Details on transfer payment programs

Allowances

Start date: 1975 for the Allowance; 1985 for the 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.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the transfer payment program: the Old Age Security (OAS) program is the first pillar of Canada's retirement income system. Its objective is to ensure a minimum income for seniors, and to mitigate income disruptions at retirement. The OAS program is funded through general tax revenues. The program includes 3 benefits: the OAS pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Allowances. The Allowances provide benefits to low-income 60 to 64 year-old individuals who are either the spouse or common-law partner of a GIS recipient (the Allowance), or who are a widow/widower (the Allowance for the Survivor). The Allowances are income-tested to ensure that the highest benefits are paid to the lowest-income seniors.

Results achieved: a performance indicator for this result is not available because the existing data sources do not allow for a clear distinction between near seniors who are entitled to the Allowances and those who are not.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2022 to 2023 as part of the Old Age Security Service Improvement Evaluation.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: the department continues to 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), and outreach services for those potentially eligible.

Explanation of variances: the variance between actual and planned spending for the Allowances in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to a lower than estimated average monthly number of beneficiaries (73,764 instead of 95,096 in the fiscal year 2021 to 2022); offset by a higher than estimated average benefit amount ($597.52 instead of $588.57).

Apprenticeship Grants

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

End date: the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant and Apprenticeship Completion Grant are ongoing. The Apprenticeship Incentive Grants for Women will end on March 31, 2023.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018 to 2019.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• students, including those from low- and middle-income families, use federally funded supports to help them participate in post-secondary education (PSE)
• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Learning, Skills Development and Employment)

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Apprenticeship Grants

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The program provides grants (up to $4,000 for all apprentices and up to $8,000 for women in trades where they are under-represented) to eligible apprentices in designated Red Seal trades. These grants are provided for completing their first and second year of their apprenticeship or upon receipt of their journeyperson certification. The program provides these grants through the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women, and the Apprenticeship Completion Grant.

The objective of the program is to support entry and progression, and completion or certification within an apprenticeship program in a designated Red Seal trade.

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

Apprenticeship grants are not repayable contributions.

Results achieved:

• expected result: Red Seal trades apprentices access financial support to progress and complete their apprenticeship
• performance indicator: number of apprentices in Red Seal trades receiving Apprentice Grants on a yearly basis (for Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, Apprenticeship Incentives Grant for Women, and Apprenticeship Completion Grant)
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant supported 34,068 apprentices
  • the Apprenticeship Completion Grant supported 21,868 apprentices
  • the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women supported 2,923 women apprentices

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned to be completed in fiscal year 2024 to 2025.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: the department worked with provincial and territorial apprenticeship authorities to identify opportunities to increase program efficiency. Following feedback received by applicants and recipients, an enhancement to the on-line application process was implemented. This enabled apprentices to access a previously submitted application and upload proof documents electronically to support that application.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is mainly attributable to lower program take up rate.

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.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the transfer payment program:

The objective of the program is to encourage long-term savings to help ensure the financial security of people with severe and prolonged disabilities. To do so, the government provides 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

The Canada Disability Savings Grant is a limited matching grant of up to $3,500 a year. The government deposits it 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.

Results achieved:

• expected result: eligible individuals (and their families/ guardians) open a RDSP to save for the future
• performance indicator: total number of registered plans since the inception of the program
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: as of March 31, 2022, 243,000 RDSPs were registered (active at that time). This figure does not include those plans that were opened and subsequently closed in advance of this date

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned to be completed in 2023 to 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

The program engaged potential applicants to the RDSP through its mail-out strategy, which targeted promotional letters to all Disability Tax Credit -approved Canadians aged 0 to 49 in every province and territory, who had not opened an RDSP. Unlike approaches to the mail-out prior to 2020 to 2021, which targeted particular age groups or regions depending on the year, the 2021 to 2022 mail-out resulted in increased awareness of the Canada Disability Savings Program (CDSP) among the entire population that was eligible to benefit from it.

In addition, various webinars and workshops have been held in partnership with disability-related stakeholder organizations across Canada virtually to provide information, raise awareness and foster an understanding about RDSPs, Canada Disability Savings Bond and Canada Disability Savings Grants.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned to be completed in 2023 to 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

The program engaged potential applicants to the RDSP through its mail-out strategy, which targeted promotional letters to all Disability Tax Credit -approved Canadians aged 0 to 49 in every province and territory, who had not opened an RDSP. Unlike approaches to the mail-out prior to 2020 to 2021, which targeted particular age groups or regions depending on the year, the 2021 to 2022 mail-out resulted in increased awareness of the Canada Disability Savings Program (CDSP) among the entire population that was eligible to benefit from it.

In addition, various webinars and workshops have been held in partnership with disability-related stakeholder organizations across Canada virtually to provide information, raise awareness and foster an understanding about RDSPs, Canada Disability Savings Bond and Canada Disability Savings Grants.

Explanation of variances: the variance of $31.2 million in Canada Disability Savings Bond (CDSB) expenditures is due to an overestimation of year over year growth in the number of CDSB recipients and corresponding payments using an existing forecasting tool. To more accurately predict growth in Canada Disability Savings Grant and CDSB payments in the future, the program will introduce a new forecast model by fall 2022 using additional key data points.

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

Start date: January 1, 1998 for the Canada Education Savings Grant); January 1, 2005 for the 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: not applicable.

Links to departmental results:

• students, including those from low- and middle-income families, use federally funded supports to help them participate in post-secondary education (PSE)
• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Learning, Skills Development and Employment)

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Education Savings Program

Purpose and objectives of the 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 (RESP) 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 CESG 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 RESP 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 CLB. Eligible beneficiaries who are 18 to 20 years old and who have not received the CLB may open an RESP and request the CLB retroactively before they turn 21

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, CESG refers to both.

Results achieved:

• expected result: Canadians, including those from low- and middle-income families, request and receive education savings incentives
• performance indicators:
  • percentage of children under 18 (in the current calendar year) who have ever received the CESG (CESG participation rate)
  • percentage of eligible children under 21 (in the current calendar year) who have ever received a CLB (CLB participation rate)
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • CESG participation rate: 55.1%
  • CLB participation rate: 42.6%

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits were completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

An evaluation of the Canada Education Savings Program (CESP) was completed: Evaluation of the Canada Education Savings Program: Part 1. It examined barriers or factors that prevent low-income parents or caregivers from requesting the CLB on behalf of eligible children.

Key findings include:

• the CESP serves its function by providing an incentive for parents, family and friends of children to save for their post-secondary education, including those from low- and middle-income families. In 2020, $3.9 billion in funds were withdrawn from RESPs to assist students with their PSE expenses. This has increased by 102% from approximately $2.0 billion in 2010
• at the end of 2020, the total number of children who had ever received the CLB represented 42% of the eligible population, indicating a need for greater awareness and easier access to the bond
• the education savings incentives gap between children from low and middle-income families (for example those eligible for the Additional CESG and/or CLB) and those from high-income families has narrowed significantly over time. In 2010, 33% of education savings incentive payments were made to beneficiaries from low- and middle-income families, whereas in 2019, the percentage had grown to 49%. However this trend was reversed in 2020 when the percentage dropped to 46%
• the CLB take-up remains higher in urban areas compared to rural areas. Urban take-up increased from 22% in 2010 to 45% in 2020, while rural take-up increased from 13% in 2010 to 29% in 2020
• barriers such as a lack of awareness, lack of understanding, and the complexity of the RESP opening process still exist and prevent potential beneficiaries from receiving the CLB

The evaluation provides 2 recommendations:

• explore options to simplify the process to access the CLB
• consider targeted strategies to increase CLB take up among marginalized groups and populations in remote areas

The Office of the Auditor General requires that an impact evaluation of this program be completed by March 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: as part of Budget 2017, the department reallocated $12.5 million to explore ways to help families with lower incomes become aware of and access the CLB. In fiscal year 2021 to 2022, the department shared promising approaches from 12 projects funded in Phase I of the grants and contributions CLB pilot project with the CLB Champions' network. These organizations can use this knowledge to improve their practices and help families access the CLB.

Explanation of variances: the variance between actual and planned spending for the Canada Education Savings Grants (CESG) is explained by an easing of the measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., resuming in-person services in financial institutions) which led to more families opening Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) as well as the much stronger performance of financial markets in 2021 to 2022, which encouraged additional families to save more.

The variance between actual and planned spending for the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is explained by the longer than expected duration of the pandemic, which had a significant impact on the number of CLB beneficiaries. The actual number of new CLB beneficiaries was 20% lower than the projections for the fiscal year 2021 to 2022 (when we expected a recovery). The drop was mainly driven by the extended slowdown in various activities required to get the CLB, such as applying for a Social Insurance Number, filing tax returns, opening a new RESP account, as well as by reduced promotion of the CLB.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Start date: March 15, 2020 (applications opened April 3, 2020)

End date: October 3, 2020

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory - Canada Emergency Response Act; ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020 to 2021

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians receive financial support during employment transitions, such as job loss, illness, or maternity/parental leave

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

As part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government announced the temporary Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). It provided taxable income support to eligible workers who stopped working or whose working hours were reduced for reasons related to COVID-19. Although the CERB concluded in December 2020, ongoing activities remained throughout 2021 to 2022 to close out the program.

Note: The CERB program was delivered by both the Canada Revenue Agency, under the authority of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Act, and by Employment and Social Development Canada, under the authority of the Employment Insurance Act.

Results achieved: as the CERB concluded in December 2020, there is no actual result for 2021 to 2022.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. An audit is planned for fiscal year 2022 to 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: as the CERB concluded in December 2020, there were no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations are planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: as the CERB concluded in December 2020, there were no engagement activities completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no future engagement is planned.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to new authorities accessed by the department in-year. The Employment Insurance (EI) Emergency Response Benefit was created to provide emergency financial relief to Canadians as part of the Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. The negative spending in the fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is the result of integrity work on Canada Emergency Response Benefit and EI Emergency Response Benefit applications.

Canada Emergency Student Benefit

Start date: May 2020

End date: August 2020

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory - Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act and Canada Emergency Student Benefit Act; ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020 to 2021

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• students, including those from low- and middle-income families, use federally funded supports to help them participate in post-secondary education (PSE)
• student borrowers are able to repay their federal student debt
• clients receive high-quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (formerly known as Canada Student Loans Program; name was changed as a result of Budget 2021) and Canada Apprentice Loans

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: the Government of Canada introduced the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) to provide financial support to eligible post-secondary students and recent graduates. The support was provided between May and August 2020 to offset the effects of the pandemic on the labour market. Students had to be unable to work, seeking work but unable to find it, or working but expecting to earn less than $1,000 per benefit period. This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.

Although the CESB ended in August 2020, with a possibility to apply retroactively until September 30, 2020, some ongoing activities, such as post-payment integrity measures, are yet to be completed.

Results achieved:

• expected result: students and recent graduates use federal financial assistance to help finance their post-secondary education, pay their bills and stay connected to the labour market
• performance indicators: given that the program is no longer available, no performance indicator is provided. The benefit was created to provide emergency financial relief to students and recent graduates as part of the Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: not applicable. There are no results for this program based on the nature and context of the benefit

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: There were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: there was no planned spending at the beginning of the fiscal year 2021 to 2022 because authorities have been accessed by the department in-year. The spending in the fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is the result of integrity work on Canada Emergency Student Benefit applications.

Canada Recovery Benefit

Start date: September 27, 2020.

End date: October 23, 2021.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory – Canada Recovery Benefits Act.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians receive financial support during employment transitions such as job loss, illness, or maternity/parental leave

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Recovery Benefits

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) provided up to 54 weeks of benefits and was payable at $500 per week for the first 42 weeks. Claimants who had already received CRB payments for 42 weeks, and new CRB claimants as of July 18, 2021, received a weekly benefit of $300.

