2015–16 Report on Plans and Priorities - Details on Transfer Payment Programs of $5 Million or More

1. Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy

Name of transfer payment program Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (voted)

Start date April 1, 2010

End date March 31, 2016

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2009–10 (with a minor amendment in December 2011 and May 2013)

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program 2.1.9: Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy

Description Aboriginal communities have historically experienced significantly higher rates of unemployment, lower rates of labour force participation and higher rates of social assistance than other Canadian communities. The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) aims to increase Aboriginal participation in the Canadian labour market, ensuring that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people are engaged in sustainable, meaningful employment. Funding from the Strategy supports over 85 Aboriginal service delivery organizations, which deliver employment and training services and supports through over 600 points of service across Canada. Specific attention is given to working with partners in the private sector, educational institutions and other levels of government in demand-driven labour markets. This program is linked to the Employment Insurance Act, which enables Aboriginal groups to deliver programs similar to those established by Part II of the Act. The Strategy is also linked to the First Nations and Inuit Child Care Initiative, which provides supports for childcare to assist Aboriginal parents/caregivers accessing labour market programs. Currently, the Strategy supports labour market obligations specified in Treaty and Self-Government Agreements that are in place with some Aboriginal groups. The ASETS network of agreement holders is used for the delivery of the First Nations Job Fund under the Income Assistance Reform. Transfer payments are managed through contribution agreements with Aboriginal organizations.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: ASETS

ASETS is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results Through pre-employment support, skills development and demand-driven job training, an increasing number of Aboriginal people are employed and integrated into the Canadian labour market

Performance measure:

Number of clients who obtained employment or returned to school following service intervention(s); 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation N/A

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2014–15

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) works with Aboriginal agreement holders throughout the life of their contribution agreement. In particular, the Department interacts with agreement holders in the development and negotiation of the multi-year ASETS strategic business plans, which form the basis of their contribution agreements. Mid-year dialogues and review of annual plans as well as ongoing communications at the regional level are part of the strategy.

To prepare for future programming, a multi-phased approach to engage partners and stakeholders was implemented to allow for the breadth and depth of feedback needed to identify and develop a range of program options to increase Aboriginal participation in the labour market.

In 2015–16, ESDC organized multiple engagement sessions and roundtables with stakeholders, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Aboriginal governments, provinces/territories and employers, to inform policy work regarding the future of Aboriginal labour market programming and a new Modern Treaty Implementation Policy Framework, and to ensure that future Aboriginal labour market programming remains responsive to current and future needs of Aboriginal Canadians.

2. Skills and Partnership Fund

Name of transfer payment program Skills and Partnership Fund (voted)

Start date April 1, 2010

End date March 31, 2016

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2009–10 (with a minor amendment in December 2011 and May 2014)

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program: 2.1.10: Skills and Partnership Fund

Description As a complement to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, the Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF) supports over 80 short-term projects by Aboriginal organizations and their private-sector and government partners. Funding recipients deliver supports and services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis people to help them develop the necessary skills and job training to secure jobs. This program focuses on emerging or untapped economic development opportunities to meet the needs of high-demand sectors, as well as areas with skills shortages. Attention is given to ensuring that partnerships are in place prior to project initiation and that the focus of projects are responsive to demonstrated need with supports in the areas of training-to-employment, skills development and service innovation. Currently, the SPF supports labour market obligations specified in various Treaty and Self-Government Agreements that are in place with some Aboriginal groups. Transfer payments are managed through contribution agreements with Aboriginal organizations.

The SPF is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results Through partnership-based and project-specific skills development and employment training, an increasing number of Aboriginal people are employed and integrated into the Canadian labour market

Performance measure:

Number of clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s); 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation N/A

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2014–15

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients To prepare for future programming, a multi-phased approach to engage partners and stakeholders was implemented to allow for the breadth and depth of feedback needed to identify and develop a range of program options to increase Aboriginal participation in the labour market.

