadians to securely access the Government of Canada's services

These investments will help to improve the integrity activities across ESDC programs, contributing to the Department’s continuing efforts to reduce, prevent, identify and address error, abuse, fraud and potential identity theft.

It will also ensure that ESDC is better equipped to respond appropriately and effectively to existing and emerging threats of insider malfeasance, data hacks or leakages and privacy breaches.

Key quotes

“Privacy is one of the single biggest issues of our time and our government is working hard to protect the privacy of Canadians in this digital age.”

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, President of the Treasury Board of Canada

“Our government is committed to making sure that Canadians’ personal information is protected and secure.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Funding ($000’s) and FTE

FTE

• Existing FTEs – 0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 FTEs – 13
• Total FTEs – 13

Salary

• Existing Funding $0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $1,169
• Total Funding $1,169

O and M

• Existing Funding $0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $1,967
• Total Funding $1,967

Total Operating

• Existing Funding $0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $3,136
• Total Funding $3,136

EBP

• Existing Funding $0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $316
• Total Funding $316

Total

• Existing Funding $0
• Supps B – 2020 to 2021 $3,452
• Total Funding $3,452

9. Service Canada Centres - In-Person access

Issue

Why is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) requesting $2.6 million in funding for Service Canada Centres in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021?

Key facts

Service Canada Centres (SCC) provide 8.5 million clients a year with in-person access to government programs and services including Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, Passport Services and Social Insurance Number.

From July through December 15, the 303 SCCs reopened to the public have safely provided in-person services to over 795 000 clients who need our help the most.

Response

To reopen SCCs safely while adhering to physical distancing measures, the department introduced Commissionaires/security guards stationed at the entrance to control entry, confirm health status and manage the number of walk-ins based on capacity limits while enhancing cleaning protocols in every SCCs.

The department also installed see-through barriers (for example, Plexiglas) at client-receiving workstations and floor markers, signage and barriers to control flow.

The department is seeking $2.6 million in 2020 to 2021 to meet the cost of providing in-person services while protecting the health and safety of clients and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

Service Canada provides in-person service through its network of 604 points of service; 317 full-time and part-time Service Canada Centres, 15 Service Delivery Partners, 247 Scheduled Outreach sites and 25 offices offering only passport services.

SCCs closed to the public in March 2020 as a temporary measure to protect the health and safety of employees and the public during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the same time, a new approach to service delivery was launched where clients can request help online and are then contacted by telephone within two business days. This online/callback service enables the continued delivery of services while protecting the health of clients and employees.

As local public health conditions permitted, 303 Service Canada Centres reopened to the public since July 2020.

To deliver in-person services, the department introduced Commissionaires/security guards stationed at the entrance to control entry, confirm health status and manage the number of walk-ins based on capacity limits while enhancing cleaning protocols in every SCCs.

Total funding of 2.6 million is requested through the 2020 to 2021 Supplementary Estimates C to meet costs associated with physical distancing requirements to protect the health and safety of citizen and employees.

Key quotes

“Privacy is one of the single biggest issues of our time and our government is working hard to protect the privacy of Canadians in this digital age.”

The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, President of the Treasury Board of Canada

“Our government is committed to making sure that Canadians’ personal information is protected and secure.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Funding ($000’s) and FTE

FTE

• Existing FTEs – 0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 FTEs – 0
• Total FTEs – 0

Salary

• Existing Funding 0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 0
• Total Funding 0

O and M

• Existing Funding 0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $2,600
• Total Funding $2,600

Total Operating

• Existing Funding 0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 $2,600
• Total Funding $2,600

EBP

• Existing Funding 0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 0
• Total Funding 0

Vote 5 G and C

• Existing Funding 0
• Supps C – 2020 to 2021 0
• Total Funding 0

Total

• Existing Funding 0
• Supps B – 2020 to 2021 $2,600
• Total Funding $2,600

10. Government Annuities Account write-offs

Issue

Why is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) requesting $25,064 for an internal reallocation to Write-off of debts owed to the Crown - related to overpayments from the Government Annuities Account (GAA) in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021?

Key facts

Government Annuities Account write-offs are approved by Treasury Board under section 25(2) of the Financial Administration Act (FAA). The amount of write-offs for 2020 to 2021 is $25,064.

Response

• The Department is requesting a transfer of $25,064 from Vote 1 (Operating Expenditures) to Vote 10 (Debt write-off – Government Annuities Account) to allow the write-off of debts due to the Crown related to 465 overpayments from the Government Annuities Account
• The Government Annuities Account write offs pertain to debts from 2015 to 2020
• The majority of overpayments result from late notification of death
• After all collection efforts have been exhausted, and overpayments cannot be recovered, the debts are then considered for write off
• The write off is done in accordance with the Financial Administration Act

Background

ESDC is seeking authority to transfer from ESD Vote 1, Operating expenditures, $25,064 in 2020-2021 to a new vote, Vote 10, within ESD to be entitled “Debt write-off – Government Annuities Account” – Pursuant to subsection 25(2) of the FAA, to write-off from the Accounts of Canada 465 debts due to Her Majesty in right of Canada amounting to $25,064 in 2020-2021 related to overpayments from the GAA. These write offs pertain to debts from 2015 to 2020.

The appropriate Minister of a Department, or an officer authorized by that Minister in writing, may write off from the accounts of the Department a debt subject to subsection 25(2) of the Financial Administrative Act (FAA) and section 5 of the Debt Write off Regulations, 1994. When the Department is advised a person is deceased through a death certificate, information provided by next of kin, returned mail, or other means, the recovery process begins:

• account receivable is established when a payment is made after date of death
• letter to client or next of kin and banking institutions
• file is brought forward for eight weeks
• amounts under $20: write-off request after four weeks if collection is unsuccessful; and
• amount over $20: follow-up letters to representatives and request for reimbursement from cashing bank

After 3 attempts are made to collect overpayment with no success, a write-off request letter is generated.

The majority of overpayments result from late notification of death, as illustrated in the following table:

Key quotes

None

11. Old Age Security program decrease

Issue

Why is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) projecting a decrease of $100.1 million for the Old Age Security (OAS) program in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021?

Key facts

It is estimated that approximately $44.9 billion in Old Age Security (OAS) benefits will be paid to eligible beneficiaries in 2020 to 2021.

Response

• The change in forecasted expenditures for Old Age Security program benefits is the result of changes in the forecasted monthly rate, the estimated number of beneficiaries, and the estimated amount recovered from higher-income seniors through the Old Age Security Recovery Tax.
• The net effect is a decrease of $100.1 million in estimated Old Age Security expenditures for 2020 to 2021
• The decrease represents a more accurate estimate of expenditures than what was possible when the Main Estimates were prepared

Background

The OAS program is the cornerstone of Canada's retirement income system and provides a minimum level of income to seniors in recognition of the contribution that they have made to Canadian society and the economy.

The expenditure forecast for the OAS program in the 2020 to 2021 Main Estimates varied from the 2020 to 2021 Supplementary estimates; specifically, there is an overall decrease of $100.1 million in forecasted expenditures for the OAS program for 2020 to 2021, as estimated by Finance Canada in Fall Economic Statement 2020. This variance is the result of changes in the forecasted average monthly rate for all OAS benefits, as well as changes in the forecasted number of beneficiaries and the total amount recovered from higher income seniors through the OAS Recovery Tax. A more detailed breakdown is provided below.

OAS pension expenditure estimates - decrease of $100.1 million

The decrease of $100.1 million is an amalgamation of 3 components:

• a decrease in the forecasted average monthly rate for the OAS pension from $593.89 to $585.78, which accounts for a decrease of $648.4 million. While the monthly rate did not decline, the anticipated increases to the Consumer Price Index in 2020 to 2021 were lower that the estimates used for the Main Estimate forecasts
• an increase in the forecasted number of OAS pension beneficiaries from 6.62 million to 6.65 million, which accounts for an increase of $232.6 million
• a decrease in the anticipated OAS Recovery Tax, which accounts for an increase in estimated OAS pension expenditure of $315.7 million

Funding (in thousands of dollars)

Old Age Security Payments

• Main Estimates 2020 to 2021 $44,966,057
• Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021 $(100,099)
• Total Estimated Spending $44,865,958

Key quotes

None

12. Guaranteed Income Supplement Payments program increase

Issue

Why is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) projecting an increase of $37.8 million for the Guaranteed Income Supplement Payments program in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021?

Key facts

It is estimated that approximately $14.0 billion in Guaranteed Income Supplement Payments benefits will be paid to eligible beneficiaries in 2020 to 2021.

Response

• The change in forecasted expenditures for Guaranteed Income Supplement Payments benefits is the result of changes in the forecasted monthly rate and the estimated number of beneficiaries
• The net effect is an increase of $37.8 million in estimated Guaranteed Income Supplement Payments expenditures for 2020 to 2021
• The increase represents a more accurate estimate of expenditures than what was possible when the Main Estimates were prepared

Background

The expenditure forecast for the GIS program in the 2020 to 2021 Main Estimates varied from the 2020 to 2021 Supplementary estimates; specifically, there is an overall increase of $37.8 million in forecasted expenditures for the GIS program for 2020 to 2021, as estimated by Finance Canada in Fall Economic Statement 2020. This variance is the result of changes in the forecasted average monthly rate for all GIS benefits and changes in the forecasted number of beneficiaries.

A more detailed breakdown is provided below.

The increase of $37.8 million is an amalgamation of 2 components:

• a decrease in the estimated number of beneficiaries from 2.22 million to 2.21 million, which accounts for a decrease of $57.3 million
• an increase in the forecasted average monthly rate from $522.54 to $526.14, which accounts for an increase of $95.1 million

Funding (in thousands of dollars)

Guaranteed Income Supplement

• Main Estimates 2020 to 2021 $13,921,587
• Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021 $37,753
• Total Estimated Spending $13,959,340

Key quotes

None

13. Disability one-time payment

Issue

Why is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) requesting an additional $0.4 million for the one-time payment to persons with disabilities, pursuant to An Act respecting further COVID-19 measures in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021?

Key facts

Persons with disabilities have faced unique challenges and costs during COVID-19.

Response

• As a result of COVID-19, Canadians living with disabilities are facing significant challenges, with some experiencing job insecurity. Others are seeing increased costs for personal support workers and other disability supports including; internet costs due to physical distancing requirements, and increased use of taxis and home delivery for food, medication and medical supplies
• The Department of Employment and Social Development is requesting $0.4 million for adjustments to support Persons with Disabilities one-time payment as a result of the recently announced extension of the deadline to apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) from September 25, 2020, to December 31, 2020. This requires ESDC to process and issue another payment in Spring 2021 to those who submit their DTC application by December 31, 2020 and are determined to be eligible; or receive a decision about their eligibility for one of the eligible programs by the end of February 2021
• The Government of Canada (GoC) will be automatically issuing a one-time non-taxable, non-reportable payment of up to $600 to approximately 1.7 million eligible Canadians to help pay for these expenses
• About 1.6 million people started to receive the payment in October of 2020. The remaining payments will go out in early 2021, for a total of $763 million for persons with disabilities
• This one-time payment provides financial support to persons living with a disability. To make it easier for eligible clients, the GoC is leveraging existing information to issue these payments rather than asking for applications to be submitted
• Many Canadians are eligible for this payment, including recipients of the DTC, Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD), Quebec Pension Plan disability pension (QPPD), and seven Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) benefits. Time was needed to put a system in place, integrate and validate the data, and ensure that payments are issued to eligible recipients

Background

On June 5, 2020, the GoC announced a one-time non-taxable and non-reportable payment of up to $600 to support Canadians with disabilities.

On July 17, 2020, the GoC announced legislative plans to make the benefit available to approximately 1.7 million Canadians with disabilities. Bill C-20 received Royal Assent on July 27, 2020.

On August 10, 2020, approval was received for $828 million plus $20.6 million in operating costs for 2020 to 2021 to be paid out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Costs include:

• $5.9 million for CRA to validate the Social Insurance Numbers of VAC clients and the processing of applications; and
• $14.7 million for ESDC for stakeholder engagement, system development and testing, communications, call centres, postage, and processing of undeliverable payments

These non-taxable, non-reportable payments are issued using already existing government direct deposit and mailing information. This one-time payment is to provide financial support to the person with the disability. Caregivers, survivors, and dependents are not eligible for this payment. Until October 23, 2020, Canadians with disabilities eligible to receive the one-time payment included those who were:

• holders of a valid Disability Tax Credit (DTC) certificate from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
• eligible and had applied for the DTC by September 25, 2020, and
• beneficiaries as at July 1, 2020 of the Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) and the Quebec Pension Plan Disability (QPPD)

Seniors who received the one-time seniors' payment and are also eligible for this one-time payment, and should receive a cumulative amount of up to $600, broken into 2 payments:

• if they received the $300 one-time seniors' payment for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, they should receive an additional $300, or
• if they received the $500 one-time seniors' payment for both the OAS pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement or the Allowance, they should receive an additional $100

Starting October 30, 2020, 1.6 million of the 1.7 million recipients started receiving their payments. The next payment is planned for January 2021 and includes eligible individuals that applied for the DTC by September 25, 2020, and have not yet received a response from the CRA, as well as those that could not be included in the October payments due to incorrect personal information.

On Oct 23rd, Minister Qualtrough announced that the deadline to apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to receive the one-time payment had been extended from September 25, 2020, to December 31, 2020. This will help more Canadians with disabilities access the benefit, as the COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for some to collect the information needed to complete the DTC application process. An extension of the deadline will give clients more time to submit their applications, and the Government of Canada time to issue decisions regarding eligibility.

Another payment will follow in Spring 2021, to those who submit their DTC application by December 31, 2020 and are determined to be eligible; or receive a decision about their eligibility for one of the eligible programs by the end of February 2021.

Key quotes

Statutory Funding ($000’s) and FTE

FTE

• Existing FTEs – 0
• Supps B - 42
• Supps C – 3
• Total Funding - 45

Salary

• Existing FTEs – 0
• Supps B - 3,887
• Supps C – 197
• Total Funding - 4,084

O and M

• Existing FTEs – 0
• Supps B - 15,664
• Supps C – 120
• Total Funding - 15,784

Total Operating

• Existing FTEs – 0
• Supps B - 19,551
• Supps C – 317
• Total Funding - 19,868

EBP

• Existing FTEs – 0
• Supps B - 1,049
• Supps C – 79
• Total Funding - 1,128

Sub-total

• Existing FTEs – 0
• Supps B - 20,600
• Supps C – 396
• Total Funding - 20,996

Grant

• Existing FTEs – 0
• Supps B - 828,000
• Supps C – 0
• Total Funding - 828,000

Total

• Existing FTEs – 0
• Supps B - 848,600
• Supps C – 396
• Total Funding - 848,996

14. Allowance Payments program decrease

Issue

Why is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) projecting a decrease of $5.8 million for the Allowance Payments program in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021?

Key facts

It is estimated that approximately $0.6 billion in Allowance Payments benefits will be paid to eligible beneficiaries in 2020 to 2021.