The CRB provided benefits to 2 categories of workers:

• workers who were not employed or self-employed due to COVID-19 and who were not eligible for Employment Insurance
• workers who had their employment/self-employment income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19

The program was delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency on behalf of ESDC.

Results achieved:

• expected result: Canadians who are not employed or self-employed due to COVID-19 and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance received income support
• performance indicators:
  • total unique applicants for the Canada Recovery Benefit
  • total approved applications for the Canada Recovery Benefit
  • total gross dollar value of Canada Recovery Benefit paid
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • total unique applicants for the Canada Recovery Benefit: 366,040
  • total approved applications for the Canada Recovery Benefit: 13,843,660
  • total gross dollar value of Canada Recovery Benefit paid: $1.165 billion
• data source: Canada Revenue Agency
• note: data covers the period of April 11, 2021 to October 10, 2021

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. An audit is planned for fiscal year 2022 to 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to new authorities accessed by the department in-year, to support the extension of the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) in response to the multiple COVID-19 waves. The CRB was created in September 2020 to provide emergency financial relief to Canadians as part of the Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. The Canada Recovery Benefit ended in October 2021.

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit

Start date: September 27, 2020.

End date: May 7, 2022.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory – Canada Recovery Benefits Act.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians receive financial support during employment transitions such as job loss, illness, or maternity/parental leave

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Recovery Benefits

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit provided $500 per week for up to 44 weeks per household for workers unable to work for at least 50% of the time that they would have otherwise worked or devoted to their work in the week for which they claimed the benefit, because they had to care for a child under the age of 12 or another family member who required supervised care because:

• their school, daycare, day program, or facility that they normally attended was unavailable, closed or open only certain times or for certain individuals
• the care services or the person that usually cared for the child or family member was not available due to COVID-19
• they were sick and/or had been directed to quarantine for reasons related to COVID-19
• they were at high risk of serious health complications if they contracted COVID-19

The program was delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency on behalf of ESDC.

Results achieved:

• expected result: Canadians who were unable to work because they had to care for a child under the age of 12 or another family member who required supervised care due to COVID-19 received income support
• performance indicators:
  • total unique applicants for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
  • total approved applications for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
  • total gross dollar value of Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit paid
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • total unique applicants for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit: 185,830
  • total approved applications for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit: 4,502,230
  • total gross dollar value of Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit paid: $772 million
• data source: Canada Revenue Agency
• note: data covers period of April 4, 2021 to March 27, 2022

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. An audit is planned for fiscal year 2022 to 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to new authorities accessed by the department in-year, to support the extension of the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) in response to the multiple COVID-19 waves. The CRB was created in September 2020 to provide emergency financial relief to Canadians as part of the Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. The Canada Recovery Benefit ended in October 2021.

Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit

Start date: September 27, 2020.

End date: May 7, 2022.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory – Canada Recovery Benefits Act.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians receive financial support during employment transitions such as job loss, illness, or maternity/parental leave

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Recovery Benefits

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit provided $500 per week for up to 6 weeks for workers who were unable to work because they:

• contracted COVID-19
• self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
• had underlying conditions, were undergoing treatments, or had contracted other sicknesses that made them more susceptible to COVID-19

The program was delivered by the Canada Revenue Agency on behalf of ESDC.

Results achieved:

• expected result: Canadians who were unable to work because they had contracted COVID-19, needed to self-isolate, or had underlying conditions making them susceptible to COVID-19 received income support
• performance indicators:
  • total unique applicants for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
  • total approved applications for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
  • total gross dollar value of Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • total unique applicants for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit: 695,240
  • total approved applications for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit: 1,940,300
  • total gross dollar value of Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit paid: $852 million
• data source: Canada Revenue Agency
• note: data covers period of April 4, 2021 to March 27, 2022

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. An audit is planned for fiscal year 2022 to 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the fiscal year 2021 to 2022 planned spending was based on the best estimates of benefit take-up and COVID cases available at the time. Take-up can fluctuate significantly depending on the trajectory of the pandemic. The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit was created to provide emergency financial relief to Canadians as part of the Government of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

Canada Service Corps

Start date: June 22, 2017.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020 to 2021.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the transfer payment program:

The Canada Service Corps (CSC) creates, promotes and facilitates access to volunteer service placements. These placements provide meaningful opportunities for youth, with a particular focus on youth from underrepresented groups. It seeks to provide youth with opportunities to engage in civic participation, as well as transferable skills to support them for the future.

CSC 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 (also known as micro-grants) which support the implementation of small-scale youth led projects and innovative community service ideas;

CSC also engages with youth and organizations to support creating a culture of youth service in Canada.

Results achieved:

• expected result: youth service volunteers are engaged
• performance indicators:
  • number of volunteer service placements created
  • number of youth-led projects created
• 2021 to 2022 actual results: 8,536 volunteer-service placement and 1,802 micro-grants were created
• note: total service placements created in 2021 to 2022 according to reporting data submitted by funded organizations as of August 2022. 3 organisations have data outstanding for fiscal year 2021 to 2022.the

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2023 to 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: CSC maintained regular engagement with current CSC funding recipients (such as bi-annual stakeholder calls, ad hoc bilateral meetings and through social media channels such as Leaders Today Facebook and Instagram accounts).

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 reflects funds not spent due to impacts of COVID-19. Canada Service Corps has historically offered in-person programming. However, COVID-19 reduced some organizations' abilities to support in-person opportunities as well as changed the nature of the opportunities where the implementation has been delayed or delivered at lower cost (that is, virtually).

Canada Student Financial Assistance 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: not applicable.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training and lifelong learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• clients receive high-quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs
• students, including those from low- and middle-income families, use federally funded supports to help them participate in post-secondary education (PSE)
• student borrowers are able to repay their federal student debt

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (formerly known as Canada Student Loans Program; name was changed as a result of Budget 2021) and Canada Apprenticeship Loans

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

Canada Student Grants provide predictable, up-front grants to assist and encourage participation in post-secondary education. They are meant for students from low- and middle-income families, students who are parents and students with disabilities. They are managed in partnership with participating provinces and territories. While Canada Student Loans are repayable, Canada Student Grants provide non-repayable assistance.

The department has introduced changes to Canada Student Grants and Loans. These changes will support students facing financial challenges due to COVID-19 to access and afford post-secondary education.

Results achieved:

• expected result: eligible students receive a Canada Student Grant to help them finance their post-secondary education
• performance indicator: percentage and number of full-time post-secondary students in participating provinces/territories who used a Canada Student Grant to help finance their participation in post-secondary education
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: 524,000 full-time students (40%) received Canada Student Grants during the 2021 to 2022 academic year
• Note: the CSFA Program calculates performance measure results for the Canada Student Grants during an academic year, which ends on July 31 of a given year. As such, the number of full-time PSE students reported as receiving a Canada Student Grants payment is for the period of August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits are currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2023 to 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the planned spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 was prepared in September 2020, and only takes into account the doubling of grants from August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021. The actuals include the doubling of grants and the Budget 2021 extension of the measure by 2 additional loan years. The Budget 2021 measure was announced after the preparation of planned spending.

Canada Student Financial Assistance 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: not applicable.

Links to departmental results:

• student borrowers are able to repay their federal student debt
• Canadians access education, training and lifelong learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need. Clients receive high-quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs
• students, including those from low- and middle-income families, use federally funded supports to help them participate in post-secondary education

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (formerly known as Canada Student Loans Program; name was changed as a result of Budget 2021) and Canada Apprentice Loan

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The Canada Student Financial Assistance (CSFA) Program provides financial assistance in the form of grants and loans. This assistance is aimed at 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. This helps them to repay their student loans in periods of unemployment or low income

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

Results achieved:

• expected results:
  • post-secondary education students in the province of Quebec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut continue to access financial assistance similar to the assistance provided to students in those jurisdictions that participate in the CSFA Program and Canada Apprentice Loans
  • students in non-participating jurisdictions with financial difficulty are able to receive repayment benefits
• performance indicator: the total amount of alternative payments disbursed by the Government of Canada to non-participating provinces to operate their own student financial assistance programs;
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: $927.4 million was disbursed in 2021 to 2022 based on expenses and revenues from the 2020 to 2021 academic year

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits were completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits are currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2023 to 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: no significant variance.

Canada Student Financial Assistance 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: not applicable.

Links to departmental results:

• student borrowers are able to repay their federal student debt
• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Learning, Skills Development and Employment)
• students, including those from low- and middle-income families, use federally funded supports to help them participate in post-secondary education (PSE)

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (formerly known as Canada Student Loans Program; name was changed as a result of Budget 2021) and Canada Apprentice Loan

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

Results achieved:

• 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
• performance indicator: there is no performance indicator for this program as it is comprised of consolidated costs from a former risk-shared loans regime that ended on July 31, 200
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: there are no results for this program as it is comprised of consolidated costs from a former risk-shared loans regime that ended on July 31, 2000

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

ESDC has taken several key steps to address the recommendations outlined by the Office of the Auditor General in the 2020 Spring Report on Student Financial Assistance.

ESDC developed a new performance indicator for the Repayment Assistance Plan, which will be included in the CSFA Canada Student Financial Assistance Program Annual Report on an ongoing basis.

ESDC also continued enhancing its approach to verifying applications for repayment assistance, with a view to implementing a new model by end of 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2023 to 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to a decrease in claims and an increase in recoveries of principal. The total portfolio of 1 major financial institution was bought back in fiscal year 2020 to 2021 after the fiscal year 2021 to 2022 planned spending was prepared.

Canadian Worker Lockdown Benefit

Start date: October 24, 2021.

End date: May 7, 2022.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory – Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit Act.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians receive financial support during employment transitions such as job loss, illness, or maternity/parental leave

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit provided temporary income support of $300 ($270 after taxes withheld) per week to workers in designated lockdown regions who earned at least $5,000 in 2020 or the 12 month period prior to applying, and, due to the COVID-19 lockdown measures in their region:

• lost their job and were unemployed;
• were self-employed, but unable to continue their work;
• were employed or self-employed but had a 50% reduction in average weekly income as compared to the previous year

Workers were able to apply for the benefit for each 1-week period that they were affected by lockdown measures in a designated region. While the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit was available to both Employment Insurance (EI) eligible and non-EI eligible workers, claimants could not receive both benefits in respect of the same week.

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

Results achieved:

• expected result: workers whose income was interrupted as a result of a COVID-19 lockdown could receive temporary income support
• performance indicator: number of unique applicants for the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: 456,580
• Data source: Canada Revenue Agency
• note: data covers period of October 24, 2021 to March 27, 2022.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. An audit is planned for fiscal year 2022 to 2023.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: planned spending for this program was not included as new funding was received during the fiscal year, which led to a significant variance.

Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime

Start date: January 1, 2013; modified on 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.

Links to departmental results:

• Clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Social Development)

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development
• program: Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime

Purpose and objectives of the 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) under 25 years of age as the result of a probable Criminal Code offence. Eligible parents receive a payment of $450 per week for a maximum of 35 weeks during 2 years following the date of the incident. This program is not a repayable contribution.

Results achieved:

• expected result: the financial burden on parents of children who are deceased or missing due to a probable Criminal Code offence and who take time away from work to cope with the tragic situation is eased
• performance indicator: percentage of payments or non-payment notifications issued within 35 calendar days
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: 100%

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: not applicable. Actual program spending does not meet Financial Administration Act requirements.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: outreach and stakeholder engagement activities are ongoing through victim service providers to ensure that families who find themselves in tragic circumstances are aware of this income support and provide greater accessibility to the benefit. Victim service providers can also facilitate the application process for those who may be eligible.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in 2021 to 2022 is due to fewer applications being received than forecasted at the grant's initiation.

Early Learning and Child Care: Data and Research

Start date: April 2021.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• access to early learning and child care is increased

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development
• program: Early Learning and Child Care

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) data and research grants and contributions support projects and initiatives that identify data and research gaps and improve data collection. This work is to support policy development, and measure progress made towards improving the ELCC and Indigenous ELCC system. Projects results are disseminated via the ELCC Information Hub.