3. Youth Employment Strategy

Name of transfer payment program Youth Employment Strategy (voted)

Start date April 1, 2003

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2013–14

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program 2.1.6: Youth Employment Strategy

Description The Youth Employment Strategy (YES) helps youth aged 15 to 30 gain the skills, career information and work experience they need to find and maintain employment. YES is an Employment and Social Development Canada-led horizontal initiative involving 10 other federal departments and agencies that assist youth in making a successful transition into today’s changing labour market. YES has three program streams—Skills Link, Career Focus and Summer Work Experience, which includes Canada Summer Jobs. This program is delivered nationally, regionally and locally via funding instruments such as contribution agreements and direct delivery methods.

YES is a repayable contribution.

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

Performance measures:

1. Number of clients served who have started one or more interventions within the current fiscal year; 2015–16 Target: 46,000
2. Number of clients employed or self-employed; 2015–16 Target: 6,000

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2009–10

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2014–15

General targeted recipient groups Eligible recipients include individuals, other levels of government, provincial and territorial institutions, agencies, Crown corporations and not-for-profit, for-profit and Aboriginal organizations.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients The Government of Canada engages recipients via contribution agreements. These service providers design and deliver support for youth to gain the skills, career information and work experience they need to find and maintain employment. Employment and Social Development Canada uses Calls for Proposals as the main mechanism to engage with partners.

4. Targeted Initiative for Older Workers

Name of transfer payment program Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (voted)

Start date November 17, 2006

End date March 31, 2017

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2014–17

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program 2.1.7: Targeted Initiative for Older Workers

Description The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers (TIOW) is a federal-provincial/territorial cost shared initiative that provides unemployed older workers (normally between the ages of 55 and 64) with employment assistance services, skills upgrading and work experience to re integrate them into the workforce and/or increase their employability. The Initiative assists unemployed older workers in small communities of 250,000 or less that are experiencing high unemployment, significant downsizing/closures, unfulfilled employer demand and/or skills mismatches. Under this program, provinces and territories are responsible for identifying specific communities for participation in the Initiative, designing and delivering projects, and monitoring and reporting on projects. All projects must include employment assistance activities such as résumé writing, interview techniques, counselling and job search techniques and at least two employability improvement activities such as prior learning assessment, skills training, work experience or preparation for self-employment. The Government of Canada’s investment in the Initiative complements other funding provided through various labour market transfers to provinces and territories to support Canadians in receiving the training they need to secure employment, including the Canada Job Fund Agreements, Labour Market Development Agreements and Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: TIOW.

Expected results Unemployed older workers in small communities have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences and opportunities they need to return to work, and/or become more employable.

Performance measures:

1. Number of approved/extended TIOW projects; 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year
2. Number of clients targeted by provinces and territories for participation in TIOW projects; 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2014–15

Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2016–17

General targeted recipient groups Provincial and territorial governments design and deliver TIOW projects. Targeted beneficiaries are unemployed older workers living in cities and towns with a population of 250,000 or less who have been affected by high unemployment, significant industry downsizing/closures, unfilled employer demand and/or skills mismatches. The TIOW is primarily targeted to unemployed older workers between the ages of 55 and 64. Unemployed older workers aged 50 to 54 and over the age of 64 who have similar needs may also participate, dependent on circumstances, but not at the exclusion of eligible applicants age 55 to 64.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients The TIOW is managed through bilateral federal-provincial/territorial agreements between the Government of Canada and each participating province and territory. Under these agreements, provinces and territories are responsible for targeting specific communities as well as for designing and delivering TIOW projects (normally via community-based organizations).

5. Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities

Name of transfer payment program Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities (voted)

Start date April 1, 2004

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2013–14

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program 2.1.4: Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities

Description In recognition of the barriers faced by persons with disabilities in the labour market, the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities (LMAPDs) are designed to improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities by enhancing their employability, increasing employment opportunities and demonstrating the best possible results for Canadians. This program transfers funds to provinces and territories under bilateral agreements (covering 50 percent of eligible costs, to a predetermined maximum) for programs and services. Provinces and territories agree to match the federal amount. As the needs of persons with disabilities may differ between jurisdictions, provinces and territories have flexibility to determine the design and delivery of programming in the following five priority areas: education and training; employment participation; employment opportunities; connecting employers and persons with disabilities; and building knowledge. These programs and services for persons with disabilities complement other provincial and territorial employment and skills training programs funded by the Government of Canada (for example, Labour Market Development Agreements and the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities).

