Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement

Year 2 Review

9.1 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador agree to design and conduct a joint Year 2 Review of the implementation of this Agreement. The Year 2 Review will be conducted in Fiscal Year 2010/11 and completed in 2011/12. The purpose of the Year 2 Review will be to:

• (a) ensure that the Parties are properly implementing the provisions of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, provisions relating to:
  • (i) transition and implementation (progress towards full implementation and Employee Transfer Agreement)
  • (ii) management arrangements;
  • (iii) priorities, plans, results, budgets;
  • (iv) data collection and reporting (including administrative data systems and data sources);
  • (v) communications (both internal and external);
  • (vi) funding;
  • (vii) implementation of the performance measurement framework;
  • (viii) development of an evaluation framework; and
  • (ix) other matters, including monitoring and accountability; and
• (b) inform potential improvements to this Agreement.

Evaluations

9.2 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador recognize the importance of evaluating the NL Benefits and Measures in order to determine their impacts and outcomes. Newfoundland and Labrador agrees, therefore, to carry out periodic evaluations of the NL Benefits and Measures. The first impact evaluation will be conducted three to five years after implementation and subsequent evaluations will be conducted regularly, on a three-to-five year basis, as determined by the Designated Officials.

9.3. Newfoundland and Labrador will advise Canada by notice in writing delivered on or before April 1, 2010 that Newfoundland and Labrador has elected that either:

• (a) Articles 9.4 and 9.5 inclusive (“Option 1”), or
• (b) Articles 9.6, 9.7 and 9.8 inclusive (“Option 2”)

shall apply to, and form part of, this Agreement and upon delivery of such notice, those Articles so elected shall apply to and form part of this Agreement.

(a) Contributions towards the costs of NL benefits and measures

14.2 Canada, through the Commission, agrees to make an annual contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador pursuant to section 63 of the EI Act towards the Costs of NL Benefits and Measures in accordance with Articles 14.3 to 14.5 below.

14.3 The amounts payable for Fiscal Year 2009/2010 and Fiscal Year 2010/2011 will be determined in accordance with the methodology for allocating among provinces or territories the funding approved each year by Canada's Treasury Board for expenditures under Part II of the EI Act. The currently projected maximum amount of Canada's contribution towards the Costs of NL Benefits and Measures for each of those Fiscal Years is estimated to be:

Fiscal Year 2009/2010: $133,707,000 (partial year funding), and

Fiscal Year 2010/2011: $134,250,000.

14.4 For greater certainty, the annual contribution amounts referred to in Article 14.2 do not include insurance benefits payable by the Commission to Active EI Claimants under Part I of the EI Act (by virtue of section 25 of the EI Act) while participating in training and other employment activities under Newfoundland and Labrador Benefits.

14.5 For each Fiscal Year after Fiscal Year 2010/11 during the term of this Agreement, the Parties will review Canada's contribution towards the costs of the NL Benefits and Measures. In conducting the annual reviews, Canada undertakes to provide Newfoundland and Labrador with a three-year projection of Canada's annual allocation which is based on current trends, but which is subject to change. The agreed maximum amount of Canada's contribution towards the costs of the NL Benefits and Measures for each Fiscal Year will then be specified in the Annual Annex for that Fiscal Year.

(b) Contributions towards Newfoundland and Labrador's administration costs

14.6 In addition to the annual contribution towards the Costs of NL Benefits and Measures, Canada, through the Commission, agrees to make an annual contribution to Newfoundland and Labrador towards the Administration Costs incurred by Newfoundland and Labrador in each Fiscal Year during the term of the Agreement.

14.7 Subject to Articles 14.9 and 14.10, the maximum amount of the annual contribution towards Newfoundland and Labrador's Administration Costs will be an amount determined in accordance with the methodology described in the letter of September 25, 1996 from Canada's Deputy Minister of Human Resources Development to Newfoundland and Labrador's Deputy Minister of Development and Rural Renewal and Deputy Minister of Education.

14.8 The maximum amount payable by Canada in the annual contribution towards Newfoundland and Labrador's Administration Costs determined under Article 14.7 in each Fiscal Year is $8,475,000.

14.9 The maximum amount of the contribution in respect of Newfoundland and Labrador's Administration Costs, as determined under Article 14.7, that is payable in any Fiscal Year falling within the three-year period following the date of transfer of federal employees to Newfoundland and Labrador shall be reduced if there is any reduction in the amount of the normal salary, as set out in an Employee Transfer Agreement, paid to those employees in that Fiscal Year. The amount of the reduction in the contribution for the Fiscal Year in question shall be an amount equal to the aggregate of the reduction in the agreed normal salaries payable to the transferred employees.

14.10 The maximum amount payable under Article 14.8 may be increased by an amount equal to savings in accommodation costs in relation to the number of federal employees actually transferred to Newfoundland and Labrador as federal leases become renewed following the transfer. Canada will make funds available to Newfoundland and Labrador as federal leases become renewed following the transfer of employees or as otherwise jointly agreed to by the Designated Officials. The additional amount payable under this Article shall not exceed $643,000 in each Fiscal Year.

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this Annex to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) is to describe the Benefits and Measures that will be provided by Newfoundland and Labrador.

2.0 Objectives

Newfoundland and Labrador will deliver a wide range of Benefits and Measures to assist EI Clients and other unemployed individuals, in finding, keeping and maintaining employment. These benefits and measures will be offered within an innovative, integrated and cost-effective system of labour market programs and services that:

1. develops and builds upon on the knowledge, skills and abilities of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians;
2. facilitates more efficient and effective matching of a skilled labour force with the current and emerging needs of employers;
3. focuses on addressing labour market challenges facing employers and employees throughout Newfoundland and Labrador;
4. promotes employment growth;
5. supports provincial economic strategic objectives and priorities; and
6. recognizes the responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments in the area of labour market development, and clarifies roles and responsibilities in ways that improve the quality and accountability of government services to the public; and, to the extent possible, reduces unnecessary overlap and duplication in their labour market development programs.

3.0 NL benefits

Newfoundland and Labrador will provide five benefits to enable EI Clients to obtain employment. Each is described briefly below.

• a) Newfoundland and Labrador Wage Subsidies

  Newfoundland and Labrador will provide funding to employers to encourage them to hire EI Clients whom they would not normally hire in the absence of a subsidy. Newfoundland and Labrador may also provide related employment supports to eligible individuals, including tools, equipment and short-term training.

• b) Newfoundland and Labrador Job Creation Partnerships

  Newfoundland and Labrador will provide financial support, in partnership with employers and/or community organizations, to projects that provide EI clients with work experience leading to ongoing employment.

• c) Newfoundland and Labrador Self-Employment Assistance

  Newfoundland and Labrador will assist EI Clients in establishing their own businesses and becoming self-employed by providing self-employment services, such as entrepreneurship training, customized coaching, and ongoing advice and client supports.

• d) Newfoundland and Labrador Skills Development

  Newfoundland and Labrador will provide a benefit for the education and training of EI Clients so they can obtain the skills necessary for employment. Under this benefit, EI Clients will be expected to share the cost of training where appropriate.

  This benefit will include the costs ordinarily paid by Newfoundland and Labrador over and above the amounts recovered through tuition fees, with respect to each EI Client receiving financial assistance under Newfoundland and Labrador Skills Development and attending a publicly funded training institution.