The funding supports data and research projects in 3 priority streams: national (domestic), international and Indigenous.

Results achieved:

• expected result: more domestic, international and Indigenous projects are funded and supported to conduct both qualitative and quantitative research on existing and emerging issues related to ELCC
• performance indicator: number of agreements signed through the program (under the domestic, international, and Indigenous streams) resulting in at least 1 final product made public
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: national (domestic) stream: the first year of funding was provided to the Childcare Resource and Research Unit, a not-for-profit organization, to complete the Early Childhood Education and Care in Canada (ECEC) report

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: in 2021 to 2022, a multi-year contribution agreement was established. No further engagement with the applicants was undertaken during that fiscal year. The department maintains ongoing engagement with program funding recipients.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to delays in engaging with jurisdictional partners on project parameters; unforeseen delays in receiving formal confirmation of participation from provincial partners; a change in the organizational mechanism to launch CFPs for data and research projects; and changes in organizational capacity during the year. The department is aiming to reprofile unspent authority to future years.

Early Learning and Child Care: Innovation

Start date: April 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: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the transfer payment program:

Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Innovation funding supports ELCC programs and service delivery projects. These projects explore, test, and develop innovative approaches to improve access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive ELCC programs and services across Canada.

Funding is provided to eligible organizations to support their efforts to ensure the best possible future and outcomes for children and their families.

ELCC Innovation also supports Official Languages Minority Communities through the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023: Investing in Our Future. This is done by ensuring that educators from French minority communities have access to training and are more skilled.

Results achieved:

• expected results:
  • more communities and child care organizations are able to undertake innovative projects that better support their ELCC needs
  • increased stakeholder uptake and visibility of innovative ELCC practices
  • best practices and lessons learned in innovation in the field of ELCC are shared with service providers and stakeholders
  • more families and children have access to quality ELCC services
• performance indicator: number of innovation projects funded
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • 16 projects totalling approximately $27.6 million over 36 months have been approved;
  • nearly $2.5 million in support of training and capacity building for early childhood educators in official languages minority communities has been awarded to 19 projects across 8 provinces and 2 territories

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

The department works with contribution recipients throughout the life cycle of their contribution agreement to ensure maximum positive impacts. This occurs through various channels, including annual review of project activities and expenditures, ongoing meetings, and informal discussions.

Organizations are also encouraged to share tools, models, results and best practices within the ELCC sector, including policy makers at the various levels of government.

Explanation of variances: The 2020 ELCC Innovation Program Call For Proposals, which ran from October 30, 2020 to January 7, 2021, resulted in a significantly higher number of applications than anticipated. The assessment period was prolonged as a result, and funding timelines were delayed. The department is aiming to reprofile unspent authority to future years.

Early Learning and Child Care: Transfer to provinces and territories

Start date: April 2017.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: other transfer payments.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• access to early learning and child care is increased

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development
• program: Early Learning and Child Care

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The 2017 Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework sets the foundation for federal, provincial and territorial governments to work towards a shared long term vision. Per this vision, all children across Canada can experience the enriching environment of quality early learning and child care. Governments have committed to building a Canada-wide early learning and child care system aimed at increasing access to high quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive early learning and child care. This is to help children get the best start in life and better support families in Canada.

To advance this vision, Canada-wide agreements have been signed with all provinces and territories, where provinces and territories have committed to lowering fees for regulated child care by 50% on average by December 2022, with a further reduction to $10-a-day, on average, by March 2026. Provinces and territories have also committed to creating more than 250,000 child care spaces by March 2026, as well as a variety of measures to increase the quality and inclusiveness of child care across the country.

Provincial and territorial governments use federal funding under bilateral agreements to support the delivery of early learning and child care systems that reflect their particular needs in support of the objectives of the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care Framework.

Early Learning and Child Care also supports innovative practices in early learning and child care and addresses data gaps to better understand what child care looks like in Canada and to track progress. This gives the federal government an opportunity to work closely with the provinces and territories, experts and stakeholders.

Results achieved:

• expected result: access to early learning and child care is increased
• performance indicator: number of children in regulated child care spaces and/or early learning programs and number of children receiving subsidies or other financial supports
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: results for fiscal year 2021 to 2022 are not available yet. Compilation of results across the country are based on annual reports provided by provinces and territories in the fall of the following fiscal year. Due to the pandemic, delays have been encountered in the preparation of these reports.

To advance commitments made in Budget 2021, agreements to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system were signed with all provinces and territories within the 2021 to 2022 fiscal year. Early results were achieved as a result of those agreements, where some jurisdictions reduced fees for regulated child care well in advance of stated targets.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: an evaluation was undertaken in 2021 to 2022 and findings will be available in 2022 to 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

The Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) engaged with all provinces and territories throughout the 2021 to 2022 fiscal year as part of negotiations for the 2021 to 2022 fiscal year to 2025 to 2026 fiscal year Canada-wide agreements, the fiscal year 2021 to 2022 to fiscal year 2024 to 2025 ELCC Extension agreements and the 2021 to 2022 Workforce agreements.

The department also undertook engagement on proposed ELCC legislation with stakeholders, provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners from January to March 2022.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending for fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is mainly due to additional funding accessed by the department in-year, through Fall Economic Statement 2020 and Budget 2021, including funding for provinces and territories to support attraction and retention of early childhood educators, and funding to build a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system with provinces and territories. The amount of $176.7 million of unspent authority ($1,119,347,694 - $942,685,251) will be reprofiled to the year 2022 to 2023.

Enabling Accessibility Fund

Start date: the Enabling Accessibility Fund was introduced in Budget 2007 and implemented the same year.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017 to 2018.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the transfer payment program:

Persons with disabilities often experience barriers to their full participation and inclusion in activities of everyday living. To support their full participation, the Enabling Accessibility Fund is taking concrete actions to ensure greater accessibility and opportunities for Canadians with disabilities. The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) provides funding to increase accessibility and eliminate barriers in communities and workplaces across Canada. Grants or contributions are provided to eligible recipients for capital cost projects that increase access for persons with disabilities to public spaces and workplaces, programs and services. This increased access in turn can create an equal opportunity for persons with disabilities to participate in community activities or access employment opportunities

The program has 2 funding streams that focus on workplaces and communities. Competitive processes for funding are usually held once a year to provide grant funding for small projects (up to $100K) and youth-driven projects (up to $10K). The program also allows mid-sized projects to be funded over multiple years (up to $3M). Mid-sized projects have a greater scope and impact than small projects. Eligible recipients who receive program funding to complete construction, renovation or retrofit projects are: not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, Indigenous organizations, territorial governments, and for-profit organizations.

Results achieved:

• expected result: organizations undertake accessibility improvements to their facilities as a result of EAF funding
• performance indicator: number of community spaces and workplaces that are more accessible due to Enabling Accessibility Fund funding
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: 1,290
• note: under the EAF program, ESDC funded 1,290 projects, more than 3 times the number of projects it supported in 2020 to 2021. The program funded more projects than projected due to the additional funding received through Budget 2021 of $129.2 million over 2 years. Of these projects ESDC was able to support, 225 projects are specifically for early learning and childcare centres across Canada. The Youth Innovation component received 162 applications and was able to fund 133 youth-led projects representing all eligible projects submitted through the CFP

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2021 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2022 to 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is mainly due to Budget 2021 providing additional funding for the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF). A total amount of $45.5 million in Grants and Contributions funding was provided directly to the EAF, along with an amount of $12.5 million in funding to support accessibility in Early Learning and Child Care centres through the EAF. In fiscal year 2021 to 2022, 35 additional projects were funded from internal reallocation, totalling an amount of $1.2 million in additional spending.

Enabling Fund for Official Language 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: 2019 to 2020.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Learning, Skills Development and Employment)

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities

Purpose and objectives of the 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, and leverages networks for concerted action.

The EF-OLMC is 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 to 2023: Investing in Our Future.

Results achieved:

• expected result: official language minority communities are better able to implement and sustain community economic and human resource development
• performance indicator: amount invested by non-Enabling Fund funded partners for every dollar invested by the Enabling Fund in community economic development and human resource development
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: 2.31:1 ($2.31 for every dollar invested by the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

An evaluation of the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities was completed in 2021 to 2022. Key findings include:

• the objectives of the 5 contribution agreement signatories and the activities that they implemented continue to be aligned with Enabling Fund objectives and eligible activities
• the 5 organizations implemented most planned activities;
• the 5 organizations contributed to the development and vitality of official language minority communities by:
  • building collaborative partnerships with a broad variety of partners;
  • leveraging an additional $16.8 million in funding, revenue, and in-kind resources
  • leading and supporting collaborative initiatives to enhance community economic and human resources development;
  • providing services to support community economic and human resources development

Recommendation: the program is encouraged to explore approaches to improve its ability to consistently capture results from funded projects.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

The program engaged with its 14 recipients 5 times via teleconference in 2021 to 2022.This provided the opportunity for department officials and members of each organization to openly discuss activities and challenges.

Structured meetings with all recipients are held regularly (usually quarterly), and bilateral meetings with each recipients individually are held at least once per year. Bilateral meetings provide a forum for both parties to seek updates on the activities and feedback on multiple topics, including OLMC priorities and the effectiveness of the program to address them.

In addition, the program leverages departmental consultations with community organizations such as the Dialogue Days that are organized annually to gather community views on the department's effort to support OLMCs, and better understand their viewpoints and needs.

Explanation of variances: no significant variance.

Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Start date: 2003.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the transfer payment program:

The Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Program supports the labour market integration of skilled newcomers by:

• simplifying and harmonizing national credential recognition processes
• providing loans and support services to help navigate foreign credential recognition processes
• helping highly skilled newcomers gain their first Canadian work experience in their profession/field of study

The objective of the program is to support skilled newcomers and reduce barriers that keep them from fully participating in the Canadian labour market.

The FCR Program is not a repayable contribution.

Results achieved:

• expected result: skilled newcomers get streamlined access to skilled/regulated occupations
• performance indicator: proportion of newcomer clients who found employment in their intended or related occupation
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: 30% of FCR loan borrowers found employment in their intended or related occupation

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned to be completed by 2024 to 2025.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: the department engaged with key stakeholders through meetings and conferences, and with provinces and territories through FPT multilateral meetings.

Explanation of variances: no significant variance.

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.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Future Skills

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

Disruptive factors (for example, artificial intelligence, new business models, unforeseen events) are changing on-the-job expectations for workplaces. Future Skills was launched in February 2019 to ensure that Canada's skills policies and programs adapt and respond to jobseekers', workers' and employers' evolving needs. Working with provinces and territories, private sector, labour, educational and training institutions, not-for-profit, and Indigenous organizations to adopt proven practices, Future Skills helps ensure that Canadians are prepared for jobs of the future. Future Skills includes:

• a ministerial advisory Council of multi-sectoral leaders in operation from February 2019 to June 2021 to advise on skills and workforce trends; identify and mobilize action on priorities of pan-Canadian significance
• an independent Centre that identifies emerging in-demand skills, and prototypes, tests and evaluates innovative approaches to skills assessment and development
• an Office to provide a secretariat function to the Council, liaise with the Centre, establish partnerships across the federal government, and, through the Forum of Labour Market Ministers, with provincial and territorial governments and supports policy innovation in labour market programming

Future Skills is aiming to ensure that Canada's skills development system is equitable and responsive to the diverse needs of Canadians, with a focus on underrepresented groups in the labour market.

Results achieved:

• expected result: actors in the skills development systems are aware of in-demand skills and effective practices
• performance indicator: number of partners and stakeholders who report awareness of in-demand skills
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: the Future Skills Centre completed a total of 2,541 stakeholder awareness and engagement activities

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2022 to 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: ESDC engaged with the Centre through bilateral meetings with department officials, as well as multi-lateral meetings with other federal departments as well as provinces and territories through the Forum of Labour Market Ministers.