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: LMAPDs

These transfer payments are not repayable contributions.

Expected results Improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities by enhancing their employability, increasing employment opportunities and demonstrating the best possible results for Canadians

Performance measures:

1. Number of provinces and territories with agreements in place; 2015-16 Target: 13
2. Number of clients served; 2015–16 Target: Baseline year due to program changes

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation N/A

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2018–19

General targeted recipient groups The Government of Canada transfers funding annually to the provinces and territories that design and deliver programs and services for persons with disabilities in their jurisdictions within the parameters set out in each bilateral agreement.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients The Government of Canada engages provinces and territories through the bilateral governance structure set out in each agreement. Provinces and territories are responsible for engaging with employers, disability community organizations and persons with disabilities in their jurisdictions.

6. Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Name of transfer payment program Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities (voted)

Start date April 1, 2007

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2014–15

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program 2.1.5: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Description The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities assists persons with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. It supports persons with disabilities in overcoming barriers to participation in the Canadian labour market, and it supports employers to hire persons with disabilities. This program supports a wide range of programs and services, including job search supports, skills development, wage subsidies and employer awareness initiatives to encourage employers to hire persons with disabilities. The Opportunities Fund is delivered across the country by Service Canada Centres, in partnership with organizations in the community.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment(s): Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities.

These transfer payments are not repayable contributions.

Expected results Persons with disabilities have enhanced their employability, obtained employment, become self-employed, or returned to school

Performance measures:

1. Number of clients with enhanced employability; 2015-2016 Target: 4,700
2. Number of clients employed or self-employed; 2015–16 Target: 2,000

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2014–15

Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2019–20

General targeted recipient groups Eligible recipients include individuals acting as project sponsors or employers in relation to an eligible activity; other levels of government; provincial and territorial institutions, agencies and Crown corporations; and not-for-profit, for-profit and Aboriginal organizations.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients The Government of Canada engages recipients via both national and regional contribution agreements. In consultation with employers, service providers design and deliver programming for persons with disabilities to support enhanced employment outcomes.

7. Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children

Name of transfer payment program Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children (voted)

Start date January 1, 2013

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2012–13

Strategic Outcome Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 4.2: Social Development

Sub-Program 4.2.6: Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children

Description The Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children is an income support grant available to eligible parents who have suffered a loss of income as a result of taking time away from work to cope with the death or disappearance of their child (or children) under the age of 18 as a result of a probable Criminal Code offence.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment(s): Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children.

Expected results The financial burden on parents of children who are deceased or missing due to a probable Criminal Code offence and who take time away from work to cope with the tragic situation is eased.

Performance measures:

1. Proportion of successful applicants; 2015–16 Target: Not applicable.
2. Average number of weeks paid per recipient; 2015–16 Target: Not applicable.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation N/A

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2015–16

General targeted recipient groups Individuals

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Outreach activities to law enforcement agencies and victim stakeholder groups are ongoing to raise awareness of this income support among eligible families.

8. Canada Job Fund Agreements

Name of transfer payment program Canada Job Fund Agreements

Start date April 1, 2014

End date March 31, 2020

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2014–15

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program 2.1.3: Canada Job Fund Agreements

Description The Canada Job Fund Agreements (CJFA) ensure direct employer involvement in training decisions and increase private-sector investment in the skills training system. The Government of Canada transfers funds to provinces and territories for them to deliver programs and services that aim to increase labour force participation and help Canadians develop the skills necessary to find and keep a job. This program consists of three program streams: the Canada Job Grant to encourage greater employer involvement and investment in training by providing financial assistance to employers on a cost-shared basis in order to help Canadians develop the skills needed for available jobs; employer-sponsored training to support employer involvement in and contribution to demand-driven training programs and incentives; and employment services and supports to enhance labour market participation of Canadians, with priority given to the unemployed ineligible for Employment Insurance benefits and to low-skilled employed workers. A separate six-year agreement was signed with Quebec that does not include the delivery of the Canada Job Grant, recognizing that the core principles behind the Canada Job Grant are already embedded in Quebec’s training system. Quebec’s new agreement, however, includes a commitment to strengthened reporting and accountability. These Agreements complement other provincial and territorial employment and skills training programs funded by the Government of Canada, for example, under the Labour Market Development Agreements and the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities, and the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.