• e) Newfoundland and Labrador Earnings Supplements

  Newfoundland and Labrador may provide temporary, targetted earnings supplements, including wage “top-ups” or other employment related supports, to encourage EI Clients to accept employment.

4.0 Newfoundland and Labrador measures

Newfoundland and Labrador will provide three measures, described briefly below:

• a) Newfoundland and Labrador Employment Assistance Services

  Employment Assistance Services will be used to help clients obtain employment. Services may include needs determination, employment counselling, job search training, and provision of labour market information.

  Newfoundland and Labrador will provide services to meet the needs of specific client groups and local communities through a service delivery network that is further described in Annex 3.

  Employment Assistance Services will be available to unemployed persons and job seekers.

• b) Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Partnerships

  Newfoundland and Labrador will provide funding to support employers, employer or employee associations, community groups and communities in developing and implementing labour market strategies and activities for dealing with labour force adjustments and meeting human resource requirements.

  Labour Market Partnerships may be used to provide assistance for employed persons who are facing loss of employment.

• c) Newfoundland and Labrador Research and Innovation

  Newfoundland and Labrador will develop a measure to support research and innovative projects to identify better ways of helping persons prepare for, return to or keep employment and be productive participants in the labour force.

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this Annex is to set out

• (a) the National Employment Service (NES) function delegated to Newfoundland and Labrador by the Canada Employment Insurance Commission and,
• (b) the activities to be undertaken in establishing effective links between the Parties to facilitate and coordinate the operation of local, provincial and national labour exchange systems and the production and dissemination of local, provincial and national labour market information (LMI).

2.0 Delegation of labour exchange function

2.1 Newfoundland and Labrador agrees to maintain labour exchange in a manner that allows universal access by all clients and to the timely transfer of information to the national labour exchange system as the parties to the agreement agree to be appropriate.

3.0 Cooperation on labour market information

3.1 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador recognize that accessible, timely and reliable labour market information is critical to support economic progress at the local, regional, provincial and national level and implementation of this Agreement. To this end, both parties agree to the preparation of a joint labour market information strategy to:

• (a) clarify their respective roles and responsibilities with respect to the development, dissemination and use of labour market information, especially information that is related to implementation of this Agreement;
• (b) encourage partnerships; and
• (c) ensure complementarily such that there is no unnecessary overlap and duplication.

3.2 Canada is responsible for the National Labour Market Information System, including the National Labour Market Information (“ LMI”) System with which it will produce and disseminate labour market information and products connected with proper management of the Employment Insurance Account, entitlement to and continuation of EI benefits, and information for Employment Insurance users, as well as those required for the planning and delivery of HRSDC activities relating to this Agreement.

3.3 Newfoundland and Labrador will be responsible for producing local, regional and provincial labour market information needed to assume the responsibilities conferred on it in this Agreement, as well as disseminating within Newfoundland and Labrador, labour market information relating to the implementation of this Agreement and participating in and maintaining a link with the National Labour Market Information System.

3.4 Local, regional, provincial and national labour market information may include:

• a) occupational profiles and forecasts;
• b) community profiles;
• c) demographic and labour force profiles and forecasts;
• d) industrial/sectoral profiles and forecasts;
• e) wage and salary data;
• f) conditions of employment;
• g) vacancy and employment opportunities;
• h) reviews of labour market trends;
• i) occupational demand lists;
• j) potential employer lists;
• k) lists of training providers and available courses;
• l) major project updates; and
• m) work search tools.

1.0 Purpose

1.1 The purpose of this Annex to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) is to describe the service delivery network for NL Benefits and Measures as outlined in Annex 1 and for the delegated National Employment Services function as outlined in Annex 2.

2.0 Service delivery approach

2.1 The Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE) will assume lead responsibility for delivery of NL Benefits and Measures and responsibility for federal staff who transfer to the Provincial government under this Agreement.

2.2 Newfoundland and Labrador's broad service delivery approach will be guided by the fundamental principle of citizen-centred service. Newfoundland and Labrador will offer labour market programs and services that respond to the needs of individuals, employers and the labour market as a whole, using flexible service delivery methodologies.

2.3 Newfoundland and Labrador will deliver a continuum of flexible and tailored labour market and skills training programs and services to meet the needs of a broad range of clients including employers, unemployed persons, EI Clients, Income Support recipients, and under-employed persons.

2.4 Newfoundland and Labrador will coordinate the delivery of NL Benefits and Measures and related programs and services and provide “no wrong door” service to clients, both directly, through its own staff (from HRLE, the Department of Education, and the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, as well as other Departments), and indirectly, through a network of third party agencies.

2.5 Newfoundland and Labrador will use a multi-channel approach to provide clients with access to labour market programs and services, including in-person services, telephone services, and services via the internet and the mail.

2.6 Newfoundland and Labrador will ensure citizens and community partners are aware of the full range of services available, how to access services and how these services can meet their identified needs, or those of their clients.

2.7 Newfoundland and Labrador will partner with key stakeholders including employers, employer and labour organizations and community groups to address current and emerging labour market issues such as skill shortages to help maximize participation and improve employment outcomes for individuals and support continued economic progress. These partnerships will help ensure more effective responses through increased access to supports for human resource planning, recruitment and retention, skill training, employment and career development and labour market information.

2.8 Newfoundland and Labrador will involve stakeholders at the local level to support planning activities to ensure services are tailored to meet local and regional needs.

2.9 Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada agree that service delivery will be maintained in communities where Service Canada has an office that currently delivers programs and services under this Agreement until a review of service delivery has been completed. These communities include: Clarenville, Corner Brook, Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Happy Valley, Harbour Grace, Labrador City, Marystown, Placentia, Port Aux Basques, Rocky Harbour, Springdale, St. Anthony, St. John's and Stephenville.

2.10 Newfoundland and Labrador will select service delivery sites carefully and will give consideration to factors such as: historical/traditional service catchment areas, program and cost effectiveness, requirements under provincial and federal workplace legislation, accessibility for persons with disabilities, the visibility needs of each order of government, and office designs that enhance client service.

2.11 Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada will promote strong linkages between the service delivery models for the NL Benefits and Measures and Employment Insurance (Part I) to support rapid reemployment of EI claimants and reduce dependency on federal and provincial financial assistance.

1.0 Purpose

The purpose of this Annex is to set out the agreement of the parties on the indicators to be used for measuring the results of the NL Benefits and Measures, the annual results target setting process, and annual results reporting.

2.0 Results measurement indicators

2.1 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador agree that the following indicators are to be used in measuring the results of the NL Benefits and Measures:

• (a) the number of Active EI Claimants who have accessed NL Benefits and Measures;
• (b) the number of EI Clients returned to employment; and
• (c) savings to the Employment Insurance Account.

3.0 Annual targets and target-setting

3.1 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador agree that the annual targets for the three results indicators will be mutually agreed to and be based upon historical data, socio-economic and labour market context, local or regional priorities, the characteristics or requirements of clients, and the funds available for the NL Benefits and Measures. Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador agree that the results targets for the first Fiscal Year of implementation of the NL Benefits and Measures will be soft targets.