Explanation of variances: no variance.

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.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the transfer payment program:

The Old Age Security (OAS) program is the first pillar of Canada's retirement income system. The OAS program's objective is to ensure a minimum income for seniors, and to mitigate income disruptions at retirement. The OAS program is funded by general tax revenues. The program includes 3 benefits: the OAS pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Allowances.

The GIS provides additional assistance to OAS pensioners with little or no income. Entitlement to the GIS is based on a person's marital status and annual inScome, or in the case of a couple, their combined income. The GIS is income-tested to ensure that the highest benefits are paid to the lowest-income seniors.

Results achieved:

• expected result: seniors have income support for retirement;
• performance indicator: percentage of seniors receiving the GIS in relation to the estimated total number of eligible seniors;
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: 92.2%.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluation completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned to be completed in 2025 to 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: the department continues to 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), and outreach services for those potentially eligible.

Explanation of variances: no significant variance.

Guaranteed Income Supplement One-Time Grant Payment

Start date: March 2022.

End date: March 31, 2023.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the transfer payment program:

Pandemic benefits, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), were designed as a lifeline to support people who lost their job during the pandemic. However, some Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Allowance recipients faced lower benefit payments during the July 2021 to June 2022 payment period because of the income they received from these pandemic benefits in 2020.

As part of the 2021 Economic and Fiscal Update, the government announced it would provide up to $742.4 million for one-time payments to alleviate the financial hardship of those seniors who received the CERB or CRB in 2020, but who subsequently learned that these pandemic benefits counted as income and impacted their GIS or Allowance benefits.

Up to $16 million of the $742.4 million sourced from the 2021 Economic and Fiscal Update was allocated in fiscal year 2021to 2022 to allow the department to manually issue over 1,200 grant payments in March 2022 to seniors in dire financial need. The remaining 212,000 payments were issued automatically in April 2022 (fiscal year 2022 to 2023).

Results achieved:

• expected result: eligible GIS and Allowance recipients receive the one-time grant payment
• performance indicators:
  • percentage of eligible GIS recipients who receive the one-time grant payment as a proportion of total GIS recipients eligible for the one-time grant payment;
  • percentage of eligible Allowance recipients aged 60 to 64 who receive the one-time grant payment as a proportion of total Allowance recipients eligible for the one-time grant payment
• 2021 to 2022 target: not applicable. Reporting on results will take place in late 2023, based on data availability
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: over 1,200 grant payments in March 2022 to seniors in dire financial need. Note: the above performance measures apply to the entire grant, that is for both the dire need payments issued in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and the remaining payments issued in fiscal year 2022 to 2023. As a result, the relevant percentages are not available specifically for fiscal year 2021 to 2022

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits were completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: an evaluation of the One-time grant payment to GIS-CERB recipients could be considered as part of the overall evaluation of the GIS, scheduled to be completed by 2025 to 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: in January 2022, Treasury Board Ministers approved authorities for an amount of $741.8 million sourced through the 2021 Economic and Fiscal Update, to issue a One-Time Payment to Guaranteed Income Supplement/Canada Emergency Recovery Benefit recipients in fiscal year 2022 to 2023. In February 2022, $16 million of this amount was reprofiled to fiscal year 2021 to 2022, to allow the department to manually issue some payments in March 2021 to seniors in dire need situations.

Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative

Start date: September 2018.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020 to 2021.

Links to departmental results:

• access to early learning and child care is increased

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development
• program: Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative

Purpose and objectives of the 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 Transformation Initiative enables greater control in IELCC through a new partnership model to facilitate Indigenous-led decision making to advance national and regional priorities.

The IELCC Transformation Initiative provides for investments in a wide range of programs and services. This includes Aboriginal Head Start and Day Care programming to enhance early childhood development and school readiness for Indigenous children regardless of where they live.

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.

Results achieved: a performance measurement strategy is being co-developed with Indigenous partners and is targeted for completion by March 2025. This will include distinctions-based results frameworks and performance indicators.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: an evaluation is planned for completion in fiscal year 2023 to 2024. The evaluation is to be co-developed and advanced through collaboration with Indigenous partners.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: engagement on IELCC is ongoing and facilitated through national and regional partnership tables established with First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments and their representatives.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending for fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to authorities accessed by the department in-year, from the Fall Economic Statement (FES) 2020 and Budget 2021 which increased the actual spending compared to planned. FES announced a one-time investment of $75 million in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 towards improving the quality and accessibility of Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) programs. Budget 2021 amounts included $27 million in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 to support IELCC governance structures. The variance is offset by transfers between IELCC programs, after the Departmental Plan was approved, to align resources between federal departments participating in the IELCC horizontal initiative and to reflect Indigenous leadership decisions on funding allocations and agreements. The department is aiming to reprofile unspent authority to future years.

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.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Learning, Skills Development and Employment)

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program aims to help reduce the skills and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. It does so by providing Indigenous people with opportunities to develop and improve their skills and attain employment. The program funds and supports a network of Indigenous agreement holders (service delivery providers) across Canada. These agreement holders design and deliver a full suite of skills development and employment training and supports targeting all Indigenous people. Co-developed with Indigenous partners, the program is grounded in a distinctions-based approach to better meet the needs of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban/non-affiliated Indigenous people.

Results achieved:

• expected result: an increasing number of Indigenous people are employed and integrated into the Canadian labour market
• performance indicator: number of clients who obtained employment following service interventions
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: a total of 16,446 clients obtained employment

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2024 to 2025.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: the department has ongoing discussions with Indigenous contribution recipients throughout the life cycle of their contribution agreement. In fiscal year 2021 to 2022, there were discussions about the impact of the pandemic. The department also sought input on the performance measurement approach for the program, especially in light of the changed economic context.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is attributable to additional authorities accessed by the department in-year in the amount of $140.1 million, allocated to Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program (ISET) from the 2020 Fall Economic Statement to further bolster training supports for those hardest hit by the pandemic, including marginalized and racialized women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and recent newcomers to Canada. The department is aiming to reprofile unspent authority for ''Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity'' to future years.

Labour Funding Program

Start date: April 1, 2012.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment:

• International trade and Labour:
  • grants for low- to moderate-risk proposals
  • contributions for higher-risk proposals
• Occupational Health and Safety:
  • grants for low- to moderate-risk proposals
  • contributions for higher-risk proposals
• Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity
  • 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.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the 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.

Results achieved:

• International Trade and Labour:
  • expected result: enhanced awareness by Canada and/or partner countries of fundamental international labour principles
  • performance indicator: number of agreements, instruments, action plan and joint activities adopted, undertaken or implemented to strengthen respect for international labour standards
  • 2021 to 2022 actual result: 18
• Occupational Health and Safety:
  • expected result: contribution to the building and sharing of knowledge on prevention of accident and illness for workers as well as fire protection, fire prevention and safety
  • performance indicator: number of projects/activities that support knowledge building and sharing to address workplace accident and illness
  • 2021 to 2022 actual result: 1 project, a contribution agreement with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Group for the development of occupational health and safety standards to facilitate harmonization of standards between governments
• Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity:
  • Expected results:
    • employer and industry dialogue occurs to address labour issues related to diversity and inclusion in federally regulated workplaces subject to the Employment Equity Act
    • partnerships, collaboration, and cooperation will be fostered to increase knowledge and understanding among stakeholders of the industry specific barriers to inclusion in order to increase representation of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities) in federally regulated workplaces
    • capacity is developed to address labour issues related to diversity and inclusion in federally regulated workplaces. Opportunities for dialogue, knowledge building and information sharing are expected to increase capacity to address barriers and labour issues
  • performance indicator: number of projects that support sustained and constructive dialogue
  • 2021 to 2022 actual result: 6 projects supported a sustained and constructive dialogue. Of 7 projects, 6 concluded in March 2022, while 1 project concluded in May 2022

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits were completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.. The next evaluation is planned for 2022 to 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

• International Trade and Labour: dialogue with Free Trade Agreement partner countries, international and regional labour organizations, and other stakeholders. This dialogue contributes to the design, delivery and evaluation of technical assistance projects in partner countries
• Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity: program only engages with recipients for administrative purposes
• Occupational Health and Safety (OHS):
  • engagement is done through the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Legislation. This is an association of federal, provincial and territorial departments of labour that provides a continuous forum for senior officials to develop cooperative working relationships
  • the OHS Advisory Committee, also supports the engagement by providing 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

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to additional resources accessed by the department in-year from the Fall Economic Statement 2021, for the expansion of the Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity program.

New Horizons for Seniors Program

Start date: October 1, 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: 2019 to 2020.

Links to departmental results:

• not for profit organizations, communities and other groups are supported 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 the 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. 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'. They recognize communities as the focal point for program and service delivery. In addition to supporting 1 or more of the 5 program objectives, funded projects are:

• volunteer-based
• supported by communities
• inspired or led by seniors

Selected through annual calls for proposals, 1-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. They invest in large initiatives that meet the growing social needs of seniors. Organizations can apply for projects of up to 5 years in duration and up to $5 million in funding under the pan-Canadian stream.

Results achieved:

• expected result: communities have the capacity to address local issues by engaging seniors
• performance indicators:
  • total number of New Horizons for Seniors Program projects that received funding
  • number of seniors who participated in community projects
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • 3,003 projects received funding in 2021 to 2022
  • an estimated 1 million seniors participated in community projects. Note that this is an updated result of projects implemented from 2019 to 2022. Data for 2021 to 2022 will be available by fall 2022

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2025 to 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is mainly due to $12.7 million in additional funds internally reallocated to the New Horizons for Seniors Program to fund additional projects.

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.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the transfer payment program:

The Old Age Security (OAS) program is the first pillar of Canada's retirement income system. Its objective is to ensure a minimum income for seniors, and to mitigate income disruptions at retirement. The OAS program is funded by general tax revenues. The program includes 3 benefits: the OAS pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Allowances.

The OAS pension is a monthly payment to all Canadians aged 65 or older who meet the residence and legal status requirements. To be eligible for the pension, an individual must have resided in Canada for at least 10 years after the age of 18.

Results achieved:

• expected result: seniors have income support for retirement
• performance indicator: percentage of seniors receiving the OAS pension in relation to the estimated total number of eligible seniors
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: 96.8%

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits were completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2022 to 2023 as part of the Old Age Security Service Improvement Strategy Evaluation.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: no significant variance.

Old Age Security Pension One-Time Grant Payment to Seniors Aged 75 and Over

Start date: August 1, 2021.

End date: March 31, 2023.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022. Note: while the vast majority of payments were issued in August 2021, the terms and conditions for this grant payment officially sunset on March 31, 2023. For administrative reasons some payments may have been made on a later date.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the transfer payment program:

The purpose of the one-time grant payment to OAS pensioners aged 75 and over was to meet the immediate needs of older seniors until a 10% increase to the OAS pension for seniors aged 75 and over was permanently implemented in fiscal year 2022 to 2023.

It consisted of a one-time taxable payment of $500 to OAS pensioners who were aged 75 or over as of June 30, 2022.

The payment was issued in August 2021. Individuals who were eligible for the OAS pension in June 2021, and were at least 75 years old as of June 30, 2022, received the payment. Individuals did not need to apply to receive the payment.

Results achieved:

• expected result: eligible OAS pensioners age 75 and over receive the one-time grant payment
• performance indicator: percentage of OAS pensioners who received the one time payment in fiscal year 2021 to 2022, as a proportion of all OAS pensioners eligible for the one-time payment in August 2021
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: over 100%
• note: the result is over 100% because the number of all OAS pensioners eligible for the one-time payment in August 2021 does not include the number of new OAS pensioners who were deemed, between June 2021 and March 2022, to be retroactively eligible to the OAS pension in respect of the month of June 2021

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits were completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluation was conducted in 2021 to 2022. It is likely that an evaluation will be conducted on the one-time payment for older seniors in 2025, as part of a broader evaluation on the OAS program. When or if this evaluation occurs will be based on the availability of appropriate data related to this measure.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: in April 2021, Budget 2021 introduced a 10% increase to the Old Age Security (OAS) pension for seniors aged 75 and over. The first stage of implementation was a new One-Time grant of $500, issued in August 2021, to OAS pensioners who will be 75 or over as of June 30, 2022. Actual spending was determined to be $1,679,427,560.

