Evaluation of the Canada – Yukon Labour Market Development Agreement

From: Employment and Social Development Canada

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List of abbreviations

EAS
Employment Assistance Services
EBSM
Employment Benefits and Support Measures
EI
Employment Insurance
ESDC
Employment and Social Development Canada
LMDA
Labour Market Development Agreements
SA
Social assistance
SDEB
Skills Development Employment Benefit

List of figures

List of tables

Executive summary

The Canada-Yukon Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) is a bilateral agreement between Canada and Yukon for the design and delivery of Employment Benefits and Support Measures (EBSMs).

The objective of EBSMs is to assist individuals to obtain or keep employment through various active employment programs, including training or employment assistance services. Successful delivery of EBSMs is expected to result in participants receiving needed services, a quick return to work, and savings to the Employment Insurance (EI) account.

Programs and services delivered by Yukon have to correspond to the EBSM categories defined under the EI Act. The following is a short description of the EBSMs examined in the evaluation of the Canada-Yukon LMDA.

Skills Development Employment Benefit (SDEB) provides direct financial assistance to individuals to select, arrange, and pay for training.

Employment Assistance Services (EAS) support individuals as they prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce or assist them to find a better job. Services can include job search services, career counselling, and résumé writing assistance.

Research and Innovation funds research projects aimed at identifying labour market information or testing new approaches to labour market development.

The LMDA investment

In fiscal year 2020 to 2021, Canada transferred approximately $4.7 million (including nearly $389,000 in administration funds) to Yukon.

Table i provides an overview of the share of funding allocated to EBSMs. From the 2010 to 2012 time period to the 2020 to 2021 fiscal year,Footnote 1 investments in SDEB decreased by 11 percentage points. The largest increase in investments went to EAS, which saw its share of funding increase by 24 percentage points.

Table i. Share of LMDA funding for 2010 to 2012, and 2020 to 2021 Footnote 2,Footnote 3
Employment Benefits and Support Measures Share of funding (2010 to 2012) Share of funding (2020 to 2021)
Skills Development Employment Benefit 56% 45%
Employment Assistance Services 35% 51%
Labour Market Partnerships 4% n/a
Targeted Wage Subsidy 3% < 1%
Self-Employment 2% n/a
Research and Innovation n/a 4%
Total 100% 100%

Sources: EI Monitoring and Assessment Reports for fiscal years 2010 to 2011, 2011 to 2012, and 2020 to 2021.

Evaluation objectives

Building on the success of previous LMDA evaluation cycles, the aim of this evaluation is to fill in knowledge gaps about the effectiveness, as well as design and delivery of EBSMs in Yukon.

Evaluation methodology

The findings in this report are drawn from 3 evaluations studies carried out at the territorial level. These studies examine issues related to program effectiveness, design and delivery. A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods are used, including:

  • incremental impact analysis
  • outcome analysis
  • a questionnaire
  • document review

The labour market outcomes are estimated for 2 types of EI claimants:

  • active claimants are participants who started an EBSM intervention while collecting EI benefits
  • former claimants are participants who started an EBSM intervention up to 3 years after the end of their EI benefitsFootnote 4

Key findings

Across Yukon, nearly 950 active and former EI claimants began participating in Canada-Yukon LMDA programs and services between 2009 and 2012.

Effectiveness and efficiency of EBSMs

The incremental impacts for active EI claimants who receive EAS services alone are not statistically significant compared to similar non-participants. Based on the results of the incremental impacts, no conclusions can be made regarding the effectiveness of EAS services in assisting participants to return to the labour market.

Overall, the outcome analysis shows that following program participation active and former EI claimant participants in SDEB and EAS have:

  • higher average earnings
  • lower employment levels, mainly due to retirement decisions
  • lower use of EI benefits, however, they increase their receipt of social assistance (SA) benefits

A subgroup analysis shows that post-participation labour market outcomes for female, male, youth, and Indigenous participants are largely consistent with those found for all participants.

Table ii presents the change in average annual labour market outcomes for active and former claimants in SDEB and EAS, from 5 years pre-participation to 4 years post-participation.

For example, the results reveal that compared to 5 years pre-participation, active claimant participants in SDEB increase their average annual earnings by $9,629 in the post-participation period. They decrease their incidence of employment by 2 percentage points, which can be mostly explained by retirement decisions.Footnote 5 They also decrease the use of EI by 5 percentage points but increase the use of SA benefits by 3 percentage points.

Former EI claimant participants in EAS increase their average annual earnings by $2,994 in the post participation period. They decrease their incidence of employment by 9 percentage points, which can be mostly explained by retirement decisions.Footnote 6 They also decrease the use of EI by 16 percentage points but increase the use of SA by 6 percentage points.

Table ii. Pre and post-participation change in average annual labour market outcomes for SDEB and EAS participants
Indicator SDEB active claimants SDEB former claimants EAS active claimants EAS former claimants
Incidence of employment (percentage points) -2 -6 -8 -9
Employment earnings ($) 9,629 11,246 1,720 2,994
EI benefits ($) -5 -20 -5 -16
SA benefits ($) 3 2 3 6
Dependence on income support (percentage points) 0 -5 2 1
n= 238 168 270 238

A subgroup analysis shows that labour market outcomes for most of subgroups of active and former claimant participants in SDEB and EAS are largely consistent with those for all participants. This excludes older worker participants in EAS who experience decreases in earnings due in part to retirement decisions.

Supplemental studies

A supplemental study addresses information gaps previously identified in LMDA evaluations regarding the design and delivery of Research and Innovation. An additional study examines the outcomes for participants in SDEB-Apprentices.

Research and Innovation studyFootnote 7

Research and Innovation provides funding for research projects. These projects aim to collect, analyse and disseminate labour market information.

Skills Development Employment Benefits-Apprentices study

The objective of the program is to help apprentices become skilled tradespeople and to increase their labour market attachment. Program participants have generally chosen a career and are already attached to the labour market. The apprenticeship process involves on-the-job learning and technical training in a classroom setting.

The evaluation found that active EI claimant participants increase their earnings from $19,238 in the fifth year pre-program to $56,585 in the fourth year after the program start year. After participating in the program, they also decrease their dependence on government income supports.

Recommendations

Since 2012, several qualitative and quantitative studies addressed issues and questions related to EBSM design, delivery and effectiveness at the national level. The quantitative studies provided insight into participants’ post-participation labour market outcomes. The qualitative studies identified specific challenges, lessons learned and best practices associated with the design and delivery of EBSMs. Each study included key considerations for program and policy development or recommendations.