Response

• The change in forecasted expenditures for Allowance Payments program benefits is the result of changes in the forecasted monthly rate and the estimated number of beneficiaries
• The net effect is a decrease of $5.8 million in estimated Allowance Payment expenditures for 2020 to 2021
• The decrease represents a more accurate estimate of expenditures than what was possible when the Main Estimates were prepared

Background

The expenditure forecast for the Allowance Payments program in the 2020 to 2021 Main Estimates varied from the 2020 to 2021 Supplementary estimates; specifically, there is an overall decrease of $5.8 million in forecasted expenditures for the Allowance Payments program for 2020 to 2021, as estimated by Finance Canada in Fall Economic Statement 2020. This variance is the result of changes in the forecasted average monthly rate for all Allowance Payments benefits and changes in the forecasted number of beneficiaries.

Allowance Payments – decrease of $5.8 million

The decrease of $5.8 million is the amalgamation of two components:

• A decrease in the estimated number of beneficiaries from 85,900 to 85,800, which accounts for a decrease of $0.6 million
• A decrease in the forecasted average monthly rate from $621.11 to $616.09, which accounts for a decrease of $5.2 million. While the monthly rate did not decline, the anticipated increases to the Consumer Price Index in 2020 to 2021 were lower that the estimates used for the Main Estimate forecasts

Key quotes

None

15. Contributions to employee benefit plans adjustment

Issue

Why is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) requesting an adjustment of $1.7 million in funding to the statutory item "Contributions to employee benefit plans" in the Supplementary Estimates (C) for fiscal year ending March 31, 2021?

Key facts

• Changes to statutory items are presented in the Supplementary Estimates for information purposes only as Parliament has already approved the purpose of the statutory expenditures and the terms and conditions under which they may be made through other legislation (other than Appropriation Acts)
• Contributions to employee benefit plans include costs to the government for the employer’s matching contributions and payments to the Public Service Superannuation Plan, the Canada and the Quebec Pension Plans, death benefits, and the Employment Insurance Operating Account

Response

An adjustment of $1,743,953 to EBP costs is related to five items requested in these Supplementary Estimates.

The 5 items are:

• funding for Youth Digital gateway ($624,867)
• funding for Completion of Benefits Delivery Modernization Programme Definition ($543,897)
• funding for Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information ($315,701)
• funding for Stabilization of IT in Support of Program Delivery ($158,782); and
• funding for improving Gender and Diversity Outcomes in Skills Programming ($100,706)

Key quotes

None

16. New Horizons for Seniors program

Issue

How does the New Horizons for Seniors Program support Canadian communities?

Key facts

• Since its introduction in 2004, by March 31, 2021, the New Horizons for Seniors Program will have funded more than 30,500 projects, including COVID 19 related projects, in hundreds of communities across Canada. The total Government of Canada investment will be more than $660 million
• The New Horizons for Seniors Program supports the Government of Canada’s overarching goals to enhance the quality of life and promote the full participation of seniors in all aspects of Canadian life
• The government is investing $70M annually to support the diverse needs of seniors in hundreds of communities across the country, both through small community grants (up to $25k) delivered each year, and through larger multi-year pan-Canadian projects (up to $5M over 5 years) to help increase social inclusion

Response

• New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) funding improves the ability of organizations to address cultural diversity and the needs of vulnerable groups, such as Indigenous seniors, seniors in rural and remote areas, LGBTQ2 seniors and seniors with disabilities
• The NHSP has taken four steps to respond to COVID-19 and its impact on seniors
• In the spring of 2020, the Department provided all funded organizations with flexibilities to adapt their current project activities to support seniors impacted by COVID-19
• On March 29, 2020, the Prime Minister announced $9 million in funds for community organizations serving seniors. The NHSP worked with United Way Centraide Canada to deliver those funds to community organizations
• On May 12, 2020, the Government announced an additional investment of $20 million to the NHSP to support organizations that offer community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve the quality of life of seniors, and help them maintain a social support network. More than 1,000 projects were funded through this investment
• Finally, the annual community-based Call for Proposals held this past fall was designed to account for the challenges facing seniors-serving community organizations during the pandemic. Over 3,200 projects have been approved for funding. Agreements are currently being finalized to allow funds to flow to recipients by March 31, 2021

Background

The New Horizons for Seniors Program is a Grants and Contributions program created in 2004 to help ensure that seniors can benefit from, and contribute to, the quality of life in their communities through the following program objectives:

• promote volunteerism among seniors and other generations
• engage seniors in the community through mentoring of others
• expand awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse
• support social participation and inclusion of seniors; and
• provide capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors

The program’s 2 funding streams are:

1. Community-based; and
2. Pan-Canadian.
   • Budget 2019 included an additional investment of $100 million over 5 years and $20 million per year ongoing for the New Horizons for Seniors Program
   • This additional funding enhanced the ability to meet the growing demand for an oversubscribed program that operates in all regions across Canada and respond to the diverse and growing needs of seniors
   • The current annual budget is $70 million:
     • the Community-based stream’s annual budget is $50.04 million, with an additional one-time $10.8 million supplement for the 2020-2021 Call for Proposals (CFP) bringing the total available to approximately $61M
     • the Pan-Canadian stream’s annual budget is $13.1 million; and
     • the administration of the program is $6.86 million
   • During the pandemic, the Department provided both community-based and pan-Canadian funded organizations with flexibilities to adapt their current project activities to support seniors impacted by COVID-19. Examples of project changes include organizations adapting in-person programming to virtual programs, delivering groceries and other necessities and making phone calls to isolated seniors

Community-based projects

• Program Terms and Conditions allow a maximum funding per Community-based project of $100K over two years. However, funding is typically allocated through an annual CFP, which funds grants of up to $25K over one year. In 2018, a small grant stream ($5K or less), which aims to better support vulnerable populations, was introduced
• Projects are led or inspired by seniors and address one or more of the 5 program objectives
• The New Horizons for Seniors Program continues to be an oversubscribed program
  • For the 2020-2021 CFP, which was launched on September 9, 2020 and closed on October 23, 2020, a total of 5,070 community-based applications representing more than $99 million were received. In February 2021, over $60 million in funding ($50.04M in base funding plus $10.8M one-time investment for 2020 to 2021) was approved to support 3,264 projects across Canada (subject to change). Agreements are currently being finalized with funds expected to flow by March 31, 2021
    • As part of this latest CFP, in addition to addressing at least one of the Program’s 5 objectives, project proposals could also address issues affecting seniors during the pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic response

• On March 29, 2020, the Prime Minister announced $9M in funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program to the United Way Centraide Canada to fund community organizations in each province and territory to support isolated, vulnerable seniors in coping with the health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These investments helped to provide essential services to seniors such as the delivery of groceries and medications, meal preparation, transportation to necessary medical appointments or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports. More than 900 projects were supported through this funding
• On May 12, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister announced an additional investment of $20 million in the New Horizons for Seniors Program
• In addition to this increased funding, the Government provided flexibility to organizations who received funding through the 2019 to 2020 New Horizons for Seniors Program's community-based stream CFP to use this funding to provide immediate and essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19, rather than being limited to their original objectives. The approximately 2,800 community organizations, representing close to $50 million in funding, that were approved through this CFP could use their funding to deliver services to seniors in the community such as food and medication, or provide tablet computers to help seniors stay connected to their loved ones through video-conferencing
• Examples of recently funded Community-based projects include:
  • seniors involved with Food First NL are engaged in the community through mentoring of others and involving them in the development of instructional food skills videos for intergenerational knowledge sharing and hosting workshops to foster skill building and sharing
  • seniors involved with the Charlotte Street Arts Centre are planning and participating in intergenerational arts-based workshops and a final performance in order to promote volunteerism among seniors and other generations; and
  • seniors of the Georgetown Senior’s Group are involved in social participation and inclusion by establishing a senior-led theatrical group

Pan-Canadian projects

• Pan-Canadian projects can receive up to $5 million over 5 years, in grants and contributions funding
• The 2018 to 2019 Pan-Canadian Call for Concepts (CFC) closed on January 21, 2019. This CFC, using the Collective Impact approach, sought projects with a focus on the social inclusion of vulnerable seniors. Over 200 concepts were received and 22 Collective Impact plans were approved by the Minister of Seniors. Most projects began in fall 2019 and will be funded up to 5 years in duration

COVID-19 pandemic response

Like projects in the community-based stream, these projects were also provided the flexibility to pivot their project activities to address issues related to the pandemic. For example, organizations shifted from in-person activities to virtual programming, such as the Seniors Centre Without Walls telephone program or online training on how to support isolated LGBTQ2+ seniors.

Key quotes

“By enabling opportunities for seniors to connect, support each other, share information and contribute to their communities, we are empowering them and improving their well-being. Together, we can give seniors the recognition, respect and admiration they deserve.”

The Honourable Deb Schulte, Minister of Seniors

17. Long-term care homes

Synopsis

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Canadians receiving long-term care in community settings, specifically long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, and seniors’ residences. More than 67% of COVID-19 deaths in Canada have occurred in long-term care facilities. Even residents of these facilities not affected directly by the disease are facing social isolation and reduced services. This has highlighted longstanding challenges in supportive care, including gaps in infection prevention and control, staffing, infrastructure, testing, and visitation policies.

As of February 22, 2021, Ontario is the most affected province, with at least 121 known active outbreaks in LTC/assisted living facilities in Ontario, followed by Manitoba (99), Alberta (83), Québec (82), British Columbia (13), Saskatchewan (10), and New Brunswick (2). Additional outbreaks may be active across provinces and territories.

Potential question

What is the federal government doing to support provinces and territories in addressing major issues in long-term care facilities?

Key messages

• The federal government is taking important steps to respond to the significant challenges faced by long-term care facilities across the country
• In the Fall Economic Statement, we committed to fund of up to $1 billion for a Safe Long-term Care Fund, to help provinces and territories protect people from COVID-19 in long-term care and support infection prevention and control
• Provinces and territories will be able to use this funding to undertake a range of activities, including carrying out infection prevention and control readiness assessments, making improvements to ventilation and hiring additional staff or topping up wage
• We are also committing $6.4 million over two years, starting in 2020 to 2021, to the Canadian Foundation for Health Improvement to expand its LTC+ initiative, which supports pandemic preparedness in long-term care facilities and seniors residences with coaching and seed funding to help address gaps in infection prevention and control
• Earlier this year, the Government of Canada and provincial/territorial governments reached a Safe Restart Agreement, supported by over $19 billion in federal investments, to help provinces and territories restart the economy, while making Canada more resilient to waves of the virus
• This included $740 million in funding to support our most vulnerable populations, including increasing infection prevention and control measures to protect those in long-term care, and those receiving home care and palliative care
• The Canadian Armed Forces have provided unwavering support to Canadians throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first wave of the pandemic they rapidly and successfully mobilized approximately 1,700 personnel to provide support to long-term care facilities in Quebec and Ontario. National Defence continues to stand ready to contribute to the whole-of-government response to COVID-19, while also maintaining operational readiness abroad
• The government also continues to work with the Canadian Red Cross to support provinces and territories facing outbreaks in long-term care. The Red Cross works closely with local authorities in order to provide assistance in long-term care homes
• In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting provinces and territories through the procurement and distribution of authorized vaccines, which will help protect long-term care residents
• We will continue taking any action we can to address challenges in long-term care institutions and support seniors, while working alongside the provinces and territories

If pressed on additional support provided by the federal government…

• The Public Health Agency of Canada has published guidance on the care of residents in long-term care, as well as infection prevention and control guidance to help prevent COVID-19 infections among residents and workers in long-term care and assisted-living facilities, as well as in home care. This guidance was developed through the National Advisory Committee on Infection Prevention and Control and endorsed by the Pan-Canadian Special Advisory Committee
• Up to $3 billion in federal funding has been provided to support provinces and territories to increase the wages of low-income essential workers, which could include front line workers in hospitals and long-term care facilities
• The Government of Canada adapted the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program to respond to the impacts of COVID-19. A new temporary COVID-19 Resilience stream has been created to provide provinces and territories with added flexibility to use existing resources to fund quick-start, short-term projects, including health infrastructure such as long-term care home
• In collaboration with partners, the Health Canada-funded Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement and the Canadian Patient Safety Institute have launched an initiative to spread promising practices in preventing and mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on long-term care and retirement homes. The goal of the initiative is to better position participating facilities to prevent and manage any future outbreaks

If pressed on the speech from the throne…

• The Government announced its intention to work with the provinces and territories to set new national standards for long-term care so that seniors get the best support possible
• The Government will also look at further targeted measures for personal support workers, who do an essential service helping the most vulnerable in our communities. Canada must better value their work and their contributions to our society
• The Government of Canada will work with Parliament on Criminal Code amendments to explicitly penalize those who neglect seniors under their care, putting them in danger

If pressed on the fall economic statement…

• Through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada committed up to $1 billion for a Safe Long-term Care Fund, to help provinces and territories protect people in long-term care and support infection prevention and control
• Federal officials are currently working with their provincial and territorial counterparts to put plans and mechanisms in place to flow this federal funding
• Further, the government committed $6.4 million over two years, starting in 2020 to 2021, to the Canadian Foundation for Health Improvement to expand its LTC+ initiative, which supports pandemic preparedness in long-term care facilities and seniors residences with coaching and seed funding to help address gaps in infection prevention and control
• The government also reiterated its commitment to establishing national standards for long-term care as a means to address critical gaps in long-term care facilities, including raising the working conditions of lower-wage essential workers in senior care, particularly personal support workers, who have persevered in the face of adversity

Background

Concerning outbreak

In the last week of February 2021, there has been a major outbreak of COVID-19 in the CHSLD Lionel-Émond in Gatineau, Québec in which at least 2 dozen residents and staff tested positive. Most of the latest cases are asymptomatic and were discovered only after scheduled screening.

Within this facility, 96% of residents have already received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020. It is important to note that all of the residents only received one dose of the vaccine, lowering its efficacy in comparison to the full two-dose recommendation. It is also important to note that only 41% of CHSLD workers in this facility have been vaccinated. This outbreak highlights the need to continue taking infection prevention and control measures in long-term care facilities.

Reports and recommendations

Since the onset of COVID-19, a number of organizations such as the Royal Society of Canada, Ontario Long-Term Care Association and the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, have released reports calling for action from the Government of Canada to improve the quality of care for seniors living in LTC facilities. Recommendations for the improvement for LTC include:

• increasing procurement of personal protective equipment
• addressing workforce issues (for example. increased staffing, national human resources strategy, improved pay/benefits)
• providing capital investment to build and redevelop existing LTC homes
• developing national standards
• enhancing data collection
• planning for management of resurgence of COVID-19
• Improving access to rapid testing

As well, the Health Canada-funded Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI) and Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) released a report in summer 2020 outlining promising practices in six key areas that have the potential to help long-term care and retirement homes prepare for possible future COVID-19 outbreaks, or mitigate their effects:

• preparation
• prevention
• people in the workforce
• pandemic response and surge capacity
• planning for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 care; and
• presence of family

Current situation and investigations in long-term care facilities

Several provinces and territories have launched inquiry processes related to long-term care facilities, including Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. The majority of the ongoing investigations do not have set timelines for reporting results.

Investigation reports completed to date have identified of key factors that contributed to the outbreaks including staffing issues (for example. shortages, lack of training/orientation, working ill/asymptomatic), lack of proper PPE, insufficient equipment, poor communication between management/staff/families, poor infrastructure and lack of managerial oversight. Key recommendations for quality improvement include addressing staff challenges (for example. increase full-time positions, staffing ratios, training), improve infection prevention and control measures and improved pandemic planning.