3.2 The results targets for each Fiscal Year will be set out in the Annual Annex for that Fiscal Year.

4.0 Reporting of results

4.1 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador agree that the results indicators will be tracked and reported to Canada, and that on a quarterly basis Newfoundland and Labrador will provide to the Regional Executive Head, Service Canada responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, the following Year-to-Date (“YTD”) information:

• (a) Percentage of EI clients involved in Newfoundland and Labrador Benefits who are active EI claimants;
• (b) Number of EI clients and the number of active EI claimants who are employed or self-employed, broken down by Newfoundland and Labrador Benefit and the average cost. EI clients are considered as employed if they:
  • (i) have drawn 25 percent or less of their Employment Insurance entitlement for twelve consecutive weeks (applies to active EI claimants who return to employment twelve weeks or more before the end of their benefit period); or,
  • (ii) draw 25 percent or less of their Employment Insurance entitlement in all their remaining weeks on benefits (applies to active EI claimants who return to employment less than twelve weeks before the end of their benefit period); or,
  • (iii) are recorded as employed at the completion of their intervention(s) (applies to EI clients who return to employment after the end of their benefit period or who were not active EI claimants); or,
  • (iv) are employed when contacted twelve weeks after the completion of their intervention(s) (applies to insured participants who return to employment after the end of their benefit period or who were not active EI claimants);
• (c) Year-to-Date savings to the Employment Insurance Account as a result of active EI claimants becoming employed before making a full draw on their insurance entitlement (Part I insurance benefit entitlement minus actual Part I payout); and
• (d) the number of EI clients and the number of active EI claimants who have completed their intervention, broken down by type and average cost per intervention, as well as the number of active EI claimants who have yet to complete their intervention.

1.0 Purpose

1.1 The purpose of this Annex to the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) is to provide for the exchange of information, including personal information as defined in section 3 of Canada's Privacy Act and section 2 of Newfoundland and Labrador's Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, between the parties. Personal information includes social insurance numbers.

2.0 Authorities

Canada to Newfoundland and Labrador:

2.1 With respect to the information to be provided by Canada to Newfoundland and Labrador under section 3 of this Annex, Canada confirms that it is authorized under section 34(1) of the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Act (DHRSD Act) to provide such personal information to Newfoundland and Labrador for the purposes set out in section 3. In this regard:

• (a) the personal information set out in section 3 consists of information obtained by the Canada Employment Insurance Commission or the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development, styled as the Department of Human Resources and Social Development, from persons under the Employment Insurance Act (EI Act), and of information prepared from such information;
• (b) subsection 34(1) of the DHRSD Act authorizes the disclosure of the aforementioned personal information to any person or body for the administration or enforcement of the program for which it was obtained or prepared; and
• (c) the personal information described in section 3 of this Annex will be disclosed to Newfoundland and Labrador only for the purposes described herein.

Newfoundland and Labrador to Canada:

2.2 With respect to the personal information to be provided by Newfoundland and Labrador to Canada under section 4 of this Annex, Newfoundland and Labrador confirms that it is authorized under section 39(1)(d) of Newfoundland and Labrador's Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act to provide such information to Canada for the purposes set out in section 4.

3.0 Information to be provided by Canada to Newfoundland and Labrador

3.1 Canada will provide to Newfoundland and Labrador, when requested by Newfoundland and Labrador, on a per individual basis, the following personal information under its control from an individual's file for the purposes of:

(a) assisting Newfoundland and Labrador in establishing and verifying if the individual qualifies as an EI client (who is not an active EI claimant) and is therefore eligible for, or entitled to, assistance under Newfoundland and Labrador programs:

• name
• social insurance number
• address
• postal code
• telephone number
• date of birth
• responsible Service Canada Centres - if available
• gender
• language (French or English)
• EI client status

And,

(b) in respect of an individual who has been determined to be an active EI claimant who is eligible for, or entitled to, assistance under Newfoundland and Labrador programs, assisting Newfoundland and Labrador in determining the nature and level of financial assistance to be provided to the EI client under Newfoundland and Labrador programs:

• name
• social insurance number
• address
• postal code
• telephone number
• date of birth
• responsible Service Canada Centres - if available
• gender
• language (French or English)
• EI client status
• number of previous claims in the last five years (60 months)
• disqualified - yes/no
  • if yes - number of disqualification weeks
  • if yes - disqualification effective date
  • if yes - disqualification weeks remaining
• disentitlement - yes/no
  • if yes - disentitlement start date
  • if yes - disentitlement end week
• disentitlement/disqualification messages according to reason codes:
  • disentitlement suspension possible for Part II - Contact Service Canada
  • disentitlement cannot be suspended. Client not eligible for Part I
  • disqualification suspended for Part II
  • disqualification cannot be suspended. Client not eligible for Part I
• stop payment - yes/no
  • if yes - date of stop payment
• type of EI benefit (claim type, e.g. regular, etc.)
• benefit period commencement (BPC)
• last week processed
• week of renewal
• EI benefit rate - Part I
• federal tax deducted
• provincial tax deducted
• number of eligible weeks
• number of weeks paid (number of weeks paid special benefits and number of weeks paid regular benefits identified if on same claim)
• expected end date of Part I
• identification if on measure -
  • “Notice: Client is currently on an intervention - dates of intervention”
  • “Notice: Interventions taken on own initiative - dates”
  • Notice: The client is participating on his/her own self-employment initiative - dates of initiative”
• identification if about to commence a measure - “Notice: Client to commence intervention on (date)”
• identification if recently participated on a measure - “Notice: The client was previously on an intervention, dates”
• “Provincial/Territorial parental benefit applied for - Client payments not initiated - Contact Service Canada Centre”
• “Active Claim - Provincial/Territorial parental benefits" - Provincial Parental Benefits may be considered the same as EI maternity, paternity or parental benefits - Contact Service Canada Centre”
  • Yes (D56/D57)
  • Yes - Contact Service Canada (this is when there is a reachback Provincial Parental Benefit)
  • No
  • N/A
• apprenticeship (yes/no)
• apprenticeship waiting period waived (yes/no)
• allocation of earnings weekly amount
• allocation of earnings
  • start date of allocation of earnings
  • end date of allocation of earnings
  • last week of allocations of earnings

3.2 Upon request, on a per individual basis Canada will provide to Newfoundland and Labrador all or any of the following personal information under its control on all EI clients who have received assistance from Newfoundland and Labrador under Newfoundland and Labrador programs for use by Newfoundland and Labrador in modifying, updating and/or reviewing the information submitted to Canada. This information was initially provided to Canada pursuant to section 4.1 of this Annex regarding the referral by Newfoundland and Labrador, for purposes of Section 25 of the EI Act, of an active EI claimant to a Newfoundland and Labrador training or self-employment program:

• name
• social insurance number
• Service Canada Centre code
• project type
• train(ing) ID
• start week(s)/date(s) of intervention
• end week(s)/date(s) of intervention
• project Responsibility Centre code
• project number
• apprentice indicator
• intervention break start week/date
• intervention break end week/date
• agreement number
• institution code (if available)
• no claimant report code
• rate (EI Part II)

3.3 Canada will provide to Newfoundland and Labrador all or any of the following personal information under its control on all EI clients and non- EI clients who have received assistance from Newfoundland and Labrador under Newfoundland and Labrador programs, for use by Newfoundland and Labrador for the review, analysis and verification of the data calculated/held by Canada for monitoring, assessment and reporting purposes. This information will be provided in a mutually agreed upon format.