One-Time Payment to Persons with Disabilities

Start date: August 10, 2020.

End date: March 31, 2022.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory – An Act respecting further COVID-19 measures.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• people with disabilities and their families have financial support

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Pensions and Benefits
• program: the One-time payment to persons with disabilities is a new time-limited program (it has a link to the Canada Pension Plan)

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: the objective of the one-time payment to persons with disabilities is to provide financial assistance to persons with disabilities to mitigate the additional financial costs they incurred as a result of the pandemic.

Results achieved:

• expected result: it is expected that financial relief will be provided to eligible persons through the One-time payment to persons with disabilities to mitigate the increased costs caused by COVID‑19
• performance indicator: number of recipients of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Certificate, Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) benefits, Québec Pension Plan Disability (QPPD) pension or one of the veterans disability support programs, as a proportion of the number of persons with disabilities who were eligible
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: 100% of the recipients of the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Certificate, Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD) benefits, Québec Pension Plan Disability (QPPD) pension and those eligible for one of the veterans disability support programs were issued a payment of up to $600. Approximately 59,000 Canadians with disabilities benefitted from the COVID-19 emergency support payment with disbursements totalling about $27.8 million

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to the number of potential beneficiaries forecast in fiscal year 2020 to 2021, for whom payments were only released in fiscal year 2021 to 2022, as their personal information was updated with the Canada Revenue Agency, or various irregularities and/or integrity issues were addressed.

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: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market
• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Learning, Skills Development and Employment)

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Purpose and objectives of the 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 prepare for, find and keep jobs, and advance in their careers. The program also helps employers integrate persons with disabilities in the workplace, and create inclusive and accessible workplaces. Projects funded under the program may provide training, job search help and job placements and career advancement opportunities. Third-party organizations in the community deliver this program.

Results achieved:

• expected result: persons with disabilities have enhanced their employability, obtained employment, become self-employed or returned to school
• performance indicators:
  • number of clients with enhanced employability
  • number of clients employed or self-employed
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • number of clients with enhanced employability: 2,952
  • number of clients employed or self-employed: 2,050
• note: These results are from across Canada including preliminary data from Quebec, as final Quebec results under the Canada-Quebec Agreement are not available until end of November 2022. As such, final results will be adjusted, if required, in future
• expected result: workplaces make accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities
• performance indicator: number of workplaces that are more accessible due to program funding
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: results will be available starting in 2023 to 2024, when new performance measures are fully implemented

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. An evaluation was published in 2020. The next evaluation is planned to be completed in fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: in 2021, the program engaged with delivery organizations to inform updated program design, delivery, and reporting. The program conducted key informant interviews with stakeholders representing national and regional service providers.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in 2021 to 2022 is mainly due to new authorities accessed by the department in-year, from Budget 2021 (Comprehensive Training Strategy to drive recovery). An amount of $26.2 million of unspent authority will be reprofiled to the year 2022 to 2023.

Quebec Parental Insurance Plan

Start date: January 12, 2022.

End date: January 12, 2022.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory – Budget Implementation Act, 2021, no. 1.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians receive financial support during employment transitions such as job loss, illness, or maternity/parental leave
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Learning, Skills Development and Employment)

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Employment Insurance

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: as part of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Government of Canada introduced temporary measures to increase Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and make it easier to access EI benefits. The Government of Canada provided a one-time transfer payment of $130.3 million to the Government of Quebec to cover some of the costs related to aligning the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan with the EI temporary measures. This funding recognized the unprecedented context created by the pandemic and ensured that all parents in Canada could benefit from the same level of support, whether they applied for maternity or parental benefits through the EI program or through the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan.

Results achieved: no performance indicators were developed for this program because it was a one-time payment to the province of Quebec.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no requirements to evaluate. Decision will be made according to departmental priorities.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: fiscal year 2021 to 2022 planned spending for this program was not included as new funding was received during the fiscal year, which led to a significant variance.

Reaching Home

Start date: April 1, 2019.

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.

Links to departmental results:

• homelessness in Canada is prevented and reduced

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development
• program: Reaching Home

Purpose and objectives of the 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 risk of becoming homeless in urban centers, rural communities and in the territories.

Outside of Quebec, federal funding is prioritized based on input from Community or 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 one 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

Results achieved:

• expected result: homeless individuals and families are placed in more stable housing
• performance indicator: number of people placed in more stable housing
• expected result: improved housing stability for homeless individuals and those at risk of becoming homeless
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: not available. A new online data collection platform is being developed to collect this information. It is expected to be ready to collect annual results data beginning in fall 2022. Full results for this period are expected to be available by April 2023 and will be reported on by Infrastructure Canada. Effective October 26, 2021, the Homelessness Policy Directorate and the Reaching Home program have been transferred from Employment and Social Development Canada to Infrastructure Canada
• expected result: homelessness is prevented and reduced
• performance indicator: reduction in the estimated number of shelter users who are chronically homeless
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: not available. This indicator is based on the calendar year. There is up to a 3-year lag in the availability of data. Results for 2021 are anticipated to be available in 2024 and results for 2022 are anticipated to be available in 2025 and will be reported on by Infrastructure Canada. Effective October 26, 2021, the Homelessness Policy Directorate and the Reaching Home program have been transferred from Employment and Social Development Canada to Infrastructure Canada
• note: as the Government of Canada does not have sole jurisdiction over homelessness, this expected result is considered to be shared, with attribution distributed across a range of stakeholders, community service providers, and other orders of government

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The Auditor General of Canada is undertaking an audit of chronic homelessness with an expected report tabling date of fall 2022.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation will be publicly released in 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

The program undertook extensive stakeholder engagement with community partners, provinces and territories, Indigenous governments and organizations, the not-for-profit sector and the private sector.

This engagement focused on:

• emerging needs of the sector as a result of the evolution of the pandemic (Omicron)
• additional investments in Reaching Home (provided through Budget 2021) to continue to support communities with ongoing pandemic response and recovery
• how the program is carried out
• the reiteration of the Government of Canada's commitment to eliminate chronic homelessness in Canada as part of the 2021 Speech from the Throne
• developing and delivering training on Coordinated Access and the Community Homelessness Report

Reaching Home completed the first round of Community Homelessness Report data collection in fiscal year 2021 to 2022, helping communities self-assess their progress in meeting minimum program requirements. This data focuses on trends specific to cumulative levels of homelessness, inflows into homelessness, outflows from homelessness, and progress with meeting targets specific to the 5 core outcomes of Reaching Home.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to additional funding accessed by the department through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement. The government provided additional funding of $299.4 million in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 through Reaching Home to continue emergency health and safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in shelters, and to help prevent at-risk Canadians from becoming homeless. On October 26, 2021, the control and supervision related to the Reaching Home program was transferred to the Office of Infrastructure of Canada pursuant to Order in Council 2021-0952. As such, ESDC actuals spending and authorities for the fiscal year 2021 to 2022 are from April to October 2021.

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); statutory – Public Health Events of National Concern Act.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013 to 2014.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market
• 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: Sectoral Initiatives Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The program supports sectors and employers to address current and future skills shortages. It does so by funding the development and distribution of sector-specific labour market intelligence, national occupational standards, and skills certification and accreditation systems. The program also supports innovative skills training approaches.

The objective of the program is to help key sectors of the Canadian economy identify, forecast and address their human resources and skills issues.

In June 2021, the Sectoral Initiatives Program was folded into the new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.

Results achieved:

• expected results:
  • labour market information reports or forecasting systems, national occupation standards, certification and accreditation regimes, and curricula are developed or updated
  • pilot project reports are produced and shared via the Sectoral Initiatives Program projects
• performance indicators:
  • number of labour market information reports and forecasting systems developed or updated
  • number of national occupation standards developed or updated
  • number of certification regimes developed or updated
  • number of accreditation systems developed or updated
  • number of curricula developed or updated
  • number of pilot project reports produced and shared
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: results for the new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program will be measured by a new indicator and will be reported in the 2022 to 2023 Departmental Results Report

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned to be completed and published by 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: the program engages with recipients on project activities 4 times a year. This ensures that projects are implementing their targeted activities and that payments can be issued. In addition, the program developed a standardized data collection tool for funding recipients to improve consistency in performance measurement and reporting.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is attributable to additional authorities accessed by the department during the year in the amount of $221.6 million, from Budget 2021 (Comprehensive Training Strategy to drive recovery). Designing and implementing a program of the increased scale of the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program made it impossible to launch a call for proposals before the 2021 federal election concluded. This delay resulted in reduced spending in comparison to plans during 2021 to 2022. The department is aiming to reprofile unspent authority to future years.

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.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market
• 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: Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

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

The objectives of the program are to: build awareness of the trades as viable, good quality careers; help equip individuals with the skills and supports they need to pursue a career in the skilled trades; and provide opportunities to explore the trades.

Results achieved:

• expected result: 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 indicator: total number of participants in projects that offer awareness and exploration activities, skills training and/or work experience
• 2020 to 2021 actual result: 3,695 participants had access to awareness and exploration activities, skills training and/or work experience
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: 19,447 participants had access to awareness and exploration activities, skills training and/or work experience
• Note: there was a significant increase in the number of participants in projects in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 as a result of one project conducting significant awareness activities

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned to be completed and published in early 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

The program engaged with stakeholders to solicit their views on the program through annual National Stakeholder meetings held (in-person and virtually) in May, October, and November 2021, on an ad hoc basis throughout the year.

In addition, the program engaged with provincial and territorial government departments seeking their input on initiatives and future plans for the program.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is mainly due to a Skills Canada project being included in the planned spending of Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program (STAR) but committed and expensed under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) as well as internal reallocation between the STAR and YESS programs.

Skills and Partnership Fund

Start date: April 1, 2010.

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: 2016 to 2017.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Skills and Partnership Fund

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF) is a demand-driven, project-based program. It encourages stakeholders, such as training institutions, community organizations, local business and industry, to partner with Indigenous organizations to support skills development, job training and employment supports for Indigenous people. These partnerships are intended to better meet local labour market demands. Under the Fund, Indigenous service providers design and implement projects to meet their partners' specific employment goals, with the objective of employment and increased integration in the labour market.

The Skills and Partnership Fund is not a repayable contribution.

Results achieved:

• expected result: an increasing number of Indigenous people are employed and integrated into the Canadian labour market
• performance indicator: number of clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s)
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: 1,223 clients obtained employment

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned to be completed in 2023 to 2024.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: in fiscal year 2021 to 2022, the department completed engagement, started in fiscal year 2020 to 2021, on the future of the program. This informed the development of a new call for proposals, which was launched in February 2022.

Explanation of variances: Following discussion with other federal departments, this program has been paused for the fiscal years 2021 to 2022 and 2022 to 2023 given the disruptions resulting from the pandemic and ongoing economic uncertainty heavily impacting Indigenous industry partnerships and project readiness. Unspent authority of the year 2021 to 2022 in the amount of $50 million will be reprofiled to futures years.

Skills for Success Program

Start date: April 1, 2006, under the former program name: Literacy and Essential Skills.

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: 2021 to 2022 for the updated Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program (ALLESP); 2018 to 2019 for the National Essential Skills Initiative (NESI).

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Learning, Skills Development and Employment);
• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Skills for Success

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The Skills for Success (SFS) Program, which replaces the Literacy and Essential Skills (LES) Program, provides funding to recipients, such as organisations, employers, provinces and territories to:

• deliver foundational and transferable skills training
• develop foundational and transferable skills assessment and training tools
• test, replicate, and scale foundational and transferable skills training approaches

These objectives also entail a focus on groups under-represented in the workplace, including people with a disability, official language minority communities, and Indigenous and racialized populations across Canada.