Families of residents in long-term care facilities have publicly reported their frustration and concern regarding how their loved ones are cared for, as well as the poor conditions in the residences. Families are calling for increased accountability and systematic changes in how long-term care facilities are operated. A number are bringing legal action against facilities over their COVID-19 response.

Government of Canada actions

While long-term care is primarily a provincial and territorial responsibility, including the oversight of publicly and privately operated long-term care homes, the federal government is taking a number of steps to respond to the significant challenges faced by long-term care facilities across the country in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions are laid out in the Key Messages and If pressed sections.

LTC+: Acting on Pandemic Learning Together” initiative: To help the long-term care sector share learnings and strengthen pandemic preparedness, the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI) partnered with the Canadian Patient Safety Institute to launch the LTC+: Acting on Pandemic Learning Together initiative. It is based on the findings captured in their report “Reimagining Care for Older Adults: Next Steps in COVID-19 Response in Long-Term Care and Retirement Homes” from summer 2020 (outlined in the Reports and recommendations section above). Participating teams receive seed funding from CFHI to support needed improvements, access to training sessions and materials, and coaching on the implementation of the program’s key components. As of January 7th, 2021, 351 teams are participating in the program with another 54 applications in process. It is this initiative that received an additional $6.4M in funding through the Fall Economic Statement. Recently, CFHI released a checklist for essential care partners for safely re-entering long-term care homes during COVID-19.

The Fall Economic Statement also provides $38.5 million over 2 years to Employment and Social Development Canada to support training up to 4,000 personal support worker interns through an accelerated 6-week online training program combined with a 4-month work placement, to address acute labour shortages in long-term care and home care.

Long-term care facility ownership breakdown

On September 24, CIHI released a breakdown of the type of ownership of publicly funded LTC homes offering 24-hour nursing care across the country. Ownership of these facilities can be public or private. Privately owned LTC homes can be subdivided into for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.

The proportion of private and publicly owned LTC homes varies by province/territory. Overall, 54% of LTC homes in Canada are privately owned (28% for-profit, 23% not-for-profit and 3% no breakdown) and 46% are publicly owned.

Federal government ownership of long-term care facilities

The federal government does not own any long-term care facilities, including federal departments responsible for the delivery of long-term care (for example Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), Indigenous Services Canada).

The last facility/hospital run by VAC was Ste Anne's Hospital in Quebec. It was transferred to the province in April 2016. VAC now supports about 4000 Veterans in over 1150 provincially and privately owned and operated long-term care facilities across the country. This can include subsidized accommodation or meal costs or funding for facilities on an annual basis to support an enhanced level of services and specialized programs for veterans.

Since 2007, Revera Inc. is a wholly-owned operating subsidiary of the Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSPIB), an independent Crown corporation established under the Public Sector Pension Investment Board Act in 1999 and is registered under the Canada Business Corporations Act.

The PSPIB operates at arm's length from the federal government – that is to say, it is not part of the federal public administration. Its business affairs are managed by an 11-member Board of Directors, and investment decisions are informed by a governance model outlined in the PSPIB Act.

Canadian Armed Forces

The Canadian Armed Forces have provided unwavering support to Canadians throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the first wave of the pandemic they rapidly and successfully mobilized approximately 1,700 personnel to provide support to long-term care facilities in Quebec and Ontario. Over two and a half months, the Canadian Armed Forces made a difference in a total of 54 long-term care facilities – 47 in Quebec and 7 in Ontario.

CAF members were properly supported, trained, and equipped throughout every stage of their deployment. National Defence continues to stand ready to contribute to the whole-of-government response to COVID-19, while also maintaining operational readiness abroad.

HC Contact: Sharon Harper (613-219-4286)

HC Alternate Contact: Pamela Simpson (613-240-2269)

HC Approved by: Kendal Weber (613-952-5095), ADM, Strategic Policy Branch

Key messages

• The Government announced its intention to work with the provinces and territories to set new national standards for long-term care so that seniors get the best support possible
• The Government will also look at further targeted measures for personal support workers, who do an essential service helping the most vulnerable in our communities. Canada must better value their work and their contributions to our society
• The government also reiterated its commitment to establishing national standards for long-term care as a means to address critical gaps in long-term care facilities, including raising the working conditions of lower-wage essential workers in senior care, particularly personal support workers, who have persevered in the face of adversity

Background

LTC services are delivered in all PTs and are highly regulated; however, regulations are inconsistent across jurisdictions. Variations exist with regard to eligibility, service levels, level of public funding, out-of-pocket costs, facility ownership types (public, not-for-profit and for-profit, Indigenous-owned), employment standards and the built infrastructure of LTC facilities. Standards of care also vary in a number of key areas such as workforce, infection prevention and control measures, quality of care in private and public facilities, and oversight.

Challengers in the LTC sector

The high impact of COVID-19 in LTC has exacerbated long-standing challenges in these facilities, including gaps in infection prevention and control, staffing, infrastructure, and testing. A lack of consistent standards and inadequate inspections with remedial solutions has also contributed to outbreaks in facilities.

As of January 20, 2021, residents of LTC and seniors’ homes represent 71% of deaths country-wide. Residents continue to be socially isolated and lack spiritual and social connections. Families have experienced significant distress from their inability to provide care and support.

Reports from workers, stakeholders, the Canadian Armed Forces, and provincial governments during and before the pandemic cite the following challenges:

• rising resident needs - While LTC homes have always cared for residents with a range of support needs, the proportion of residents with complex needs is increasing
• staffing challenges - The bulk of the labour force providing care in LTC facilities is receiving comparatively low wages. According to Statistics Canada 2016 Census, there were 258,995 personal support workers (PSWs) (also known as nurse aides, orderlies, and so on) working in the health sector with an average income of $32,305
• this labour force is largely dominated by women (women make up 90.6% of licensed practical nurses and 86.9% of PSWs). The labour force has low job satisfaction and retention. For example, the Ontario PSW Association found that 79% of the 13,400 PSWs who responded to a 2018 survey reported being unhappy with their profession
• outdated infrastructure - Many LTC facilities’ infrastructure is outdated or nearing the end of its functional life

Until the national standards are in place, the Government of Canada is actively supporting PTs to improve care in LTC facilities. This includes investments under the Safe Restart Agreement, the new Safe LTC Fund of up to $1 billion for improvements in infection prevention and control in LTC, funding for public health and supportive care in Indigenous communities and the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement’s LTC+ initiative (coaching and seed funding to address gaps in infection prevention and control). As of March 10, 2021, 1086 facilities are already participating.

18. Strengthening Canada's approach to senior abuse

Issue

What is the government doing to protect Canada's seniors from elder abuse?

Key facts

• According to the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (2015):
  • the prevalence of elder abuse in Canada is 7.5%
  • the most frequent perpetrators are close family members
  • among the most significant risk factors for abuse are depression and having been abused at an earlier stage in life

Response

• The Government of Canada values the many contributions made by seniors to our nation. That is why we are working to implement measures to help improve the lives of seniors and their families
• We recognize that senior abuse is a serious issue affecting many older people in Canada, and even more so in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has contributed to further isolating seniors
• The Government is committed to working with Parliament on Criminal Code amendments to explicitly penalize those who neglect seniors under their care, putting them in danger
• The Government, through the National Seniors Council, examined the issue of financial abuse of seniors in 2019. The Government also provides funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program to community groups to help promote awareness of senior abuse, including financial abuse

Background

The abuse of older adults remains an often hidden but serious social problem that affects the lives of thousands of seniors in Canada. Senior abuse includes physical abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and sexual abuse.

In December 2018, Ministers approved the National Seniors Council’s three-year work plan (2018 to 2021) with the following 4 work priorities:

• identifying measures to address crimes and other harms against seniors
• examining potential objectives and elements of a national seniors strategy
• providing advice on federal initiatives (such as the National Housing Strategy) using an age-friendly/healthy aging perspective; and
• identifying measures to counteract ageism by shifting the public discourse on aging

The NSC hosted an expert round table and town hall in March 2019, to identify promising practices and discuss new measures to reduce financial crimes and harms against seniors. A ‘what we heard report’ summarizing the discussions was published on the Government of Canada website in August 2019.

From 2007 to 2015, the New Horizons for Seniors Program pan-Canadian funding focused on increasing the awareness of elder abuse and invested in over 70 projects, which developed, replicated, adapted, and disseminated tools, resources and promising practices across the country.

The New Horizons for Seniors Program's community-based funding stream continues to increase elder abuse awareness through its annual funding of one-year community-based projects for an amount of up to $25,000. From 2004-2019, the Government of Canada awarded close to $35 million in funding to organizations across Canada for more than 700 projects with a focus on elder abuse awareness.

In the 2019 federal election, the Liberal Party’s electoral platform included commitments to help protect seniors from abuse. The platform mentioned that “every year, about one in ten seniors is a victim of crime, but many seniors are reluctant to report it – with only half of violent crimes against seniors reported to police, and only about a third of financial crimes being reported.”

The Minister of Seniors 2019 mandate letter commitments included working with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to strengthen Canada's approach to elder abuse by: creating a national definition of elder abuse; investing in better data collection and law enforcement related to elder abuse; and establishing new offences and penalties in the Criminal Code related to elder abuse.

In the Speech from the Throne delivered on September 23, 2020, the Government committed to working with Parliament on Criminal Code amendments to explicitly penalize those who neglect seniors under their care, putting them in danger.

The Minister of Seniors 2021 supplementary mandate letter commitment included continuing to support the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to establish new offences and penalties in the Criminal Code related to elder abuse and neglect.

Key quotes

None

19. Canada Pension Plan sustainability

Issue

Uncertainty in the financial markets have caused public concern regarding the long-term sustainability of the Canada Pension Plan, especially due to COVID-19.

Key facts

• Approximately 6.1 million CPP beneficiaries were paid a total of $48.9 billion in 2019 to 2020
• As of December 31, 2020, the CPP Fund managed by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) has $475.7 billion in net assets. The Fund delivered an investment return of 5.1% for the most recent quarter

Response

• The Canada Pension Plan is fully sustainable for at least the next 75 years as demonstrated in the 30th Actuarial Report
• The Canada Pension Plan fund has a long investment horizon that is designed to absorb periodic downturns in the financial sector
• Despite the brief downturn in March last year, global financial markets experienced a strong rebound. For the nine-month fiscal year-to-date period ending December 2020, Canada Pension Plan investments generated $67.5 billion in net income for the Fund

Background

The CPP is a social insurance plan that is funded by the contributions of employees, employers and self-employed persons, and by the revenue earned on CPP investments. The CPP benefits consist of retirement pensions, along with disability, death, survivor, post retirement and children’s benefits. Quebec has a separate but comparable plan, the Quebec Pension Plan.

The CPPIB invests the funds not needed by the CPP to pay current benefits and operating expenses. As of December 31, 2020, the CPPIB held net assets of $475.7 billion, an increase of $19.0 billion from the previous quarter ended June 30, 2020, and an increase of $66.1 billion from March 31, 2020.

Since it was created in 1997, the CPPIB has yielded higher than expected rates of returns on investments. The CPP Fund is invested for the long term, has a broadly diversified portfolio and steady cash inflows, and is structured to withstand stock market cycles. The CPP portfolio was designed to be resilient, enabling it to weather severe market events – such as the current situation.

Key quotes

None

“While global financial markets experienced a strong rebound from March, significant uncertainty in health, social and economic conditions persists,”

“Amid this environment, CPP Investments delivered solid performance, while our investment teams were active in creating long-term value across our diversified programs.”

said Mark Machin, President and Chief Executive Officer, CPP Investments

20. Canada Pension Plan and Quebec Pension Plan survivor's benefit

Issue

In order to support widows, the Government promises to work with provinces to increase the value of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) survivor’s pensions by 25%. This would represents an increase of up to $2,116 per year and would affect the 1.2 million individuals currently in receipt of a survivor’s pension.

Key facts

• Major changes to the Plan require the formal consent of two-thirds of provinces representing two-thirds of the population. The Government of Canada has no authority over the Quebec Pension Plan
• This initiative is one of the issues being discussed with provinces as part of the 2019 to 2021 Triennial Review of the CPP

Response

• Losing a partner is a challenging time for anyone, but for seniors, this moment also comes with the additional loss of pension income. This can force surviving partners — most of whom are women — to reduce their standard of living or risk running out of savings
• This is why we have promised to work with provinces to increase the Canada Pension Plan survivor’s pension
• Federal and provincial Finance Ministers review the Canada Pension Plan every three years, looking at both the Plan’s financial state and the adequacy of its benefits and provisions. This proposal is part of the discussions taking place with provinces as part of the current Triennial Review, which was initiated in December 2019

Background

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a national mandatory contributory public pension plan for all workers in Canada. In Quebec, workers are covered by the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) that came into force at the same time as the CPP in 1966. The federal government does not have the power to unilaterally change CPP benefits and has no authority over the QPP. The proposed changes to the CPP survivor’s pension require the consent of two-thirds of provinces representing two-thirds of the population of the provinces. This initiative has been included for discussion with provinces as part of the 2019 to 2021 Triennial Review of the CPP.

Per the legislation, a new or increased benefit to the CPP must be fully funded. An immediate increase in the survivor’s pension for current benefit recipients would not have been pre-funded by contributions. The legislation requires the resulting liability to be paid off by an increase in the contribution rate for a determined period no longer than 15 years.

Some measures to help CPP survivors are already being implemented. The recently introduced CPP enhancement, which began in 2019, will increase the survivor’s pension by up to 50% over time (as well as the retirement pension).

Key quotes

None

21. Increasing OAS by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over

Issue

The Government has committed to increase the Old Age Security pension by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over.

Key facts

• In 2019 to 2020, the Government provided $56.3 billion in Old Age Security (OAS) benefits to 6.5 million beneficiaries, which includes $42.7 billion in OAS pension benefits to 6.4 million recipients
• Close to 3 million OAS pensioners are aged 75 and over

Response

• The Government of Canada is committed to moving forward with investments that give Canadian seniors a better quality of life, including stronger financial security
• Seniors are living longer than ever before, however, with increasing age, seniors tend to have lower income and often face higher health-related expenses because of the onset of illness or disability
• We are taking action to help make life more affordable for Canadians as they age. As reiterated in the 2020 Speech from the Throne, we remain committed to increasing the Old Age Security pension for seniors aged 75 and over
• Once decisions have been made on how the Government will implement this commitment, details will be made public

Background

The Old Age Security (OAS) program is a non-contributory, residence-based program financed through general tax revenues. The objective of the OAS program is to provide a minimum level of income to seniors and contribute to their income replacement in retirement. OAS benefits include the OAS pension, which is paid to all individuals aged 65 and older who meet the residence and legal status requirements, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low income seniors, and the Allowances for low-income Canadians aged 60 to 64 who are the spouses/common-law partners of GIS recipients, or who are widows or widowers.

The GIS is an income-tested monthly benefit that provides additional support to low income seniors who have little or no income other than the OAS pension. Together, the OAS pension and the GIS help ensure that the overall income of seniors does not fall below a specified threshold, providing seniors with a minimum income guarantee.