3.3.1 Based on the monthly EI client and non-insured participant files (interventions) provided by Newfoundland and Labrador in section 4.2, the following personal information will be provided to Newfoundland and Labrador by Canada in a return file to assist Newfoundland and Labrador in reviewing and verifying Canada's reporting of results:

• social insurance number
• apprenticeship client indicator
• benefit rate
• benefit period commencement
• last week of entitlement
• month code
• unpaid benefits
• last week processed
• new benefit period commencement
• total weeks paid
• training ID
• training/self-employment project start week
• training/self-employment project end week
• unit 43 - active EI claimants employed before end of insurance entitlement period as a result of a Newfoundland and Labrador program
• unit 44 - active EI claimants employed after insurance entitlement period as a result of a Newfoundland and Labrador program
• unit 45 - non case-managed active EI claimants employed before the end of their entitlement period as a result of a Newfoundland and Labrador group service
• unit 46 - former EI claimants employed as a result of a Newfoundland and Labrador program
• unit 52 - unpaid benefits (EI Part I) resulting from EI claimants employed before end of insurance entitlement period, as a result of a Newfoundland and Labrador program (corresponds to unit 43 - non-TWS)
• unit 53 - unpaid benefits (EI Part I) resulting from EI claimants employed before end of insurance entitlement period as a result of a Newfoundland and Labrador targeted wage subsidy intervention (corresponds to unit 43 - TWS)
• unit 54 - unpaid benefits (EI Part I) resulting from EI claimants employed before end of insurance entitlement period as a result of a Newfoundland and Labrador group service (corresponds to unit 45)
• unit 143 - LMDA EI claimant who finds employment before the end of their entitlement period as a result of a Newfoundland and Labrador program
• unit 144 - LMDA EI claimant who is recorded as employed after their entitlement period
• unit 145 - LMDA EI claimant who becomes employed before the end of their entitlement period as a result of Newfoundland and Labrador Group Services
• unit 146 - former LMDA EI claimant who becomes employed as a result of a Newfoundland and Labrador program
• unit 152 - EI LMDA unpaid benefits (EI Part I) resulting from EI claimants employed before end of insurance entitlement period, as a result of a Newfoundland and Labrador program (corresponds to unit 143 non - TWS)
• unit 153 - EI LMDA unpaid benefits (EI Part I) resulting from EI claimants employed before end of insurance entitlement period as a result of a Newfoundland and Labrador Targeted Wage Subsidy intervention (wage subsidy - corresponds to unit 143 - TWS program)
• unit 154 - EI LMDA unpaid benefits (EI Part I) resulting from EI claimants employed before end of insurance entitlement period as a result of a Newfoundland and Labrador group service (corresponds to unit 145)
• result week of action plan/intervention
• result date of action plan/intervention
• action plan result
• result week
• intervention code
• intervention start date
• intervention end date
• provincial Responsibility Centre code
• weeks paid sub-counter
• initial benefit period
• EI client status
• group services type
• date of group session

3.4 Upon request, and based on the monthly EI client and non-insured participant files (interventions) provided by Newfoundland and Labrador in section 4.2, the following personal information will be provided to Newfoundland and Labrador for the review and verification of Canada's reporting of results. The personal information will be provided in two different formats. One format will be structured for determining clients served, and the other for non-insured participants (interventions) (intervention counts and designated group information):

• social insurance number
• age
• action plan result
• EI client type
• action plan creation date
• action plan start date
• action plan end date
• action plan result
• action plan result date
• designated group indicators (persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, women, aboriginal peoples)
• intervention start date
• intervention end date
• missing action plan indicator
• gender
• Responsibility Centre code
• intervention code (type of intervention)

3.5 Upon being provided with criteria by Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada will search its records and provide to Newfoundland and Labrador the following personal information under its control with respect to EI clients who are active EI claimants residing in Newfoundland and Labrador who meet those criteria. The provision of this information is for the purpose of assisting Newfoundland and Labrador in contacting active EI claimants who may be interested in receiving assistance under Newfoundland and Labrador programs funded under this LMDA:

• name
• address including postal code
• phone number including area code
• official language of service (written)
• official language of service (spoken)

3.6 Upon request, Canada will provide to Newfoundland and Labrador the following personal information under its control on all EI clients residing in Newfoundland and Labrador to assist Newfoundland and Labrador in the strategic planning of the delivery of its programs:

• postal code
• benefit period commencement
• weeks paid
• claim type
• EI claim status
• number of entitlement weeks
• renewal week
• first week of the last claimant's report sent
• insured weeks/hours
• National Occupational Classification (NOC) code
• last week processed
• gender (where available as self-identified information)
• disability status (where available as self-identified information)
• visible minority (where available as self-identified information)
• aboriginal group (where available as self-identified information)
• date of birth - month and year
• preferred official language (French or English)

Any reports created which involve these data elements must be reported in cells of no less than 10.

3.7 Upon being provided with the information outlined in section 4.3 of this Annex, Canada will provide those Newfoundland and Labrador employees identified pursuant thereto with the following information to permit electronic access to Canada's personal information outlined herein:

• employee name
• usercode number
• temporary password
• temporary authorization code

3.8 Upon the assignment to Newfoundland and Labrador by Canada, pursuant to the assignment agreement to be entered into between the Parties under Article 7 of the LMDA, of financial assistance agreements that Canada has signed with recipients under its programs, Canada will provide to Newfoundland and Labrador, on a one-time only basis, all of the information held in records, both electronic and hard copy, pertaining to the assigned agreements. This will ensure the continuity of service to clients of Canada.

3.9 Newfoundland and Labrador understands that it cannot use any of the personal information received from Canada under this Annex for research or statistical purposes.

3.9.1 Should Newfoundland and Labrador wish to receive from Canada personal information for research and/or statistical purposes, Canada will assess each request on a case-by-case basis. Canada may make personal information available to Newfoundland and Labrador for research and/or statistical purposes upon being satisfied that the conditions set out in section 38 of the DHRSD Act are met. The information to be shared would be the subject of a separate information-sharing agreement.