The recently completed evaluation of the Workforce Development Agreements complements the LMDA qualitative studies. This evaluation was also supported by literature reviews and provided unique insights into challenges and lessons learned to assist persons with disabilities, immigrants and those further removed from the labour market.

Most results from this evaluation stem from the conduct of medium-term outcome analysis predicated on having access to high quality administrative records, thereby confirming the importance of the capacity to leverage and integrate relevant administrative data.

From these main findings, 2 key recommendations emerge.

Recommendation #1: Yukon is encouraged to share and discuss lessons learned, best practices and challenges associated with the design and delivery of programs and services. Discussions are encouraged with ESDC, at the bilateral or multilateral levels.

Recommendation #2: Yukon is encouraged to pursue efforts to maintain and strengthen data collection provisions in support of reporting, performance measurement and data-driven evaluations at the national and territorial levels.

Management response

From these main findings, 2 key recommendations emerge:

Recommendation #1: Yukon is encouraged to share and discuss lessons learned, best practices and challenges associated with the design and delivery of programs and services. Discussions are encouraged with ESDC, at the bilateral or multilateral levels.

Yukon has no objections to the findings of this evaluation and is in agreement with the key recommendations. Yukon looks forward to continuing to work with ESDC and our provincial and territorial colleagues to share our practices and understand other jurisdictions’ solutions with respect to data collection and dissemination.

Recommendation #2: Yukon is encouraged to pursue efforts to maintain and strengthen data collection provisions in support of reporting, performance measurement and data-driven evaluations at the national and territorial levels.

Yukon has taken the following actions to maintain and strengthen data collection:

  • re-engaging with its service providers responsible for participant case management (the principal source of data for participant activity and outcomes) to ensure that they are capturing the data in a manner that is consistent with Yukon’s obligations under the Labour Market Transfer Agreements
  • working with ESDC to return to monthly uploads through the gateway, including a targeted resumption of regular uploading in Winter 2024
  • re-developing software to collect and sort the data received from service providers

Introduction

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) worked jointly with Yukon and 11 other provinces and territories to complete the third evaluation cycle (2018 to 2023) of the Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA).

The first evaluation cycle of the LMDA was carried out from 1998 to 2012. It involved the conduct of separate formative and summative evaluations under the guidance of a bilateral Joint Evaluation Committee.

Building on lessons learned and best practices from the first cycle, the second evaluation cycle of the LMDA was undertaken between 2012 and 2017. The second cycle was designed and implemented under the guidance of a federal-provincial/territorial LMDA Evaluation Steering Committee. The work was supported by bilateral discussions at the Joint Evaluation Committee.

The third LMDA evaluation cycle builds on the success of the second cycle. The aim is to fill in knowledge gaps about the effectiveness, efficiency, and design and delivery of LMDA-funded Employment Benefits and Support Measures (EBSMs). The evaluation cycle was designed and implemented under the guidance of a federal-provincial/territorial LMDA Evaluation Steering Committee composed of ESDC and 12 participating provinces and territories.

For Yukon, this report presents a summary of findings from 3 separate studies.

Canada-Yukon Labour Market Development Agreement

The LMDAs are bilateral agreements between Canada and each province and territory for the design and delivery of EBSM programs and services. They were established under Part II of the 1996 Employment Insurance (EI) Act.

In fiscal year 2020 to 2021, Canada transferred approximately $4.7 million to Yukon.Footnote 8 Under the agreement, Yukon is responsible for the design and delivery of LMDA-funded programs and services aimed at assisting individuals to prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment.

LMDA programs and services are classified under 2 categories:

  • employment benefitsFootnote 9,Footnote 10 fall into 5 subcategories:
    • Skills Development Employment Benefit
    • Targeted Wage Subsidy
    • Self-Employment
    • Job Creation Partnerships
    • Targeted Earning SupplementsFootnote 11
  • support measures fall into 3 subcategories:
    • Employment Assistance ServicesFootnote 12
    • Labour Market Partnerships
    • Research and Innovation

Yukon has the flexibility to adapt EBSMs to its territorial context as long as they are consistent with Part II of the EI Act.Footnote 13

The objective of EBSMs is to assist individuals to obtain or keep employment through various active employment programs, including training or employment assistance services. Successful delivery of EBSMs is expected to result in participants receiving needed services, a quick return to work, and savings to the EI account.

Programs and services examined in this study include Employment benefits and Support measures.

Employment benefitsFootnote 14

Skills Development Employment Benefit (SDEB) provides direct financial assistance to individuals to select, arrange, and pay for training. Training is tailored to the needs of participants through counselling and career orientation. It can include adult-based education, literacy and essential skills, language training, short-term training and occupational training leading to certification from an accredited institution.

Support measures

Employment Assistance Services (EAS) support individuals as they prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce or assist them to find a better job. Examples include job search services, career counselling, and résumé writing assistance. These services are light touch interventions due to their very short duration and can be provided on a one-on-one basis or in a group setting. A typical intervention lasts less than 1 day, but a participant may receive multiple short interventions over a few weeks. These services are generally provided in combination with more intensive interventions.

Research and Innovation funds research projects aimed at identifying labour market information or testing new approaches to labour market development.

Eligible participants covered in this study

The incremental impacts and labour market outcomes are estimated for active and former EI claimants:

  • active claimants are participants who started an EBSM intervention while collecting EI benefits
  • former claimants are participants who started an EBSM intervention up to 3 years after the end of their EI benefitsFootnote 15

Average EBSM share of funding

Table 1 provides an overview of the share of funding allocated to EBSMs. From the 2010 to 2012 time period to the 2020 to 2021 fiscal year, investments in SDEB decreased by 11 percentage points. The largest increase in investments was for EAS, which saw its share of funding increase by 24 percentage points.

Table 1. Share of LMDA funding in YukonFootnote 16, Footnote 17
Employment Benefits and Support Measures Share of funding (2010 to 2012) Share of funding (2020 to 2021)
Skills Development Employment Benefit 56% 45%
Employment Assistance Services 35% 51%
Labour Market Partnerships 4% n/a
Targeted Wage Subsidy 3% < 1%
Self-Employment 2% n/a
Research and Innovation n/a 4%

Sources: EI Monitoring and Assessment Reports for fiscal years 2010 to 2011, 2011 to 2012, and 2020 to 2021.

Methodology

This section presents key aspects of the quantitative analyses carried out as part of the LMDA studies.

All quantitative analyses are based on administrative data from the EI Part I (EI claim data) and Part II (EBSM participation data). The EI Part I and II data are then linked to the T1 and T4 taxation files from the Canada Revenue Agency. Incremental impact analyses are based on up to 100% of participants in Yukon who began their EBSM participation in 2009 to 2012.