To date, the Government has undertaken several measures to improve the financial security of low income seniors. Since 2016, the Government has:

• increased the GIS top-up for the lowest income single seniors by up to $947 annually, helping close to 900,000 seniors who rely almost exclusively on the OAS pension and the GIS, and lifted an estimated 57,000 seniors out of poverty (based on the Market Basket Measure)
• restored the age of eligibility for the OAS pension and the GIS to 65 from 67, preventing about 100,000 future seniors from falling into poverty, and
• increased the GIS earnings exemption from $3,500 to $5,000, extended the exemption to self employment income, and introduced an additional 50% exemption on employment and self employment income between $5,000 and $15,000, as of July 2020. This measure enables working GIS recipients to earn up to $15,000 in employment and self employment income before the GIS benefit reduction applies to their full income
• introduced a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the OAS pension, with an additional tax-free payment of $200 for seniors eligible for the GIS. This measure provided a total of $500 to low-income seniors who receive both the OAS pension and the GIS. Allowance recipients also received $500. This $2.5 billion investment in financial support will help Canadian seniors cover increased costs due to the COVID-19 pandemic

In the 2020 Speech from the Throne, the Government reiterated its commitment to increase the OAS pension for seniors aged 75 and over. This commitment was first made in the Liberal Party’s 2019 election platform, which committed to increase the OAS pension by 10% for seniors in this age group, providing up to $729 more per year in additional benefits. This commitment was also reiterated in the Minister of Seniors’ mandate letter.

Key quotes

"Seniors poverty is a growing concern. The Liberals' proposed OAS increase would make a real difference to Canada's poorest seniors."

CARP (statement through CBC news article: “Trudeau promises more financial supports for seniors but no independent accounting”, September 18, 2019)

"…the policy is noteworthy because it benefits the “oldest old,” where the “risk of falling into poverty increases substantially,” rather than everyone over 65 years, who qualify for OAS."

Kevin Milligan, Ph.D, Professor of Economics at the Vancouver School of Economics, University of British Columbia (statement through The Globe and Mail news article: “Canadian seniors in focus as election campaign enters second week”, September 18, 2019)

“ […] we are supporting seniors of all ages during the pandemic by providing a total of $3.8 billion in tax-free payments and increased community supports.

We plan to increase Old Age Security by 10% for seniors when they turn 75. That is on top of the work we are doing to restore the age of eligibility for Old Age Security benefits, increase the Guaranteed Income Supplement for single seniors, and improve the Canada Pension Plan for future retirees. We will continue to be there for our seniors, as we have always been.”

The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, House of Commons, March 10, 2021

22. Old Age Security service improvements

Issue

What is the Government of Canada doing to improve the service delivery of the Old Age Security (OAS) program through the OAS Service Improvement Strategy (SIS) (including Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS))?

Key facts

• Eligible clients are now automatically enrolled each month for OAS and GIS. As of January 31, 2021, over 1.51 million seniors were automatically enrolled for the Old Age Security pension
• The project also introduced new online, self-service options in order to meet the expectations of seniors and to deliver a modern service experience for Canadians
• In addition, the Department worked to simplify the application process. As of August 2018, seniors were able to apply for both the OAS and GIS in a single application

Response

• Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is supporting Canadians and improving their quality of life by modernizing the Old Age Security (OAS) program through a number of key initiatives
• We have taken a number of steps, including the introduction of auto-enrolment to ensure eligible Canadians receive the benefits to which they are entitled. As of January 31, 2021, over 1.51 million seniors were automatically enrolled for the Old Age Security pension
• Through Budget 2019, the Government has invested $90 million over three years to allow ESDC to continue to improve and modernize the Old Age Security program, and hire additional staff to process more timely Old Age Security benefit claims for seniors

Background

Launched in 2012, the Old Age Security (OAS) Service Improvement Strategy (SIS) is a multi-year initiative to modernize the delivery of the OAS program by improving services to eligible clients, including low-income individuals, while also generating efficiencies in the processing of OAS benefits. The objectives of the OAS SIS are to:

• deliver consistent and electronic services with greater stewardship to clients
• simplify, integrate and automate delivery of OAS benefits; and
• increase efficiency and decrease operational costs

These objectives were intended to be met by:

• introducing automatic enrolment and streamlining the OAS application processes where possible
• migrating the OAS legacy systems to the Information Technology Renewal Delivery System and Corporate Payment Management System (CPMS) platforms to allow for integrated processing of pension benefits and payments where possible; and
• implementing a suite of e-Services and other administrative improvements

Automatic enrolment, e-Services and a suite of other business improvements have been successfully implemented as part of the project. However, the required safety was not able to be met to allow for a successful migration of the OAS legacy system to a new platform, and as a result, the Department did not migrate – prioritizing the continuity of payment of benefits to seniors above all else. An assessment is ongoing to determine options to migrate from the legacy system into a more modern platform in the future.

Automatic Enrolment

In December 2017, the Department implemented Automatic Enrolment for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) program, which builds off the success of the Automatic Enrolment of the OAS program. As of January 31, 2021, over 1.51 million seniors were automatically enrolled for OAS.

OAS/GIS integrated application

In August 2018, the Department released an integrated OAS/GIS paper-based application to support seniors not eligible for automatic enrolment, eliminating the need to complete two separate applications. As of January 31, 2021, over 267,000 integrated applications have been received.

Online services

The OAS SIS also introduced online, self-service options in order to meet the expectations of seniors and to deliver a modern service experience for Canadians. In November 2019, the Department released the integrated OAS/GIS online application, allowing individuals to apply electronically using My Service Canada Account. Clients can now save time by making important decisions online such as adding, stopping or changing voluntary tax deductions, reviewing detailed benefit payment information, applying online, and checking the status of their application from the comfort of their home. As of January 31, 2021, over 596,000 unique users have checked their pension program application status online.

OAS Toolkit

The Department has partnered with other organizations to provide a toolkit that ensures Canadians have access to accurate and up-to-date program and benefits information. As of January 31, 2021, the OAS toolkit has been viewed over 248,000 times and the interactive toolkit has been downloaded over 57,000 times.

Key quotes

None

23. Old Age Security indexation of program benefits

Issue

Indexation of Old Age Security benefits does not provide enough funding to cover costs.

Key facts

• Old Age Security (OAS) pension, Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Allowances are increased four times a year (January, April, July and October) using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) so that benefits keep up with the inflation rate as measured by the CPI
• For periods where there is a decrease in the CPI, benefit amounts are held constant

Response

• Assisting seniors with the cost of living remains a priority for our Government, as demonstrated by our commitment to increase the Old Age Security pension by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over
• We also took a broad range of measures since 2015 to improve seniors' social and economic well-being
• We increased the value of the Guaranteed Income Supplement for the lowest-income single seniors and allowed seniors who work to keep more of their benefits
• We also reversed the planned increase to the age of eligibility for Old Age Security benefits, introduced proactive enrolment for Canada Pension Plan benefits at age 70 and strengthened workplace pensions
• The Government of Canada will continue to ensure that the Old Age Security program remains a key pillar of our income security system for seniors

Background

Old Age Security (OAS) pension, Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Allowances amount increases are legislated under the Old Age Security Act. They are calculated four times a year (January, April, July and October) using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) so that benefits keep up with the inflation rate as measured by the CPI. For periods where there is a decrease in the CPI, benefit amounts are held constant.

The Old Age Security (OAS) benefits will increase by 0.5% for the April to June 2021 quarter. In April 2021, the maximum OAS pension will increase by $3.08, from $615.37 to $618.45.

In their previous mandate letters, the Ministers of Seniors; Families, Children and Social Development; and Finance, were asked to bring forward options to improve financial security for Canada’s seniors and those most in need, including the commitment to index OAS and GIS payments to a new Seniors Price Index (SPI).

Statistics Canada released a technical paper on June 20, 2019, providing information on the data and methods used to calculate the SPI, as well as estimates of the inflation experienced by seniors from January 2013 to August 2018.

During the study period, the CPI and the SPI showed little difference, which implies that the sub-population of seniors and the overall Canadian population are facing the same general inflation.

Key quotes

“After a lifetime of hard work, Canada’s seniors have earned a more secure and dignified retirement. They deserve a retirement filled with family and friends, not financial worries. We will continue to move forward with investments that give our seniors a better quality of life, with stronger supports to help make ends meet – especially for our most vulnerable seniors.”

Liberal Party Platform “Forward: A Real Plan For the Middle Class”, September 29, 2019, Page 16.

“The Government remains committed to increasing Old Age Security once a senior turns 75.”

“A stronger and more resilient Canada: Speech from the Throne to Open the Second Session of the Forty-third Parliament of Canada 2020”, September 23, 2020, Page 17.

24. Old Age Security / Guaranteed Income Supplement service standards

Issue

What is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) doing to ensure that seniors receive the benefits to which they are entitled in a timely way?

Key facts

• The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly payment given to seniors who are 65 years or older. The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is an additional benefit provided to low-income seniors
• Eligible seniors are enrolled a year in advance and begin receiving benefits after they turn 65. As of January 2021, approximately 17,000 seniors are automatically enrolled each month for the OAS and the GIS without having to complete an application
• The Department’s service standard for the OAS program is to put individuals into pay for their OAS pension within the first month of entitlement, with an objective of achieving this 90 per cent of the time
• The Department is committed to modernizing the way services are delivered, and is taking steps to simplify the OAS application process to ensure Canadians receive timely benefits

Response

• Employment and Social Development is committed to supporting seniors by modernizing its services to ensure that they receive their benefits when they need them most
• The Department aims to provide timely benefits. As of January 2021, 90.2% of seniors have received their OAS benefits within the first month of entitlement (against a target of 90%)
• The Department has also simplified processes for ease and speed of payment. It has expanded automatic enrolment for Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits, which has eliminated the need for many Canadian seniors to apply for these benefits. As of January 2021, more than 1.2 million seniors have been automatically enrolled for the Old Age Security pension since inception

Background

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) constitute one of the three pillars of Canada’s income security system for seniors.

The GIS provides financial assistance to seniors who have little or no income other than the OAS pension. The program provides up to $11,029 per year for a single OAS pensioner and up to $6,639 per year for each member of a couple (January to March 2021).

The demand for the OAS program has significantly increased over the past 15 years due to the aging population. In 2005-06, there were approximately 4.3 million OAS beneficiaries. Since then, the number of individuals receiving OAS has grown by approximately 52%, reaching 6.5 million beneficiaries in 2019 to 2020. A total of $56.3 billion in OAS benefits were paid in 2019 to 2020. From April 2020 to January 2021, about 2.5 million seniors have received at least one GIS payment.

The Department’s service standard for the OAS program is to put individuals into pay for their OAS pension within the first month of entitlement, with an objective of achieving this 90 per cent of the time. While the Department continues to meet or be close to its OAS service standard objectives, it recognizes that some applications can take longer to process for a variety of reasons including, for example, that the Department does not have all the required information or documentation from clients to make a decision. So far this year, the Department has paid 90.2% of OAS benefits within the first month of entitlement (against a target of 90%).

Automatic enrolment for the OAS basic pension was first introduced in 2013 and expanded to include even more clients in 2015 eliminating the need for selected seniors to apply for their OAS pension benefits.

Automatic enrolment was again expanded in 2017, this time to include the GIS. This means that seniors who are selected for OAS automatic enrolment are also automatically enrolled for the GIS, with entitlement to the GIS being determined based on income. Once enrolled, clients are re assessed each year to determine their GIS entitlement.

In August 2018, the Department implemented the Integrated OAS and GIS Application. With this measure, individuals are able to apply for both benefits at the same time, on one form. Building on this measure, the Department also implemented an online application form in November 2019.

Once individuals are either automatically enrolled or have applied for the GIS, they will never need to reapply. As long as they file a tax return or provide income information to the Department every year, the Department will automatically assess their eligibility.

As of January 2021, 1,517,677 automatic enrollment letters have been sent since implementation in April 2013.

Key quotes

None

25. Old Age Security Service Improvement Strategy migration

Issue

What is the Government of Canada doing to improve the service delivery of the Old Age Security (OAS) program, including efforts to improve and modernize its delivery platform?

Key facts

• Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) is supporting Canadians and improving their quality of life by modernizing the Old Age Security (OAS) program through a number of key initiatives
• The Old Age Security Service Improvement Strategy included a migration component whereby the OAS was to migrate from its existing 60-year-old platform to a 20-year-old platform, which is currently used for the Canada Pension Plan
• In January 2021, it was determined that OAS could not be safely migrated from the OAS legacy system to a new platform. The Department made the decision to pause the migration component of the OAS SIS while further analysis is conducted – prioritizing the continuity of payment of benefits to seniors above all else

Response

• ESDC’s IT platform needs to be modernized to improve the delivery of OAS benefits to seniors
• In January 2021, the Department made the decision to change the approach to move off the legacy system. We are developing a new plan that will ensure the shift to a more modern platform in the future will not jeopardize the current platform
• We will keep the legacy system working well, so seniors can rest assured that their benefits will continue to be delivered in a timely manner

Background

Launched in 2012, the Old Age Security (OAS) Service Improvement Strategy (SIS) is a multi-year initiative to modernize the delivery of the OAS program by improving services to eligible clients, including low-income individuals, while also generating efficiencies in the processing of OAS benefits. The objectives of the OAS SIS are to:

• deliver consistent and electronic services with greater stewardship to clients
• simplify, integrate and automate delivery of OAS benefits; and
• increase efficiency and decrease operational costs

These objectives were intended to be met by:

• introducing automatic enrolment and streamlining the OAS application processes where possible
• migrating the OAS legacy systems to the Information Technology Renewal Delivery System and Corporate Payment Management System (CPMS) platforms to allow for integrated processing of pension benefits and payments where possible; and
• implementing a suite of e-Services and other administrative improvements

Automatic enrolment, e-Services and a suite of other business improvements have been successfully implemented as part of the OAS SIS project. However, the required safety was not able to be met to allow for a successful migration of the OAS legacy system to a new platform, and as a result, the Department did not migrate – prioritizing the continuity of payment of benefits to seniors above all else. An assessment is ongoing to determine options to migrate from the legacy system into a more modern platform in the future.

OAS migration has a high degree of technical complexity and difficulty, as the operation involves moving from an old legacy system to a new platform. The OAS system is nearly 60 years old and is fragile, and the migration needs to be carefully managed.

The Government of Canada must avoid a scenario that would put OAS recipients at risk of not receiving their payments. Avoiding a system failure is the primary objective – whether that is a failure of the existing system, or a premature migration that puts payments at risk.

The Department had made steady progress toward ensuring readiness for migration at the target date of December 2020, including a rigorous project management plan using agile methodology. Testing of the data migration was run three times, confirming a high level of data match for migration. Further, change management activities were well advanced, including a national pilot designed to validate training and procedure materials that will support staff at migration.

As part of ongoing readiness checks prior to migration, the Department was monitoring the development and testing of the new solution. Recent test results indicated a significant number of critical and high defects that put a successful migration at an intolerable level of risk. As a result, in January 2021, the Department decided to pause the migration component of OAS SIS while further analysis is conducted.

Key quotes

None

26. One-time tax-free payment for OAS pensioners

Issue

Last year, the Globe and Mail published an article that criticized the Government of Canada’s one-time tax-free payment for seniors. The article suggested that tens of thousands of seniors would not receive the payment because they had chosen to defer their Old Age Security pensions.

Is it possible to extend the one-time payment to seniors who have opted to defer their Old Age Security pension?

Are seniors who have been deemed eligible for Old Age Security benefits after September 2020 eligible for the one-time payment for seniors?

