Details on transfer payment programs

Allowances

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

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Old Age Security Act 

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Link to departmental result: Seniors have income support for retirement

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Pensions and Benefits; Program: Old Age Security

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Old Age Security program is 1 of the main sources of retirement income. Its objective is to ensure a minimum income for seniors, and to reduce breaks in income at retirement. The Old Age Security program is paid for using tax revenues. The program includes 3 benefits: The Old Age Security pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and Allowances.

The Allowance provide benefits to low-income 60 to 64 year-old individuals who are the spouse or common-law partner of a Guaranteed Income Supplement recipient. The Allowance for the survivor provide benefits to low-income 60 to 64 year-old individuals who are a widow/widower. The Allowances are based on the income of the recipient to ensure that the highest benefits are paid to the lowest-income seniors. Allowances are not repayable.

Expected results: This measure is no longer reported as the data do not allow for a clear distinction between near-seniors who are entitled to the Allowances and those who are not.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2018 to 2019

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable – Statutory program

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020 to 2021

General targeted recipient groups: Low-income near-seniors aged 60 to 64

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Department will undertake a variety of initiatives to ensure individuals are aware of, and apply for, benefits to which they are entitled. This includes proactive mailings to potential beneficiaries, inclusion of information with annual tax slips, enhancement of Service Canada channels (web, phone, in person), outreach services for those potentially eligible.

Apprenticeship Grants

Start date: January 1, 2007 (Apprenticeship Incentive Grant) / January 1, 2009 (Apprenticeship Completion Grant) / December 11, 2018 (Apprenticeship Incentive Grants for Women (5-year pilot project))

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018 to 2019

Link to departmental result: Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Apprenticeship Grants

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Apprenticeship grants are intended to help apprentices enter, progress through, and complete their training in Red Seal trades. This program targets eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who are out of high school and are registered apprentices in 1 of the 56 designated Red Seal trades.

It is comprised of 3 grants:

• the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year for registered apprentices (up to a maximum of $2,000 per apprentice). These apprentices must have completed the technical and on-the-job training requirements for the first or second year/level of an apprenticeship program
• the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women gives eligible women $3,000 in grants for the first 2 years of their apprenticeship program in Red Seal trades
• the Apprenticeship Completion Grant, provides a $2,000 taxable cash grant to registered apprentices when they complete their training and receive their journeyperson certification

Eligibility for this program is tied to the Red Seal trades which support the mobility of skilled tradespeople based on national standards.

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

Performance measures:

• number of Apprenticeship Incentive Grants issued; 2020 to 2021 Target: 48,000
• number of Apprenticeship Completion Grants issued; 2020 to 2021 Target: 23,000
• number of Apprenticeship Incentive Grants for Women issued; 2020 to 2021 Target: 2,100

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2019 to 2020

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2024 to 2025

General targeted recipient groups: Eligible recipients are registered apprentices who meet eligibility criteria for Apprenticeship Grants.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: In fiscal year 2020 to 2021, the department and provincial/territorial apprenticeship authorities will continue to identify opportunities and implement measures to increase program efficiency. They will also offer a simpler application process to individuals applying for an Apprenticeship Grant.

Canada Disability Savings Program – Grants and Bonds

Start date: December 2008

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Canada Disability Savings Act and Disability Savings Regulations

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Link to departmental result: People with disabilities and their families have financial support

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Pensions and Benefits; Program: Canada Disability Savings Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Disability Savings Grant is a limited matching grant up to $3,500 a year that the government deposits into a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) to match contributions to the plan. Grants may be paid into a plan until the end of the calendar year in which the beneficiary turns 49 years old. The limit is $70,000 of grants over the beneficiary’s lifetime. In addition, the government will deposit a Canada Disability Savings Bond of up to $1,000 a year into the RDSPs of low- and modest-income Canadians. The limit is $20,000 in bonds over the beneficiary’s lifetime. There is no annual RDSP contribution limit, but there is a maximum lifetime contribution limit of $200,000. No contributions are necessary to receive a bond. Bonds may be paid into a plan until the end of the calendar year in which the beneficiary turns 49 years old.

The objective of the program is to encourage long-term savings to help ensure the financial security of people with severe and prolonged disabilities by providing Government of Canada incentives (grants and bonds) to open and contribute to a Registered Disability Savings Plan. The grant and bond respond to long-standing and ongoing needs identified by people with disabilities, their families, and organizations supporting them to reduce barriers to saving for the future.

Expected results: Eligible individuals with severe and prolonged disabilities (and their families/guardians) open an RDSP.

Performance measure: total number of registered plans since the inception of the program.

2020 to 2021 Target: 263,104

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2018 to 2019

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2023 to 2024

General targeted recipient groups: Canadian residents under the age of 60 (if they are 59, they must open a Registered Disability Savings Plan by the end of the calendar year in which they turn 59) who have a valid Social Insurance Number and are eligible to claim the Disability Tax Credit.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Ongoing and planned activities to increase program awareness, understanding and take-up include the following:

• mail-outs targeting Disability Tax Credit-eligible Canadians who do not have an RDSP
• teleconferences following the mail-outs to answer inquiries
• fact sheets and brochures are distributed at conferences or provided to stakeholder groups
• exhibiting at conferences and events across Canada; conferences and events are attended by service providers, practitioners, people with disabilities and their families, and the general public
• stakeholder engagement meetings/discussions in the cities and towns where conferences and events are held
• presentations to the disability community and provincial/territorial social services front-line workers to increase awareness, understanding and uptake of the RDSP, the grant and the bond

Canada Education Savings Program (Canada Education Savings Grant and Canada Learning Bond)

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

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Canada Education Savings Act 

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

Link to departmental result: More students from low- and middle-income families access and participate in post-secondary education

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Canada Education Savings Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Government of Canada encourages families to save for a child’s post-secondary education. Employment and Social Development Canada administers 2 education savings incentives linked to Registered Education Savings Plans:

• the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) is available to all eligible children. It provides an amount equal to 20% (Basic Grant) of the first $2,500 in personal contributions made to a Registered Education Savings Plan each year. It also provides an additional amount (Additional Grant) for eligible children from middle- and low- income families of 10% or 20% on the first $500 of personal contributions made each year. The Canada Education Savings Grant is available until the calendar year in which the child turns 17, and the maximum lifetime amount, including the Additional Grant, is $7,200
• the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is available for children from low-income families born in 2004 or later. It provides an initial payment of $500 into a Registered Education Savings Plan plus $100 for each year of eligibility, up to age 15. That allows for a maximum of $2,000. No personal contributions are required to receive the Canada Learning Bond

These education savings incentives are provided through financial institutions, banks, mutual fund companies and scholarship foundations.

Note: where “Basic Grant” or “Additional Grant” is not specified, Canada Education Savings Grant refers to both.

Expected results: Canadians have accumulated savings in Registered Education Savings Plans to help finance a portion of their post-secondary education.

Performance measures: total Registered Education Savings Plan assets by end of the calendar year, and total Registered Education Savings plan (RESP) withdrawals.

More children, including those from low- and middle-income families, receive the education savings incentives.

Performance measures: percentage of children under 18 (in the current calendar year) who have ever received a Canada Education Savings Grant, and percentage of eligible children in the current calendar year who have ever received a Canada Learning Bond.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2015 to 2016

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020 to 2021

General targeted recipient groups: Canada Education Savings Grant beneficiaries are children aged 0–17. The Canada Learning Bond is available to children born on or after January 1, 2004, from low-income families or in care of a child services agency.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Information on the Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada Learning Bond is available online at canada.ca, the program’s telephone, mail and email inquiry services and 1 800 O-Canada.

The government of Canada engages program applicants through direct mailings to primary caregivers of children eligible for the Canada Learning Bond, and provides information products and resources to promote the benefits of early education savings. It undertakes outreach activities with partners and stakeholders, focusing on low- and middle-income families, Indigenous peoples, newcomers to Canada and those living in rural and isolated communities. Activities include information sessions, and supports for community-led Canada Learning Bond sign up events and Education Savings Week each year in November.