The 2009 to 2012 timeframe was selected in order to assess the impacts of EBSMs in the years following participation. Impacts were assessed over a period of at least 4 years after program completion up to the 2017 calendar year (most recent available information at the time of this evaluation).

Incremental impacts analysisFootnote 18

Program effectiveness is assessed by estimating the incremental impacts from EBSM participation on participants’ labour market experience. That is, earnings from employment and self-employment, incidence of employment, use of EI, use of social assistance (SA), and dependence on government income supports after participation.

In Yukon, incremental impacts were estimated for active EI claimant participants in EAS. Incremental impacts for SDEB and Targeted Wage Subsidies were not produced due to the small samples.

The role of the incremental impact analysis is to isolate the effects of participation from other factors. In order to achieve this, the incremental impact analysis compares the labour market experience of participants before and after their participation with that of similar non-participants. Figure 1 presents an example of incremental impact calculation.

Figure 1. Example of the incremental impact calculation
Figure 1
Text description – Figure 1

Incremental impacts are the difference in the pre-post participation outcomes between participants and similar non-participants.

For example:

  • if the average annual earnings of participants are $30,000 before participation and $38,000 after participation, the change in earning for participants is an increase of $8,000
  • if the average annual earnings in the comparison group are $31,000 before participation and $36,000 after participation, the change in earnings for the comparison group is an increase of $5,000
  • the incremental impact, that is the change attributed to program participation, is $8,000 minus $5,000, which equals an increase of $3,000

The main estimator used is propensity score kernel matching technique combined with difference-in-differences estimator. Moreover, 3 different state-of-the-art estimation techniques (Inverse Probability Weighting, Nearest Neighbour and Cross-sectional Matching) were carried out separately for each type of EBSMs and EI claimants in order to validate the impact estimates.

As for previous LMDA evaluation studies, the Action Plan Equivalent is the unit of analysis used. Action Plan Equivalents regroup all EBSMs received by an individual within less than 6 months between the end of one EBSM and the start of the next. Action Plan Equivalents are categorized based on the longest EBSM they contain, except for EAS-only Action Plan Equivalents which include only EAS interventions.

The analysis includes Action Plan Equivalents that consist only of LMDA interventions. Action Plan Equivalents that include a combination of LMDA and other labour market programs funded by ESDC, were excluded from the participant sample.

The matching of participants and comparison group members used up to 75 socio-demographic and labour market variables observed over 5 years before participation. For active claimants in EAS, incremental impacts were measured relative to a comparison group of active EI claimants who were eligible to, but did not, participate in LMDA-funded EBSMs during the reference period.

Impacts are generated for active EI claimant participants in EAS over the 5 years following participation.Footnote 19

Medium-term outcome analysis

The study reports on the labour market outcomes for active and former EI claimants SDEB and EAS. When the number of participants was sufficient, outcomes are examined for active and former EI claimants who are female, male, youth (30 years old and under), older workers (55 years old and older), and Indigenous.

The study includes up to 100% of participants who began their EBSM participation between April 1, 2009, and December 31, 2012. The timeframe was selected in order to assess the outcomes of EBSMs in the years following participation. Overall, the analyses were conducted over a 10 to 11 year period:

  • a pre-participation period of 5 years for SDEB and EAS
  • a participation period of 2 years for SDEB, and of 1 year for EAS
  • a post-participation period of 4 years for SDEB and EAS

The labour market outcomes regarding employment earnings, EI and SA benefits are presented in constant 2010 dollars.

Strengths and limitations of the studies

One of the key strengths from the studies is that all quantitative analyses are based on administrative data rather than survey responses. Compared to survey data, administrative data are not subject to recall errors or response bias.

The outcome analysis provides an assessment of how the labour market situation of participants evolved over time but does not permit inference regarding the extent to which those changes were due to EBSM participation. For example, increases in employment earnings over the period examined could be partly due to an increase in wages.

The propensity score models used to match participants and non-participants for the incremental impact analyses are judged to be robust. In part this is because they were based on 5 years of pre-participation data. Moreover, these models are based on a vast array of variables including sociodemographic characteristics, location, skill level related to last occupation, and indicators of labour market attachment.

However, the matching process can be further refined for specific subgroups if the following information is available in the future:

  • persons with disabilities: the type and severity of the disability, and the capacity/willingness to work full-time
  • recent immigrants: the country of origin, the proficiency in English or French, and the relevance of credentials and work experience
  • visible minorities: place of birth; individuals who are born outside of Canada face different challenges compared to those born in Canada

Refining the matching process for population subgroups could broaden the scope for greater Gender-based Analysis Plus.

Sensitivity analysis and the use of alternative estimation methods have increased confidence in the incremental impact estimates. However, one limitation with the propensity score matching techniques is that no one can be fully sure the impacts are not influenced by factors not captured in the data.

Overview of the studies summarized in this report

The findings in this report are drawn from 3 separate studies:

  • Estimation of the medium-terms incremental impacts from 2009 to 2017
  • Examination of the medium-term outcomes from 2009 to 2017
  • Design and delivery of Research and Innovation in Yukon

Using a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods, these studies examine issues related to program effectiveness, design and delivery. Appendix A presents an overview of each study.

Evaluation findings

Profile of participants

Between 2009 and 2012, nearly 950 active and former EI claimants participated in LMDA-funded programs and services in Yukon.

The profile of participants is presented in Table 2 by gender, age, sociodemographic groups, marital status, educational attainment, occupation and industry. Information about their educational attainment, occupation and industry are based on the latest job they held prior to applying for EI benefits. Information about sociodemographic groups is self-reported.

Table 2. Profile of active and former EI claimant participants in 2009 to 2012 in Yukon
Categories Active claimants Former claimants
Number of participants 515 432
Gender: Female 49% 51%
Gender: Male 51% 49%
Age: 30 and under 28% 31%
Age: 31 to 54 54% 56%
Age: 55 and over 17% 12%
Sociodemographic group: Indigenous people 23% 40%
Sociodemographic group: Persons with disabilities 9% 10%
Sociodemographic group: Visible minorities 3% 3%
Sociodemographic group: Recent immigrants 2% < 10
Marital status: Single 61% 63%
Marital status: Married or common-law 27% 25%
Marital status: Widow / divorced / separated 7% 6%
Education or skills level: High school or occupational training 34% 34%
Education or skills level: On-the-job training 23% 27%
Education or skills level: College, vocational education or apprenticeship training 31% 27%
Education or skills level: University degree 7% 7%

Notes: Values may not equal 100% due to rounding or missing information; < 10 = fewer than 10 participants.