Key facts

• Based on preliminary tax and Old Age Security (OAS) administrative data, it is estimated that about 4% of seniors who become eligible for the OAS pension at age 65 choose to defer their pensions beyond that age
• According to 2017 Canada Revenue Agency data (tax filers only), 97.2% of eligible seniors receive the OAS pension

Response

• The Government of Canada is committed to supporting seniors, particularly during this ongoing pandemic crisis
• Last year, our Government provided a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security pension, with an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement and Allowances
• It was not possible to extend the one-time payment to seniors who had chosen to defer their OAS pension because the Department cannot identify individuals who may be eligible for the pension but are choosing to defer it. The Department only has information on seniors who have already applied and been approved for the benefit
• The initial one-time payments for seniors were issued the week of July 6th, 2020. After those payments were issued, there were a number of additional seniors who were found to be eligible for the one-time payment and were issued payments during the week of September 28th
• The Government of Canada will continue to work with all levels of government to ensure seniors have the supports they need

Background

On May 12, 2020, the Prime Minister announced a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, with an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Approximately 6.7 million seniors who were eligible for the OAS pension in June 2020 received the $300 payment, and approximately 2.2 million of those seniors received the additional $200 payment due to their eligibility to the GIS.

Since July 2013, Canadians can defer receiving the OAS pension beyond age 65 for up to five years and receive, in exchange, a higher pension in the future. This voluntary deferral gives individuals the option to increase their pensions by 0.6% for every month it is delayed, or 7.2% per year, and up to 36% for those who take advantage of the full deferral until age 70. It was not possible to extend the one-time payment to seniors who were deferring their OAS pension because the Department cannot identify individuals who may be eligible for the pension but are choosing to defer it. The Department only has information on seniors who have already applied and been approved for the benefit.

Individuals who have decided to defer their OAS pension have effectively either not applied or have opted out of the automatic enrolment process. Therefore, it is not known who they are and if they would be eligible for the OAS pension.

Based on tax and OAS administrative data, about 4% of the first cohort of seniors who could defer their pensions for the maximum period of 5 years (for example from 2013 to 2018) opted to defer their pensions.

Seniors that had previously deferred their OAS pension but had started to receive it by June 2020 were provided with the one-time supplementary payment. Indeed, over 100,000 seniors that were receiving a deferred OAS pension received the one-time tax-free payment.

The Old Age Security Act (OAS Act) includes an 11-month retroactivity provision. Individuals who apply late, or after having deferred their OAS pension application, can benefit from this provision. As a result, eligible individuals who applied retroactively to June 2020 or an earlier date became entitled to the one-time payment for seniors. Indeed, approximately 67,000 additional payments were issued the week of September 28, 2020, to pensioners who were found to be eligible for OAS or GIS on or before September 11, 2020.

Key quotes

None

27. Graranteed Income Supplement (GIS) renewal measures

Issue

What is Service Canada doing to ensure that seniors who have not provided their income information continue receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)?

Key facts

• To ensure that Canada’s most vulnerable seniors continued to receive GIS payments during the pandemic, the deadline for seniors to file their taxes or provide their income information was extended from April 2020 to October 2020, and benefits continued uninterrupted for 213,000 GIS recipients until December 2020
• Employment and Social Development Canada sent reminders to approximately 63,000 seniors to file their returns or provide the Department with their income information by the October deadline to minimize disruption of payments
• As of January 15, 2021, the Department has not received and processed income information from 33,458 seniors. As such, these seniors’ GIS payments have been suspended effective January 2021
• The number of clients who had their GIS suspended for previous years is as follows:
  • 72,881 in July 2019
  • 74,749 in July 2018
  • 104,691 in July 2017
• The total number of GIS recipients is 2.1 million (2019 to 2020 data)

Response

• The Government of Canada continues to support Canadian seniors by providing greater financial security and quality of life
• To ensure that Canada’s most vulnerable seniors continued to receive Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) payments during the pandemic, Employment and Social Development Canada extended the GIS and Allowance payments for seniors who could not file their income information on time
• To minimize disruptions in GIS payments, the Department sent reminders and reached out through seniors’ organizations and on social media
• The Government will continue to ensure that Canada’s seniors are supported and receiving the benefits they are entitled to

Background

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) provides financial assistance to seniors who have little or no income other than the Old Age Security (OAS) pension. The program provides up to $11,029 per year for a single OAS pensioner and up to $6,639 per year for each member of a couple (January to March 2021).

Basic GIS

The GIS is income-tested to ensure that the highest benefits are provided to the lowest-income seniors. The basic GIS is reduced by $1 for every $2 of net income as defined in the Income Tax Act. The GIS is currently phased out at an annual income level of $18,648 for single seniors, and at a family income level of $24,624 for senior couples (January to March 2021).

Annual reassessment of the GIS

Once individuals are found eligible and start receiving the GIS, the amount a beneficiary is entitled to receive is reviewed every year effective in July and is based on the individual’s net income in the previous calendar year, or the combined net income in the case of a couple. Therefore, from year to year, GIS payments can increase, decrease or even cease according to reported changes in annual net income.

In order for a client’s entitlement for the GIS to be renewed each July, they should file an individual Income Tax and Benefit return with the Canada Revenue Agency by April 30. Alternatively, individuals can provide their income information directly to Service Canada. This can be done by phone, mail or in-person. Using income information from an individual’s federal Income Tax and Benefit Return or the income information received directly from the individual, where applicable, Service Canada reviews the individual’s entitlement for the GIS and if the individual is still entitled, their benefits are automatically renewed.

More than 96% of clients are automatically reassessed for the GIS without an interruption to their benefits. In the remaining cases, the necessary income information of the GIS recipient, or that of their spouse, was not available to the Department prior to the start of the July payment period.

Each July, Service Canada mails letters to GIS recipients for whom no income information was received. The letter indicates that their ongoing entitlement cannot be determined without their income information, and includes a Statement of Income form, allowing seniors to provide income information without having to file a tax return. Seniors are also advised that they can also provide their income information to Service Canada over the phone to prevent or limit any interruption in their benefit payments. Most clients take immediate actions and are not suspended.

By the end of September, over 98% of GIS recipients have been reassessed. For the remaining clients, most of them will have provided the missing income information by May of the following year and are back into pay with no loss of benefits, given the 11-month retroactive provisions of the legislation.

Proactive communications

Proactive communications and outreach activities undertaken in 2020:

• letters sent to all 63,000 recipients who had not provided their income information by October 1, 2020
• calls to up to 45,000 recipients who received the letter (calls were made between October 9 and November 13)
• message in Minister Schulte’s Newsletter
• social media messages

Key quotes

None

28. Registered Retirement Income Funds reduction

Issue

What is the Government doing to help protect seniors’ investments assets?

Key facts

A registered retirement income fund (RRIF) is an arrangement between an individual and a carrier (an insurance company, a trust company or a bank). The individual transfers property to the carrier, and the carrier makes a payment to the individual. The minimum amount must be paid to the individual in the year following the year the registered retirement income fund (RRIF) is entered into. Earnings in a RRIF are tax-free and amounts paid out of a RRIF are taxable on receipt.

Response

• In the spring, as part of a suite of support measures, we reduced required minimum withdrawals from registered retirement income funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020, providing seniors with additional flexibility in the face of volatile market conditions
• The Government of Canada will continue to be there for Canadians, very much including seniors, as it has been since the start of the pandemic

Background

Individuals must start receiving registered pension plan (RPP) payments and convert their registered retirement savings plans (RRSP) to registered retirement income funds (RRIFs) (or purchase a life annuity with their RRSP funds) by the end of the year they turn 72. Minimum RRIF withdrawals must start in the year following the year an RRSP is converted to a RRIF.

The registered retirement income funds (RRIF) minimum withdrawal factors arerages applied to the value of the assets in the RRIF each year. The minimum withdrawal is based on the value of the assets in the RRIF on January 1st of a year; thus the value of RRIF assets at that time determines the dollar amount of the withdrawal for the year.

The 25 per cent reduction of the required minimum withdrawals from registered retirement income funds (RRIFs) for 2020 was announced on March 18, 2020 and became law on March 25, 2020. The measure was in Bill C-13, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, which received Royal Assent on March 25, 2020.

Key quotes

None

29. Fraud and scams targeting seniors

Issue

What is the Government doing to protect Canada’s seniors from fraud?

Key facts

Over the past 5 years, Canadians have reported a total of $442 million in losses to fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, with $172 million, or 39%, in losses reported by seniors. While it is difficult to accurately state the full extent of fraud in Canada, studies continue to suggest that actual losses can range from 10 to 20 times reported amounts.

Response

• The Government of Canada is working to implement measures to help improve the lives of seniors and their families and is taking the issue of fraud against seniors very seriously
• Physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic has further isolated many seniors and increased vulnerability to fraud
• Fraud and theft are offences under the Criminal Code
• Through the National Seniors Council, the Government examined the issue of the financial abuse of seniors
• The Government has also been implementing a number of activities to raise awareness among seniors to prevent financial abuse. For example, my Department provides funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program to community groups to help reduce senior abuse

Background

Awareness-raising activities have been a key strategy for preventing financial abuse at the federal level. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the Canadian Revenue Agency, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the Competition Bureau, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada deliver awareness and prevention activities to help Canadians, including seniors, identify fraud, scams, and fraudulent sales practices.

Such activities include:

• New Horizons for Seniors Program: ESDC’s New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), provides funding to community-based seniors-serving organizations across Canada for projects that must focus on at least one of the five program objectives. One of these is increasing awareness of senior abuse, which also includes raising seniors' awareness of financial abuse. The annual budget of the Program is $70M
• Fraud Prevention Forum: The Fraud Prevention Forum (co-chaired by the Competition Bureau of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre), is comprised of approximately 60 Canadian public and private sector organizations who focus on fighting fraud aimed at consumers, including seniors. The Fraud Prevention Forum organizes Fraud Prevention Month every year. Seniors are victimized by some of the scams featured in 2021’s 17th annual Fraud Prevention Month campaign, including romance scams, Canada Revenue Agency scams and subscription trap scams
• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre: The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), which is jointly managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Competition Bureau, and the Ontario Provincial Police, is Canada’s central repository for data, intelligence and resource material that relates to fraud. The CAFC helps citizen and businesses to report fraud; learn about different types of fraud; recognize the warning signs of fraud; and protect themselves from fraud. The CAFC provides valuable assistance to law enforcement agencies, in close partnership with private industry. The CAFC also have a Senior Support Unit who offers guidance through follow-up calls to seniors at risk or victims of fraud. As well, the CAFC has created a toolkit to assist businesses and financial institutions with the identification of scams and frauds perpetrated on seniors
• Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police's Seniors Guidebook to Safety and Security is an educational resource directed towards the community and, more specifically, seniors and their caregivers in recognizing elder abuse, safety concerns and frauds and scams. Education and awareness of preventative techniques can help seniors and their caregivers recognize a potential crime situation and show how the risk can be reduced or removed. The Seniors Guide to Safety and Security was first launched on Seniors Day 2015 (October 1st), and since updated, with the latest version being made available on the RCMP site in 2017
• Code of conduct for banks: In July 2019, the banking industry adopted a Code of Conduct for the Delivery of Banking Services to Seniors. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) monitors banks to ensure they comply with the code. The code is an important first step in guiding banks in their delivery of services to meet the needs of seniors. Banks who have signed on to the code must abide by its principles
• Strengthening Financial Literacy of Seniors: Financial Consumer Agency of Canada developed a strategy to strengthen the financial literacy of seniors and help them manage their finances, protect themselves against fraud, and plan for retirement. The Agency also provide information to Canadians and issues consumer alerts on fraud, scams and sales practices

As part of its work plan (2018 to 2021), one of the priorities of the National Seniors Council (NSC) is to ‘Identify Measures to Address Crimes and Harms Against Seniors'.

As a first step to inform the NSC’s advice to Ministers on financial crimes and harms against seniors, the NSC hosted a town hall and expert roundtable in March 2019. This included experts, academics, community and association leaders representing groups with a broad membership base, front-line workers who have developed or led promising initiatives, and leaders in fields relating to elder abuse and financial abuse of seniors.

The focus of the event was on financial scams and harms targeting seniors perpetrated by strangers (for example. online, telephone and door-to-door scams); financial abuse and harms targeting seniors perpetrated by someone they know; and consumer protection (for example. high-pressure sales tactics, overbilling, and dealings with financial and telecommunications companies, and so on).

In summer 2019, the NSC released a What We Heard Report on the Government of Canada website summarizing the information gathered during these events. The Council also provided recommendations to Ministers regarding ways to address crimes and harms against seniors.

The Council’s recommendations focused on:

• further disseminating existing resources and information to build awareness and capacity among seniors and stakeholders
• utilizing the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) to encourage organizations to share educational resources on financial crimes and harms
• reviewing regulatory framework and penalties related to different types of financial frauds to determine whether stricter rules are required in sectors such as retail, finance, and telecommunications
• monitoring and evaluating measures in the Budget Implementation Act, 2018, No. 2 that protect vulnerable Canadians in their dealings with banks, particularly in relation to seniors, to ensure that they are having their intended effect
• undertaking longitudinal research on this topic to help inform Government initiatives. There is a need for more reliable data on key trends to help policy makers develop evidence-based approaches to addressing them

Motion M-203, A Motion on Fraud Activities against Seniors, was introduced by Member of Parliament The Hon. Alice Wong (Conservative, Richmond Centre). This motion urged the Government to: (a) recognize the disproportionate effect of fraud activities against the seniors community across Canada; (b) coordinate a national response to fraud activities to ensure that seniors and other vulnerable groups have the resources they need to understand the signs of fraud; (c) establish tangible recourses for victims of fraud; and (d) work with local law enforcement agencies and the Canada Revenue Agency to introduce legislation to combat fraudulent attacks targeting vulnerable seniors. Parliament adopted the Motion on May 14, 2019.

In the 2019 federal election, the Liberal Party’s electoral platform included commitments to help protect seniors from abuse. These included a national definition of elder abuse, investing in better data collection and law enforcement, and establishing new penalties in the Criminal Code relating to elder abuse. The platform mentions that “every year, about one in ten seniors is a victim of crime, but many seniors are reluctant to report it – with only half of violent crimes against seniors reported to police, and only about a third of financial crimes being reported.”

Key quotes

None

30. Ageism and older workers

Issue

What is the Government doing to combat ageism and support the labour force participation of older Canadians?