The SFS Program also develops in house research and policy on foundational and transferable skills. It also works closely with a broad set of stakeholders, including provinces and territories, to share promising training and assessment methods. Finally, it provides online access to the assessment and training resources available to all Canadians at no cost.

Results achieved:

• expected result: adult Canadians have the foundational and transferable skills they need to do their job, adapt and succeed in the labour market and contribute to their communities and families
• performance indicators:
  • number of organizations supporting foundational and transferable skills training and development
  • number of Canadians having accessed foundational and transferable skills training or supports
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • number of organizations supporting foundational and transferable skills training and development: the SFS program funded 33 organizations, and they reported working in collaboration with 389 employers, 256 service providers, and 125 other project partners, for a total of 803 organizations supporting foundational and transferable skills training and development
  • number of Canadians having accessed foundational and transferable skills training or supports: a total of 74,620 people accessed the SFS training and tools website page in 2021 to 2022. In the 33 active projects funded in 2021 to 2022 through grants and contributions, there were 10,643 participants who registered for training

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: evaluation results will be published in February 2023. The report is currently being finalized and prepared for approval.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

In Budget 2021, the Skills for Success (SFS) Program received $298 million to fund organisations to train 90,000 Canadians at all skills levels to improve their foundational and transferable skills, and to develop tools and approaches to improving foundational and transferable skills. The SFS Program undertook engagement with all provinces and territories as well as various stakeholders to identify relevant projects.

On May 18, 2021, over 500 participants attended the virtual ministerial launch of the new SFS Model.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is mainly due to new authorities accessed by the department in-year, from Budget 2021 (Comprehensive Training Strategy to drive recovery). The department is aiming to reprofile unspent authority to future years.

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: 2017 to 2018.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the transfer payment program:

The Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP) is a grants and contributions program. It supports the Government of Canada's priorities through investment in not-for-profit organizations aiming to improve the quality of life of:

• people with disabilities
• children and families
• Black Canadian communities
• other vulnerable populations facing physical, economic and social pressures

The program has 2 components: Disability, and Children and Families. Grants and contributions support communities, not-for-profit, and voluntary sector organizations. These can then provide vulnerable Canadian populations with the tools and skills to respond to current and emerging social issues that they are facing. These issues include a limited ability to participate in the workplace or to contribute to their families and communities.

Results achieved:

• expected result: not-for-profit sector and partners have improved capacity to respond to existing and emerging social issues for target populations
• performance indicator: percentage of SDPP projects that leverage funds from non-federal partners
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • Disability component: 100%. Mandatory leveraging was only required for 1 project that ended in 2021 to 2022, which was done. Even so, 6 out of 11 or 54.5% of projects leveraged funds
  • Children & Families component: partial results indicate that each of the 4 completed projects for this reporting period leveraged additional resources from non-federal sources. Additional data is expected to be available in fall 2022 from 3 more projects
• expected 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
• performance indicator: percentage of partnerships newly developed by recipient organizations to address a range of social issues such as the social inclusion of people with disabilities, children and families and other vulnerable populations
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • Disability component: this indicator is new and a baseline has not yet been established. Reporting on results is planned for 2023 to 2024
  • Children & Families component: 88% of partnerships were newly developed by recipient organizations to address a range of social issues such as the social inclusion of people with disabilities, children and families and other vulnerable populations (this is partial data based on Children and Families projects).

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2024 to 2025.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

Disability component:

• in August 2021, the department invited 68 disability organizations to work together on a partnership-based proposal that would unite multiple partners representing the diverse Canadian disability community. Its purpose was to solicit perspectives and insights into the design and implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan. The resulting project, led by Independent Living Canada and Muscular Dystrophy Canada, involved an iterative engagement process with individuals, organizations and stakeholders across disabilities, with a particular focus on hard-to-reach and marginalized populations. These activities complement other community engagement led by the department to inform policy work on the plan. This engagement is continuing into 2022 to 2023;
• in January 2022, the department began engaging 8 National Indigenous Organizations to seek their guidance and advice on the design and development of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan. This was done in partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada, who are wishing to engage on the National Autism Strategy. The department engaged bilaterally with the 8 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit organizations via virtual teleconferences and emails. The development of work plans with 4 of the National Indigenous Organizations and the outreach they will undertake will continue into 2022 to 2023
• the department engaged stakeholders who are recipients of project funding under the Disability component on the progress of project activities and to support better relationship-building between the organizations and the Program. The timing for this engagement was at mid–agreement (18 months into a 3 year agreement);
• the department held multiple virtual calls and exchanged emails with organizations and project participants in:
  • 4 Financial Security projects;
  • 6 Youth Leadership projects;
  • 3 Indigenous Leadership (United Nations Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities

Children and Families Component: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is mainly due to additional authorities accessed by the department in-year from Budget 2021, for the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative. An amount of $388.5 million of unspent authority for the Community Services Recovery Fund will be reprofiled to the year 2022 to 2023. The department is also aiming to reprofile unspent authority for the Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity to future years.

Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy: Investment Readiness Program

Start date: April 1, 2021.

End date: March 31, 2023.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 persons 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 the transfer payment program:

Based on the success of the pilot program, the renewed Investment Readiness Program (IRP) will continue to advance Social Innovation and Social Finance (SI/SF) in Canada. It will support Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) to build their capacity to access social finance and to strengthen the SI/SF ecosystem. SPOs are organizations with a social or environmental mission. SPOs straddle the charitable and non-profit sector and the private sector.

The program offers support to SPOs through 2 streams:

• stream 1 - readiness support partners will provide funding to SPOs to build skills and capacity to access social finance investment. SPOs will use the funding to do market analyses, develop new products and services, build business plans and acquire technical expertise
• stream 2 - ecosystem builders run projects that help grow and strengthen the SI/SF ecosystem. This provides another layer of support to SPOs

Results achieved:

• expected result: social purpose organizations (e.g. 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 indicator: number of social purpose organizations that accessed expert services and other resources with IRP funding to enhance their readiness to participate in the social finance market
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: not available. Because of delays in implementing the program, first agreements with funding recipients were signed in March 2022. As a result, recipients were unable to implement their projects in 2021 to 2022. Therefore, these projects produced no result in 2021 to 2022
• expected result: the social innovation and social finance (SI/SF) ecosystem in Canada has been strengthened
• performance indicator: percentage of IRP recipients actively using IRP research and tools in their SI/SF work
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: not available. Because of delays in implementing the program, first agreements with funding recipients were signed in March 2022. As a result, recipients were unable to implement their projects in 2021 to 2022. Therefore, these projects produced no result in 2021 to 2022

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is mainly due to new authorities accessed by the department in-year, for the Investment Readiness Program. The department is aiming to reprofile unspent authority to future years.

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.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Learning, Skills Development and Employment)

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Student Work Placement Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The department aims to help students transition from post-secondary education to employment with the work-ready skills sought by employers. Through the Student Work Placement (SWP) program and Innovative Work-Integrated Learning (I-WIL) initiative, ESDC funds a variety of work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for post-secondary students in all academic disciplines.

The SWP 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.

The I-WIL initiative broadens the scope of WIL opportunities to include new and emerging types. The funding supports various types of learning experiences aimed at connecting students with employers and applying their skills in a work-related context (concretely or virtually simulated through the use of technologies). The I-WIL initiative also supports collaborative partnerships between PSE institutions, employers and students to work on aligning skills development and skills requirements of the labour market in key sectors of the Canadian economy.

Results achieved:

• expected result: increased number of post-secondary students participating in work placement opportunities and developing work ready skills
• performance indicators:
  • number of new work placement opportunities, created for post-secondary students, in all fields of study
  • number of I-WIL activities created through the I-WIL initiative
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • number of new work placement opportunities, created for post-secondary students, in all fields of study: 50,054 opportunities (which includes 35,120 student work placement opportunities and 14,934 I-WIL opportunities)
  • number of I-WIL activities created through the I-WIL initiative: 14,934 I-WIL opportunities
• expected result: increased engagement of employers, including small- and medium-sized employers, in adopting and implementing work placement opportunities
• performance indicator: number of formalized post-secondary education and industry partnerships
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: the SWP Program does not require funding recipients to create these partnerships every year and as such no result for 2021 to 2022 can be provided

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

An evaluation of the SWP Program was completed. Key findings include:

• there is an ongoing need for the SWP Program to support a better alignment between the skills of post-secondary students and the evolving needs of employers in Canada. Moreover, employers want the program to become permanent
• the program created 11,952 work-integrated learning opportunities between April 2017 and March 2020. It filled a program gap and the large majority of students and employers were satisfied or very satisfied with the program
• the large majority of students and employers reported that participation in the program resulted in improvement in students' work ready skills
• as a result of participating in the program, the majority of employers would consider using work placements in the future as well as hiring some of the program's placement students on a long-term basis
• stakeholders were satisfied with the program's design and delivery features. They also identified multi-year agreements as a strength for ongoing relationships and long-term planning. However, some of them experienced challenges with the application process and had limited awareness of training opportunities;
• the "net new" requirement and the ineligibility of international students were considered to be program design limitations by both employers and funding recipients. The "net new" meant that all new work placements were required to be additional to those offered in the year prior to receiving program funding

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: the program engaged with funding recipients through regular meetings to discuss program policy issues. The program also indirectly obtained feedback from post-secondary students and employers through exit surveys once they have participated in the program.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to additional authorities accessed by the department in-year in the amount of $239.3 million, from the Budget 2021 (Extending Temporary Measures for the Student Work Placement Program).

Supports for Student Learning Program

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: 2020 to 2021.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• students, including those from low- and middle-income families, use federally funded supports to help them participate in post-secondary education

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Supports for Student Learning Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

Supports for Student Learning Program (SSLP) helps learners to access post-secondary education, training and lifelong learning supports. It helps them gain the skills and work experience they need to participate in a changing labour market.

Funding is provided to/for the following:

• Goal getters, and youth-serving organizations working primarily in the after-school space, to support youth facing barriers to complete high school and transition to post-secondary education and/or employment
• Pathways to Education Canada, a not-for-profit organization that provides a community-based, after-school program for youth. The organization was created to reduce poverty and its effects by lowering the high school dropout rate. It also increases access to post-secondary education among youth living in low-income communities. Pathways to Education Canada provides 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). It also provides non-financial supports such as tutoring and mentoring;
• Indspire, an organization that supports Indigenous students with scholarships and bursaries to pursue post-secondary education. As well, the funding supports other Indspire programming such as mentorship and career development
• the Outbound Student Mobility Pilot Program, which seeks to enable Canadian college and undergraduate university students to acquire in-demand skills through study or work abroad opportunities

Results achieved:

• expected result (Pathways to Education Canada): expand supports to reach more students in more areas of the country
• performance indicators:
  • increase enrolments to 6,500 students annually (approximate 20% increase)
  • open an additional site in Thunder Bay
• 2021 to 2022 actual results: during the 2020 to 2021 school year, 6,209 students received supports in 26 Pathways Program locations across Canada. Pathways is taking a phased approach to programming in Thunder Bay and targeted 50 students for the 2021 to 2022 school year. Virtual tutoring is available 3 times a week, with 2 time slots for Pathways-registered students and 1 for non-Pathways students in the Thunder Bay area
• expected result (Pathways to Education Canada): improve rates of high school graduation and acceptance to post-secondary education among program participants
• performance indicators:
  • 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;
• 2021 to 2022 actual results: during the 2020 to 2021 school year, the average graduation rate in communities served by Pathways to Education was 76%. During the 2020 to 2021 school year, 69% of Pathways graduates transitioned to post-secondary education or training
• expected result (Outbound Student Mobility Pilot): 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
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • travel abroad under the Outbound Student Mobility Pilot (also branded as the Global Skills Opportunity), did not begin until March 2022 due to ongoing COVID-19 travel restrictions. Even with these restrictions in place, the recipients were able to support post-secondary institutions to launch virtual mobility through Global Skills Opportunity projects beginning in fall 2021
  • between April 1st, 2021, and March 31st, 2022, 310 post-secondary education students had started or completed a mobility experience, including 59 in-person, and 251 virtual
• expected result (Indspire): more Indigenous students have the financial means to access post-secondary education
• performance indicator: yearly percentage change of scholarship recipients
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: from 2021 to 2022, Indspire has distributed a total of $23,099,726 in scholarships and bursaries to 6,599 Indigenous students. This, includes 4,481 First Nations students (70%), 1,722 Métis students (26%), 224 Inuit students (3%) and 172 non-status First Nation students (3%). Of this total, 3,625 students were first-time scholarships recipients
• expected result (Goal Getters): more youth facing barriers in Canada can graduate from high school and successfully transition into post-secondary education
• performance indicators:
  • number of youth served
  • number of youth who demonstrated strengthened or new soft skills;
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • from 2021 to 2022, the number of youth served by Goal Getters was more than 16,800 youth
  • for 2021 to 2022, there was no collection of baseline data for the number of youth who demonstrated strengthened or new soft skills as it did not adequately demonstrate the initiative's impact.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2022 to 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

The department provided funding to multiple organizations, including Pathways to Education Canada, Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada and Indspire. Engagement is conducted as needed on an ongoing basis to improve and measure the program's outcomes for youth, including youth living in low-income households, Indigenous youth and students with disabilities.