Canada Service Corps

Start date: June 22, 2017

End date: March 31, 2020

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017 to 2018

Link to departmental result: Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Canada Service Corps

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Service Corps is a grants and contributions program aiming to promote civic engagement among Canadian youth aged 15 to 30. It creates and facilitates access to volunteer service opportunities meaningful for youth. These service opportunities will provide youth with the chance to make a difference in their communities. Canada Service Corps supports:

• Youth Service Opportunities which funds national, regional and local organizations to undertake service projects that allow youth to serve and benefit communities across Canada
• Micro-Contributions which support the implementation of small-scale youth led projects and innovative community service ideas. The Canada Service Corps program also engages with youth and organizations to support creating a culture of youth service in Canada

Expected results: Youth service volunteers are engaged

Performance Measures:

• number of Volunteer Service Placements created: 7,000 service placements
• number of Youth-Led Projects created: 1,000 micro-grants per year

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2021 to 2022

General targeted recipient groups: Not-for-Profit organizations and other eligible organizations under Canada Service Corps terms and conditions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Program will hold stakeholder information sessions for organizations interested in applying to call for proposals for regional projects.

Canada Student Loans Program – Canada Student Grants

Start date: August 1, 2009

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Canada Student Financial Assistance Act

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

Link to departmental result: More students from low- and middle-income families access to and participate in post-secondary education

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Canada Student Loans Program and Canada Apprentice Loans

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Student Grants Program provides predictable, up-front grants to assist and encourage students from low- and middle-income families, students who are parents and students with disabilities to participate in post-secondary education. It is managed in partnership with participating provinces and territories.

While Canada Student Loans are repayable, Canada Student Grants provide non-repayable assistance.

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

Performance measure: percentage and number of full-time post-secondary students (all ages) in participating provinces/territories who used a Canada Student Grant to help finance their participation in post-secondary education.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The summative evaluation of the Budget 2008 Canada Student Loans Program Enhancements was completed in fiscal year 2016 to 2017.

The summative evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan was completed in fiscal year 2017 to 2018.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020 to 2021

General targeted recipient groups: Low- and middle-income students, students who are parents and students with disabilities pursuing post-secondary education

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Ongoing outreach to current and prospective PSE students through multiple channels

Canada Student Loans Program – Direct Financing Arrangement

Start date: August 1, 2000

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Canada Student Financial Assistance Act 

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Canada Student Financial Assistance Act S.C. 24, c. 28

Link to departmental result: More students from low- and middle-income families access and participate in post-secondary education

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Canada Student Loans Program and Canada Apprentice Loans

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) provides financial assistance in the form of grants and loans to eligible students who have a demonstrated financial need to help them participate in post-secondary education.

The program also offers debt management measures to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty so that they can repay their student loans in periods of unemployment or low income.

The Canada Student Loans Program is delivered in partnership with participating jurisdictions (9 provinces and the Yukon). Québec, the Northwest Territories (NWT) and Nunavut do not participate in the CSLP. Students from these 3 jurisdictions do not qualify for Canada Student Loans (CSLs) or Grants (CSGs). However, as per the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act (CSFAA), the non-participating jurisdictions receive an Alternative Payment on an annual basis to offset the costs of operating their own student financial assistance programs.

Expected results: Post-secondary education students in participating provinces/territories have used federal student financial assistance to help finance their post-secondary education.

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

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The summative evaluation of the Budget 2008 Canada Student Loans Program Enhancements was completed in fiscal year 2016 to 2017.

The summative evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan was completed in fiscal year 2017 to 2018.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020 to 2021

General targeted recipient groups: provinces and territories not participating in the Canada Student Loans Program for the benefit of low- and middle-income students.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Not applicable

Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime

Start date: January 1, 2013; modified September 30, 2018

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012 to 2013, modified in 2018 to 2019

Link to departmental result: Canadians receive financial support during employment transitions such as job loss, illness, or maternity/parental leave

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Social Development; Program: Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime provides income support to eligible parents or legal guardians who suffer a loss of income while taking time away from work to cope with the death or disappearance of their child (or children). The child must be under the age of 25, and the death or disappearance must result from a probable Criminal Code offence. Eligible parents receive a payment of $450 per week paid bi-weekly for a maximum of 35 weeks during 2 years following the date of the incident. This program is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Processing of Parents of Young Victims of Crime grant by Service Canada to applicants within prescribed timeframe.

Performance Measure: 90% of payments or non-payment notifications issued within 35 calendar days.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2017 to 2018

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Amendment

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Not applicable.  Actual program spending does not meet Financial Administration Act requirement threshold.

General targeted recipient groups: Parents of children who disappear or are deceased due to a probable Criminal Code offence.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The department will engage with key stakeholders who work with impacted families, such as law enforcement agencies and victim’s advocacy groups. Communications efforts use multiple existing channels (online, by telephone, by e-mail, or in person at Service Canada Centres).

Early Learning and Child Care

Start date: April 2017

End date: March 2028

Type of transfer payment: Other transfer payment

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017 to 2018

Link to departmental result: Access to early learning and childcare is increased

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Social Development; Program: Early Learning and Child Care

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework sets the foundation for governments to work towards a shared long term vision where all children across Canada can experience the enriching environment of quality early learning and child care. Governments have committed to increase the quality, accessibility, affordability, flexibility, and inclusivity of early learning and child care, in particular for families that need child care the most. This will help Canadian children get the best start in life and better support Canadian families. The government will also be supporting innovative practices in early learning and child care and will address data gaps to better understand what child care looks like in Canada and track progress. This will give the government an opportunity to work closely with partners including the provinces and territories, stakeholders, and advocates.

Expected results: Access to early learning and child care is increased

Performance Measures: number of children in regulated child care spaces and/or early learning programs and number of children receiving subsidies or other financial supports.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2022 to 2023

General targeted recipient groups: To be determined. Plans are under development at the time of publication.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: To be determined. Plans are under development at the time of publication.

Enabling Accessibility Fund

Start date: The Enabling Accessibility Fund was introduced in Budget 2007, renewed in Budget 2010 for an additional 3 years and extended on an ongoing basis through Budget 2013.

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: New terms and conditions were approved in September 2013.

Link to departmental result: Barriers to accessibility for people with disabilities are removed

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Social Development; Program: Enabling Accessibility Fund

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Persons with disabilities often experience barriers to their participation and inclusion in daily activities. To support their participation in society, the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is taking concrete action to ensure greater accessibility and opportunities.

The EAF provides funding for eligible capital projects that increase accessibility and eliminate barriers for persons with disabilities in communities and workplaces. The EAF creates more opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in community activities, programs and services, or to access employment opportunities. Eligible recipients are not-for-profit, for-profit and Indigenous organizations, as well as municipal and territorial governments. They can apply for funding through periodic funding processes under 3 program components.

The small projects component supports small-scale construction, renovation or retrofit projects that increase accessibility in communities or workplaces.

The youth innovation component empowers youth to identify accessibility barriers within their communities and work with local organizations to find solutions to increase accessibility and safety in community spaces and workplaces.

The mid-sized projects component supports larger retrofit, renovation or construction projects of facilities or venues that house or will house programs and services geared towards addressing the social and/or labour market integration needs of persons with disabilities in a holistic manner.

Expected results: Community spaces and workplaces are more accessible.

Performance measure: number of communities with funded projects;
2020 to 2021 Target: 200

Performance measure: number of community spaces and workplaces that are more accessible due to EAF funding;
2020 to 2021 Target: 430

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2017 to 2018

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2022 to 2023

General targeted recipient groups: Persons with disabilities across Canada through eligible funding recipients, that is, not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, municipalities, Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities) and territorial governments.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: In fiscal year 2020 to 2021, the EAF expects to continue to provide information sessions to further support interested applicants in the development of their project proposals and respond to inquiries submitted through the generic program inbox during calls for proposals.

Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities

Start date: April 1, 2005

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013 to 2014 (with the latest amendment in 2019)

Link to departmental result: Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities (EF-OLMC) aims to enhance the development and vitality of OLMCs. The EF-OLMC provides funding to a network of 14 organizations across Canada, with more than 130 employees in 50 locations. The organizations help OLMCs to strengthen their capacity in the areas of human resource and community economic development. It provides local leadership, promotes partnerships, implements projects, fills gaps in services, and leverages networks for concerted action.