Key facts

• The labour force participation of older individuals has improved since the early 2000s and outpaced the growth of core-aged worker (25 to 54 years old) participation. The participation rate of 55 to 64 year olds increased from 50.9% in 2000 to 65.7% in 2020. However, participation among older adults still lags that of older adults in other countries (20th among OECD countries)
• In 2008, 15% of older displaced workers indicated that their largest barrier to re-employment was an “age barrier” (Statistics Canada, 2008). Moreover, in 2012, a national survey conducted by Revera found that 20% of seniors aged 66 years and older experienced age discrimination from an employer

Response

• The Government of Canada supports Canadians, including older individuals, to stay in the labour force through various initiatives
• We amended the Canada Labour Code to give employees in federally regulated industries the right to request flexible work arrangements
• The Government of Canada provides funding for training to individuals, including older workers through the bilateral Labour Market Development Agreements and the Workforce Development Agreements with provinces and territories
• We increased the earnings exemption under the Guaranteed Income Supplement in recognition of the contribution of seniors who continue to work
• The Forum of Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors is supporting Canadians with information on key initiatives that support Labour Force Participation of Older Workers
• The National Seniors Council is also working on identifying measures to counteract ageism. As a first step, the NSC has commissioned a report to examine the public discourse on aging and older Canadians

Background

In recent years, there have been several amendments to the Canada Labour Code that could positively impact older employees in the federally regulated industries. For example, as of September 1, 2019, employees are entitled to:

• a right to request flexible work arrangements, which allows them to request changes to working conditions (such as the number of hours, work schedule, location of work) in order to better serve their specific needs with regard to maintaining a healthy work-life balance
• up to 5 days (3 of them paid) of personal leave per year that can be taken for numerous reasons, including to treat an injury or illness, to carry out responsibilities related to the health or care of any of their family members and to manage any urgent situation
• access to up to 17 weeks of medical leave to attend medical appointments during working hours, regardless of the employee’s length of service with the employer
• as many unpaid breaks for medical reasons as needed and as attested to by a medical certificate; and
• new scheduling rules (for example. 8-hour rest periods between shifts, 96 hours’ notice of schedule) that provide greater predictability and rest periods

This year the Government of Canada provided $4.9 billion in funding for skills training and employment supports to help Canadian workers improve their skills, as well as find and keep employment through the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDA) and the Workforce Development Agreements (WDA) with provinces and territories (PTs). This included the additional $1.5 billion provided under the WDAs to support Canadian workers looking to re-enter the workforce, particularly those in hard-hit sectors and groups disadvantaged as a result of the pandemic. Each year, individuals across Canada access a million employment benefits and supports funded by these agreements.

The WDAs include dedicated funding for persons with disabilities, and can also be used to support members of underrepresented groups such as visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, youth, older workers, and newcomers to Canada. PTs can also use WDA funding to support employers seeking to train current or future employees to fill available jobs or enhance the skills of their workforce.

Through the work of the Forum of Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers Responsible for Seniors, jurisdictions have identified Canadian and international promising practices that support the extended working life of older workers and are undertaking further work on this topic. This includes examining public policies, which influence older workers’ decisions about labour force participation and identifying negative stereotypes about older workers with a view to proposing ways to dispel those stereotypes.

In 2018, the Forum published on “Promoting the Labour Force Participation of Older Canadians – Promising Initiatives” and in 2019 on “Understanding the impact of public policies and programs on the Labour market decisions of older workers”. Recently, the Forum developed a new report “Older Workers: Exploring and Addressing the Stereotypes” that will be published in early 2021. This report will synthesize and analyze the information pertaining to the beliefs surrounding older workers and propose strategies, approaches or mechanisms to explore and address those stereotypes.

The NSC’s work plan (2018 to 2021) includes a priority to identify measures to counteract ageism and identify ways to shift the public discourse by reducing stereotypes regarding older adults and promoting a strengths-based perspective on aging. As a first step, the NSC has commissioned a review and analysis of the public discourse on aging and older adults in Canada, in the academic, media, and grey literature. The report will also include a case study highlighting the public discourse on aging and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key quotes

None

31. Caregivers

Issue

How is the government supporting caregivers?

Key facts

• The Canada Caregiver Credit took effect as of the 2017 tax year. It simplified the previous system of caregiver credits. In total, about 504,000 were entitled to an amount for the Canada Caregiver Credit for 2018
• In 2018/19 there were approximately:
  • 8,385 claims for Employment Insurance (EI) Compassionate Care benefits (71% of which were made by women) with a total of $45.8 million in benefits paid; and
  • 5,475 claims for EI Family Caregiver benefit for critically ill or injured children (79% of which were made by women) with a total of $36.8 million in benefits paid; and
  • 10,106 claims for EI Family Caregiver benefit for critically ill or injured adults (69% of which were made by women) for a total of $48.3 million in benefits paid
• The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) has paid out $1.5B since its launch in September 2020. 338,650 individuals had benefited from the CRCB as of February 21, 2021

Response

• Our Government recognizes the crucial role that many Canadians, including seniors, play in supporting family and friends with serious health conditions, disabilities or aging-related needs
• Our Government offers support to Canadians who take time off from work to provide care to family members through the Employment Insurance Family Caregiver Benefit for critical illness and the Compassionate Care Benefit
• In Budget 2017, our Government also simplified the previous system of caregiving credits. The Canada Caregiver Credit falls under the purview of my colleague, the Minister of Finance
• Our Government has also put in place measures to support Canadian workers, including caregivers, who are unable to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. In September, we introduced three recovery benefits, including the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit

Background

A) Canada Caregiver Credit

The Canada Caregiver Credit provides tax relief on an amount of:

• $7,348 (in 2021) (providing a tax reduction of up to $1,102) for expenses for the care of dependent relatives with infirmities (including persons with disabilities) – parents, brothers and sisters, adult children, and other specific relatives
• $2,295 (in 2021) (providing a tax reduction of up to $344) for expenses for the care of a dependent spouse/common-law partner or minor child with an infirmity (including those with a disability)

The Canada Caregiver Credit is reduced dollar-for-dollar by the dependant’s net income above $17,256 (in 2021) and is completely phased out at an income level of $24,604. Both the credit amount and income threshold at which the amount starts to be reduced are indexed to inflation annually.

Eligibility rules for caregivers in terms of caring for seniors:

• The dependant is not required to live with the caregiver in order for the caregiver to claim the credit
• While a dependant does not have to live with the caregiver in order for the Canada Caregiver Credit to be claimed, the dependant must be dependent on the caregiver for support by reason of infirmity. In consolidating three previous credits as part of the new Canada Caregiver Credit, Budget 2017 also removed the requirement that care be provided in the care-providers home, which had previously applied in certain circumstances

B) EI caregiver benefits

The EI family caregiver benefit and EI compassionate care benefit play an important role in assisting Canadians to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. They provide temporary income support to eligible workers and self-employed individuals participating in the program. Employees must have accumulated a minimum of 600 hours of insurable employment during their qualifying period. Self-employed persons may qualify if they opted into the EI program and meet the minimum self-employment eligibility.

1. Family Caregiver Benefit for adults (Critical illness)

Available since December 3, 2017, the Family Caregiver Benefit for adults provides temporary income support for up to 15 weeks to EI eligible persons who take time away from work to provide care or support to a critically ill or injured person aged 18 and older. This benefit can be shared among eligible claimants either concurrently or separately. In 2018 to 2019, there were 10,106 claims for the benefit for adults (69% of which were made by women).

2. Family Caregiver Benefit for children (Critical illness)

The Family Caregiver Benefit for children provides temporary income support for up to 35 weeks to EI eligible persons who take time away from work to provide care or support to a critically ill or injured child under the age of 18. This benefit can be shared among eligible claimants either concurrently or separately. Effective December 3, 2017, the eligibility criteria for the benefit was expanded to include any family members, rather than only parents. In 2018 to 2019, there were 5,475 claims for the benefit for children (79% of which were made by women).

3. Compassionate Care Benefit (End-of-life care)

The Compassionate Care Benefit currently provides temporary income support for up to 26 weeks to EI eligible persons who leave work to provide end-of-life care or support to a family member who has a serious medical condition with a significant risk of death within 26 weeks. The benefit can be shared among eligible claimants either concurrently or separately. In 2018-19, there were 8,385 claims for the benefit (71% of which were made by women).

Family caregiver benefits for adults or children can be combined with compassionate care benefits with respect to the same family member if all eligibility criteria are met.

Rules for caregivers in terms of caring for seniors in and out of long-term care facilities:

• there are no restrictions to claiming the EI Caregiver Benefits based on where care is taking place

C) Temporary measures to facilitate access to EI

As of September 27, 2020, the Government of Canada introduced a set of temporary measures to the EI program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including EI special benefits. To facilitate access to EI benefits, workers will only need 120 hours of work to qualify for the next year.

D) Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit

The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) responds to situations in which workers are unable to work because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or a family member who requires supervision because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed or unavailable to them due to COVID-19, or because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or self-isolate, or is at high risk of serious health complications due to COVID-19. It is effective from September 27, 2020 for one year, and provides $500 per week, for up to 26 weeks per household to eligible Canadians.

E) Rights and protections under the Canada Labour Code

Part III of the Canada Labour Code (Code) provides corresponding unpaid job-protected leaves (compassionate care leave and leave related to critical illness) for employees in the federally regulated private sector so that they are not at risk of losing their job while accessing employment insurance special benefits.

As of September 1, 2019, the Code also provides new rights and protections that are expected to benefit employees with caregiving responsibilities by giving them more flexibility and predictability with their work schedules. These include:

• a right to request flexible work arrangements that allow employees to formally request a change to the terms and conditions of their employment related to the number of hours they work, their work schedule and the location of their work
• a personal leave of 5 days (including three paid days) that employees can access for various reasons, including family responsibilities
• new requirements for employers to give 96 hours’ notice of schedules, 24 hours’ notice of shift changes and a minimum eight-hour rest period between shifts; and
• a right to refuse overtime to deal with family responsibilities

In October 2021, the Code was amended to provide employees in the federally regulated private sector with job-protected leave for up to 26 weeks if they are unable to work due to COVID-19 related caregiving responsibilities. The leave, which allows employees to access the CRCB without fear of losing their jobs, is scheduled to be repealed on September 25, 2021. For employees under provincial or territorial jurisdiction, employment standards vary by province and territory.

Key quotes

None

32. Uyghurs - New Horizons Program for Seniors funding

Issue

Canadian group echoes China's party line on Uyghurs after getting $160,000 in public funds (ESDC mention)

Key facts

• The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) is a federal grants and contributions program whose goal is to support projects that help foster social inclusion and improve seniors’ health and well-being
• NHSP funding helps support projects that engage seniors in their communities, such as volunteering, mentoring and social participation
• Since its introduction in 2004, the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) has funded over 30,000 projects in hundreds of communities across the country

Response

• NHSP funding helps support projects that engage seniors in their communities, such as volunteering, mentoring and social participation
• Funding covers costs of these kinds of activities, not all the activities of an organization
• As assessment is based on eligible activities, applicants’ views, beliefs or values are not taken into consideration

Background

The Council of Newcomers Organizations was allocated a New Horizons for Seniors Program project resulting from the 2019-20 call for proposals, and is funded at $25,000. The project: “Expanding Awareness of Elder Abuse with Knowledge” (016614349) is as follows: The project aims to develop a sustainable and effective program to better protect socially disadvantaged new Chinese elder immigrants from being abused by promoting awareness and increasing knowledge of abuse of seniors through the development and dissemination of awareness and educational resources, and building a new elder abuse emergency help line for the Mandarin/Cantonese speaking community.

In addition, the organization submitted a grant application for $25,000 under the New Horizons for Seniors Program, Community-based stream, for the 2020 to 2021 call for proposals. The organization’s project, number 017450545, is entitled “Supporting the Social Participation and Inclusion of Seniors.” The project aims to provide digital workshops to new immigrant seniors in order to improve their knowledge and skills of smart phones and new social media tools.

The project met all NHSP screening criteria regarding:

• application received before the closing date
• eligible recipient
• at least one program objective met
• all documents received
• eligible activities
• seniors’ leading and/or vital role in project planning and/or delivery

Based on the above-indicated criteria the project was approved for funding, and the organization has confirmed that they will be going forward with an agreement.

Key quotes

None

33. One-time tax free payment for Seniors - Eligibility

Issue

What is the Government of Canada doing to support seniors affected by increased costs caused by the pandemic?

Key facts

• In May 2020, the Government of Canada announced a one-time tax-free payment for seniors to to cover increased costs due to the pandemic
• Seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension received $300, and those eligible for the Gauranteed Income Supplement (GIS) received an additional $200
• In July 2020, approximately 6.7 million individuals received the One-Time Payment for seniors totaling $2.45 billion
• Individuals who were not eligible for OAS, GIS or an Allowance in June 2020, but were eligible in July 2020 or later, will not receive the payment

Response

• 6.7 million Canadians received the One-Time Payment for Seniors as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to support seniors during the pandemic. Seniors eligible for the OAS pension received $300, and those eligible for GIS received an additional $200
• Seniors were eligible for the tax-free one-time payment if they were eligible for OAS or GIS as of June 2020 and in receipt of OAS or GIS by September 2020
• The Department continued processing eligible applications into September, to maximize the number of seniors to get the benefit
• The legal authority to issue the one-time payment expired as of September 30, 2020. So, if eligibility could not have been determined by then, no payment could be made
• This payment provided a total $2.45 billion directly into the pockets of seniors to help them cover increased costs caused by the pandemic

Background

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provided a one-time payment for seniors to help them cover increased costs caused by the pandemic.

Individuals were eligible for the One-Time Payment if they were in receipt of the OAS pension, GIS or an Allowance in June 2020. An application was not required to receive the payment.

• OAS pension recipients received $300. This includes non-resident and partial pension recipients
• Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) recipients received an additional $200 (for a total payment of $500)
• Allowance and Allowance for the Survivor recipients received $500

Domestic One-Time Payments were issued the week of July 6th, 2020 while foreign payments were issued during the week of July 16th, 2020. Delays were expected for cheques, given international postal disruptions.

If an individual became entitled to OAS, GIS or an Allowance retroactively to June 2020 (or earlier), the payment was issued in September 2020. The One-Time Payment can only be granted retroactively if the client’s application and all relevant documents were submitted and processed by September 11, 2020. The legal authority to issue the one-time payment expired as of September 30, 2020, so if eligibility could not have been determined by then, no payment could be made.

The one-time payment was issued in the same manner as the recipient’s OAS monthly benefits, but was sent as a separate deposit or cheque. Recipients of the OAS pension and the GIS who received payments by cheque were encouraged to sign up for direct deposit to avoid payment delivery delays.

The payment is not considered as income. No taxes will be withheld, no tax slip will be issued, and the individual does not need to report the payment on their 2020 tax return.

Key quotes

None

34. Vaccine supply

• Canada has negotiated a broad and diverse COVID-19 vaccine portfolio to ensure sufficient supply for everyone in Canada, while mitigating risks of supply disruptions
• Health Canada has authorized four vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Janssen), aided by an expedited regulatory process that maintains their safety, efficacy, and quality
• The Government has announced agreements to secure millions of doses from leading vaccine candidates, including:
  • Pfizer: 5.5 million doses, to arrive by end of March 2021
  • Moderna: 2 million doses, to arrive by end of March 2021
  • Serum Institute of India (Covishield): 500,000 doses, already delivered

Vaccine rollout

• On December 8, 2020, Canada released its COVID-19 Immunization Plan, emphasizing six core principles: 1) Science-driven Decision-making; 2) Transparency; 3) Coherence and Adaptability; 4) Fairness and Equity; 5) Public Involvement; and, 6) Consistent Reporting.
• Canada has worked in close collaboration with Provinces, Territories, and Indigenous communities to develop a vaccine rollout strategy that focuses efforts, in the context of a limited initial vaccine supply, on protecting those at greatest risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death
• The Government of Canada intends to provide a vaccine to every eligible person in Canada who wants one by the end of September 2021:
  • as of March 17, the Government has already distributed over 4,768,964million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Covishield vaccines to federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions in Canada
  • Pfizer will be providing Canada with 1.5 million more doses than expected by end of March 2021
  • the AstraZeneca and Janssen vaccines can be stored and transported more easily, giving greater flexibility regarding its distribution across Canada. The Janssen vaccine, being a single-dose vaccine, will also help speed up vaccinations

Vaccine guidance

• Each vaccine has unique characteristics, and Health Canada only authorizes a vaccine after a thorough regulatory and independent review, if robust scientific data and evidence show that the benefits of the vaccine clearly outweigh any potential risks
• All vaccines are safe and effective, and are closely monitored through Canada’s vaccine safety monitoring system
• Vaccines are a valuable additional tool in our fight against COVID-19 in Canada, but do not replace the need for continued public health measures. All individuals should continue to follow recommended public health measures regardless of their personal vaccination status or the level of vaccine coverage in their community

35. Canada Pension Plan enhancement

Issue

What is Canada Pension Plan Enhancement and when will Canadians start to receive the enhanced benefit?