CJFAs are not repayable contributions

Expected results Increase labour market participation of Canadians through funding for provincial/ territorial programs that aim to help them develop the skills necessary to find and keep a job, and increase employer involvement / investment in skills training.

Performance measures:

1. Number of participants benefiting from programs covered under the Canada Job Fund; 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year
2. Average employer contribution to the Canada Job Grant in a given year; 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year
3. Change in employment status of participants benefiting from programs covered under the Canada Job Fund; 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation N/A

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2018–19

General targeted recipient groups All Canadians entitled to work in Canada and permanent residents.

Canada Job Grant:

Eligible Employers:

• Individual employers and organizations acting on behalf of employers (e.g. employer consortia, union halls, industry associations and training coordinators), in the private and not-for-profit sectors. Currently, in some provinces and territories, Crown corporations and Aboriginal governments are considered eligible employers.

Eligible Beneficiaries: All Canadians seeking training for a new or better job are eligible to benefit from the Canada Job Grant. This includes individuals who are:

• Unemployed and seeking training to obtain a job;
• Employed, but underemployed and seeking training for a better job; or,
• Employed but seeking training for a better job.

Employer-Sponsored Training: Apprenticeship supports, wage subsidies for on-the-job training and other demand-driven approaches, that meet the following principles:

• Employers decide which Eligible Beneficiaries get training and what type of training is required;
• Training leads to an available job for the Eligible Beneficiary; and
• Employers make a contribution (financial or in-kind) to the training.

Employment Services and Supports: All Canadians, with priority given to:

• unemployed individuals who are not EI clients; and
• employed individuals who are low-skilled such as those who do not have a high school diploma or who have low levels of literacy and essential skills.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Funding is transferred to the provinces and territories. They are responsible for the design and implementation of skills training and programming and setting priorities within the parameters of the Agreements. As part of that process they are responsible for engaging with employers and other stakeholders to determine priorities.

9. Apprenticeship Grants

Name of transfer payment program Apprenticeship Grants (voted)

Start date January 1, 2007 (Apprenticeship Incentive Grant) / January 1, 2009 (Apprenticeship Completion Grant)

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2011–12

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program 2.1.16: Apprenticeship Grants

Description Apprenticeship grants are incentives to attract Canadians to the trades and to assist apprentices in the Red Seal trades to progress and complete their training. This program targets eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who are out of high school and are registered apprentices in one of the 57 designated Red Seal trades. It is comprised of two grants: the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year for registered apprentices (up to a maximum of $2,000 per apprentice) who have successfully completed the technical and on-the-job training requirements for the first or second year/level of an apprenticeship program; and the Apprenticeship Completion Grant, an additional $2,000 taxable cash grant to registered apprentices upon completion of apprenticeship training and receipt of journeyperson certification. Eligibility for this program is tied to the Red Seal trades, as the Red Seal represents a standard of excellence which promotes the mobility of skilled tradespeople based on national standards. Delivery of apprenticeship grants to eligible registered apprentices involves responding to calls for information, collecting and processing applications, issuing payments and monitoring accuracy of payments.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Apprenticeship Grants.

Apprenticeship grants are not repayable contributions.

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

Performance measures:

1. Number of Apprenticeship Incentive Grants issued; 2015–16 Target: 59,080
2. Number of Apprenticeship Completion Grants issued; 2015-16 Target: 25,053

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2014–15

Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2015–16 (Phase I)

General targeted recipient groups Eligible recipients are registered apprentices who meet the eligibility criteria of the Apprenticeship Grants program. Eligible recipients include Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who are out of high school and are registered apprentices in one of the 57 designated Red Seal trades.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Apprenticeship is a provincial/territorial responsibility. Accordingly, and in an effort to encourage apprentices to apply for the grants, the Department will continue to work with apprenticeship authorities to identify issues, analyze improvement opportunities and implement measures that will increase program efficiency while offering a more streamlined user-friendly process to applicants.