3.10 For the purposes of

• (a) detecting overpayments of financial assistance due to error, misrepresentation or fraud,
• (b) collecting or recovering overpayments, or
• (c) instituting legal proceedings

in relation to an individual or individuals receiving, or who have received, assistance from Newfoundland and Labrador under Newfoundland and Labrador programs funded under this LMDA, Canada will provide to Newfoundland and Labrador where available and upon written request, on a per individual basis, the following personal information under its control about an individual:

• name
• social insurance number
• address including postal code
• benefit commencement period
• claim termination date
• number of entitlement weeks
• weekly benefit rate (gross)
• weekly benefit rate (net)

4.0 Information to be provided by Newfoundland and Labrador to Canada

4.1 Newfoundland and Labrador will provide to Canada the following personal information under its control about each EI client receiving assistance under Newfoundland and Labrador programs for the purposes of assisting Canada in verifying client eligibility for, or entitlement to, insurance benefits under Part I of the EI Act, and ensuring that EI clients who are active EI claimants continue to receive the insurance benefits to which they are entitled while participating in a Newfoundland and Labrador program (for purposes of section 25 of the EI Act):

• name
• social insurance number
• project type
• training ID
• start week(s)/date(s) of intervention
• end week(s)/date(s) of intervention
• project responsibility centre code
• project number
• apprentice indicator
• intervention break start week/date
• intervention break end week/date
• agreement number
• institution code (if available)
• no claim report code
• rate (EI Part II)

4.2 Where available, Newfoundland and Labrador will provide to Canada the following personal information under its control

• (a) about each EI client who is participating in Newfoundland and Labrador programs, and
• (b) about each non-insured participant who is participating in Newfoundland and Labrador programs funded under this Agreement,

for the purpose of assisting Canada in monitoring, assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of the assistance provided by Newfoundland and Labrador under Newfoundland and Labrador programs, which Canada is required to do under Article 11 of this LMDA:

• name
• social insurance number
• address
• postal code
• date of birth
• telephone number, including area code
• gender (as self-identified information)
• marital status
• family type
• number of dependents
• disability status/type (as self-identified information)
• visible minority (as self-identified information)
• aboriginal group (as self-identified information)
• youth at risk
• name of intervention in which individual is involved, including apprenticeship
• provincial intervention code
• start date(s) of intervention
• end date(s) of intervention
• duration of intervention (hours/weeks)
• start/creation date(s) of action plan
• end date(s) of action plan
• NOC code for training
• action plan result
• educational attainment, including post-secondary
• type of employment obtained (full-time/part-time )
• NOC code of employment obtained
• date of action plan result
• official language preferred (French or English)
• language of service (French or English)
• language of intervention received (French or English)
• intervention outcome (including reason for non-completion, where available)
• group services type
• group services completion date
• provincial responsibility code
• earnings (hourly/weekly/monthly)
• EI client status
• client social assistance status
• type of benefit income from government sources
• labour force attachment prior to intervention
• case file number/file number
• citizenship/immigration status
• immigration - date of arrival in Canada
• current/last employment, including NOC code, years of experience, part-time/full-time, start date, end date, salary, reason for leaving job
• intervention code
• type of training institution (public/private), part-time/full-time attendance, program name
• year round / seasonal job
• type of employer (private sector, non-profit organization)
• self-employment benefit (SEB) type of assistance (coaching, business plan, ongoing technical assistance)
• record last access date

The information in this section will be updated by Newfoundland and Labrador on a monthly basis.

4.3 Newfoundland and Labrador will provide to Canada the following personal and non-personal information under its control about each provincial employee who requires access to Canada's systems and who has completed the security screening, as required in section 8.2 of this Annex:

• name, including middle name
• date of birth
• unique personal identifier (not to exceed 8 characters)
• Responsibility Centre code
• user's e-mail address
• Public Key Infrastructure
• Application required:
  • LMDA Access
  • Common System for Grants and Contributions (must include Responsibility Centre and access level)
• date of reliability check completion
• name of approving authority
• position of approving authority
• signature of approving authority
• date authority approved

4.4 For the purposes of

• (a) detecting overpayments of insurance benefits under Part I of the EI Act, due to error, misrepresentation or fraud, to an individual or individuals who are participating in, or have participated in Newfoundland and Labrador programs funded under this agreement,
• (b) collecting or recovering overpayments of Part I benefits to an individual referred to in paragraph (a), or
• (c) instituting legal proceedings in relation to the matters referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b),

Newfoundland and Labrador will provide to Canada upon written request on a per individual basis, any or all of the following personal information under its control about an individual:

• name
• address
• social insurance number
• reason client is not capable of work/intervention/service
• reason client is not available for work/intervention/service
• reason earnings not reported to Canada during the weeks they were earned
• date(s) absent from Canada/area without authorization
• reason absent from Canada/area without authorization
• reason for separation from employment
• whether or not the client reported for an interview as directed
• interview details (counsellor seen/scheduled to be seen, date, time and location of interview)
• method used to direct client to report
• reasons for not reporting (e.g. no contact, not interested in service, family obligations, transportation difficulties, unable to attend - and any reasons given, withdrawal from the labour force - and any reasons given)
• date of return to work
• employer name
• employer phone number including area code
• reason for withdrawal from program
• reason for termination from program

4.5 Newfoundland and Labrador may also, on its own initiative, provide to Canada the information listed in section 4.4 about any individual who has received, or is receiving, assistance under Newfoundland and Labrador programs where it suspects that the individual was/is not entitled to that assistance, and/or may have received or be receiving insurance benefits under Part I of the EI Act to which the individual was/is not entitled.

5.0 Mode of information exchange

5.1 Personal information and reports covered by this Annex will be provided by each party in a mutually agreed format, frequency and manner.

5.2 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador agree to notify each other within a reasonable time of any change affecting communication protocols or methods, data bank access procedures or systems. The parties agree to participate in compatibility tests when changes are made to such protocols, methods or procedures.

5.3 Newfoundland and Labrador may request improvements to Canada's applications used by Newfoundland and Labrador. If deemed appropriate, suggested improvements will be taken into account in Canada's priority-setting process. Nothing in this clause limits the development activities that must be pursued by both parties in order to ensure personal information exchange between the two organizations.

5.4 Canada agrees to inform Newfoundland and Labrador, in accordance with the procedures agreed upon by both parties, of any new federal application or any new version of a federal application that is relevant to this Annex.

5.5 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador agree to enter into a separate service level agreement outlining systems and security requirements.

5.6 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are committed to ensuring that the personal information they provide to each other under this Annex is reliable, and is provided in a timely, secure, and confidential manner, and they agree to work together in achieving this goal.

6.0 Confidentiality, use and disclosure

6.1 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador undertake to use their best efforts to fully maintain and protect the confidentiality of the personal information they receive under this Annex.

6.2 Subject to sections 6.3 and 6.4, Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador shall not, in respect of any personal information they obtain from each other under this Annex:

• (a) use that information for a purpose other than that for which it was respectively provided to them; and
• (b) disclose that information to any person or body for a purpose other than that for which it was respectively provided to them.

6.3 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador may use personal information they obtain from each other under this Annex for a purpose other than that for which it was obtained:

• (a) with the consent of the individual to whom that information relates;
• (b) with the written consent of the party that provided the information; or
• (c) if required by legislation.

6.4 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador may disclose personal information they obtain from each other under this Annex to any person or body for any purpose:

• (a) with the consent of the individual to whom that information relates;
• (b) in a form that cannot reasonably be expected to identify the individual to whom that information relates; or
• (c) if required by legislation.

6.5 Unless otherwise required by law or authorized in writing by the other party and subject to section 6.2, a party shall not disclose any personal information, obtained from the other party under this Annex, to a third party for a purpose authorized herein unless there is a written agreement between that party and the third party, imposing upon the third party obligations that are the same as those imposed upon that party under this Annex with respect to the protection of this information.

6.6 In the event of a request under Canada's Access to Information Act or Privacy Act for personal information obtained from Newfoundland and Labrador under this Annex, Canada agrees to consult, when required, with Newfoundland and Labrador, prior to any disclosure of such information. In the event of a request under Newfoundland and Labrador's Access to Information Act or Privacy Act for information obtained from Canada under this Annex, Newfoundland and Labrador agrees to consult, when required, with Canada, prior to any disclosure of such information. No consultation obligation referred to in this section will be construed as limiting any legal duty in respect of any disclosure referred to in this section.