Key facts

• In 2018 to 2019, 5.4 million Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement benefits were paid and the average monthly amount was approximately $595
• The CPP Enhancement is an increase to CPP benefits and contributions to strengthen the retirement income security of today’s workers Canadians will receive their enhanced CPP payments in addition to any retroactive amounts from the date they started making enhanced contributions
• Finance Canada estimates that, once fully mature, the CPP Enhancement will reduce the number of families at risk of an insecure retirement by a quarter

Response

• Canada’s federal and provincial governments have worked together to enhance the Canada Pension Plan in order help Canadians to achieve a secure and dignified retirement
• The Enhancement acts as a top up to the base – or original component of the CPP, with benefits growing as people work and make enhanced contributions. The Enhancement will, over time, increase the maximum CPP retirement pension by more than 50%. Survivor and disability pensions will also increase
• The enhancement is being phased-in gradually from 2019 to 2025 - so the impact on the economy, employers and workers is small and gradual. We also increased the Canada Workers Benefit to reduce the contributory burden on low-income workers
• The Government of Canada is committed to providing Canadians with the benefits to which they are entitled. Canadians will receive their enhanced CPP payments in addition to any retroactive amounts from the date they started making enhanced contributions

Background

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a mandatory social insurance plan financed by employer and employee contributions and revenue on CPP investments. It provides a defined benefit retirement pension, which is based on how much and how long an individual has contributed. The base CPP retirement pension replaces one-quarter of an individual’s average pensionable earnings, up to the Maximum Pensionable Earnings limit that approximates the average Canadian wage, which is set at $61,600 in 2021.

All monthly CPP benefits are indexed annually. The CPP covers employed and self-employed persons in Canada (outside of Quebec). Quebec has a separate but comparable Quebec Pension Plan.

The CPP Enhancement is an increase to CPP benefits and contributions that started in January 2019. Under the Enhancement, the replacement rate will gradually increase from one-quarter to one-third. The limit on pensionable earnings - or the band of earnings covered - will also increase. The lower earnings limit will be maintained at $3,500. The upper earnings limit will be increased by 14%, which is projected to be equal to roughly $79,400 upon full implementation in 2025.

Under the Enhancement, small increases in contributions are being phased in over seven years to ensure workers and employers can adjust. The contribution rate for the enhancement will be 2% (shared by employers and employees) on earnings up to the current earnings limit (added to the base CPP’s contribution rate of 9.9%) and 8% on earnings between the current earnings limit and the new enhanced limit. The enhanced CPP will be fully funded.

Once the CPP Enhancement is fully mature it will increase the maximum CPP retirement pension by more than 50%. The CPP Enhancement will also increase survivor and disability pensions as well the post-retirement benefit.

The Enhancement is designed to be fair to all generations and to ensure that the CPP will continue to be financially sustainable in the long term. Each year of contributing to the enhancement will allow workers to accrue partial additional benefits, with fully enhanced benefits available 40 years after full implementation. Young workers will benefit the most from the enhancement, while people at the end of their careers will have smaller increases in benefits. The enhancement will have no effect on current seniors who have stopped working and contributing to the CPP.

ESDC will continue to monitor needs, and update and refine its strategic communications approach for external audiences to meet the following objectives:

• ensure awareness of the changes amongst individuals who may become eligible for new benefits and encourage them to apply
• highlight the Government of Canada’s commitment to help today’s workers (and future workers) achieve a secure and dignified retirement
• inform current and future contributors about the CPP enhancement and the Triennial Review reforms
• manage expectations and foster understanding about the impacts these changes will have on the CPP benefits and contributions of Canadians

Key quotes

“Helping Canadians achieve their goal of a safe, secure and dignified retirement is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan to help the middle class and those working hard to join it. As part of this plan, we committed to working with all provinces and territories to enhance the Canada Pension Plan to ensure that future generations of Canadians can count on a strong public pension system in their retirement years.”

The Honourable Bill Morneau - Vancouver, B.C. - June 20, 2016

36. Impact of Canada Emergency Response Benefits on the Guaranteed Income Supplement

Issue

Will receipt of Canada Emergency Response Benefits in 2020 have an impact on a senior’s entitlement to the Guaranteed Income Supplement?

Key facts

General

• In 2019 to 2020, total expenditures for the Old Age Security (OAS) program were $56.3 billion. Of this, $13.0 billion in Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefits were paid to 2.1 million low-income seniors
• Generally, GIS benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 of net income as defined in the Income Tax Act
• The GIS is renewed annually, based on previous year’s income. The July 2021 to June 2022 payment period will be based on income received in 2020

Response

• The Guaranteed Income Supplement is an income-tested benefit payable to low-income seniors who are eligible to receive the Old Age Security pension. Any income that is net income under the Income Tax Act is used to determine a senior’s entitlement to GIS
• Under the Old Age Security Act, working seniors can exempt a portion of their employment earnings from the calculation of their GIS benefits. However, Canada Emergency Response Benefit and Employment Insurance payments are not included under the GIS Earnings Exemption
• Since CERB is considered taxable income, any income received from CERB could have an impact on a person’s entitlement to GIS

Background

Income for GIS calculations is defined in section 2 of the Old Age Security Act. This section states that for the purposes of determining the amount of GIS benefits, the income of a person or of a couple, is the income of that person or couple for that year as computed in accordance with the Income Tax Act. Any income that is considered to be net income under this Act is used to determine the amount of GIS. This includes any money that a pensioner receives other than the OAS pension, including Canada Pension Plan benefits, employer-sponsored pensions and private pensions, Employment Insurance benefits, Registered Retirement Savings Plan withdrawals and workers’ compensation benefits, net employment or self-employment income, that is over and above the GIS earnings exemption, and other income.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a taxable benefit available to those who have stopped working for reasons related to COVID-19, including if they are sick, quarantined or taking care of someone who is ill with COVID-19. As the CERB is defined as taxable income under the ITA, it must be considered as income for GIS purposes.

Under the Old Age Security Act, GIS recipients who remain active in the labour market can exempt a portion of their earnings from the calculation of their GIS benefits. However, unlike employment or self-employment earnings, CERB and Employment Insurance-Emergency Response Benefit (EI-ERB) payments are not included under the GIS Earnings Exemption. GIS benefits are paid on a 12-month payment period from July to June and are normally calculated on the basis of the previous year’s income (referred to as income for the ‘base calendar year’). Therefore, CERB income received by GIS recipients in 2020 could impact GIS benefits for the 12-month period beginning in July 2021.

The Government has also created additional recovery benefits for individuals, following the end of the CERB. The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is a taxable benefit of $1,000 per 2-week eligibility period and provided for up 38 weeks. The CRB is intended to give income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to EI benefits.

Seniors are able to collect the CERB, the CRB, or other emergency or recovery benefits regardless of whether or not they receive the OAS pension, the GIS or CPP/QPP benefits. In other words, these seniors’ benefits did not affect CERB eligibility.

Key quotes

None

37. Long-Term and Home Care pilot project

Background

The shortage of Personal Support Workers in the long-term and home care systems has been a growing issue for several years, particularly in the context of an aging population. Through the pandemic, existing recruitment and retention challenges (for example. low pay, challenging work conditions, and low perception of the occupation) have been exacerbated by absences due to illness, self-isolation and childcare responsibilities of current workers.

Announced in the Fall Economic Statement 2020, ESDC is funding a pilot project ($38.5M over 2 years) to help address labour shortages in long-term and home care.

The Long-Term and Home Care pilot project, which was launched on December 4, 2020, will test a new recruitment and training model through:

• accelerated curriculum to test online training and provide a timely supply of additional workers
• work-integrated learning to determine the benefits of on-the-job learning for this profession; and
• micro-credentials to better adapt to the needs of workers and employers and provide a shortened pathway to full certification

The pilot project led by Colleges and Institutes Canada, will recruit and train up to 4,000 new Personal Support Worker interns through an accelerated 6-week online training program, available free of cost, followed by a 4-month paid work placement. Employers that hire Personal Support Worker interns will receive a wage subsidy during the work placement period to offset the costs of increased supervision and on-the-job-training. The pilot project will also develop a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process that will recognize the skills and experience acquired from the accelerated online training and work placement, to assist new workers who opt to upgrade their micro-credential to a full Personal Support Worker certificate subsequent to the pilot project.

The Government of Canada recognizes provincial and territorial jurisdiction in this sector. However, as all jurisdictions are struggling with the COVID-19 crisis, the federal government can play an important convening role in bringing all parties together to help reduce the variability in Personal Support Worker training and certification requirements across Canada. This pilot project is meant to supplement, not duplicate, efforts where provincial or territorial training initiatives in the supportive care sector are already underway.

During the development phase of the pilot project proposal, the Sectoral Initiatives Program (SIP) consulted with key stakeholders such as worker, industry, educational stakeholders as well as government agencies. These included Health Canada, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, the Canadian Home Care Association (CHCA), Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Healthcare, the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), representatives of the Canadian Association of Continuing Care Educators (CACCE). To date, provinces and territories have been engaged through Health Canada’s F/PT Committee on Health Workforce and its PSW Working Group.

Current status

A contribution agreement is currently in place for the amount of $23.2M, which reflects the funds available until March 31, 2021. This amount allows for the recruitment, training and work placement of 2,600 Personal Support Worker interns. To meet the announced $38.5M ($35.2M in contributions) and 4,000 Personal Support Worker interns, [part of this sentence has been redacted].

To support the long-term sustainability, professional development and recognition of the supportive care sector, the pilot project will explore how to improve consistency across the sector with respect to training programs, work requirements, and core competencies, with a goal of creating common standards.

It is expected that the online training will be launched on April 1, 2021 (English) and April 9, 2021 (French); the paid work placements will start in June 2021; and a National Advisory Committee will meet in April 2021 to begin developing the Competency Framework/Occupational Standards Development.

If successful, this pilot may be scaled up to train additional Personal Support Worker interns, and may provide an innovative model for addressing acute labour shortages in other key sectors.

Sectoral Initiatives Program
Apprenticeships and Sectoral Initiatives
Skills and Employment Branch

March 23, 2021

38. [This entire item/document has been redacted]

39. Parliamentary background and analysis

Official title: Appearance by the Honourable Minister of Seniors Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) Main Estimates 2021 to 2022 and Supplementary Estimates (C) 2020 to 2021 March 23, 2021 – 3:30 p.m.

1. Background

The Supplementary Estimates (C) and the Main Estimates 2021 to 2022 were tabled in the House of Commons in February 2021. You are invited to appear before HUMA on March 23, for one hour. Senior officials from ESDC will be supporting you, as required, during the meeting. ESDC officials present for the meeting will be:

• Annette Gibbons, Associate Deputy Minister
• Mark Perlman, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister
• Alexis Conrad, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Income Security and Social Development Branch
• Cliff C. Groen, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Benefits and Integrated Services Branch, Service Canada
• Stephanie Hébert, Assistant Deputy Minister, Program Operations Branch, Service Canada

The meeting will provide an opportunity for Committee Members to raise questions on measures taken by the Government to help support Canadian seniors through the pandemic. HUMA members could follow up on topics raised at your previous appearance in November 2020, such as improving the situation in long-term care facilities and progress made with your provincial and territorial counterparts on this file. The New Democratic Party (NDP) has been focussed on this topic and recently put on notice motions related to long-term care. The NDP is scheduled to lead the March 22 allotted day and could chose one of the motions for debate.

It is expected that members will ask questions about the Throne Speech Commitment to increase Old Age Security (OAS) for those 75 and older and the delay in implementing the measure. However, the February 25 Bloc Québécois (BQ) Opposition Day on the financial situation of the elderly was adopted on March 11 by the House of Commons. It focussed on the need to increase federal health transfers and OAS by $110 a month for those aged 65 and more.

2. Committee proceedings

You will be provided with the opportunity to deliver opening remarks citing progress made on your mandate commitments, highlight positive measures taken to help seniors through the pandemic and discuss the New Horizons for Seniors Program. You will be provided with 5 minutes for your opening remarks.

HUMA is composed of 12 MPs. Two HUMA members have joined the Committee in recent weeks. They are Manitoba MP Raquel Dancho Conservative Party of Canada (CPC), new Shadow Minister for Future Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, and Saskatchewan MP Corey Tochor (CPC), new Shadow Minister for Families, Children and Social Development. The Chair is Liberal MP Sean Casey and two Vice-Chairs are CPC MP Raquel Dancho and BQ MP Louise Chabot. Ms. Chabot is the BQ Employment Critic.

Other members are:

• Han Dong, Liberal (Lib)
• Rosemarie Falk (CPC)
• Leah Gazan (NDP)
• Wayne Long (Lib)
• Corey Tochor (CPC)
• Ryan Turnbull (Lib)
• Adam Vaughan (Lib)
• Brad Vis (CPC)
• Kate Young (Lib)

HUMA has agreed that questioning of witnesses will be allocated as follows:

The first round of questioning:

• 6 minutes for the Conservative Party
• 6 minutes for the Liberal Party
• 6 minutes for the Bloc Quebecois
• 6 minutes for the New Democratic Party

For the second and subsequent rounds of questioning:

• 5 minutes for the Conservative Party
• 5 minutes for the Liberal Party
• 2.5 minutes for the Bloc Quebecois
• 2.5 minutes for the New Democratic Party
• 5 minutes for the Conservative Party
• 5 minutes for the Liberal Party

3. Parliamentary analysis

In addition to questions specific to items included in the Estimates documents, you might receive questions from opposition party members related to the following:

BQ Opposition Day: Financial situation of the elderly

The adopted Opposition Day on the financial situation of the elderly recognized that the elderly were most directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and that too many of the elderly live in a financially precarious position. The adopted motion also calls on the government, in the next budget, to increase OAS by $110 a month for those aged 65 and more. However, opposition parties could follow up on the speech you delivered in the House of Commons. Specifically, you discussed the government’s agenda for seniors, namely: a new Canadians disability benefit modelled after the Guaranteed Income Supplement, ensuring that everyone has access to a family doctor or primary care team; continuing to support Canadians with mental illness and substance-use challenges; further increasing access to mental health resources and accelerating work to achieve national universal pharmacare. HUMA could request details about these commitments included in your mandate letter.

Speech from the Throne commitment on increasing OAS

The September 2020 Throne Speech mentions that the Government remains committed to increasing OAS for those 75 and older. On social media, you highlighted that this would bolster the financial security of over 3M seniors, and lift 25,000 seniors out of poverty, two thirds of whom are women. The NDP and the BQ have expressed reservations about this measure since its announcement in the 2019 Liberal Platform. They argue that the measure would create two classes of seniors. At HUMA, opposition parties could ask why the Government is denying seniors between the ages of 65 and 75. The NDP has previously requested that the Government abandon this proposal in favour of retirement security for all Canadians.