During 2021 to 2022, the department engaged with Universities Canada and Colleges and Institutes Canada on a bi-weekly basis, with Pathways to Education Canada on a monthly basis and with Indspire on more than 4 occasions, in addition to attending conferences and events organized by various funded organizations.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to implementation delays caused by the pandemic and travel restrictions; and the Budget 2021 announcement of a pilot expansion of federal investments in the Supports for Student Learning Program. An amount of $10 million of unspent authority will be reprofiled to the year 2022 to 2023 for the International Education Strategy and the department is aiming to reprofile additional unspent authority to future years.

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: 2017 to 2018.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Learning, Skills Development and Employment)
• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Union Training and Innovation Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The program supports union-based apprenticeship training, innovation, and enhanced partnerships in the Red Seal Trades through 2 streams of funding:

• Investments in Training Equipment (stream 1): unions are provided with up to 50% of the cost of purchasing new, up-to-date equipment and materials to meet industry standards or investments in technology, leading to a more skilled, inclusive, certified and productive trades workforce
• Innovation in Apprenticeship (stream 2): unions and other partners are provided with support for innovative approaches and enhanced partnerships to address long-standing challenges limiting apprenticeship outcomes, for key target groups such as women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, newcomers and racialized persons

The Women in Construction Fund funds projects that expand or replicate models that have demonstrated success in increasing women's participation in construction trades. This includes:

• attracting and recruiting women to the trades (for example, through site visits, hands-on experiences and career exploration)
• supporting apprentice training and skill development through upgrading of essential skills, as well as tailored services for women (for example, childcare, transportation, purchase of tools, coaching and mentoring)
• supporting employers by developing recruitment/ retention tools and supports that promote inclusive and respectful workplaces

The objective of the Women in Construction Fund is to support women to participate in and succeed in the construction trades. The Women in Construction Fund ended on March 31, 2022.

Results achieved:

• expected result: participants have improved skills to succeed in the trades
• performance indicators:
  • number of participants in funded projects in stream 1 (equipment)
  • number of participants in funded projects in stream 2 (innovation)
  • percentage of participants in funded projects reporting an increase in skills after program intervention
  • number of participants in funded projects in the Women in Construction Funds (WCF)
• 2020 to 2021 actual results:
  • number of participants in funded projects in stream 1 (equipment): 24,461
  • number of participants in funded projects in stream 2 (innovation): 3,863
  • percentage of participants in funded projects reporting an increase in skills after program intervention: 75% of total participants in Stream 1 projects and 80% in Stream 2 projects reported an increase in skills after program intervention
  • number of participants in funded projects in the Women in Construction Funds (WCF): 881 in fiscal year 2020 to 2021

Notes: Women in Construction Fund results are published in Infrastructure Canada's Departmental Results Report.

The results for 2020 to 2021 were not available in time to be reported in the 2020 to 2021 Departmental Results Report, as such they have been included here.

A total of 4 projects were funded under the WCF program. The fourth project undertook significant promotion/awareness activities, and reported reaching high volumes as a result (173,563 women in fiscal year 2020 to 2021). For the purposes of DRR reporting, figures from the fourth project are excluded.

• 2021 to 2022 actual results: the survey to collect the Union Training and Innovation Program's Key Performance Indicators was launched in May 2022.
  • number of participants in funded projects in Stream 1 (equipment): 23,864
  • number of participants in funded projects in Stream 2 (innovation): 4,946
  • percentage of participants in funded projects reporting an increase in skills after program intervention: 92% of total participants in Stream 1 projects and 90% in Stream 2 projects reported an increase in skills after program intervention
  • number of participants in funded projects in the Women in Construction Funds (WCF): 814 in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Notes: A total of 4 projects were funded under the WCF program. The fourth project undertook significant promotion/awareness activities, and reported reaching high volumes as a result (589,271 women in fiscal year 2021 to 2022). For the purposes of DRR reporting, figures from the fourth project are excluded.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

An evaluation of the Union Training and Innovation Program was completed. Key findings include:

• the budget was spent as planned to fund projects under stream 1 and stream 2. The funding focussed on projects that improved the quality of training in the trades, addressed barriers limiting participation and success in trades training and careers, and enhanced partnerships
• by geographical and zonal distribution of funding, the program contributed to reducing barriers to access trades training
• the majority of the funding recipients indicated that they were satisfied with the funding they received as part of the program
• 56% of the interviewees reported that Indigenous people had access to the training, equipment and materials funded, as a result of these types of innovative approaches
• the program is meeting its outcomes: 95% of participants reported they are currently employed in a Red Seal Trade; 16% of them are from equity deserving groups, of which 90% are newcomers

The program exceeded the targeted number of participants for 2019 to 2020 by 24%. Of the 24%, 300 participants in projects funded since the inception, are from key target groups, including women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, newcomers and racialized persons.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: the program engaged with stakeholders to solicit their views on the program through annual National Stakeholder meetings held (in-person and virtually) in May, October, and November 2021, on an ad hoc basis throughout the year. In addition, the program engaged with provincial government departments on initiatives of shared interest.

Explanation of variances: the variance is due to additional funds of $7 million internally reallocated to the program in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 to fund additional Union Training and Innovation projects.

Wage Earner Protection Program

Start date: July 2008.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory – Wage Earner Protection Program Act.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2008 to 2009.

Links to departmental results:

• work conditions are fair and inclusive

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Working Conditions and Workplace Relation
• program: Wage Earner Protection Program

Purpose and objectives of the 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 7 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.

Results achieved:

• expected result: Wage Earner Protection Program applicants receive a payment, or a non-payment notification, in a timely manner
• performance indicator: percentage of initial Wage Earner Protection Program payments and non-payment notifications issued within 35 calendar days
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: 97.8%

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

An evaluation of the program was completed and a management action plan was approved in last quarter of fiscal year 2021 to 2022. Overall, the evaluation concluded the program is working well and aligns with the Government of Canada priorities. The evaluation provided 3 main recommendations for which the work is underway:

• explore strategies to reduce trustees' and receivers' administrative burden when submitting program forms and/or requesting fee payments
• explore ways to provide improved information to potential applicants about the interaction between the Wage Earner Protection Program and Employment Insurance
• work with trustees and receivers to help them provide better Wage Earner Protection Program information to potential applicants

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

As part of the Wage Earner Protection Program evaluation, various program stakeholders, such as applicants, recipients, trustees, and other officials were invited to answer a survey and participate in interviews to answer various questions about their satisfaction with the program and areas for improvement.

Internal and external stakeholders were consulted on a continuous basis while amended regulations were drafted and published. The regulations were published November of 2021. After this, meetings with stakeholders were held to answer questions about the new regulations. Additionally, bulletins with example case scenarios were sent out to help stakeholders with the interpretation and application of the amended regulations.

Explanation of variances: the variance between actual and planned spending for the Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is largely attributable to reduced corporate bankruptcies resulting from government financial supports in place for businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and higher-than-expected recoveries of subrogated debt. In the fiscal year 2021 to 2022, there were 405 WEPP insolvencies, representing a decrease of 42% compared to fiscal year 2020 to 2021, which saw 703 insolvencies. The WEPP also recovered 40.49% of established debt in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 due to dividends paid from large estates that went insolvent in fiscal year 2020 to 2021, significantly higher than the average 14% return rate on subrogated debt since program inception.

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.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Workforce Development Agreements

Purpose and objectives of the 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.

Results achieved:

• expected result: Canadians gain skills and become or remain employed and employers develop the skilled workforce they require
• performance indicator: number of clients benefiting from programs funded by the WDAs
• 2020 to 2021 actual result: over 394,000 individuals received supports in fiscal year 2020 to 2021. Results from Nunavut were not available at the time of publication
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: not available at the time of publication. Note:there is a lag in data availability, 2021 to 2022 results will be reported in the 2022 to 2023 Departmental Results Report

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

Findings from the recent evaluation demonstrate that the Workforce Development Agreements (WDA) reached the intended participants. The intended participants are those who are unemployed or further from the labour market, as well as members of underrepresented groups.

Results of the national survey of WDA participants, conducted as part of the evaluation, revealed that:

• employment rate for those who were unemployed pre-participation increased by 43 percentage points post-participation;
• 36% of survey respondents reported earning an average of $90 more per week;
• nearly 75% of survey participants indicated that they were either completely or very satisfied with the program or service they received
• while challenges have been identified, almost all provinces and territories emphasized that the WDAs are, overall, flexible enough to meet their needs and to respond to their priorities

Recommendations:

• to support program and service delivery, ESDC and provinces/territories are encouraged to share and discuss the lessons learned, best practices and challenges associated with serving persons with disabilities and individuals who are further removed from the labour market
• building on existing flexibilities in addressing labour market challenges, ESDC and provinces/territories are encouraged to continue working to ensure that the WDA programming responds to the needs of the ever-evolving labour market. They are also encouraged to discuss ways to reach more individuals who are further removed from the labour market
• ESDC and provinces/territories are encouraged to discuss what further steps could be taken to facilitate the collection of data necessary to assess the impact of the WDA programming and demonstrate the results to Canadians

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: under the WDAs, provinces and territories are required to engage with their stakeholders annually including employers, organizations representing workers, and official language minority communities, to inform program design and delivery.

Explanation of variances: no variance.

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.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Learning, Skills Development and Employment)

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Purpose and objectives of the 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 11 other federal departments. YESS includes 3 programs at ESDC:

• YESS Program
• Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)
• Goal Getters*

Employment and Social Development Canada's YESS program is delivered through non-repayable contribution agreements.

* Following announcement made in Budget 2021, funding allocated to the Goal Getters initiative as part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy was reallocated to the Supports for Student Learning Program (SSLP). Any results would be reported by SSLP as appropriate.

Results achieved (YESS Program and CSJ):

• expected result: 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 indicators:
  • total youth served
  • percentage of clients employed or self employed
  • percentage of clients returned to school
  • percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • total youth served:
    • ESDC YESS Program: 17,985
    • CSJ: 124,747
  • percentage of clients employed or self employed:
    • ESDC YESS Program: 45%
    • CSJ: 46%
  • percentage of clients returned to school:
    • ESDC YESS Program: 11%
    • CSJ: 54%
  • percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment:
    • ESDC YESS Program: 87.7%
    • CSJ: 75%
• note: baseline data was to be collected in fiscal year 2020 to 2021 to set targets for fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and onwards. Given the impacts of COVID-19, baseline data will continue to be collected in fiscal year 2021 to 2022, to set targets in fiscal year 2023 to 2024

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The first phase of the horizontal evaluation is currently being conducted (mid-cycle assessment, limited to ESDC programs) and will end in spring 2023. The second phase will include all YESS programs and will be completed and approved by winter 2025.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

During fiscal year 2021 to 2022, the department held ministerial engagement roundtables with organizations that serve persons with disabilities, as well as, youth with disabilities to support program development. In addition the department regularly met with applicants and recipients to engage them in how YESS can continue to support high-quality work opportunities for youth facing barriers.