6.7 The exchange of personal information between Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador as a result of Newfoundland and Labrador's use of Canada's Common System for Grants and Contributions to manage its programs, on an interim basis, will be addressed in a separate Interim Corporate Management Agreement to be entered into between the parties following the signing of this LMDA.

6.8 For greater certainty,

6.8.1 “Interim Corporate Management Agreement” (“ICMA”) means the agreement entered into between Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador for the purpose of establishing, on an interim basis, the terms and conditions governing the use by Newfoundland and Labrador of Canada's Common System for Grants and Contributions (CSGC) and the processes related to the financial management to support Newfoundland and Labrador programs, and

6.8.2 “Common System for Grants and Contributions” or “CSGC” means Canada's system through which financial and non-financial data are captured and tracked in relation to grant and contribution recipients.

7.0 Costs

7.1 Costs incurred by a party in carrying out its obligations hereunder will be the responsibility of that party.

8.0 Information management

8.1 The personal information exchanged under this Annex shall be collected, used, retained, disclosed, destroyed or disposed of, and otherwise administered in accordance with:

• (a) in the case of Canada, the Privacy Act, the Department of Human Resources and Skills Development Act, the Employment Insurance Act, the Library and Archives of Canada Act, the Government of Canada Security Policy, applicable departmental policies and protocols and supporting operating directives and guidelines, covering the administrative, technical and physical safeguarding of the personal information; and,
• (b) in the case of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the regulations thereto, and any related data security and retention of records directives, policies and guidelines covering the administrative, technical and physical safeguarding of the personal information.

8.2 In addition to the requirements outlined in subsection 8.1, individuals with access to personal information provided by Canada must obtain a “Reliability Status” (or provincial equivalent), as required by the federal Government Security Policy.

8.3 The parties will take all reasonable measures to observe the personal information management requirements mentioned in subsection 8.1 to ensure the security, confidentiality and integrity of information exchanged under this Annex and to safeguard the information against accidental or unauthorized access, disclosure, use, modification and deletion.

8.4 Each party will promptly notify the other party of any unauthorized disclosure or use of the personal information and will furnish the other party with full details of the unauthorized disclosure or use of that information.

8.5 In the event of an occurrence described in subsection 8.4 above, the party responsible for the security, confidentiality and integrity of the personal information will promptly take corrective action to remedy the situation and take all reasonable steps to prevent a recurrence of the event.

8.6 The parties will, on a periodic and mutually agreed upon basis and format, audit their respective information management practices and procedures as appropriate, at intervals of not greater than every 5 years, to ensure:

• (a) compliance with the requirements of subsection 8.1, and
• (b) the security, confidentiality and integrity of the personal information exchanged under this Annex. The parties agree to provide a copy of their respective audit reports to each other.

8.7 Where deficiencies in a party's information management practices affecting compliance with the requirements of subsection 8.1 or the security, confidentiality and integrity of information exchanged under this Annex are identified in an audit report, the party concerned shall take appropriate corrective action to remedy these deficiencies.

9.0 Accuracy of information

9.1 Each party will use its best efforts to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the personal information provided to the other under this Annex. However, it is understood and agreed that they cannot guarantee its accuracy and completeness and will, therefore, not be held responsible by the other party for any damage resulting from the transmission or use of any information that is inaccurate or incomplete.

10.0 General

10.1 This Annex can be amended with the written consent of both parties.

1.0 Introduction

1.1 This Employee Transfer Agreement (ETA) is concluded pursuant to section 13 of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) signed on September 5, 2008 and is incorporated into the LMDA as Annex 6. This ETA sets out the terms and conditions ·under which federal employees will be transferred to Newfoundland and Labrador pursuant to the LMDA.

2.0 Definitions

2.1 Unless the context requires otherwise, the definitions listed below have the following meaning for the purpose of this ETA.

• (a) An "Affected Employee" is an Indeterminate Employee of Canada who meets the criteria defined in Section 3.1 of this ETA.
• (b) "Applicable Legislation and Regulations" refers to Acts and Regulations related to employment in the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Service.
• (c) "Continuous/Discontinuous Service" means one or more periods of service in the Public Service as defined in Canada's Public Service Labour Relations Act.
• (d) An "Indeterminate Employee" is an employee who has been appointed for an indeterminate period of time pursuant to Canada's Public Service Employment Act.
• (e) "Initial Period" refers to the three-year period between the Transfer Date and the end of the employment guarantee set out in Article 13.2 of the LMDA. For purpose of clarity, the Initial Period is from November 2, 2009 to November 1, 2012.
• (f) "Part-time Employee" refers to Affected Employees whose scheduled hours of work are less than the full-time hours specified in their collective agreement.
• (g) "Substantive Position" refers to the Transferring Employee's home position with Canada.
• (h) "Transfer Date" refers to the date on which Transferring Employees transfer to Newfoundland and Labrador and, unless otherwise provided by this ETA, shall be November 2, 2009.
• (i) "Transferring Employee" refers to an employee of Canada who receives and accepts an offer of employment from Newfoundland and Labrador under this ETA. An employee who accepts an offer of employment from Newfoundland and Labrador under this ETA must remain employed by Canada up to his/her Transfer Date in order to be considered a Transferring Employee.

3.0 Offers of employment

3.1 Newfoundland and Labrador agrees to make an irrevocable offer of employment to an Affected Employee who:

• (a) is an Indeterminate Employee of Canada, including employees on approved leave, with or without pay, who are scheduled to return to work prior to the dates set out in Articles 3.10 and 3.11; and
• (b) is affected by Newfoundland and Labrador's decision to expand its role in the design and delivery of labour market programs through the implementation of the Newfoundland and Labrador benefits and measures as described in the LMDA.

3.2 Canada will develop, in consultation with Newfoundland and Labrador, a list of eligible positions. Canada will provide to Newfoundland and Labrador a list identifying the positions where incumbents would be eligible to receive an offer of employment. The list will provide, by geographic location, a position profile reflecting position titles, occupational groups and levels, the number of positions to be transferred and the aggregate salary of encumbered positions. This list will be appended as Annex A to this ETA.

3.3. The parties agree to collaborate in the identification and selection of Affected Employees. Canada agrees to provide Newfoundland and Labrador, no later than seven (7) days after the signing of this ETA, a list of Affected Employees, including their names and contact information.

3.4 Canada, in consultation with Newfoundland and Labrador, may modify the list of Affected Employees identified for transfer until such time as Newfoundland and Labrador begins issuing offers of employment.

3.5 An offer of employment from Newfoundland and Labrador will be made within such time as to allow Affected Employees a sixty (60) day decision period to accept or refuse the offer. Where the offer of employment is mailed, it shall be deemed to have been made seven (7) days following the date on which it was sent. If the offer is hand delivered, it shall be deemed to have been made on the date on which the letter is given to the employee.