CPC Rosemarie Falk spoke in the House of Commons on February 25. She stated that the Government failed to deliver on its election promise and its “recycled” throne speech promise to increase OAS. On March 8 and 9, you took questions from BQ MP Andréanne Larouche during Question Period on this issue.

Long Term Care Facilities for Seniors

At your previous HUMA hearing in November 2020, HUMA members were greatly interested in discussing the Throne Speech Commitment on Long Term Care Facilities for Seniors. The difficult living conditions seniors are experiencing in long-term care centres across this country have been at the centre of the pandemic. Opposition parties may raise the issue of living conditions for seniors in general and ask about Government measures to ensure the safety and security of seniors for the remainder of the duration of the pandemic, including, the delivery of vaccines to seniors and the establishment of national standards for long-term care. The BQ has been critical of the government in the issue of long-term care arguing it is a provincial responsibility. Instead, the BQ is in favour of increasing Health Transfers to Provinces in the federal Budget. MP Louise Chabot has been outspoken about this issue and may ask if the Government is planning to increase transfers in the next federal Budget.

Mandate letter

In January, the Prime Minister provided you with a list of additional priorities. At HUMA, you could receive questions on how the Government plans to deliver on new commitments, in addition to those you already have and or have not yet completed. However, HUMA could focus on the commitment to support the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to establish new offences and penalties in the Criminal Code related to elder abuse and neglect, as well, on mental health.

40. Committee membership and biographies

Approved by: House of Commons Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA)

Liberal party of Canada

• Sean Casey (Chair) Prince Edward Island
• Han Dong, Ontario
• Wayne Long, New-Brunswick
• Ryan Turnbull, Ontario
• Adam Vaughan, Ontario, PS for Families, Children and Social Development (Housing)
• Kate Young, Ontario, PS for Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario)

Conservative party of Canada

• Raquel Dancho, Manitoba, Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Critic
• Rosemarie Falk, Saskatchewan, Seniors Critic
• Corey Tochor, Saskatchewan Families, Children and Social Development Critic
• Brad Vis, British Columbia, Housing Critic

New democratic party of Canada

• Leah Gazan, Manitoba, Families, Children and Social Development Critic

Bloc Quebecois

• Louise Chabot (Vice-Chair), Québec, Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Critic

Committee profile - (February 2021)

Sean Casey, Liberal Party, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Brief biography

Sean was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland but grew up in Fredericton, New Brunswick. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Saint Francis Xavier University. He worked for the New Brunswick Telephone Company before attending Dalhousie Law School, graduating in 1988. While attending Dalhousie, he was on the Student Union Executive and served as President of the Law Students Association. Upon graduating, Sean served as a summer student at what was then Scales Jenkins and McQuaid (now Stewart McKelvey) in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

He continued to work with the firm and was named a partner at 29 years of age. In 2003, Sean left the firm to take a leadership role in the family business, commonly known as Paderno. That was also the year he ran his first of four marathons. In 2008, Sean rejoined Stewart McKelvey where he served as Regional Managing Partner. In 2011, Sean was elected the Member of Parliament of Charlottetown. He was re-elected in 2015, and again most recently in 2019. In Parliament, Sean has served most recently as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard. He has previously served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, as well as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

He is currently the Chair of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, a member of the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, and Chair of the Liberal Atlantic Caucus.

Han Dong, Liberal Party, Don Valley North, Ontario

Brief biography

Raised and educated in Toronto, Han Dong, his sister, and his parents immigrated to Canada from Shanghai in 1990. Growing up working at his parent’s 24-hour coffee shop, Han learned the value of hard work, family, and community which ultimately lead him to public service.

In 2014, Han was elected as a Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), gaining valuable legislative experience.

Han works with a Toronto based high-tech company dedicated to building safer communities with digital neighbourhood watch technology. He has also shown leadership in promoting Toronto's diversity, currently serving as the leader of the Chinatown Gateway Committee established by Mayor John Tory.

Han and his wife Sophie, are the proud parents of Emma and Matthew.

Wayne Long, Liberal Party, Saint John — Rothesay, New Brunswick

Brief biography

Wayne Long is a member of the Saint John community with national and international business experience. Wayne currently serves as President of the Saint John Sea Dogs, and his efforts have helped turn the team into one of Canada’s most successful CHL hockey franchises winning the cherished Memorial Cup in 2011. That same year, Wayne was recognized with the John Horman Trophy, awarded to the Top Executive in the QMJHL.

Prior to his work with the Sea Dogs, Wayne was President of Scotiaview Seafood Inc. He was also a successful large-scale product manager with Stolt Sea Farm Inc. Wayne’s work has seen him travel across North America, negotiating contracts with national restaurant distributors, restaurant chains, and retail chains. He earned the North American Excellence in Sales and Marketing award twice. Wayne is a former Board Member for Destination Marketing and Salmon Marketing.

Wayne was born in the riding, has lived in the riding 44 years, and currently calls the area home alongside his wife, Denise, and their two children, Khristian and Konnor.

Ryan Turnbull, Liberal Party, Whitby, Ontario

Brief biography

Ryan Turnbull is a passionate change maker, experienced entrepreneur and social innovation that has devoted his life to advance ethical leadership, social responsibility, and build a more ethical economy and society. Ryan has raised his young family in the Durham Region for over five years and has deep roots in the Whitby community, where he recently moved.

Ryan has taken advanced leadership training and earned an MA in philosophy from Carleton University. Ryan has taught and developed curriculum at multiple post-secondary institutions around the world. Over the last decade, Ryan has led the development of a successful social innovation consulting firm that has had a direct social impact on the organizations, communities and the people they serve, in the Durham Region and across Ontario. Ryan has worked with over 250 charitable organizations, has advised government at all levels and has led over 350 impactful projects and his work has had a direct and positive influence on the quality of life for all segments of the population including children, youth, seniors, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, Indigenous people, women, LGBTQ2S, and many others. Ryan has also served on the board of directors for Food Secure Canada and the Ethics Practitioners’ Association of Canada.

Adam Vaughan, Liberal Party, Spadina—Fort York, Ontario

Brief biography

Adam Vaughan was first elected to the House of Commons for Trinity-Spadina on June 30, 2014. On October 19, 2015, Adam was re-elected in the new riding of Spadina-Fort York, and was re-elected for a second full term on October 21, 2019.

Adam was elected twice to Toronto City Council before voters sent him to Ottawa to represent urban issues in Parliament. As an activist and as a journalist, Adam has played a significant role in the social and economic growth of Toronto. Adam Vaughan brings a lifetime of experience to federal politics. On City Council he played a major role in reforming the planning process in the city. He led successful campaigns to rebuild and revitalize existing public housing stock while initiating new policies to create family housing, supportive housing and new co-op housing programs in Toronto.

Together with residents, he spearheaded the revitalization of the Alexandra Park community: a significant neighbourhood in Toronto that will see new affordable housing, new commercial space, a re-built community and more parkland added to the downtown. Adam Vaughan’s record in office demonstrates strong support for the arts and housing in Toronto.

While on council, he championed the expansion of OCAD University’s campus and led the campaign to save Theatre Passe Muraille. He also served on the Boards of the Toronto Arts Council, the Art Gallery of Ontario, Harbourfront Centre and Heritage Toronto. Before entering politics, Adam was a broadcast journalist for more than 20 years, specializing in municipal affairs for both the CBC and Citytv. He covered all three levels of government and has written about urban issues too.

In the 41st Parliament, Adam was appointed the Liberal Critic for Housing and Urban Affairs and worked with Justin Trudeau, Liberals, and local governments across the country to re-establish a national housing policy as part of a new urban agenda for Canada.

On December 2, 2015, Adam was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs. He served in this role until January 26, 2017, when he was appointed to the position of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development (Housing and Urban Affairs).

On February 1, 2017, Adam was appointed to chair an Advisory Committee on Homelessness composed of experts and stakeholders in the field of homelessness to support the renewal of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.

He is currently Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development (Housing) and a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development, and Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Kate Young, Liberal Party, London West, Ontario

Brief biography

Kate Young was first elected Member of Parliament for London West in October 2015. She is the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (FedDev Ontario). She has also served as the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport for Science and Sport, and for Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility (Accessibility); and Parliamentary Secretary for Transport.

Prior to being elected, Kate had a lengthy career in journalism and public relations in both the private and public sector. Best known as the first female news anchor at CFPL-TV in London, Kate was also the Manager of Public Affairs and Community Relations for the Thames Valley District School Board and Manager of Community Relations at TD Financial Group.

As a community organizer, Kate has volunteered much of her free time with organizations that directly impact London West, including the London Health Sciences Foundation Board of Directors, the Fanshawe College Board of Directors, and the Museum London Board of Directors. In 2007, London City Press Club named Kate Newsmaker of the Year for her outstanding service to the London community.

Kate has a diploma in Journalism (Broadcast) from Fanshawe College and is the proud mother of two children. She is also a grandma to twin boys. Kate grew up in London West, attended Westminster Secondary School, and continues to live in the riding with her partner Brian.

Raquel Dancho, Conservative Party, Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Critic, Kildonan – St. Paul, Manitoba

Brief biography

Raquel Dancho is the Member of Parliament for Kildonan – St. Paul – elected on October 21, 2019.

Ms. Dancho grew up in Beausejour, Manitoba, from 4 generations of Canadian farmers. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, she learned the importance of personal responsibility, resourcefulness and perseverance at a young age. She is the first in her family to attend university and the first to work in politics.

Ms. Dancho has 15 years of diverse work experience in both the public and private sector. She dedicated many hours of volunteer work with the elderly, children in Child and Family Services, and at her local church. She has also coached various sports in her hometown and been politically active since childhood.

Ms. Dancho graduated with a French-bilingual high-school diploma and went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from McGill University, majoring in Political Science, and minoring in World Religions and Canadian Studies. While attending university, she worked in a French restaurant to pay her bills and better her French skills.

Following university, Ms. Dancho earned a competitive research internship at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy in Winnipeg. Shortly thereafter, she became a policy analyst in the Progressive Conservative Caucus for Manitoba’s Official Opposition.

Following the 2016 Manitoba Progressive Conservative election victory, she became the Executive Assistant to the Minister of Sustainable Development for the Manitoba Government. She was then promoted to serve as the Special Assistant to the Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage for the Manitoba Government.

Rosemarie Falk, Conservative Party, Seniors Critic, Battlefords — Lloydminster, Saskatchewan

Brief biography

Rosemarie Falk is the federal Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster. She was first elected to the House of Commons in a federal by-election on December 11, 2017.

Under the leadership of the Hon. Erin O’Toole, Rosemarie serves as the Shadow Minister for Seniors. She is also a member the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and Status of Persons with Disabilities.

Rosemarie was born and raised in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Along with her husband Adam, she is now raising her three children there. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary. Throughout her work and volunteer experience, she has been actively engaged in her community working with some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

Rosemarie is committed to being a strong voice for seniors, families, taxpayers and rural communities. She is in federal politics to help build a stronger Canada today and for the next generation.

Corey Tochor, Conservative Party, Families, Children and Social Development Critic, Saskatoon—University, Saskatchewan

Brief biography

Corey Tochor is the Member of Parliament for Saskatoon University – elected on October 21, 2019.

Prior to entering politics, Mr. Tochor was a local Saskatoon entrepreneur who owned and operated Health Conveyance, a communications company that provides electronic messaging in health facilities across the province. He graduated with a commerce degree from the University of Saskatchewan with a major in Finance. He had a successful career in sales, e-learning consulting and pharmaceuticals before starting his own business.

As an active volunteer in his local community, Mr. Tochor has served for many years on the executive of the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon, including on the corporate board for Telemiracle 33, chair of fundraising projects and treasurer of the Kinsmen Activity Place House, a community center supporting Saskatoon’s core.

Mr. Tochor has a wealth of legislative experience and was first elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in the 2011 provincial election and re-elected in 2016. His legislative responsibilities began early in his first term when he served as Deputy Chair of Committees. He then served as Deputy Whip and was later appointed Deputy House Leader by Premier Wall. Shortly after being re-elected, Mr. Tochor was elected Speaker of the Legislature.

Mr. Tochor was born and raised in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan. He currently resides in Saskatoon with his wife Danielle and their 2 young sons, Jacob and James.

Brad Vis, Conservative Party, Housing Critic, Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon, British Columbia

Brief biography

Born in Matsqui, British Columbia, Brad has deep roots in the Fraser Valley. The grandson of Dutch immigrants, he was raised on the values of hard work, sacrifice, integrity and determination.

Brad has spent the majority of his career working in government, politics and the agri-business sector. His professional background extends to the fields of communications, public relations and policy development.

Brad holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia and a master’s degree in Political Science from Carleton University.

Elected in 2019, Brad is honoured to represent all residents of Mission–Matsqui–Fraser Canyon and is thrilled to work hard on their behalf. His mission is to raise issues and work to accomplish the goals of the riding in Ottawa rather than work as Ottawa’s representative in the riding.

Under the leadership of the Hon. Erin O’Toole, Brad serves as the Shadow Minister for Housing and is a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA).

Brad is happily married to Kathleen and the father of Declyn and Nicholas.

Leah Gazan, New Democratic Party, Families, Children and Social Development Critic, Winnipeg Centre, Manitoba

Brief biography

Leah Gazan was elected as the Member of Parliament for Winnipeg Centre in October 2019. She is currently the NDP Critic for Children, Families, and Social Development, as well as the Deputy Critic for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship. Gazan is a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and the Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament. She recently introduced a private member's bill, Bill C-232, The Climate Emergency Action Act, which recognizes the right to a healthy environment as a human right.

As an educator, advisor, and media contributor, Leah Gazan has been deeply engaged with issues and organizing in Winnipeg’s core for nearly three decades. Gazan has spent her life working for human rights on the local, national, and international stage. Her recent success includes organizing and traveling across the country to push Bill C-262, the Indigenous Human Rights Act.

Her contributions in Winnipeg have both shaped our understanding of our collective struggles and strengths, and helped move us towards justice. As president of the Social Planning Council between 2011- 2015, Gazan organized and pushed policy in support of an end to poverty, addressing violence against women and girls, finding solutions for housing insecurity and homelessness, ensuring fair wages, community-based actions addressing addictions, and proper supports for mental health.

Gazan was a prominent Winnipeg lead during Idle No More, articulating the movement to the Winnipeg public. Gazan also co-founded the #WeCare campaign aimed at building public will to end violence against Indigenous women and girls. Gazan is a member of Wood Mountain Lakota Nation, located in Saskatchewan, Treaty 4 territory.

Louise Chabot, Bloc Québecois, Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Critic, Thérèse-De Blainville, Quebec

Brief biography

Louise Chabot, born in 1955 in Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse, Quebec, is a Quebec trade unionist and politician. She was president of the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (CSQ) from 2012 to 2018. This organization represents nearly 200,000 members, including 130,000 in the education and early childhood sector. She coordinated a major unionization project that resulted in the grouping of more than 15,000 family child care providers, a first in the Canadian union movement. On October 21, 2019, she was elected Member of Parliament for the riding of Thérèse-de-Blainville.