The EF-OLMC is the ESDC’s main program to meet its Official Languages Act obligations to enhance the vitality of the English and French linguistic minority communities in Canada and support and assist their development. It is also ESDC’s main contribution under the Action Plan for Official Languages - 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future.

Expected results: Official language minority communities are better informed, resourced, skilled and served.

Performance measure:  Ratio of dollar(s) invested by non-EF-OLMC funded partners for every dollar invested by the EF-OLMC in community economic development and human resource development.

2020 to 2021 Target: 2:1

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2017 to 2018

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2021 to 2022

General targeted recipient groups: Official language minority communities

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The department engages and works with recipients throughout the life cycle of their contribution agreement, from renewal to implementation and close-out. It maintains ongoing communication with recipients, including regular monitoring activities. The department engages with key stakeholders regularly. It consults with agreement holders to design and deliver programming for OLMCs.

Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Start date: May 26, 2010

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2010 to 2011

Link to departmental result: Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Foreign Credential Recognition Program supports skilled newcomers’ integration in the Canadian labour market. It also contributes to the Government of Canada’s commitment to the attraction, selection and integration of skilled immigrants into the Canadian economy and society.

The Foreign Credential Recognition Program focuses on 3 areas of activities to facilitate the labour market integration of skilled immigrants:

• simplifying and harmonizing national credential recognition processes
• providing loans to cover foreign recognition related expenses
• testing the most effective and efficient ways to help highly skilled newcomers gain their first Canadian work experience in their profession/field of study

The Foreign Credential Recognition Program is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results:

Skilled newcomers are better able to use their skills and experience gained abroad in the Canadian labour market.

Performance measure: portion of skilled immigrants in regulated occupations targeted by systemic foreign credential recognition interventions
2020 to 2021 Target: 55%

Loans projects: newcomer clients have their credentials recognized and have better employment outcomes.

Performance measure: percentage of newcomer clients who complete their credential assessment after intervention (following loan repayment)
2023 Target: 17%

Performance measure: percentage of newcomer clients who find employment in their intended or related occupation after intervention
2023 Target: 35%

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2015 to 2016

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020 to 2021

General targeted recipient groups: Eligible recipients include, but are not limited to:

• not-for-profit organization
• regulatory bodies
• national organizations
• provincial governments
• sectoral and cross-sectoral councils
• professional associations
• industry associations
• unions
• school boards
• municipal governments
• public health institutions
• universities, colleges, Collèges d'enseignement général et professionnel
• consortia composed of all or some of the aforementioned types of recipient organizations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Employment and Social Development Canada will continue to engage with key stakeholders through meetings and conferences, and participate in regular federal/provincial/territorial activities through the Forum of Labour Market Ministers.

Future Skills

Start date: May 24, 2018

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018 to 2019

Link to departmental result: Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Future Skills

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Rapid technological advancements (for example artificial intelligence) and new business models are affecting job seekers’, workers’ and employers’ ability to adapt and keep up with the pace of change. Future Skills was launched in February 2019 to introduce proactive and innovative measures to support workforce development strategies that adapt to the pace and scope of changes in the workplace. Working with provinces and territories, private sector, labour, educational and training institution and not-for-profit organizations to adopt proven practices. Future Skills helps ensure Canada’s skills development programs are future-focused.

Future Skills includes a ministerial advisory Council to identify emerging skills and workforce trends, and recommend and champion action on priorities of pan-Canadian significance; an independent Future Skills Centre to prototype, test and evaluate innovative approaches to skills assessment and development, and mobilize knowledge for action; and an Office to provide a secretariat function to the Council, liaise with the Centre; and, establish working partnerships across the federal government, and with provincial and territorial governments. This is done through the Forum of Labour Market Ministers, to support the broader adoption of best practices and advice stemming from the initiative.

Expected results: Employment and training service providers and policy makers have increased awareness of in-demand skills and effective training practices.

Performance measure: number of partnerships and stakeholders who report awareness of in demand skills.
No target will be established as this is a baseline year.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2022 to 2023

General targeted recipient groups: Future Skills includes a focus on inclusion of underrepresented and disadvantaged groups so all Canadians can benefit from emerging opportunities.

Targeted recipient groups include provinces, territories, and organizations including private sector, educational institutions, labour and not-for-profit.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients are undertaken by the Future Skills Centre. These initiatives will be reported by the Centre to ESDC on an ongoing basis.

Guaranteed Income Supplement

Start date: 1967

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Old Age Security Act 

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Link to departmental result: Seniors have income support for retirement

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Pensions and Benefits; Program: Old Age Security

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Old Age Security program is 1 of the main sources of retirement income. Its objective is to ensure a minimum income for seniors, and to reduce breaks in income at retirement. The Old Age Security program is paid for using tax revenues. The program includes 3 benefits: The Old Age Security pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and Allowances.

The Guaranteed Income Supplement provides additional assistance to Old Age Security pensioners with little or no income. Entitlement to the Guaranteed Income Supplement is based on the marital status and the annual net income of the individual, and their spouse or common-law partner when applicable. The Guaranteed Income Supplement is based on income to ensure that the highest benefits are paid to the lowest-income seniors.

Expected results: Financial security among seniors with low-income is supported

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2018 to 2019

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable – Statutory program

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020 to 2021

General targeted recipient groups: Low-income seniors aged 65 and over

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The department will undertake a variety of initiatives to ensure individuals are aware of, and apply for, benefits to which they are entitled. This will include proactive mailings to potential beneficiaries, inclusion of information with annual tax slips, enhancement of Service Canada channels (web, phone, in person), and outreach services for those potentially eligible.

Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Transformation Initiative

Start date: September 2018

End date: March 2028

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018 to 2019

Link to departmental result: Access to early learning and childcare is increased

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Social Development; Program: Indigenous Early Learning and Childcare Transformation Initiative

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Transformation Initiative supports the implementation of the co-developed Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework. This framework reflects the unique cultures and priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. The initiative enables greater control in IELCC through a new partnership model to facilitate Indigenous-led decision making to advance national and regional priorities.

Employment and Social Development Canada is the federal focal point guiding this horizontal initiative, with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) as key federal partners.

Expected results: Joint results frameworks are being co-developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners, based on the principles, goals and distinctions-based priorities outlined in the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework.

Performance indicators to be determined in collaboration with Indigenous partners.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2021 to 2022

General targeted recipient groups: Indigenous children and families

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: National and Regional Partnership Tables will be established under a “partnership model” that enables Indigenous-led decision-making on the allocation of federal funding. This will support national, regional and community level Indigenous early learning and child care goals and priorities and ensure consistency with the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework.

Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program

Start date: April 1, 2019

End date: March 31, 2029

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019 to 2020

Link to departmental result: Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program helps reduce skills and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada. Under the program, Indigenous organizations provide skills development and job training to First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban/non-affiliated Indigenous people. Funding comes from both the Consolidated Revenue Fund and Employment Insurance Act, Part II. The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training program is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Indigenous participants have gained work experience

Performance measure: number of Indigenous people who obtained employment following service intervention(s)
2020 to 2021 Target: TBD
Note: a target will be developed by March 2020, once baseline results for the new ISET program are available.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2019 to 2020

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2024 to 2025

General targeted recipient groups: Indigenous organizations (may include incorporated for-profit and not-for-profit Indigenous-controlled organizations, Indigenous-controlled unincorporated organizations, Indian Act bands, tribal councils and Indigenous governments under modern treaties)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The department will work with Indigenous contribution recipients throughout the life of their contribution agreement, at the national and regional levels.

International Education Strategy: Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Project

Start date: June 13, 2019

End date: March 31, 2024

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019 to 2020

Link to departmental result: Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Supports for Student Learning Program (SSLP)

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The objective of the SSLP is to help all learners succeed in their studies so that they can get the skills they need to transition to the labour market.

This transfer payment program seeks to enable Canadian college and undergraduate university students to acquire in-demand skills through study or work abroad opportunities.