Top 3 occupational groups for EBSMs participants

Active claimants:

  • other manual workers = 15%
  • semi-skilled manual workers = 14%
  • semi-professionals and technicians = 12%

Former claimants:

  • other manual workers = 16%
  • semi-skilled manual workers = 14%
  • intermediate sales and service personnel = 13%

Top 3 industries for EBSMs participants

Active claimants:

  • public administration = 18%
  • construction = 14%
  • accommodation and food services = 12%

Former claimants:

  • public administration = 21%
  • construction = 13%
  • accommodation and food services = 12%

As presented in Table 3, in the year before program participation, former claimants had lower levels of employment and annual earnings than active claimants. Former claimants also had a higher dependence on SA.

Table 3. Employment and earning levels, and use of SA in the year before participation in EBSMs
Pre-EBSM participation employment characteristics Active claimants Former claimants
Average employment earnings $28,223 $16,495
Percentage employed 99% 89%
Percentage on SA 12% 26%

Incremental impacts for active EI claimants in EASFootnote 20

Main findings

The incremental impacts for active EI claimants who receive EAS services alone are not statistically significant compared to similar non-participants. Based on the results of the incremental impacts, no conclusions can be made regarding the effectiveness of EAS services in assisting participants to return to the labour market.

As shown in Table 4, the incremental impacts for active EI claimants who only receive EAS services are not statistically significant compared to similar non-participants.

Table 4. Incremental impacts for active EI claimant participants in EAS (annual average)
Indicator EAS active claimants
Incidence of employment (percentage points) -2.3
Employment earnings ($) -1,498
EI benefits ($) -209
SA benefits ($) 226
Dependence on income support (percentage points) 0.3
n= 263

Note: Estimates are not statistically significant.

Labour market outcomes for active and former EI claimants

Overall, following participation in SDEB and EAS, program participants have:

  • higher average annual earnings
  • lower incidence of employment, which may be due to retirement decisions
  • decreases in the use of EI benefits, but experience increases in the use of SA benefit

In Yukon, labour market outcomes are examined for active and former EI claimant participants in SDEB and EAS. The outcomes describe the average changes in participants’ earnings, incidence of employment, and use of EI and SA benefits that occur from before to after program participation.

The labour market outcomes are based on individuals who began their participation during the 2009 to 2012 period. Statistics focus on 5 years prior to participation, 1 or 2 years during participation and 4 years post-participation.

Between 2009 and 2012:

  • 238 active EI claimants and 168 former EI claimants participated in SDEB
  • 270 active EI claimants and 238 former EI claimants participated in EAS

Skills Development Employment Benefit participant outcomes

Approximately 400 active and former EI claimant participants, between 2009 and 2012, participated in SDEB.

Active claimants

As shown in Figure 2, SDEB active EI claimant participants increase their average earnings from $22,261 in the fifth year pre-program to $36,474 in the fourth year after program participation. On average, active claimants earn $9,629 more per year after participating in SDEB.

Figure 2. Average earnings for active claimant participants in SDEB
Figure 2
Text description – Figure 2
Year in pre-post participation period Average earnings for active claimant participants in SDEB
5 years pre-program $22,261
4 years pre-program $22,971
3 years pre-program $26,297
2 years pre-program $27,404
1 year pre-program $29,879
Program start year $19,820
Second year of participation $25,405
1 year post-program $33,409
2 years post-program $36,157
3 years post-program $35,526
4 years post-program $36,474

As shown in Table 5, the change in proportion of active claimants employed from before to after SEDB participation declines by 2 percentage points remaining on average at 92% during the post-program period. The decline can be attributed, in part, to participants’ retirement decisions. This conclusion is based on the fact that there is an increase in participants receiving Canada Pension Plan (5 percentage points), Canada Pension Plan-Disability (1 percentage point) and Old Age Security benefits (1 percentage points) in the post-program period.

Participants also decrease their use of EI benefits by 5 percentage points, but experience increases of 3 percentage points in the use of SA benefits.

Table 5. Pre and post-participation change in labour market outcomes for active claimants in SDEB
Indicator SDEB active claimants
Incidence of employment (percentage points) -2
Employment earnings ($) 9,629
EI benefits ($) -5
SA benefits ($) 3
Dependence on income support (percentage points) 0
n= 238
Former claimants

As shown in Figure 3, SDEB participants increase their average earnings from $18,601 in the fifth year pre-program to $32,043 in the fourth year after program participation. On average, former claimants earn $11,246 more per year after participating in SDEB.

Figure 3. Average earnings for former claimant participants in SDEB
Figure 3
Text description – Figure 3
Year in pre-post participation period Average earnings for former claimant participants in SDEB
5 years pre-program $18,601
4 years pre-program $20,962
3 years pre-program $21,696
2 years pre-program $19,894
1 year pre-program $16,206
Program start year $20,321
Second year of participation $27,155
1 year post-program $29,108
2 years post-program $30,873
3 years post-program $30,847
4 years post-program $32,043

As shown in Table 6, the change in proportion of former claimants employed from before to after SEDB participation declines by 6 percentage, remaining on average at 87% during the post-program period. The decline can be attributed, in part, to participants’ retirement decisions. This conclusion is based on the fact that there is an increase in participants receiving Canada Pension Plan (7 percentage points), Canada Pension Plan-Disability (1 percentage point), and Old Age Security (3 percentage points) after participation.

Participants decrease their use of EI benefits by 20 percentage points, but experience increases of 2 percentage points in SA use.

Table 6. Pre and post-participation change in labour market outcomes for former claimants in SDEB
Indicator SDEB former claimants
Incidence of employment (percentage points) -6
Employment earnings ($) 11,246
EI benefits ($) -20
SA benefits ($) 2
Dependence on income support (percentage points) -5
n= 168

Employment Assistance Services participant outcomes

Approximately 510 active and former EI claimant participants, between 2009 and 2012, participated in EAS.

Active claimants

As shown in Figure 4, active claimants in EAS increase their average earnings from $19,632 in the fifth year pre-program to $24,874 in the fourth year after the program participation. On average, active claimants earn $1,720 more per year after participation.

Figure 4. Average earnings for active claimant participants in EAS
Figure 4
Text description – Figure 4
Year in pre-post participation period Average earnings for active claimant participants in EAS
5 years pre-program $19,632
4 years pre-program $21,509
3 years pre-program $22,969
2 years pre-program $24,284
1 year pre-program $26,986
Program start year $18,602
1 year post-program $22,563
2 years post-program $25,321
3 years post-program $26,426
4 years post-program $24,874

As shown in Table 7, the change in proportion of active claimants employed from before to after EAS participation declines by 8 percentage points, remaining on average around 85% in the post-program period. The decline can be attributed, in part, to participants’ retirement decisions. This conclusion is based on the fact that there is an increase in participants receiving Canada Pension Plan (8 percentage points) and Old Age Security (5 percentage points).