10. Literacy and Essential Skills

Name of transfer payment program Literacy and Essential Skills (voted)

Start date April 1, 2006

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2012–13

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program 2.1.14: Literacy and Essential Skills

Description Some Canadians, particularly from vulnerable groups, may not have the literacy and essential skills needed to fully participate in the labour force. In addition, Canadian employers' business and productivity needs also require pools of skilled workers. Literacy and essential skills contribute to the employability and adaptability of workers, and they are critical building blocks for the development of other skills. The Adult Learning and Literacy and Essential Skills Program (ALLESP) contributes to increased literacy and essential skills of adult Canadians by targeting labour market stakeholders (including employers, associations, workers and those looking for work) as well as groups that are under-represented in the labour force (such as Aboriginal and immigrant populations) and providing grants and contributions funding to projects that promote skills upgrading in and for the workplace. This program, administered by the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, also develops partnerships with labour market stakeholders, supports the development and adoption of literacy and essential skills tools and resources, and pilots innovative approaches to literacy and essential skills development. The program links with the Roadmap for Canada's Official Languages 2013–2018.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: ALLESP

The ALLESP is not a repayable contribution.

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

Performance measures:

1. Number of Canadians having accessed essential skills training or supports; 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year
2. Number of organizations supporting essential skills training and development; 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2012–13

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2017–18

General targeted recipient groups Contributions: Not-for-profit organizations (voluntary sector); for-profit organizations; professional associations; provincial/territorial governments and their organizing bodies; provincial/territorial institutions including Crown corporations; universities, colleges and other educational and training bodies; workplace organizations, including sector councils, unions and business associations; international non-profit organizations (e.g. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development); and municipalities, Aboriginal organizations including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities.

Grants: Not-for-profit (voluntary sector) and for-profit organizations

Note: Provincial/territorial governments departments and agencies are eligible to receive funding only if specified in a federal-provincial/territorial agreement or Memorandum of Understanding, or specifically approved by the Minister.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients The Office of Literacy and Essential Skills disseminates information about the program through a quarterly e-bulletin that goes out to over 850 organizations. The program disseminates targeted information through other networks such as the Canada Business Network to approximately 2400 recipients and hosts webinars to report on project progress and results.

11. Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Name of transfer payment program Foreign Credential Recognition Program (voted)

Start date May 26, 2010

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2010–11

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program 2.1.17: Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Description Canada's aging society, combined with its low population growth, is creating labour market pressures that heighten the need for immigrants and other internationally trained individuals to integrate rapidly into the Canadian labour market. The Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP) targets internationally trained professionals and tradespersons, working with provincial and territorial governments and various organizations (such as regulatory bodies, national associations and credential assessment agencies) to facilitate credential recognition processes and ensure they are fair, consistent, transparent and timely. This program provides strategic financial support to its stakeholders through contribution agreements for key high-demand professions and skilled trades as well as other occupations to ensure that professionals and tradespersons who have obtained their credentials in another country can fully use their skills in Canada’s labour market. In order to streamline foreign credential recognition processes, this program facilitates national coordination among provinces and territories and other partners. The FCRP also works to implement domestic labour mobility initiatives, and complements the Agreement on Internal Trade, by facilitating national coordination among partners and reducing barriers faced by workers in regulated occupations as they pursue employment opportunities across the country.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: FCRP

The FCRP is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results The labour market needs of immigrant workers, employers, and other stakeholders are met

Performance measure:

Portion of skilled immigrants in regulated occupations targeted by systemic foreign credential recognition interventions; 2015–16 Target: 78%

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2010–11

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2015–16

General targeted recipient groups Eligible recipients include, but are not limited to sector and cross-sectoral councils, not-for-profit organizations, professional associations, industry associations, unions, regulatory boards, municipal governments, provincial/territorial governments public health institutions, school boards, universities, colleges, Collèges d'enseignement général et professionnel and consortia composed of all or some of the aforementioned types of recipient organizations.

Recipients will normally be a partnership of key players in the areas of activity or occupational sector.

Although the program will focus on target occupations, as determined from time to time by the Forum of Labour Market Ministers, it reserves the right to approach other priority groups.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Employment and Social Development Canada will continue to engage with key stakeholders through periodic meetings and conferences and participate in regular federal/provincial/territorial activities through the Forum of Labour Market Ministers intergovernmental working groups (e.g. the Foreign Qualifications Recognition Working Group and the Labour Mobility Coordinating Group).