Expected results: Key expected results for the Outbound Student Mobility Pilot between fiscal year 2020 to 2021 and fiscal year 2022 to 2023 are:

• more post-secondary education students, including underrepresented students, participate in the pilot to study or work abroad as part of their studies at a Canadian post-secondary education institution

Performance indicator: Cumulative number of pilot participants (targeting up to 11,000 over the 5-year duration).

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: A third party evaluation will be conducted in fiscal year 2023 to 2024

General targeted recipient groups: Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada have been identified as the delivery organizations (recipients) for the Outbound Student Mobility Pilot component of the SSLP.

Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada will fund sub-projects at post-secondary institutions who will provide supports directly to Canadian college and undergraduate university students.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ESDC will be engaging with the recipients (Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada) on an ongoing basis.

Literacy and Essential Skills

Start date: April 1, 2006

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012 to 2013

Link to departmental result: Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Literacy and Essential Skills

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (OLES) funds projects to test new ways of delivering essential skills training and measuring results. The goal of projects is to improve the quality of essential skills training in order to meet both employer and worker needs. Successful projects can be expanded in other areas across Canada.

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

Performance measure: number of organizations supporting essential skills training and development
2020 to 2021 Target: at least 500

Performance measure: number of Canadians that will have access to essential skills training or support
2020 to 2021 Target: at least 5,500

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2017 to 2018

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2022 to 2023

General targeted recipient groups: These projects typically support people requiring extra assistance in increasing their skills, such as women, Indigenous people, youth, newcomers and people from official language minority communities.

Eligible recipients for program funding include: Not-for-profit organizations; for-profit organizations; Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities); municipal governments; provincial and territorial governments, institutions, agencies and Crown corporations.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The OLES hosts regular webinars and meetings with organizations and provinces/territories to support them in measuring outcomes, reporting on progress and to share learnings.

The office will update the 9 identified essential skills to ensure that they reflect the needs of employers and workers today and in the future. It will engage stakeholder/partners across Canada to obtain input and feedback.

Working with the Privy Council Office, the OLES is creating a ‘Challenge Prize’ to motivate stakeholders to create innovative solutions to address the essential skills needs of lower-skilled workers. An award will be given to the innovator that comes up with the best solution.

New Horizons for Seniors Program

Start date: October 2004

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions were last amended in 2018

Link to departmental result: Not for profit organizations, communities and other groups have an enhanced capacity to address a range of social issues such as the social inclusion of people with disabilities, the engagement of seniors, and support for children and families

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Social Development; Program: New Horizons for Seniors Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The New Horizons for Seniors Program supports the Government of Canada’s overarching social goals to enhance the quality of life and promote the full participation of individuals in all aspects of Canadian society. In doing so, the program initiatives at the national, regional and community level address seniors’ issues through partnerships and the engagement and contributions of seniors themselves. The program’s design includes 2 streams: Community-based grants and Pan-Canadian grants and contributions.

Community-based grants address social challenges ‘on the ground’ and recognize communities as the focal point for program and service delivery. Funded projects are volunteer-based; supported by communities; inspired or led by seniors; and, address 1 or more of the 5 program objectives. Selected through annual calls for proposals, one-year community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding.

Pan-Canadian grants and contributions support innovative projects that create a significant impact in communities and invest in large initiatives that meet the growing social needs of seniors. Organizations can apply for projects up to 5 years in duration and up to $5M in funding under the Pan-Canadian stream.

Expected results: Communities have the capacity to address local issues by engaging seniors.

Performance measure: number of seniors who participated in community projects; 2020 to 2021 Target: at least 369,000

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2015 to 2016

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020 to 2021

General targeted recipient groups: The New Horizons for Seniors Program has a broad array of eligible recipients, including not-for-profit organizations, coalitions, for-profit enterprises, Indigenous organizations, Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and 2-spirit (LGBTQ2), official languages minority communities (OLMC), municipal governments and research and educational institutions.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Information about the New Horizons for Seniors program calls for proposals is posted on Employment and Social Development Canada's website and shared with networks. For the annual Community-Based Projects call for proposals, potential applicants are engaged as part of the community outreach activities performed by Service Canada. In addition, a systematic approach to identify community-based projects best practices is being developed and once completed, these best practices will be disseminated broadly, including with future applicants.

Information on Pan-Canadian Projects calls for proposals, launched approximately every 3-5 years, is shared with potential applicants on the NHSP website as well as through email blasts and social media posts.

Old Age Security Pension

Start date: 1952

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Old Age Security Act 

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Link to departmental result: Seniors have income support for retirement

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Pensions and Benefits; Program: Old Age Security

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Old Age Security program is 1 of the main sources of retirement income. Its objective is to ensure a minimum income for seniors, and to reduce breaks in income at retirement. The Old Age Security program is paid for using tax revenues. The program includes 3 benefits: The Old Age Security pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and Allowances.

The Old Age Security Pension is a monthly payment to all Canadians aged 65 or older who meet the residence and legal status requirements. To be eligible for the pension, an individual must have resided in Canada for at least 10 years after the age of 18. A full pension is paid to seniors with at least 40 years of residence in Canada after the age of 18.

Expected results: Financial security among seniors is supported

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2018 to 2019

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable – statutory program

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020 to 2021

General targeted recipient groups: Seniors aged 65 and over

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The department will undertake a variety of initiatives to ensure individuals are aware of, and apply for, benefits to which they are entitled. This will include proactive mailings to potential beneficiaries, inclusion of information with annual tax slips, enhancement of Service Canada channels (web, phone, in person), and outreach services for those potentially eligible.

Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Start date: April 1, 1997

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014 to 2015

Link to departmental result: Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities helps reduce skills and employment gaps between persons with disabilities and person without disabilities.

This program helps persons with disabilities to get ready for, find and keep jobs. The program also helps employers hire persons with disabilities. Projects funded by the program may provide training, job search help and job placements. Third-party organizations in the community deliver this program.

Expected results: Persons with disabilities have become employed/self-employed or returned to school.

Performance measure: number of participants employed, self-employed or returned to school after their intervention:
Target: 2,980

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities – Phase 1, was completed in 2018 to 2019.

Summative evaluation of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities - Phase 2, completed in 2019 to 2020.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2024 to 2025

General targeted recipient groups: The program exclusively targets persons with disabilities. Eligible recipients include individuals, other levels of government, provincial and territorial institutions, agencies, Crown corporations, and not-for-profit, for-profit and Indigenous organizations.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Employment and Social Development Canada engages applicants through calls for proposals and targeted solicitation.

Pathways to Education Canada

Start date: April 1, 2018

End date: March 31, 2022

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018 to 2019

Link to departmental result: More students from low- and middle-income families access and participate in post-secondary education

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Supports for Student Learning Program (SSLP)

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The objective of the SSLP is to help all learners succeed in their studies so that they can get the skills they need to transition to the labour market.

This program provides funding to Pathways to Education Canada, a not-for-profit organization which provides a community-based, after-school program. The organization was created to reduce poverty and its effects by lowering the high school dropout rate and increasing access to post-secondary education among youth living in low-income communities.

The Pathways to Education Canada organization provides non-financial supports such as tutoring, mentoring and counselling; and financial supports such as bursaries for post-secondary education and funding for certain immediate costs related to attending high school (such as bus tickets and meal vouchers).

Expected results: Over the course of the grant period, Pathways to Education Canada is expected to:

• expand its supports to reach more students in more areas of the country
  • increase enrolments to 6,500 students annually (approximate 20% increase)
  • open an additional site in Thunder Bay
• improve rates of high school graduation and acceptance to post-secondary education among program participants
  • increase high school graduation rates among participants to within 10% of local school boards graduation rates, where local school board data is available
  • ensure 85% of participants are accepted into post-secondary studies by the end of the grant period

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2018 to 2019

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2023 to 2024

General targeted recipient groups: The only eligible recipient of funding is Pathways to Education Canada, a not-for-profit organization

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Not applicable.

Reaching Home

Start date: April 1, 2014

End date: March 31, 2028

Type of transfer payment: Grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019 to 2020

Link to departmental result: Homelessness in Canada is prevented and reduced

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Social Development; Program: Reaching Home

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Reaching Home supports community-based responses to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. Communities and service providers receive grants and contributions funding to support services targeted to individuals, families and Indigenous peoples who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness in urban centers, rural communities and in the territories.