These participants also decrease their use of EI benefits by 5 percentage points, but experience increases in the use of SA benefits of 3 percentage points in the post participation period.

Table 7. Pre and post-participation change in labour market outcomes for EAS active claimants
Indicator EAS active claimants
Incidence of employment (percentage points) -8
Employment earnings ($) 1,720
EI benefits ($) -5
SA benefits ($) 3
Dependence on income support (percentage points) 2
n= 270
Former claimants

As shown in Figure 5, former claimants increase their average earnings from $18,951 in the fifth year pre-program to $23,824 in the fourth year after EAS participation. On average, former claimants earn $2,994 more per year after participation.

Figure 5. Average earnings for former claimant participants in EAS
Figure 5
Text description – Figure 5
Year in pre-post participation period Average earnings for former claimant participants in EAS
5 years pre-program $18,951
4 years pre-program $20,264
3 years pre-program $21,860
2 years pre-program $20,246
1 year pre-program $16,217
Program start year $15,184
1 year post-program $21,340
2 years post-program $21,739
3 years post-program $23,102
4 years post-program $23,824

As shown in Table 8, the change in proportion of former claimant participants employed from before to after EAS participation decreases by 9 percentage points, remaining on average around 84% in the post-program period. The decline can be attributed, in part, to participants’ retirement decisions. This conclusion is based on the fact that there is an increase in participants receiving Canada Pension Plan (8 percentage points) and Old Age Security (3 percentage points) in the post-program period.

These participants also decrease their use of EI benefits by 16 percentage points, but experience increases in the use of SA benefits by 6 percentage points.

Table 8. Pre and post-participation change in labour market outcomes for EAS former claimants
Indicator EAS former claimants
Incidence of employment (percentage points) -9
Employment earnings ($) 2,994
EI benefits ($) -16
SA benefits ($) 6
Dependence on income support (percentage points) 1
n= 238

Labour market outcomes by subgroups of participants

Main findings

A subgroup analysis shows that labour market outcomes for most subgroups of active and former claimant participants in SDEB and EAS were largely consistent with those for all participants. This excludes older worker participants in EAS who experience decreases in earnings in part due to retirement decisions.

Female participants

Main findings

Following participation in SDEB and EAS, female participants have:

  • higher average annual employment earnings
  • lower incidence of employment, which can be attributed, in part, to retirement decisions
  • lower receipt of EI benefits, but experience increases in receipt of SA benefits

Between 2009 and 2012, nearly 470 of participants in Yukon were female, representing about 49% of participants.

The profile of female participants is presented in Table 9. It includes their age, sociodemographic group, and marital status, educational attainment, occupation and industry. Information about their educational attainment, occupation and industry is based on the last job they held prior to applying for EI benefits. Information about sociodemographic groups is self-reported.

Table 9. Profile of female participants in Yukon in 2009 to 2012
Categories Active claimants Former claimants
Number of participants 253 220
Age: 30 and under 24% 33%
Age: 31 to 54 56% 55%
Age: 55 and over 20% 12%
Sociodemographic group: Indigenous people 19% 34%
Sociodemographic group: Persons with disabilities 11% 12%
Marital status: Single 57% 60%
Marital status: Married or common-law 30% 26%
Marital status: Widow / divorced / separated 9% 10%
Education or skills level: High school or occupational training 37% 35%
Education or skills level: On-the-job training 19% 15%
Education or skills level: College, vocational education or apprenticeship training 30% 31%
Education or skills level: University degree 7% 11%

Note: Values may not equal 100% due to rounding or missing information.

Top 3 occupational groups for EBSMs participantsFootnote 21

Active claimants:

  • intermediate sales and service personnel = 17%
  • clerical personnel = 15%
  • semi-professionals and technicians = 13%

Former claimants:

  • intermediate sales and service personnel = 18%
  • clerical personnel = 13%
  • semi-professionals and technicians = 13%
  • professionals = 12%

Top 3 industries for EBSMs participantsFootnote 22

Active claimants:

  • public administration = 21%
  • accommodation and food services = 17%
  • construction = 9%
  • retail trade = 9%

Former claimants:

  • public administration = 25%
  • accommodation and food services = 15%
  • retail trade = 12%

Table 10 presents detailed labour market outcomes for female participants. For example, the results reveal female active claimants in SDEB increase their annual average earnings by $6,847. They also decrease their incidence of employment by 4 percentage points. The decline in the number of employed female participants can be mostly explained by retirement decisions.Footnote 23 Female participants decrease their use of EI by 4 percentage points but increase the use of SA benefits by 6 percentage points.

Female former EI claimants in EAS increase their annual average earnings by $3,256. They also decrease their incidence of employment by 6 percentage points. The decline in the number of employed female former claimants can be mostly explained by retirement decisions.Footnote 24 Female participants also decrease the use of EI by 16 percentage points but increase the use of SA by 6 percentage points.

Table 10. Pre and post-participation change in labour market outcomes for female participants (annual average)
Indicator SDEB active claimants SDEB former claimants EAS active claimants EAS former claimants
Incidence of employment (percentage points) -4 -5 -9 -6
Employment earnings ($) 6,847 9,714 1,436 3,256
EI benefits ($) -4 -20 -4 -16
SA benefits ($) 6 -1 3 6
Dependence on income support (percentage points) 2 -6 2 -2
n= 95 70 155 140

Note: the outcomes for female active and former claimants in SDEB should be interpreted with caution given the small numbers of participants (95 and 70 participants respectively).

Male participants

Main findings

Following participation in SDEB and EAS, male participants have:

  • higher average annual employment earnings
  • lower incidence of employment, which can be mostly explained by retirement decisions
  • lower use of EI benefits, accompanied by increases in the use of SA benefits

Between 2009 and 2012, nearly 475 participants in Yukon were male, representing about 51% of participants.

The profile of male participants is presented in Table 11. It includes their age, sociodemographic group, marital status, educational attainment, occupation and industry. Information about their educational attainment, occupation and industry is based on the last job they held prior to applying for EI benefits. Information about sociodemographic groups is self-reported.