During fiscal year 2021 to 2022, the department asked organizations with the capacity to create employment opportunities in the summer of 2022, to self-identify through an expression of interest process. This included organizations that were receiving YESS funding and eligible organizations that were not funded through the 2019 call for proposals.

This engagement of applicants was in response to the commitment in the 2020 Fall Economic Statement to create more jobs for youth over 2021 to 2022 and 2022 to 2023.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to additional authorities accessed by the department in year for an amount of $130.4 million. The program encountered delays in implementation due to unforseen circumstances, which compressed timelines required to develop investment strategies, seek approvals, and negotiate and set-up contribution agreements. The department is aiming to reprofile unspent authority to future years.

Note: actual spending for the fiscal years 2019 to 2020 and 2020 to 2021, as well as the planned spending for the fiscal year 2021 to 2022 have been adjusted to deduct the amounts related to Goals Getters which is now included under the Supports for Student Learning Program.

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: not applicable.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• students, including those from low- and middle-income families, use federally funded supports to help them participate in post-secondary education (PSE)
• student borrowers are able to repay their federal student debt
• clients receive high-quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (formerly known as Canada Student Loans Program; name was changed as a result of Budget 2021) and Canada Apprentice Loan

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: Budget 2014 announced an expansion of the Canada Student Financial Assistance 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.

Results achieved:

• expected result: eligible apprentices receive loans to participate in apprenticeship training
• performance indicator: total number of Canada Apprentice Loan borrowers
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: in the 2021 to 2022 academic year, 8,200 students benefited from Apprentice Loans.
• Note: results for the Canada Apprentice Loan are calculated for an academic year, which ends on July 31 of a given year. As such, the number of borrowers reported as receiving an Apprentice Loan is for the period of August 1, 2021 to July 31, 2022.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022. The next evaluation is planned for 2024 to 2025.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to higher than expected loans forgiven as a result of death, which is difficult to predict.

Provision of funds for interest payments to lending institutions under the Canada Student Loans Act

Start date: November 1, 2019.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: statutory – Canada Student Loans Act.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• students, including those from low- and middle-income families, use federally funded supports to help them participate in post-secondary education (PSE)
• student borrowers are able to repay their federal student debt
• clients receive high-quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (formerly known as Canada Student Loans Program; name was changed as a result of Budget 2021) and Canada Apprentice Loan

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The Canada Student Financial Assistance Program was created in 1964 as a statutory spending program under the Canada Student Loans Act. Between 1964 and 1995, financial assistance in the form of loans were provided by financial institutions (such as banks), under the guaranteed loans regime. The Canada Student Loans Act continues to apply to loans issued prior to August 1, 1995.

Budget 2019 proposed changes to the Canada Student Loans interest rate policy. These changes will provide relief to students during the repayment period. They will respond to today's realities, including higher tuition, higher living costs and the changing nature of work faced by young workers. The government will lower the floating interest rate — used by 99 per cent of student borrowers — to prime for all loans including guaranteed.

In recognition of the ongoing hardships faced by students and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic and in an effort to make student loan repayment more manageable, the Government of Canada has waived interest on Canada Student Loans from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2023. This measure reduces the monthly payments required from borrowers, and the total interest accrued will be substantially reduced over the lifetime of the loan. This applies to all loans including guaranteed loans.

Results achieved:

• expected results:
  • students who borrowed under the guaranteed 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 Loans Act in agreements with financial institutions
• performance indicator: there is no performance indicator for this program given that the loan regime will be extinguished in the next few years
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: there are no actual results for this program given that the loan regime will be extinguished in the next few years

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the portfolio of 1 of the major financial institutions was bought back at the end of the fiscal year 2020 to 2021, resulting in a decrease of claims from what was originally anticipated for fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

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.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians access education, training, and life-long learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need
• students, including those from low- and middle-income families, use federally funded supports to help them participate in post-secondary education (PSE)
• student borrowers are able to repay their federal student debt
• clients receive high-quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (formerly known as Canada Student Loans Program; name was changed as a result of Budget 2021) and Canada Apprentice Loan

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: between 1964 and 1995, the Canada Student Financial Assistance 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.

Results achieved: there is no expected result or measurable performance indicator for this portfolio as it is comprised of guaranteed loans that were disbursed prior to August 1, 1995. The portfolio will most likely be extinguished in the next few years

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to recoveries on defaulted loans being slightly lower than previously anticipated, and claims decreasing as the portfolio of 1 major financial institution was bought back at the end of fiscal year 2020 to 2021.

Strategic Engagement and Research Program

Start date: May 15, 2020.

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: 2020 to 2021.

Links to departmental results:

• increase inclusion and opportunities for participation of Canadians in their communities

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development
• program: Strategic Engagement and Research Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: the Strategic Engagement and Research Program (SERP) is a grant and contribution program. It is used to fund assessed contributions to international organizations, research, and research-related events undertaken by and with international and domestic organizations. In order to be considered for funding, research and/or events must be related to the department's mandate and priorities. It must also contribute to the overall knowledge base and dialogue on employment and social development issues for the benefit of Canadians. To note, the OECD Named Grant, created in 2004, was permanently transferred to the SERP.

Results achieved:

• expected results:
  • Canada maintains membership with international organizations and supports international research and activities to inform the development and implementation of domestic and international employment and social development programs and policies
  • public access to expanded knowledge base related to current and emerging employment and social development issues is increased
• performance indicators:
  • percentage of payments of assessed contributions to multilateral organizations of which Canada is a member that are paid in full and on time
  • percentage of agreements signed through the domestic stream of the SERP resulting in at least 1 final product made public
• 2021 to 2022 actual results:
  • percentage of payments of assessed contributions to multilateral organizations of which Canada is a member that are paid in full and on time: 100%
  • percentage of agreements signed through the domestic stream of the SERP resulting in at least 1 final product made public: 100%

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits were completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: there were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: the variance for the Strategic Engagement and Research Program (SERP) is due to the program being established to replace the OECD Named Grant, the final stages of the replacement is ongoing. Total authorities were fully spent.

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: 2021 to 2022.

Links to departmental results:

• Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Learning, Skills Development and Employment)

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Job Bank

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: the Labour Market Information Council (LMIC) 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.

Results achieved:

• expected result: the LMIC's Annual Report is available to support decision-making by those who require labour market information
• performance indicator: the timely online publication of the LMIC's Annual Report
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: the LMIC released its Annual Report (2020 to 2021) through its website, in the fall of 2021
• expected result: labour market information is more accessible through a range of innovative labour market information insights and products
• performance indicator: increased social media presence and website traffic
• 2020 to 2021 result: as reported in the LMIC's Annual Report (2020 to 2021), the organization continued to grow its web and media presence over the previous year. It reported over 275,000 web page views, 2,100 subscribers to its newsletter, 3,000,000 impressions on Twitter and 2,600 followers on LinkedIn. The council was also featured in 562 media stories
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: the LMIC's web and media presence for 2021 to 2022 will be reported through its Annual Report in the fall of 2022. Results for2021 to 2022 will be made available through the Council's website, as well as in the Departmental Results Report 2022 to 2023

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: a financial audit is currently underway. Results will be included in the LMIC 2021 to 2022 Annual Report. An independent firm audits the LMI's finances yearly. As at March 31, 2021 the firm reported that financial statements were presented fairly, and were in accordance with Canadian accounting standards for not-for-profit organizations.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluations currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: the department engages regularly with the LMIC at the working level. This is done through various channels, including the Government Stakeholder Advisory Panel. The department and Statistics Canada also have senior-level representation on the Council's Board of Directors.

Explanation of variances: no variance.

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.

Links to departmental results:

• increase inclusion and opportunities for participation of Canadians in their communities
• 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: Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

The purpose of the Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program is to support the federal government's implementation of the 2030 Agenda by strengthening partnerships and engagement with Canadians. This includes provinces and territories, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, academia, the private sector, Indigenous peoples, women, youth and vulnerable and/or marginalized populations. It is an opportunity to work in partnership with organizations to make progress on the SDGs 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.

Results achieved:

• expected result: knowledge and data gaps are identified and innovation is supported in furthering Canada's implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals
• performance indicator: number of supported projects that identify knowledge/data gaps or ways to support innovation to advance Canada's implementation of Agenda 2030 and sustainable development goals
• 2021 to 2022 actual result: in fiscal year 2021 to 2022, the program funded 5 new projects, in addition to 12 ongoing projects. Ongoing engagement protocol agreement were also in place to provide funding to the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits were completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: not applicable. Program spending does not warrant an evaluation as per the Financial Administration Act.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022:

The department continued to engage with funding recipients and applicants representing the whole-of-society. In 2021 to 2022, this included:

• funding and participating in the 2022 edition of Together|Ensemble, Canada's annual national conference on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
• funding Community Foundations of Canada, a national network of organizations, institutions, and individuals committed to advance the SDGs through Alliance 2030 and amplify Canada's leadership on the SDGs

Although stakeholders have not been formally involved in the design of the SDG Funding Program, program parameters continue to take into consideration input from ongoing engagement with stakeholders.

Explanation of variances: The variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to internal reallocations of $900,000 from the Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program within ESDC's Vote 5 program to 3 Engagement Protocol Agreements (EPAs) – valued at $300,000 per Agreement – with the Assembly of First Nations, the Metis National Council and the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami.

Universal Child Care Benefit

Start date: July 1, 2006.

End date: replaced by the Canada Child Benefit in July 2016.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory – Universal Child Care Benefit Act.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2006 to 2007.

Links to departmental results:

• 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 the transfer payment program:

The Universal Child Care Benefit provided 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 2016. This transfer payment program ensures the department meets its administrative obligations related to retroactive claims, write-offs and adjustments of the Universal Child Care Benefit accounts receivable.

Results achieved: not applicable.

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits were completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluation completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluation currently planned.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: There were no engagement activities in fiscal year 2021 to 2022.

Explanation of variances: Budget 2016 introduced the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). The CCB replaced the UCCB effective July 1, 2016 with a new, simple tax-free and more generous benefit targeted to families who need it most. However, the Universal Child Care Benefit Act remains in force to allow for the processing of retroactive claims, adjustments, and remissions. The variance between planned and actual spending in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 is due to the fluctuation in claims and adjustments.

Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund

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.

Links to departmental results:

Link to department's Program Inventory:

• core responsibility: Working Conditions and Workplace Relations
• program: Occupational Health and Safety

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: the Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund 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.

Results achieved:

• expected results:
  • 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;
• performance indicators:
  • number of sector specific training programs, tools and resources developed
  • number of tools and resources that have been integrated into the organizations' programs, policies and training
• 2021 to 2022 actual results: not available at the time of publication

Findings of audits completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no audits were completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no audits currently planned.

Findings of evaluations completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: no evaluations were completed in fiscal year 2021 to 2022 and no evaluation are currently planned as projects are currently ongoing.

Engagement of applicants and recipients in fiscal year 2021 to 2022: ESDC continues to communicate with recipients on a regular basis, for quarterly and annual project updates. Planned forums with recipients and stakeholders were not held in 2021 to 2022. This is because many of the funding recipients were in the midst of their projects. It was determined to be more advantageous to engage recipients and interested stakeholders at the conclusion of the current funding cycle. At this point in time more projects will be finished and recipients can share a more complete information on their work as well as tools, resources, and training developed.

Explanation of variances: no significant variance.