Outside of Quebec, federal funding is prioritized based on input from Community/Regional Advisory Boards, as communities are best placed to identify their needs. In Quebec, Reaching Home is administered through the Canada-Quebec Agreement that respects the jurisdiction and priorities of both governments.

Reaching Home works with communities to develop and deliver data-driven system plans with clear outcomes. Communities are asked to report publicly on community-wide outcomes. The program also collects and analyzes national homelessness data, and shares knowledge with communities, partners and stakeholders. Federally-funded projects, and federal leadership that fosters transformation of the sector, together promote the prevention and reduction of homelessness in Canada.

The government of Canada is 1 of many funding partners addressing homelessness, and performance indicators and expected results are impacted by multiple factors. The program is a transfer payment program with non-repayable grants and contributions; however, some repayment clauses are outlined in the Terms and Conditions.

Expected results: Homeless individuals and families are placed in more stable housing.

Performance measure: number of people placed in more stable housing
Target: 52,100 by March 31, 2022

Homelessness is prevented and reduced (shared responsibility).

Performance measure: reduction in the estimated number of shelter users who are chronically homeless.
Target: 31% reduction by fiscal year 2023 to 2024 from the baseline of 26,900 (2016)

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy was completed in fiscal year 2018 to 2019

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2022 to 2023

General targeted recipient groups: The program targets individuals, families and Indigenous people who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness in urban centers and rural communities.

The following recipients are eligible for funding: not-for-profit organizations; individuals; municipalities; for-profit organizations; public health and educational institutions; Indigenous organizations; and provincial and territorial governments and their entities, including institutions and agencies. These groups are eligible to receive funding and act as coordinators for activities. In Quebec, health and social services agencies are eligible for funding consistent with a formal Canada-Quebec agreement.

For-profit organizations may be eligible for funding provided that the nature and intent of the activity is: non-commercial; not intended to generate profit; based on fair market value; supports program priorities and objectives; and fits within the community plan (or identified local need where community plans are not required).

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

Sectoral Initiatives Program

Start date: April 1, 2013

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013 to 2014

Link to departmental result: Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Sectoral Initiatives Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The objective of the Sectoral Initiatives Program is to help key sectors of the Canadian economy identify, forecast and address their human resources and skills issues.

The program supports sectors and employers to address current and future skills shortages through the development and distribution of sector-specific labour market intelligence, national occupational standards, and skills certification and accreditation systems. The program also supports innovative workforce development approaches, including those targeting under-represented groups.

The Sectoral Initiative Program is discretionary and does not have governing legislation.

Expected results: Expected SIP products, including labour market information reports and/or forecasting systems, national occupational standards, skills certification and accreditation systems, and those that result from creative labour market solutions projects (in other words, pilot project reports and/or curricula) are developed or updated and made available to target users.

Performance measure: number of users of SIP products
2020 to 2021 Target: 100,000

Performance measure: number of SIP products developed or updated and made available to target users
2020 to 2021 Targets:

• labour market information reports: 90
• forecasting systems: 8
• national occupational standards: 30
• certification regimes: 4
• accreditation systems: 2
• curricula developed or updated:  1
• pilot project reports: 1

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2018 to 2019

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2023 to 2024

General targeted recipient groups: The targeted recipients are organizations that represent a partnership of key players within a sector such as employers, associations and educational institutions, and include:

• employee or employer associations
• not-for-profit organizations
• Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: In fiscal year 2020 to 2021, SIP will solicit proposals through a new Call for Proposal (CFP) process.

Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program

Start date: 2018 to 2019

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018 to 2019

Link to departmental result: Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Tradespeople play an important role in our economy and our society. The Government of Canada wants to encourage more Canadians, including women and other groups that face barriers, to take advantage of good, well-paying jobs in the skilled trades.

The program encourages Canadians – particularly those facing barriers, such as women, Indigenous people, youth, newcomers and persons with disabilities – to explore and prepare for careers in the skilled trades. More specifically, the program aims to:

• build awareness of the trades as viable, good quality careers, for example, through “try a trade”, career fairs, in-school introduction, job shadowing and mentorship
• provide opportunities to explore the trades with hands-on job experience and make connection with employers (for example, work placements)
• help equip individuals with the skills and supports they need to pursue a career in the skilled trades (for example, essential skills training and safety certification)

A wide range of organizations are eligible for funding under the STAR program, such as, community and not-for-profit organizations, employers, provincial and territorial governments, colleges and training providers.

Expected results: Participants have access to information and opportunities to explore skilled trades as a career choice, along with access to skills training and work experience opportunities

Performance measure: total number of participants in projects that offer awareness and exploration activities, skills training and/or work experience.
2020 to 2021 Target: 450 participants

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Evaluation of the Trades Exploration and Experience Program is planned for completion in fiscal year 2022 to 2023

General targeted recipient groups: Women, Indigenous people, newcomers, persons with disabilities and youth

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The program engages applicants and recipients through calls for proposals or targeted solicitation process.

Skills and Partnership Fund

Start date: April 1, 2010

End date: March 31, 2028

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009 to 2010 (with the last amendment in March 2016)

Link to departmental result: Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need.

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Skills and Partnership Fund

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF) is a demand-driven, project-based program. It encourages employers to partner with Indigenous organizations to increase employment. Indigenous organizations design and put in place projects to respond to need and local labour market demands. Projects provide employment supports for Indigenous people with the aim of employment. Projects also test innovative approaches to training and improving employment outcomes for Indigenous people.

The Skills and Partnership Fund is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results: Indigenous people obtain employment following service intervention(s).

Performance measure: number of Indigenous people who obtained employment following service intervention(s)
No annual target. At least 8,000 (project totals for 2017 to 2021)

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2019 to 2020

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2024 to 2025

General targeted recipient groups: Indigenous organizations (may include incorporated for-profit and not-for-profit Indigenous-controlled organizations, Indigenous-controlled unincorporated organizations, Indian Act bands, tribal councils and Indigenous governments under modern treaties).

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The department works with Indigenous contribution recipients throughout the life of their contribution agreement. There is ongoing communication with agreement holders at the national and regional level, including regular monitoring activities.

Social Development Partnerships Program

Start date: April 1998

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Grants and Contributions were last amended in fiscal year 2017 to 2018

Link to departmental result: Not for profit organizations, communities and other groups have an enhanced capacity to address a range of social issues such as the social inclusion of people with disabilities, the engagement of seniors, and support for children and families

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Social Development; Program: Social Development Partnerships Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP) is a grants and contributions program. It supports government of Canada priorities through investment in not-for-profit organizations that aim to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities, children and families, Black Canadian communities, and other vulnerable populations facing physical, economic and social pressures. The program has an annual budget supporting 2 components: Disability and Children and Families.

Grants and contributions support communities, not-for-profit, and voluntary sector organizations in providing vulnerable Canadian populations with the tools and skills to respond to current and emerging social issues that they are facing, such as a limited ability to participate in the workplace or to contribute to their families and communities.

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

Performance measure: percentage of SDPP projects that leverage funds from non-federal partners
2020 to 2021 Target: 90%

Not-for-profit organizations have improved services for children, families, people with disabilities and other vulnerable individuals.

Performance measure: Amount invested by non-federal partners for every dollar invested through SDPP
2020 to 2021 Target: $0.30

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2018 to 2019

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation for both SDPP components

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2021 to 2022

General targeted recipient groups: The program targets persons with disabilities, children and families, Black Canadian communities, and other vulnerable populations facing physical, economic and social pressures.

Eligible recipients include not-for-profit organizations, such as registered charities and social enterprises actively pursuing activities in line with SDPP objectives.

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

Stakeholders will be engaged in Spring/Summer 2020 on next steps for the delivery of the Community Inclusion Initiative, the regional operating funding stream of the program.

Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy

Start date: April 1, 2019

End date: March 31, 2021

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Investment Readiness Program: 2019 to 2021

Link to departmental result: Not for profit organizations, communities and other groups have an enhanced capacity to address a range of social issues such as the social inclusion of people with disabilities, the engagement of seniors, and support for children and families

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Social Development; Program: Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Social Innovation and Social Finance (SI/SF) Strategy aims to strengthen the ability of communities to develop, finance and scale new solutions to persistent social and environmental challenges in Canada. The Investment Readiness Program (IRP) represents 1 of the first foundational elements in building a SI/SF Strategy for Canada. The IRP is a 2-year grants and contributions program aimed at improving the ability of social purpose organizations to participate in the social finance market and the larger social innovation ecosystem.

Other foundational elements of the SI/SF Strategy include the proposed Social Finance Fund and Social Innovation Advisory Council. These are to be launched in fiscal year 2020 to 2021.

Investment Readiness Program:

The program will provide time-limited investments to support a broad range of social purpose organizations (SPOs). These are, for example, non-profits, charities, co-operatives, hybrid social enterprises, and mission focused for-profits. Supported SPOs will improve their capacity and ability to participate in the social finance market. They will also get ready to access new investment and contract opportunities.

Readiness support partners will help administer a large part of the IRP funding. These organizations will establish open and transparent processes to fund and support a broad range of SPOs across Canada. These SPOs will access tailored expertise to become better positioned to take advantage of financing opportunities that will become available through the Social Finance Fund, as well as other investment opportunities.

Some funding is being used to strengthen expert service providers. They will offer specialized knowledge to organizations to help them get ready.

Funding will also be provided to Ecosystem Mobilization Initiatives. These will help address system-level gaps on key areas such as:

• social research and development
• knowledge mobilization
• impact measurement
• building the readiness of social finance intermediaries
• for-profit engagement

Eligible SPOs will be able to apply for grant funding from readiness support partners. They will have the autonomy to purchase time-limited supports from any number of expert service providers. This way, they will be able to build their capacities in targeted areas to help improve their overall investment readiness.

Expected results: Social purpose organizations (SPOs) (for example, non-profits, charities, co-operatives, hybrid social enterprises, and mission-focused for-profits) have an enhanced capacity to participate in the social finance market.

Performance measure: number of SPOs that accessed expert services and other resources with IRP funding to enhance their readiness to participate in the social finance market;
March 2022 Target: 400 SPOs

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: The formative and summative evaluation of the Investment Readiness Program should be completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

General targeted recipient groups: A broad range of SPOs (for example, non-profits, charities, co-operatives, hybrid social enterprises, and mission focused for-profits).

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Readiness support partners will advertise and launch open calls for applications for IRP grant funding.

Student Work Placement Program

Start date:  April 1, 2017

End date: March 31, 2024

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017 to 2018

Link to departmental result: Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Student Work Placement Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Student Work Placement Program funds a variety of work placements for post-secondary students in all academic disciplines.

Student work placements help students to develop the “work-ready” skills that Canadian employers are looking for. Student work placements funded by the program vary in length and intensity to accommodate the needs of student participants and employers. The program supports third party sector-based organizations to build partnerships between post-secondary education (PSE) institutions and employers, to better align learning and demand. The majority of funding supports wage subsidies for employers to create new work integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students. Employers are eligible to receive 50% of wages (up to $5,000) for a standard placement. Increased wage subsidies of 70% (up to $7,000) encourage employers to hire students in under-represented groups and first-year students. Under-represented groups are defined as women in STEM, Indigenous students, persons with disabilities, and newcomers.

Expected results: PSE students participate in work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities.

Performance measure: number of WIL opportunities created for students.
2020 to 2021 Target: up to 15,000

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020 to 2021

General targeted recipient groups: Targeted recipients are post-secondary students, employers and post-secondary institutions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Program will engage with recipients through targeted calls for proposals, regular meetings with delivery partners, as well as student and employer surveys

Supports for Indigenous Post-Secondary Education (Indspire)

Start date: June 13, 2019

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 - Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019 to 2020

Link to departmental result: More students from low- and middle-income families access and participate in post-secondary education

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Supports for Student Learning Program (SSLP)

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The objective of the SSLP is to help all learners succeed in their studies so that they can get the skills they need to transition to the labour market.

This program will provide Indigenous students with scholarships and bursaries to pursue post-secondary education as well as support other Indspire programming such as mentorship and career development.

Expected results: More Indigenous students have the financial means to access post-secondary education.

Performance indicator: yearly percentage change of scholarship recipients.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Not yet determined at the time of publication

General targeted recipient groups: The program targets Indigenous students. Indspire has been identified as the delivery organization (recipient) for the program.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ESDC will be engaging with Indspire on an ongoing basis in the administration of the program.

Union Training and Innovation Program

Start date: April 1, 2017

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Established in fiscal year 2017 to 2018 (updated in fiscal year 2018 to 2019)

Link to departmental result: Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Union Training and Innovation Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Union Training and Innovation Program provides $25 million annually to strengthen training in the trades and better support a skilled, inclusive, and productive trades workforce. The funding is delivered through 2 streams:

• stream 1 (Investments in Training Equipment) provides unions representing workers in Red Seal trades with up to 50% of the cost of purchasing up-to-date training equipment and materials
• stream 2 (Innovation in Apprenticeship) provides support for innovative approaches to address barriers limiting apprenticeship outcomes

The Women in Construction Fund is a short-term initiative established under the terms and conditions of UTIP. It aims to increase the participation of women in construction trades where they have been traditionally underrepresented. It builds on existing models that have proven to be effective in attracting women to the trades. These models provide supports such as mentoring, coaching and tailored supports that help women to progress through their training and find and retain jobs in the trades.

Expected results: Participants access new training equipment and materials that meet the evolving skills requirements and technological developments of the labour market. As well, participants have improved skills to succeed in the trades.

Performance measure: number of participants in funded projects in stream 1 (equipment)
2020 to 2021 Target: 10,000

Performance measure: number of participants in funded projects in stream 2 (innovation)
2020 to 2021 Target: 250

Performance measure: percentage of participants in funded projects reporting an increase in skills after program intervention
2020 to 2021 Target: 85%

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2021 to 2022

General targeted recipient groups: Women, Indigenous people, newcomers, and persons with disabilities

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The program engages applicants and recipients through calls for proposals or targeted solicitation process.

Wage Earner Protection Program

Start date: July 2008

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Statutory

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Wage Earner Protection Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2008 to 2009

Link to departmental result: Work conditions are fair and inclusive

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Working Conditions and Workplace Relations; Program: Wage Earner Protection Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: This program is designed to reduce the economic insecurity of Canadian workers who are owed unpaid wages and vacation pay, disbursements, termination pay and severance pay when their employer files for bankruptcy or becomes subject to receivership.

Workers can receive an amount up to 4 weeks of maximum insurable earnings under the Employment Insurance Act. When eligible workers receive payments under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act, they sign over their rights as creditors of the employer to the federal government, but only up to the amount of the payment received from the program. The federal government seeks recovery of the amounts as the creditor of the employer in the bankruptcy or receivership process. This program covers workers in all labour jurisdictions.

Expected results: Wage Earner Protection program applicants receive a payment, or a non-payment notification, in a timely manner

Performance measure: percentage of initial Wage Earner Protection Program payments and non-payment notifications issued within 35 calendar days.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• 2013 to 2014 – Program evaluation
• 2015- 5-year legislative review of the program

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Information from the evaluation and the 5-year legislative review helped inform a number of legislative improvements that were recently made to the WEPP act in 2018. These included:

• increasing the WEPP maximum payment from 4 to 7 weeks of maximum insurable earnings under the Employment Insurance Act
• ensuring that individuals retained by a trustee or receiver to help wind down businesses operations remain eligible to receive termination and severance pay under the WEPP
• granting WEPP recipients the right to request reviews and appeals regarding overpayment decisions
• strengthening the Government of Canada’s ability to recover monies from estates or properties of bankrupt employers and from third parties such as directors  

A number of other legislative amendments that would broaden WEPP access require updated or new regulations before they can come into force.

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2021 to 2022

General targeted recipient groups: All employed workers in Canada, irrespective of jurisdiction.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The WEPP Joint Liaison Committee, which includes key internal and external stakeholders, meets on an annual basis to discuss the program’s policy and operations.