Table 11. Profile of male participants in Yukon in 2009 to 2012
Categories Active claimants Former claimants
Number of participants 262 212
Age: 30 and under 32% 30%
Age: 31 to 54 53 % 58%
Age: 55 and over 15% 12%
Sociodemographic group: Indigenous people 26% 47%
Sociodemographic group: Persons with disabilities 7% 8%
Marital status: Single 66% 67%
Marital status: Married or common-law 24% 23%
Marital status: Widow / divorced / separated 5% <10
Education or skills level: High school or occupational training 31% 34%
Education or skills level: On-the-job training 27% 39%
Education or skills level: College, vocational education or apprenticeship training 31% 22%
Education or skills level: University degree 6% <10

Notes: Values may not equal 100% due to rounding or missing information; <10 = fewer than 10 participants.

Top 3 occupational groups for EBSMs participantsFootnote 25

Active claimants:

  • semi-skilled manual workers = 23%
  • other manual workers = 22%
  • skilled crafts and trades workers = 14%

Former claimants:

  • other manual workers = 28%
  • semi-skilled manual workers = 25%
  • other sales and service personnel = 11%
  • skilled crafts and trades workers = 11%

Top 3 industries for EBSMs participantsFootnote 26

Active claimants:

  • construction = 20%
  • mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction = 16%
  • public administration = 16%
  • accommodation and food services = 8%

Former claimants:

  • construction = 18%
  • mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction; public administration = 17%
  • retail trade = 11%

Table 12 presents detailed labour market outcomes for male participants. For example, the results reveal that male active EI claimants in SDEB increase their average annual earnings by $11,404. They also decrease their incidence of employment by 1 percentage point. The decline in the number of employed male participants can be mostly explained by retirement decisions.Footnote 27 Male participants decrease the use of EI by 6 percentage points but increase the use of SA by 2 percentage points.

Male former claimant participants in EAS increase their annual average earnings by $2,606. They also decrease their incidence of employment by 14 percentage points mainly due to retirement decisions.Footnote 28 These participants decrease their use of EI benefits by 16 percentage points but increase their use of SA benefits by 7 percentage points.

Table 12. Pre and post-participation change in labour market outcomes for male participants (annual average)
Indicator SDEB active claimants SDEB former claimants EAS active claimants EAS former claimants
Incidence of employment (percentage points) -1 -7 -8 -14
Employment earnings ($) 11,404 12,304 2,220 2,606
EI benefits ($) -6 -21 -6 -16
SA benefits ($) 2 5 2 7
Dependence on income support (percentage points) -1 -5 3 6
n= 143 98 115 98

Note: the outcomes for male former claimants in SDEB and EAS should be interpreted with caution given the small numbers of participants.

Youth participants

Main findings

Following participation in SDEB and EAS, Youth active and former claimants have:

  • higher annual average earnings
  • lower incidence of employment
  • lower use of EI benefits (with the exception of former claimants in SDEB)
  • mixed results for use of SA benefits

Between 2009 and 2012, nearly 280 participants in Yukon were 30 years of age or younger at the start of their participation, representing about 30% of participants.

The profile of youth participants is presented in Table 13. It includes their gender, sociodemographic group, marital status, educational attainment, occupation and industry. Information about their educational attainment, occupation and industry is based on the last job they held prior to applying for EI benefits.

Table 13. Profile of youth participants in Yukon in 2009 to 2012
Categories Active claimants Former claimants
Number of participants 146 136
Gender: Female 42% 53%
Gender: Male 58% 47%
Sociodemographic group: Indigenous people 24% 39%
Marital status: Single 71% 74%
Marital status: Married or common-law 21% 19%
Education or skills level: High school or occupational training 32% 36%
Education or skills level: On-the-job training 29% 34%
Education or skills level: College, vocational education or apprenticeship training 29% 21%
Education or skills level: University degree <10 <10

Notes: Values may not equal 100% due to rounding or missing information; < 10 = fewer than 10 participants.

Top 3 occupational groups for EBSMs participantsFootnote 29

Active claimants:

  • other manual workers = 22%
  • semi-skilled manual workers = 16%
  • semi-professionals and technicians = 14%

Former claimants:

  • other manual workers = 18%
  • other sales and service personnel = 15%
  • intermediate sales and service personnel = 14%
  • semi-skilled manual workers = 14%

Top 3 industries for EBSMs participantsFootnote 30

Active claimants:

  • construction = 20%
  • mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction = 14%
  • public administration = 14%
  • accommodation and food services = 13%

Former claimants:

  • retail trade = 17%
  • public administration = 16%
  • construction = 15%

Table 14 presents the detailed labour market outcomes for youth participants. For example, the results reveal that youth active EI claimants in SDEB increase their annual average earnings by $17,582. They also decrease their incidence of employment by 5 percentage points. Youth participants increase their use of EI and SA benefits (by 3 percentage points and 4 percentage points respectively).

Youth former EI claimants in EAS increase their annual average earnings by $10,128. They also decrease their incidence of employment by 5 percentage points in the post-participation period. Youth participants decrease their use of EI by 7 percentage points, but experience increases in use of SA benefits (3 percentage points).

Table 14. Pre and post-participation change in labour market outcomes for youth participants (annual average)
Indicator SDEB active claimants SDEB former claimants EAS active claimants EAS former claimants
Incidence of employment (percentage points) -5 -1 -2 -5
Employment earnings ($) 17,582 19,638 14,705 10,128
EI benefits ($) 3 -10 -2 -7
SA benefits ($) 4 0 0 3
Dependence on income support (percentage points) 3 -2 0 0
n= 83 66 59 59

Note: the outcomes for youth active and former claimants in SDEB and EAS should be interpreted with caution given the small numbers of participants.

Older worker participants

Main findings

Following participation in EAS, older worker EI claimants have:

  • lower incidence of employment and annual average employment earnings, which is mostly due to retirement decisions
  • lower use of EI benefits, accompanied by increases in SA benefits

Between 2009 and 2012, there were 89 active EI claimants and 53 former EI claimants who were 55 years of age or older when they began their participation. In Yukon, this represents nearly 15% of participants.Footnote 31

The profile of older worker participants is presented in Table 15. It includes their gender, sociodemographic group, marital status, educational attainment, occupation and industry. Information about their educational attainment, occupation and industry is based on the last job they held prior to applying for EI benefits. Information about sociodemographic groups is self-reported.

Table 15. Profile of older worker EAS active claimant participants in Yukon from 2009 to 2012
Categories Active claimants
Number of participants 89
Gender: Female 57%
Gender: Male 43%
Sociodemographic group: Indigenous people 13%
Sociodemographic group: Persons with disabilities 17%
Marital status: Single 44%
Marital status: Married or common-law 29%
Marital status: Widow / divorced / separated 19%
Education or skills level: High school or occupational training 36%
Education or skills level: On-the-job training <10
Education or skills level: College, vocational education or apprenticeship training 38%
Education or skills level: University degree <10

Notes: Values may not equal 100% due to rounding or missing information; < 10 = fewer than 10 participants.