3.6 Newfoundland and Labrador will provide to Canada copies of the letters of offer to Affected Employees. The offer of employment will contain, at a minimum. the position title, a description of work, classification level, salary, hours of work, geographic location, and a provision that the offer of employment is valid only if the employee remains an Indeterminate Employee of Canada up to his/her Transfer Date.

3.7 Newfoundland and Labrador agrees to offer Affected Employees positions the duties of which are comparable to the duties performed as federal employees. The positions will be classified according to provincial standards.

3.8 Affected Employees who occupy a part-time position will be offered a part­time classified position with Newfoundland and Labrador for the same or similar number of hours per week, with the same or similar work schedule as when the employee was with Canada.

3.9 Transferring Employees who are unable to start work on the Transfer Date for reasons accepted by the parties will transfer and become employees of Newfoundland and Labrador on such later date as determined by the parties.

3.10 Affected Employees who are on a leave of absence, including leave without pay, leave with pay, maternity and parental leave, with a scheduled return to work date prior to November 1, 2010 will be deemed eligible to receive an offer of employment. Upon acceptance of the offer, those employees on approved leave as of the Transfer Date will remain employees of Canada and become employees of Newfoundland and Labrador on the date upon which they would have been scheduled to · return to work at the expiry of such leaves.

3.11 Affected Employees who are on approved Long-term Disability (LTD) or Injury on Duty Leave (IODL) will be deemed eligible to receive an offer of employment. Subject to section 3.12, Affected Employees on LTD or IODL on the Transfer Date will remain employees of Canada until such time as they are deemed fit to return to work with Newfoundland and Labrador.

3.12 Affected Employees on LTD or IODL who are unable to return to work by November 1, 2010 will remain employees of Canada and the offer of employment from Newfoundland and Labrador will no longer remain in effect.

4.0 Hours of work

4.1 All Transferring Employees will be governed by the hours of work provisions specified in Applicable Legislation and Regulations, applicable provincial policies and the Newfoundland Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE) General Service Collective Agreement.

5.0 Language of administration in the workplace

The language of internal administration in the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Service is English. Transferring Employees assigned to a designated bilingual position in Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to provide services in English and French.

6.0 Vacant positions

6.1 Canada agrees that every vacant position within Canada's Affected Employee group at such time as may be agreed upon by the Parties in the ETA will be included in the calculation of the number of Affected Employees to whom Newfoundland and Labrador will be considered to have made an offer of employment and who will be considered to have accepted the offer.

7.0 Employment protection

7.1 Newfoundland and Labrador undertakes that in no event will the employment of a Transferring Employee be terminated during the Initial Period, other than for just cause, provided that the Transferring Employee maintains a position with the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE) or its successor department. For further clarification, any Transferring Employees who voluntarily apply for a position outside of HRLE will, if successful in attaining the position, give up the balance of their employment protection.

7.2 For Transferring Employees who transfer and become employees of Newfoundland and Labrador on a date after the Transfer Date, the period of employment protection will start on their transfer date and end on November 1, 2012.

8.0 Probationary period

8.1 Transferring Employees who have already served a probationary period with Canada equal to the probationary period required by Newfoundland and Labrador will serve no probationary period in their new position.

8.2 Transferring Employees who have not served the complete probationary period required by Newfoundland and Labrador while in the employ of Canada will serve the remainder of the required probationary period upon transfer to Newfoundland and Labrador.

8.3 Canada will provide Newfoundland and Labrador with a list of those Transferring Employees who will not have completed the required probationary period with Canada, including the number of days remaining on the probationary period, by the Transfer Date.

9.0 Compensation

9.1 Newfoundland and Labrador agrees that, during the Initial Period, Transferring Employees will be paid a salary at least equal to the salary received in their substantive positions with Canada provided the Transferring Employee accepts and maintains a position with the HRLE or its successor department. Transferring Employees will have their federal salary rate on the Transfer Date red-circled as per the NAPE General Service Collective Agreement and/or provincial policy in effect at the Transfer Date. Salary does not include bilingual bonus, isolated post allowances or terminable allowances.

9.2 If, after an offer of employment has been made by Newfoundland and Labrador but prior to the Transfer Date, the Transferring Employee's salary increases as a result of the signature of a new collective agreement, or as a result of the signature of an agreement with respect to equal pay adjustment or the rendering of a final decision on the same question, Newfoundland and Labrador agrees to increase the salary set out in its offer of employment to make it at least equal to the salary owed by Canada to the Transferring Employee on the day preceding the Transfer Date. Canada will be responsible for the payment of all retroactive salary increases or equal pay adjustments payable to Transferring Employees for the period they were employees of the Government of Canada.

9.3 Any retroactive salary increases or equal pay adjustments that are authorized after the Transfer Date shall not affect the salary paid by Newfoundland and Labrador to the Transferring Employee.

9.4 Increment dates in effect with Canada on the Transfer Date will be used for step progression purposes with Newfoundland and Labrador.

9.5 On termination of employment with Canada, payroll deductions will cease for Transferring Employees who purchased Canada Savings Bonds while in the employ of Canada. Upon transfer to Newfoundland and Labrador, Transferring Employees will be eligible to purchase Canada Savings Bonds from the next available campaign by way of payroll deductions with Newfoundland and Labrador.

9.6 Canada agrees to pay out in full any accumulated overtime compensation owed to Transferring Employees prior to their Transfer Date.

10.0 Severance and termination pay

10.1 On termination of employment with Canada, Canada will pay Transferring Employees severance pay at the rate established by Canada.

10.2 Newfoundland and Labrador will begin to calculate years of continuous service for severance pay purposes as of the Transferring Employee's Transfer Date in accordance with provincial policy.

11.0 Recognition of prior service for seniority

11.1 Transferring Employees' Continuous/Discontinuous Service with Canada will be recognized by Newfoundland and Labrador for seniority purposes, except where Transferring Employees have had a break in service greater than two (2) years in which case seniority prior to the two (2) year break will not be recognized. For greater clarity, Continuous/Discontinuous Service will be applied for seniority using the provincial calculation method based on a five day work week, seven hour work day, 52 weeks per year, to a maximum of 1820 hours. Overtime will not be included in the calculation.

12.0 Leave

12.1 Annual Leave

• (a) Transferring Employees will have the option to request payment from Canada for all or part of outstanding accumulated vacation leave credits earned, but not used, prior to their Transfer Date.
• (b) Newfoundland and Labrador will allocate annual leave based on federal Continuous/Discontinuous Service.
• (c) Transferring Employees accepting bargaining unit positions with Newfoundland and Labrador will be subject to annual leave in accordance with the NAPE General Service Collective Agreement.
• (d) Transferring Employees who accept management or non-union/non-management positions with Newfoundland and Labrador will be subject to the Paid Leave Plan pursuant to the Provincial Human Resource Policy Manual.
• (e) Newfoundland and Labrador will allow each Transferring Employee to carry over a maximum of twenty (20) days of earned, but unused, annual leave. It is understood that Transferring Employees will utilize transferred annual leave prior to utilizing provincial annual leave.
• (f) Canada will advise Newfoundland and Labrador of the amount of accumulated annual leave, in days, to be credited to Transferring Employees on or before the Transfer Date.
• (g) In the event that Transferring Employees terminate their employment with Newfoundland and Labrador during the year following their Transfer Date, Canada will compensate Newfoundland and Labrador for any payout of transferred annual or paid leave which remains unused at the time of termination.