Workforce Development Agreements

Start date: April 1, 2017

End date: In perpetuity unless terminated in accordance with the agreement.

Type of transfer payment: Other transfer payments

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017 to 2018

Link to departmental result: Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Workforce Development Agreement

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Workforce Development Agreements transfer funding to provinces and territories to support skills training and employment programs. These agreements support individuals with challenges to finding employment and include funding for programs for persons with disabilities.

These agreements also help employers train their staff. Provinces and territories develop and deliver programs and services, and work with employers and other stakeholders to implement programs.

Expected results: Canadians gain skills and become or remain employed and employers develop the skilled workforce they require.

Performance measure: number of clients benefiting from programs funded by the Workforce Development Agreements 
Provinces and territories are not required to set targets for the WDAs.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2021 to 2022

General targeted recipient groups: Targeted recipients are unemployed individuals and persons with disabilities

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Government of Canada meets with provinces and territories on a regular basis to discuss agreements. Provinces and territories develop and deliver programs and services and work with employers and other stakeholders to implement programs.

Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Start date: May 30,2019

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019 to 2020

Link to departmental result: Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) is the Government of Canada's commitment to help youth aged 15 to 30, particularly those facing barriers to employment, access the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market.

The YESS is an Employment and Social Development Canada-led horizontal initiative involving ten other federal departments. YESS includes 3 programs:

• YESS Program
• Canada Summer Jobs
• Goal Getters

ESDC YESS program is delivered through non-repayable contribution agreements.

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

Performance measure: number of youth served
Targets:

• Goal Getters: 1,200
• Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program: 8,000
• Canada Summer Jobs: target not available at the time of publication

Performance measure: percentage of youth employed or self-employed
Targets:

• Goal Getters: 0% of youth served
• Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program: 50% of youth served
• Canada Summer Jobs: 15% of youth served

Performance measure: percentage of youth returned to school
Targets:

• Goal Getters: 100% of youth served
• Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program: 6% of youth served
• Canada Summer Jobs: 85% of youth served

Performance measure: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment
Targets:

• Goal Getters: Baseline data will be collected in fiscal year 2020 to 2021 and will be used to set targets for fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and onwards.
• Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program:
  • Indigenous: 20% of youth served
  • Visible minority: 36% of youth served
  • Youth with a disability: 20% of youth served
• Canada Summer Jobs: 15% of youth served
  • Indigenous: 8% of youth served
  • Visible minority: 17% of youth served
  • Youth with a disability: 3.5% of youth served

The department will also be working to enhance its ability to measure a youth’s progress toward employment, skills acquisition, and employer engagement.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2019 to 2020

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2024 to 2025

General targeted recipient groups: Individuals, not-for-profit organizations and other eligible recipients under the YESS terms and conditions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Program will engage with recipients through a national call-for-proposals

Canada Student Loans Program – Interest Payment and Liabilities

Start date: August 1, 1995

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Canada Student Financial Assistance Act 

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

Link to departmental result: More students from low- and middle-income families access and participate in post-secondary education

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Canada Student Loans Program and Canada Apprentice Loans

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

Expected results:

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

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The summative evaluation of the Budget 2008 Canada Student Loans Program Enhancements was completed in 2016 to 2017

The summative evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan was completed in 2017 to 2018

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020 to 2021

General targeted recipient groups: Financial institutions that provided Canada Student Loans to low- and middle-income students pursuing post-secondary education

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Program only engages with recipients for administrative purposes.

Labour Funding Program

Start date: April 1, 2012

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment:

International Trade and Labour (ITL):

• grants for low- to moderate-risk proposals
• contributions for higher-risk proposals

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS):

• grants for low- to moderate-risk proposals
• contributions for higher-risk proposals

Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity (WORBE)

• grants for low- to moderate-risk proposals
• contributions for low, moderate and higher-risk proposals

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013 to 2014

Link to departmental result:

• work conditions are fair and inclusive
• workplaces are safe and healthy

Link to department’s Program Inventory:

Core Responsibility: Working Conditions and Workplace Relations

Programs:

• International Labour Affairs
• Labour Relations
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Labour Standards
• Employment Equity

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To work in collaboration with Canadian and international labour-related stakeholders to promote safe, healthy, fair and inclusive work conditions and cooperative workplace relations in Canada and abroad.

Expected results:

ITL

Immediate outcome: enhanced awareness by Canada and/or partner countries of fundamental international labour principles

Indicator: number of agreements, instruments, action plan and joint activities adopted, undertaken or implemented to strengthen respect for international labour standards

OHS

Immediate outcome: enhanced knowledge on prevention of accident and illness for workers

Indicator: number of projects/activities that support knowledge building and sharing to address workplace accident and illness

WORBE

Immediate outcome: employers and stakeholders are able to engage in dialogue and exchanges regarding employment equity, diversity and inclusion

Indicator: number of projects that support sustained and constructive dialogue

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• ITL and OHS : 2017 to 2018
• WORBE: 2018 to 2019

Decision following the results of last evaluation:

• ITL, OHS and WORBE: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation:

• ITL, OHS and WORBE: 2024 to 2025

General targeted recipient groups:

• international labour or labour-related organizations
• international and national organizations mandated to assist countries in meeting their FTA labour obligations
• legally incorporated, national and international, not-for-profit organizations
• publicly funded universities and colleges
• Indigenous organizations, including band councils
• legally incorporated not-for-profit organizations with objectives that address workplace occupational health
• non-governmental organizations
• not-for-profit organizations and academic institutions
• sector associations
• employer associations
• unions
• labour associations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

ITL

Engagement and priority for funding engagement is generally given to countries that have signed a free trade agreement with Canada, followed by countries with which Canada is negotiating or engaged in exploratory free trade talks.

Projects funded are typically those that address themes identified through exchanges and engagement between Labour Program officials and their counterparts in partner countries. In selecting projects, consideration is given to the labour priorities and needs of partner countries, in line with their free trade agreement labour obligations, as well as the capacity and expertise of selected implementing agencies. The potential for measurable, tangible, and sustainable results are fundamental project selection criteria.

OHS

Engagement is done through the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation, which is an association of federal, provincial and territorial departments of labour that provides a continuous forum for senior officials to develop strong and cooperative working relationships and though the OHS Advisory Committee, which has the objective to provide the Labour Program with strategic advice and expertise on any matter concerning the improvement of occupational health and safety of workers under federal jurisdiction. The OHS Advisory Committee is comprised of members representing employers and employees that work in federally regulated areas.

WORBE

Engagement is done through ongoing discussion with recipient organizations.

Labour-Management Collaboration Program

Start date: 2018 to 2019

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grants and Contributions

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018 to 2019

Link to departmental result: Labour relations are cooperative

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core responsibility: Working Conditions and Workplace Relations; Program: Occupational Health and Safety

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Labour-Management Collaboration Program will provide grants and contributions to eligible organizations for the promotion and co-development of labour-management tools and resources. This financial assistance will enable the required culture shift and ensure the physical and psychological health and safety of the employees.

Expected results:

Immediate Outcomes:

• increase awareness of sector specific workplace practices that contribute to the development of positive workplace cultures
• improve the capacity of employers and unions to communicate the new harassment and violence prevention provisions in the Canada Labour Code and associated regulations
• improve dissemination, transfer, and application of knowledge and information among partners, stakeholders, employers, and unions

Indicators:

• number of sector specific training programs, tools and resources developed
• number of tools and resources that have been integrated into organizations’ programs, policies, and training

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Not yet determined at the time of publication

General targeted recipient groups: Program targets unions and federally regulated private sector organizations, as well as organizations associated with federally regulated private sector organizations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Program plans to engage recipients and other interested stakeholders by convening a forum where tools and resources will be developed.

Named Grants for Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development

Start date: 2004

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable. This program does not have terms and conditions

Link to departmental result: Contribute to research to advance Employment and Social Development Canada policy priorities undertaken by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) committees, including: Education Policy; Employment, Labour and Social Affairs; and Local Employment and Economic Development.

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Not applicable

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: To support OECD research that aligns with ESDC priorities; and ensuring coherence among participating directorates and branches within the department.