Top 3 occupational groups for EBSMs participants

Active claimants:

  • intermediate sales and service personnel = 16%
  • skilled sales and service personnel = 13%
  • semi-skilled manual workers = 12%

Top 3 industries for EBSMs participants

Active claimants:

  • public administration = 19%
  • accommodation and food services = 18%
  • construction = 13%

Table 16 presents the detailed labour market outcomes for older worker participants in EAS. For example, the results reveal that older worker active EI claimant participants in EAS decrease their annual average earnings by $8,698 and decrease their incidence of employment by 19 percentage points. The decline can be mostly explained by retirement decisions. While the number of employed older worker participants decreases by 19 percentage point, there is an increase in the number of participants on Canada Pension Plan (38 percentage points), Canada Pension Plan-Disability (4 percentage points), and Old Age Security (20 percentage points). These participants also decrease their use of EI benefits by 17 percentage points and increase their use of SA benefits by 9 percentage points.

Table 16. Pre and post-participation change in labour market outcomes for older worker active participants in EAS (annual average)
Indicator EAS active claimants
Incidence of employment (percentage points) -19
Employment earnings ($) -8,698
EI benefits ($) -17
SA benefits ($) 9
Dependence on income support (percentage points) 6
n= 62

Note: the outcomes for older worker active claimants in EAS should be interpreted with caution given the small numbers of participants (62).

Indigenous participants

Main findings

Following participation, Indigenous active EI claimant participants in SDEB and active and former claimants in EAS have:

  • higher average annual earnings
  • lower incidence of employment, mostly due to retirement decisions
  • lower use of EI benefits, accompanied by increases in their use of SA benefits

Between 2009 and 2012, nearly 290 participants in Yukon were Indigenous, representing about 30% of participants.Footnote 32

The profile of Indigenous participants is presented in Table 17. It includes their age, gender, marital status, educational attainment, occupation and industry. Information about their educational attainment, occupation and industry is based on the last job they held prior to applying for EI benefits.

Table 17. Profile of Indigenous active and former EI claimant participants in Yukon in 2009 to 2012
Categories Active claimants Former claimants
Number of participants 117 174
Gender: Female 42% 43%
Gender: Male 58% 57%
Age: 30 and under 30% 30%
Age: 31 to 54 60% 59%
Age: 55 and over 10% 10%
Marital status: Single 68% 68%
Marital status: Married or common-law 26% 20%
Marital status: Widow / divorced / separated <10 6%
Education or skills level: High school or occupational training 37% 30%
Education or skills level: On-the-job training 28% 31%
Education or skills level: College, vocational education or apprenticeship training 25% 27%
Education or skills level: University degree <10 6%

Notes: Values may not equal 100% due to rounding or missing information; < 10 = fewer than 10 participants.

Top 3 occupational groups for EBSMs participantsFootnote 33

Active claimants:

  • other manual workers = 25%
  • semi-skilled manual workers = 19%
  • clerical personnel = 10%
  • skilled crafts and trades workers = 10%

Former claimants:

  • other manual workers = 22%
  • semi-skilled manual workers = 16%
  • intermediate sales and service personnel = 9%
  • other sales and service personnel = 9%

Top 3 industries for EBSMs participants

Active claimants:

  • public administration = 29%
  • construction = 19%
  • mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction = 17%

Former claimants:

  • public administration = 27%
  • construction = 18%
  • retail trade = 10%

Table 18 presents the detailed labour market outcomes for Indigenous participants. For example, the results reveal that Indigenous active EI claimant participants in SDEB increase their annual average employment earnings by $11,446. They also decrease their employment levels by 3 percentage points, which can be mostly explained by retirement decisions.Footnote 34 These participants also decrease their use of EI benefits by 5 percentage points and increase their use of SA benefits by 4 percentage points.

Indigenous former EI claimants in EAS increase their annual average earnings by $3,121. They also decrease their incidence of employment by 7 percentage points, which can be mostly explained by retirement decisions.Footnote 35 These participants also decrease their use of EI benefits by 20 percentage points and increase their use of SA benefits by 3 percentage points.

Table 18. Pre and post-participation change in labour market outcomes for Indigenous participants (annual average)
Indicator SDEB active claimants SDEB former claimants EAS former claimants
Incidence of employment (percentage points) -3 -8 -7
Employment earnings ($) 11,446 10,644 3,121
EI benefits ($) -5 -24 -20
SA benefits ($) 4 5 3
Dependence on income support (percentage points) -1 -3 -1
n= 86 89 71

Note: the outcomes for Indigenous active and former claimants should be interpreted with caution given the small numbers of participants in SDEB and EAS.

Supplemental studies

Research and InnovationFootnote 36

Research and Innovation provides funding for research and demonstration projects. These projects aim to collect and disseminate labour market information and to test new approaches in labour market development.

Between 2015 and 2020, Yukon used the program intermittently. Research and Innovation spending varied between 1% ($51,000) to 5% ($187,000) of annual LMDA expenditures in the territory. Program officials report that the amount allocated to Research and Innovation is influenced by government priorities and labour market issues.

Funded organizations

Funded organizations include the Yukon government.

Funded Research and Innovation activities

Research and Innovation projects include activities such as collection, analysis and dissemination of labour market information.

Skills Development Employment Benefit-Apprentices

The objective of the program is to help apprentices become skilled tradespeople and to increase their labour market attachment. Program participants have generally chosen a career and are already attached to the labour market. The apprenticeship process involves on-the-job learning and technical training in a classroom setting.

Apprentices who have worked enough hours to qualify for EI can apply to receive EI Part I benefits while on training. The program provides financial assistance to EI eligible apprentices to help them offset the costs they incur while they attend technical training. The level of funding is based on the needs of apprentices, the location of the training, and any fees paid by the apprentices.

The profile of active EI claimant participants in SDEB-Apprentices is presented in Table 19.Footnote 37 Information about their educational attainment, occupation and industry is based on the last job they held prior to applying for EI Part 1 benefits. Information about sociodemographic groups is self-reported.

Table 19. Profile of active EI claimant participants in SDEB-Apprentices programs in Yukon from 2009 to 2012
Categories Active claimants
Number of participants 163
Gender: Female 9%
Gender: Male 91%
Age: 30 and under 77%
Age: 31 to 54 22%
Age: 55 and over <10
Sociodemographic group: Indigenous people 8%
Sociodemographic group: Persons with disabilities <10
Sociodemographic group: Visible minorities <10
Sociodemographic group: Recent immigrants <10
Marital status: Single 66%
Marital status: Married or common-law 28%
Marital status: Widow / divorced / separated <10
Education or skills level: High school or occupational training <10
Education or skills level: On-the-job training 6%
Education or skills level: College, vocational education or apprenticeship training 88%
Education or skills level: University degree <10

Notes: Values may not equal 100% due to rounding or missing information; < 10 = fewer than 10 participants.