12.2 Sick leave

• (a) Transferring Employees who are assigned positions in the bargaining unit, shall be eligible to accumulate sick leave at the rate of one (1) day for each month of service with the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Service, in accordance with Article 22.01 (a) (ii) and 22.01 (b) (ii) of the NAPE General Service Collective Agreement.
• (b) Newfoundland and Labrador agrees to recognize Transferring Employees' earned, but unused, sick leave credits up to a maximum of one hundred and twenty (120) days. Transferring Employees who accept management or non-union/non­management positions will have their one hundred and twenty (120) days banked in accordance with provincial policies.

12.3 Maternity/Parental

• (a) Newfoundland and Labrador will honor all maternity and parental leave approved by Canada with a start date prior to the Transfer Date and an end date prior to November 1, 2010.
• (b) Transferring Employees on approved maternity or parental leave with continue to receive Supplementary Top-up Benefits from Canada at the rates specified in the applicable collective agreement until the end of their leave. Newfoundland and Labrador agrees to notify Canada if Transferring Employees returning from maternity or parental leave do not work for a period equal to the time for which they were in receipt of top-up benefits.

13.0 Approval of leaves

13.1 After letters of offer are issued, Canada agrees not to approve requests for discretionary leave which will commence after or continue beyond November 2, 2009 unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties.

14.0 Accommodation

14.1 Until such time as Newfoundland and Labrador determines that such plans are no longer necessary, Newfoundland and Labrador will respect the commitments made by Canada in the case of Transferring Employees under authorized accommodation plans for health and disability reasons.

14.2 Subject to the Privacy Act, Canada will provide Newfoundland and Labrador with details of employee accommodation arrangements in effect prior to the Transfer Date so that Newfoundland and Labrador can make arrangements for accommodation prior to transfer.

14.3 Pursuant to section 15 of the LMDA regarding the Transfer of Assets, Canada will transfer to Newfoundland and Labrador any special equipment (excluding software licenses) used by Transferring Employees in the performance of their job duties. Newfoundland and Labrador shall provide for the same or similar software required by Transferring Employees in the performance of their job duties.

15.0 Flexible work arrangements

15.1 All flexible work arrangements entered into by Transferring Employees with Canada shall expire on November 1, 2009.

15.2 Flexible work arrangements may be considered by Newfoundland and Labrador in accordance with the NAPE General Service Collective Agreement and applicable provincial policies.

16.0 Equivalent qualifications

16.1 Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes the experience, skills and knowledge of Transferring Employees to be equivalent to the requirements of the positions which they are assuming.

17.0 Benefit plans

17.1 Newfoundland and Labrador shall enroll Transferring Employees and their eligible dependents in its mandatory health and life insurance programs on their Transfer Date.

17.2 Transferring Employees will be given the opportunity to enroll in the optional provincial dental and LTD plans upon their Transfer Date. The pre-existing conditions criteria will not apply for the LTD Plan where Transferring Employees enroll in this plan within 31 days of their Transfer Date.

17.3 Transferring Employees who have Optional Term Life/Spousal Term Life and Optional Accidental Death and Dismemberment (ADD) coverage can choose to continue with similar optional provincial coverages upon the Transfer Date up to the limits and provisions of provincial government programs. Transferring Employees will be able to apply for optional insurances with Newfoundland and Labrador during the next available open enrollment period.

17.4 Insurance coverage will be subject to the policy terms, conditions and limitations of Newfoundland and Labrador programs.

18.0 Pension plan arrangements

18.1 All full-time Transferring Employees will, as of their Transfer Date, be enrolled in and make contributions to the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Service Pension Plan. Part-time Transferring Employees will, as of their Transfer Date, be enrolled in and make contributions to the Government Money Purchase Plan.

18.2 Transferring Employees are affected by the Administration of Labour Market Development Services Divestiture Regulations for benefit options under the Public Service Superannuation Act (PSSA). Under these Regulations, Transferring Employees will be provided with three options with respect to accrued PSSA pension credits:

• (a) If eligible, they may request one of two lump sum benefit options from the PSSA : return of contributions or transfer value; or,
• (b) For full-time employees only, transfer their accrued PSSA benefits to the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Service Pension Plan under the Pension Transfer Agreement (PTA); or
• (c) Not transfer their PSSA benefits to the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Service Pension Plan. Eligibility for benefits under the PSSA would be deferred until employment with the Province ceases.

18.3 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador recognize that Transferring Employees will have one year from the Transfer Date to choose one of the above options as per PSSA regulations.

18.4 For Transferring Employees who choose not to transfer their federally earned pension credits, the PSSA benefit calculation will be based on salaries earned under the PSSA up to the Transfer Date to Newfoundland and Labrador. Eligibility for benefits will be based on the employee's age at termination of employment with Newfoundland and Labrador and the total of PSSA pensionable service and provincial pensionable service occurring from the Transfer Date until termination of employment with Newfoundland and Labrador. The actual pension benefit will be calculated on pensionable service accumulated under the PSSA only, not on a combination of both federal and provincial pensionable service.

18.5 For Transferring Employees who choose not to transfer their accrued pension credits to Newfoundland and Labrador's Public Service Pension Plan, Newfoundland and Labrador will recognize the years of federal pensionable service accrued by Transferring Employees for the purpose of establishing vesting and benefit thresholds with the provincial pension plans.

18.6 Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador recognize that the existing pension transfer agreements between Canada and the Newfoundland and Labrador Public Service Pension Plan, dated June 23, 2001, shall apply to the pension portability arrangements. This does not apply to part-time employees.

19.0 Location/Relocation

19.1 Where there is an existing office of Newfoundland and Labrador's HRLE within thirty (30) kilometers of Canada's current Service Canada Centers, upon transfer Affected Employees will be transferred to those offices as assigned by Newfoundland and Labrador.

20.0 Sharing of personal Information

20.1 Subject to the Privacy Act, Canada will provide to Newfoundland and Labrador information deemed essential by Newfoundland and Labrador to issue an employment offer, for pay and benefits purposes, and to meet other operational needs.

21.0 Organizational assessment

21.1 The parties agree to assess the human resources risk factors that would impact on service continuity in each office where there are Transferring Employees or vacancies. Following that assessment, the parties agree to review the recommendations to mitigate risks prior to the transfer of employees. Mitigating strategies may include:

• (a) an agreement by Canada to facilitate meetings between Newfoundland and Labrador and Affected Employees prior to the Transfer Date for the purpose of providing orientation and training; and
• (b) the parties participating jointly in recruitment training action for some positions prior to the Transfer Date.

22.0 Other Terms and conditions

22.1 Except as stipulated in this ETA, the terms and conditions outlined in Applicable Legislation and Regulations and the NAPE General Services Collective Agreement will apply to Transferring Employees as employees of Newfoundland and Labrador.

23.0 Cooperation

23.1 Newfoundland and Labrador agrees to cooperate with Canada and make reasonable efforts to enable Canada to locate and pay Transferring Employees the retroactive portion of any form of compensation to which those employees have a right for any period during which they were federal employees prior to the transfer to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Signed on behalf of Canada this 19^th day of March, 2009

Signed on behalf of Newfoundland and Labrador this 19^th day of March, 2009