Expected results: Policy insights and recommendations on a wide range of economic and social matters in areas such as social inclusion, skills development for under-represented groups and employment and family issues.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2013 to 2014

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: This program will not be included in the department’s planned evaluation coverage for the upcoming 5-year cycle.  It has been determined that it represents a low risk, following an assessment of the department’s needs, risks and priorities. The program was last evaluated during fiscal year 2013 to 2014 (“Evaluation of the OECD Named Grants”)

General targeted recipient groups: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is the only eligible recipient.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is the only eligible recipient. The Department engages with the OECD through participating in the conduct of international research projects, information sharing, providing data, and participating in OECD committee meetings.

Payments of compensation respecting merchant seamen

Start date: The powers and duties of the Merchant Seamen Compensation Act were transferred to the Labour Program, who is responsible for the administration of the act since October 30, 2013

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Statutory

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Merchant Seamen Compensation Act 

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Link to departmental result: Work conditions are fair and inclusive

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Working Conditions and Workplace Relations; Program: Federal Workers’ Compensation

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: This program ensures that certain merchant seamen injured in work-related accidents can receive health benefits and medical compensation. The Merchant Seamen Compensation Act can also provide financial assistance for surviving dependents if a work-related injury results in the death of the seamen.

Expected results: Not applicable

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Not applicable

General targeted recipient groups: Injured merchant seamen, their survivors and dependants

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Program only engages with recipients for administrative purposes.

Payments related to direct financing arrangement under the Apprentice Loans Act

Start date: January 2, 2015

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Apprentice Loans Act 

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Apprentice Loans Act (S.C. 2014, c. 20, s. 483)

Link to departmental result: Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Canada Student Loans Program and Canada Apprentice Loans

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Budget 2014 announced an expansion of the Canada Student Loans Program to include the Canada Apprentice Loan, an interest-free loan of up to $4,000 per period of technical training that will help apprentices registered in Red Seal trades with the cost of training. This transfer payment represents consolidated costs related to these loans, including interest subsidy, repayment assistance benefits and administrative costs net of recoveries on affected loans.

Expected results: Not applicable

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2017 to 2018

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020 to 2021

General targeted recipient groups: Apprentices registered in Red Seal Trades

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Program only engages with recipients for administrative purposes.

Provision of funds for liabilities including liabilities in the form of guaranteed loans under the Canada Student Loans Act

Start date: Not applicable

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Canada Student Loans Act 

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

Link to departmental result: More students from low- and middle-income families access and participate in post-secondary education

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Canada Student Loans Program and Canada Apprentice Loans

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: Between 1964 and 1995, the Canada Student Loans Program operated a guaranteed loans regime with Canadian financial institutions.  If a student defaulted on a guaranteed loan, the government paid out the bank and the student’s debt was then owed directly to the government. This transfer payment represents consolidated costs related to that regime.

Expected results: Not applicable. This portfolio is comprised of guaranteed loans that were disbursed prior to August 1, 1995. The portfolio will most likely be extinguished in the next couple of years.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: The summative evaluation of the Budget 2008 Canada Student Loans Program Enhancements was completed in fiscal year 2016 to 2017. The summative evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan Phase 1 was completed in fiscal year 2017 to 2018.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2020 to 2021

General targeted recipient groups: Students from low- and middle-income families. This is only for Class A interest payments and for Repayment Assistance Plan 1.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Program only engages with recipients for administrative purposes.

Support for Labour Market Information in Canada

Start date: 2017

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019 to 2020

Link to departmental result: Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment; Program: Job Bank

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Labour Market Information Council has a mandate to improve the timeliness, reliability and accessibility of labour market information to facilitate decision-making by employers, workers, job seekers, academics, policy makers, educators, career practitioners, students, parents and under-represented populations.

Expected results: The Labour Market Information Council is required to submit information on results achieved in support of the performance measurement strategy and departmental reporting.

The Labour Market Information Council will also provide an Annual Performance Report that will report on the results that have been achieved by the program and how these results compare specifically to the performance expectations as outlined within the corporate plan.

A review of Labour Market Information Council will also be conducted over the course of the 2019 to 2020 agreement.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: 2019 to 2020 (A review of the Labour Market Information Council (LMIC) is underway, and will be completed in 2020.)

General targeted recipient groups: The Labour Market Information Council has a broad mandate to improve the collection, analysis and dissemination of labour market information destined for a variety of users, including: employers, workers, job seekers, policy makers, researchers, educators, career practitioners, students, parents and under-represented populations. The Labour Market Information Council is the only eligible funding recipient.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ESDC engages regularly with the Labour Market Information Council, as the council uses national foundational Labour market information data and systems (for example, the National Occupational Classification (NOC), information on wages and outlooks), as well as data and survey information from Statistics Canada, to undertake its research and initiatives.

ESDC and Statistics Canada also have senior-level representation on the Council’s Board of Directors.

Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program

Start date: 2018 to 2019

End date: 2030 to 2031

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 – Grants and Contributions

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019 to 2020

Link to departmental result: Increase inclusion and opportunities for participation of Canadians in their communities

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Social Development; Program: Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The purpose of the Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program is to support the federal government's implementation of the 2030 Agenda. It also supports its objective of leaving no one behind by strengthening partnerships and engagement with Canadians. This includes provinces and territories, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, academia, the private sector, Indigenous people, women, youth and vulnerable and/or marginalized populations. It is an opportunity to work in partnership with organizations to make progress on the sustainable development goals and deliver improved social, economic and environmental outcomes for Canadians.

The program is intended to complement existing government of Canada efforts by supporting priorities and initiatives related to the 2030 Agenda that do not fall under existing departmental programs.

Expected results: The expected results of the program as a whole include:

• increased public awareness of the sustainable development goals
• the development of new partnerships and networks
• improved and more broadly available knowledge of emerging sustainable development issues
• the implementation of innovative approaches and initiatives that seek to drive progress on multiple sustainable development goals
• the advancement of the important work of reconciliation with Indigenous people

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: Not applicable

General targeted recipient groups: Eligible recipients of the Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program include:

• non-profit organizations
• municipalities
• provincial and territorial governments, institutions and Crown corporations
• Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities)
• international organizations
• coalitions, networks and committees
• research organizations and institutes
• educational institutions
• public health and social services institutions
• environmental organizations
• individuals
• for-profit organizations*

*For-profit organizations may be eligible for funding provided that the nature and intent of the activity is non-commercial, not intended to generate profit, and supports program priorities and objectives.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ESDC actively engaged with stakeholders on the development of a national approach for implementing Agenda 2030. Although stakeholders were not formally involved in the design of the sustainable development goals Funding Program, program parameters were developed taking into consideration input from these consultations. ESDC actively promoted the sustainable development goals Funding Program through communications and engagement activities, and by leveraging existing networks. Calls and/or meetings with applicants are held for administrative purposes on an as required basis to provide applicants with the relevant information regarding the application process.

Universal Child Care Benefit

Start date: July 1, 2006

End date: Replaced by the Canada Child Benefit in July 2016. Employment and Social Development Canada continues to be responsible for retroactive claims, write-offs and adjustments of the Universal Child Care Benefit accounts receivable.

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Universal Child Care Benefit Act 

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2006 to 2007

Link to departmental result: Access to early learning and childcare is increased

Link to department’s Program Inventory: Core Responsibility: Social Development; Program: Early Learning and Child Care

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) provides financial support to help all Canadian families with young children choose the child care option that best suits their families’ needs. Effective January 1, 2015, the UCCB was enhanced to provide eligible families with $160 per month (up to $1,920 per year) for each child under age 6. It also provided a new benefit of $60 per month (up to $720 per year) for each child aged 6 through 17. The new amounts began to be reflected in monthly payments to recipients in July 2015 and included payments retroactive to January 2015.

The UCCB was replaced by the Canada Child Benefit effective July 1, 2016. This transfer payment program ensures the department meet its administrative obligations related to retroactive claims, write-offs and adjustments of the Universal Child Care Benefit accounts receivable.

Expected results: No longer applicable

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2011 to 2012

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: No longer applicable

General targeted recipient groups: Families with children under the age of 18.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Program only engages with recipients for administrative purposes.