12. Sectoral Initiatives Program

Name of transfer payment program Sectoral Initiatives Program (voted)

Start date April 1, 2013

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions The Ts & Cs governing the Consolidated Revenue Funding were approved indefinitely in 2013

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program 2.1.13: Sectoral Initiatives Program

Description The Sectoral Initiatives Program (SIP) is a grants-and-contributions program with the objective of addressing current and future skills shortages by supporting the development and distribution of sector-specific labour market intelligence, national occupational standards, and skills certification and accreditation systems.

The mandate is to help industry identify, forecast, and address human resources and skills issues through partnership-based projects for key sectors of the Canadian economy, to help ease labour mobility and labour market adjustment.

The SIP does not use repayable contributions.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: SIP.

Expected results Sectoral stakeholders benefit from industry-validated labour market intelligence products, national occupational standards, and certification and accreditation programs

Performance measures:

1. Number of labour market information (LMI) reports or forecasting systems, National Occupation Standards (NOS), Certification and Accreditation regimes developed or updated via SIP projects; 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year
2. Percentage of intended beneficiaries that are using the SIP products (LMI, NOS, Certification, and Accreditation); 2015–16 Target: Baseline Year

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation N/A

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2017–18

General targeted recipient groups The targeted recipients are:

• Not-for-profit organizations representing industry;
• Workplace organizations such as chambers of commerce and industry employer associations;
• Education and training bodies;
• Professional associations and unions; and,
• Aboriginal organizations.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Stakeholder engagement strategies will be designed and developed to gather information and feedback from target audiences, and identify impacts of program funding.

13. First Nations Job Fund

Name of transfer payment program First Nations Job Fund (voted)

Start date May 30, 2013

End date March 31, 2017

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2013–14

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program 2.1.11: First Nations Job Fund

Description The Aboriginal youth population is growing in First Nations communities, where there is high unemployment rates and high dependency on Income Assistance, especially on reserves. The First Nations Job Fund (FNJF) aims to provide on reserve First Nations Income Assistance recipients between 18 and 24 years of age, who are able to work and who are trainable within one year, with the personalized training necessary to access jobs. Clients are referred to the Fund through Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada’s (AANDC) Enhanced Service Delivery system. This program is delivered through the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) delivery network. Selected organizations work with local training facilities and employers to ensure that Income Assistance recipients referred from the Enhanced Service Delivery system are provided with the training-to-employment and employment supports they need to secure jobs. The Fund is one of two components of the First Nations Income Assistance Reform Initiative—a joint initiative between AANDC, that administers the enhanced Service Delivery, and ESDC, that administers the FNJF.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: FNJF.

Expected results FNJF clients on-reserve are employed and integrated into the labour market

Performance measure:

Proportion of the clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s); Target 2015–16: 30%

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation N/A

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2016–17

General targeted recipient groups First Nations youth between the ages of 18 and 24 who reside on reserve, who are able to work, who require up to one year of job training and who are referred to FNJF services from the AANDC Enhanced Service Delivery program in participating First Nations communities.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients ESDC and AANDC have planned engagement roundtables and site visits with FNJF agreement holders to assess implementation status.

14. Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities

Name of transfer payment program Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities (voted)

Start date April 1, 2013

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2013–14

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.1: Skills and Employment

Sub-Program 2.1.8: Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities

Description The Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities is an integral component of the Government of Canada’s strategy for official languages as expressed in the Roadmap for Canada's Official Languages 2013–2018: Education, Immigration, Communities. This program aims to enhance the development and vitality of these communities by strengthening their capacity in the areas of human resources and community economic development, and by promoting partnerships at all levels, including with federal partners. This program provides funds to official language minority communities in every province and territory by supporting professional local capacity to deliver services and supports to jobseekers, businesses and communities; generate strategic partnerships; spur investment; and consolidate efforts and resources of stakeholders to take action on priorities. The Enabling Fund is designed so that official language minority communities can plan and implement community-specific development initiatives and better access a range of labour market services and programs. In addition to contributing to community development, the Enabling Fund allows the Department to deliver on its commitments and obligations related to the Official Languages Act.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities.