Top 3 occupational groups for SDEB-Apprentices participants

Active claimants:

  • skilled crafts and trades workers = 82%
  • other manual workers = <10 participants
  • skilled sales and service personnel = <10 participants

Top 3 industries for SDEB-Apprentices participants

Active claimants:

  • construction = 67%
  • other services (excluding public administration) = <10 participants
  • public administration = <10 participants

Labour market outcomes

As shown in Figure 6, active claimant participants in SDEB-Apprentices increase their average earnings from $19,238 in the fifth year pre-program to $56,585 in the fifth year after the program start year. They earn on average $26,457 more per year during the post participation period compared to before participation.

Figure 6. Average earnings for active claimant participants in SDEB-Apprentices
Figure 6
Text description – Figure 6
Year in pre-post participation period Average earnings for active claimant participants in EAS
5 years pre-program $19,238
4 years pre-program $21,654
3 years pre-program $22,739
2 years pre-program $25,780
1 year pre-program $34,976
Program start year $33,369
1 year post-program $38,405
2 years post-program $44,754
3 years post-program $50,860
4 years post-program $53,138
5 years pre-program $56,585

As shown in Table 20, the change in proportion of active claimants employed from before to after participation declines by 2 percentage points, remaining on average around 95% after program participation.

Participants also increase their use of EI benefits by 8 percentage points in the post program period compared to before participation. However, these participants experience decreases in EI use from 100% in program start year to 25% in the fifth post-program year.

Participants decrease their use of SA benefits by 1 percentage point in the post participation period compared to before participation.

Table 20. Pre and post-participation change in labour market outcomes for SDEB-Apprentices active claimants
Indicator SDEB-Apprentices active claimants
Incidence of employment (percentage points) -2
Employment earnings ($) 26,457
EI benefits ($) 8
SA benefits ($) -1
Dependence on income support (percentage points) -1
n= 163

Conclusions and recommendations

The Canada-Yukon LMDA is the largest annual investment in active labour market programs and services in Yukon. Based on the findings presented in this report, the EBSMs are generally helping participants to increase their earnings and to reduce their use of some government income support benefits.

Summary of findings

The medium-term outcome analysis completed as part of the evaluation provides an assessment of how the labour market situation of participants evolved over time.Footnote 38 Overall, the outcome analysis shows that following program participation active and former EI claimant participants in SDEB and EAS have:

  • higher average earnings
  • lower employment levels, mainly due to retirement decisions
  • lower use of EI benefits, however, they increase their receipt of SA benefits

Where the number of participants was sufficient, a subgroup analysis was conducted for female, male, youth, older workers and Indigenous participants. The analysis shows that labour market outcomes for most of subgroups of active and former participants in SDEB and EAS are largely consistent with those for all participants.Footnote 39

A separate incremental impact analysis was conducted on active EI claimants who participated in EAS. The incremental impacts are not statistically significant compared to similar non-participants.

Supplemental studies address information gaps previously identified in LMDA evaluations for Research and Innovation. A separate study examined outcomes for SDEB-Apprentices.

Overall, the studies found that:

  • Yukon uses the Research and Innovation support measure to fund labour market research projects
  • after participating in SDEB-Apprentices, active EI claimants increase their employment earnings and decrease their dependence on government income supports

Recommendations

Since 2012, several qualitative and quantitative studies addressed issues and questions related to EBSM design, delivery and effectiveness. The quantitative studies provided insight into participants’ post-participation labour market outcomes. The qualitative studies identified specific challenges, lessons learned and best practices associated with the design and delivery of EBSMs. Each study included key considerations for program and policy development or recommendations.

The recently completed evaluation of the Workforce Development Agreements complements the LMDA qualitative studies. This evaluation was also supported by literature reviews and provided unique insights into challenges and lessons learned to assist persons with disabilities, immigrants and those further removed from the labour market.

Most results from this evaluation stem from the conduct of advance causal analysis whereby impacts found could be attributed to a specific EBSM. These analyses are predicated on having access to high quality administrative records, thereby confirming the importance of the capacity to leverage and integrate relevant administrative data.

From these main findings, 2 key recommendations emerge:

Recommendation #1: Yukon is encouraged to share and discuss lessons learned, best practices and challenges associated with the design and delivery of programs and services. Discussions are encouraged with ESDC, at the bilateral or multilateral levels as well as with service delivery network if necessary.

Recommendation #2: Yukon is encouraged to pursue efforts to maintain and strengthen data collection provisions in support of reporting, performance measurement and data-driven evaluations at the national and territorial levels.

References

Employment and Social Development Canada. Employment Insurance Monitoring and Assessment Reports. 2010 to 2022.

Employment and Social Development Canada. Labour Market Development Agreements Process for Determination of Similarity. Internal document, 2012.

Employment and Social Development Canada. Evaluation of the Canada-Yukon Labour Market Development Agreements – Cycle III: Examination of the medium-term outcomes from 2009 to 2017. Internal report, 2021.

Employment and Social Development Canada. Third Cycle for the Horizontal Evaluation of the Labour Market Development Agreements: Quantitative Methodology Report. Internal document, 2019. Available upon request.

Appendix A: List of 3 studies included in this national synthesis report

Overview of studies included in this synthesis report

Study 1: Examination of medium-term outcomes from 2009 to 2017
Evidence generated: profile of active and former EI claimants in Yukon; outcomes by claimant type and by subgroup
Methods: before and after results of program participation
Reference period: 2009 to 2012 participants
Observation period: Up to 12 years (5 years before participation, 1 to 2 years of participation, and up to 5 years after participation)

Study 2: Estimation of medium-term incremental impacts from 2009 to 2017
Evidence generated: incremental impacts for active and former EI claimants in Yukon; incremental impacts by subgroup; profile and socio-demographic characteristics of participants
Methods: Non-experimental method using propensity score matching in combination with Difference-in-Differences; Statistical profiling
Reference period: 2009 to 2012 participants
Observation period: Up to 7 years (1 to 2 years in program, and up to 5 years after participation)

Study 3: Design and delivery of the Research and Innovation Support measure in Yukon
Evidence generated: Program design and delivery; Challenges and lessons learned
Methods: Document review; Questionnaire validated by provincial program officials
Reference period: 2017 to 2020
Observation period: Design and delivery at the time of the data collection

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