Expected results Official Language Minority Communities are better able to implement and sustain community economic and human resource development

Performance measure:

Amount invested by non-Enabling Fund funded partners* for every dollar invested by the Enabling Fund in community economic development and human resource development; 2015–16 Target: $2**

* Not-for-profit groups, private sector organizations and other governmental partners

** Two dollars invested for each dollar allocated to OLMCs through the EF Program.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2013–14

Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2016–17

General targeted recipient groups Official language minority communities

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Ongoing engagement through informal dialogue and through a formal tripartite governance mechanism.

15. Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program – Interest Payments and Liabilities

Name of transfer payment program Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program – Interest Payments and Liabilities (statutory)

Start date August 1, 1995

End date Ongoing

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

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.2: Learning

Sub-Program 2.2.1: Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program

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

Expected results Students who borrowed under the risk-shared regime continue to receive in-study student financial assistance and debt management assistance in repayment; and

Canada meets its obligations as set out under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act in agreements with financial institutions

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2014–15

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2018–19

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Not applicable

16. Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program – Direct Financing Arrangement

Name of transfer payment program Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program – Direct Financing Arrangement (Statutory)

Start date August 1, 2000

End date Ongoing

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

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.2: Learning

Sub-Program 2.2.1: Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program

Description The Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program (CLGSAP) provides loans to Canadians who have a demonstrated financial need to help them participate in post-secondary education. The Program also offers debt management measures to those borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty so that they can repay their student loans in periods of unemployment or low income. It is managed in partnership with the participating provinces and territories, educational institutions and agencies, financial aid administrators, financial institutions and a service provider. The clients and beneficiaries include full- and part-time students and borrowers in repayment.

This transfer payment also includes a non-repayable contribution to provinces and territories that have elected to deliver programs comparable to the CLGSAP in their jurisdictions.

Expected results Post-secondary education students in the province of Quebec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut continue to access financial assistance similar to the assistance provided to students in those jurisdictions that participate in the CLGSAP; and

Students in non-participating jurisdictions with financial difficulty are able to receive repayment benefits

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2014–15

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2018–19

General targeted recipient groups Other (Students from non-participating provinces and territories and borrowers receiving debt management benefits).

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Not applicable

17. Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program – Canada Student Grants Program

Name of transfer payment program Canada Student Grants Program (Statutory)

Start date August 1, 2009

End date Ongoing

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

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.2: Learning

Sub-Program 2.2.1: Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program

Description The Canada Student Grants Program (CSGP) provides predictable, up-front grants to assist and encourage students from low- and middle-income families, student parents and students with disabilities to participate in post-secondary education. It is managed in partnership with participating provinces and territories.

While Canada Student Loans are repayable, Canada Student Grants (CSGs), announced in the 2008 Budget, provide non-repayable assistance.

Expected results Eligible students receive a CSG to help them finance their post-secondary education.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation N/A

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2015–16

General targeted recipient groups Students (Low-and middle-income students and students with permanent disabilities pursuing post-secondary education).

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Ongoing outreach to current and prospective post-secondary education students through multiple channels.

18. Canada Education Savings Program

Name of transfer payment program Canada Education Savings Program (statutory)

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

End date Ongoing

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

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.2: Learning

Sub-Program 2.2.2: Canada Education Savings Program

Description The Canada Education Savings Program (CESP) was created through an Act of Parliament in 1998 (and re-enacted as the Canada Education Savings Act in 2004). It is intended to make post-secondary education more affordable by encouraging early planning and saving for education. Funds can later be withdrawn to help finance children’s post-secondary education. The Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) provides matching grants on savings in Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs) for Canadian children aged 17 and under. Eligible low-income families can also benefit from the Canada Learning Bond, which provides funds that are added to the RESPs of children born on or after January 1, 2004. The program is delivered through an alternative service delivery arrangement with financial institutions, banks, mutual fund companies and scholarship foundations. The CESP complements the Canada Student Loans Program and other labour market and skills development programs offered by ESDC. Funding and activities under this program are governed by the Canada Education Savings Act and related Regulations.

Expected results Canadians are able to finance their participation in post-secondary education using RESP savings

Performance measure:

Percentage and number of full- and part-time post-secondary students (aged 15 to 29) who used RESP funds to help finance their participation in post-secondary education; Target: 21.5% by December 31, 2015.

Children under 18 have savings for post-secondary education in RESPs

Performance measures:

1. Total amount of RESP assets at the end of the current calendar year; Target: $44.3 billion by December 31, 2015.
2. Percentage of children under 18 (in the current calendar year) who have ever received a CESG; Target: 49.1% by December 31, 2015.

Low-income families open RESPs for their children's post-secondary education

Performance measure:

Percentage of eligible children, in the current calendar year, who have ever received a Canada Learning Bond; Target: 33% by December 31, 2015.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2010–11

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2015–16

General targeted recipient groups Persons (CESG beneficiaries are children aged 0–17. The CLB is directed to children born on or after January 1, 2004, whose primary caregiver is eligible for the National Child Benefit Supplement; or an agency receiving payments under the Children's Special Allowances Act for children in care).

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Information on the CESG and the CLB is available online at canlearn.ca and Canada.ca, the CESG's telephone, mail and email inquiry services.

CLB-eligible families receive letters concerning their entitlement to receive this benefit.

19. Pathways to Education Canada

Name of transfer payment program Pathways to Education Canada (multi-year funding agreement)

Start date December 2014

End date 2018

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2014–15

Strategic Outcome A skilled, adaptable and inclusive labour force and an efficient labour market

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 2.2: Learning

Sub-Program 2.2.1: Canada Loans and Grants for Students and Apprentices Program

Description Pathways to Education Canada (Pathways), a charitable organization founded in Toronto in 2001, is the largest community-based early intervention program in Canada. The program was created to reduce poverty and its effects by lowering the high school dropout rate and increasing access to post-secondary education among disadvantaged youth. The Pathways program provides:

• non-financial supports such as tutoring, mentoring and counselling; and
• financial supports such as bursaries for PSE and funding for certain immediate costs related to attending high school (e.g. bus tickets).

Expected results Federal funding is expected to allow Pathways to continue to support the approximate 5,000 existing participants across the program’s 15 active sites; to expand into three additional sites; to expand programming to support between 900 and 1,400 additional youth in six provinces; and to increase the number of program participants entering post-secondary education.

Pathways programming is expected to benefit youth from populations under-represented in post-secondary education, such as Aboriginal youth, youth from low-income families, and youth from families without previous post-secondary experience.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation N/A

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2016–17

General targeted recipient groups The only eligible recipient of funding is Pathways to Education Canada, a non-profit organization.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients As stipulated in the funding agreement between Pathways to Education Canada and the Government of Canada, Pathways provides a series of reporting documents to Employment and Social Development Canada over the course of the fiscal year.

20. Wage Earner Protection Program

Name of transfer payment program Wage Earner Protection Program (statutory)

Start date July 2008

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2008–09

Strategic Outcome Safe, fair and productive workplaces and cooperative workplace relations

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 3.1: Labour

Sub-Program 3.1.3: Labour Standards and Equity

Sub-Sub-Program: 3.1.3.3: Wage Earner Protection Program

Description This program is designed to reduce the economic insecurity of Canadian workers who are owed unpaid wages and vacation, termination and severance pay when their employer declares bankruptcy or becomes subject to receivership. Individuals can receive an amount up to four weeks’ maximum insurable earnings under the Employment Insurance Act. When eligible individuals receive payments under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act, they sign over their rights as creditors of the employer to the federal government to the extent of the Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) payment. Applicants who disagree with the initial eligibility decision can request a review within 30 days of the initial decision and file a request for appeal within 60 days of the review decision. The appeals are handled by an independent adjudicator appointed by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. The federal government seeks recovery of the amounts as the creditor of the employer in the bankruptcy or receivership process. This program covers workers in all labour jurisdictions.

Expected results Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) applicants receive a payment, or a non-payment notification, in a timely manner

Performance measure:

Percentage of initial WEPP payments and non-payment notifications issued within the 42 day service standard; 2015–16 Target: 80%

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2013–14

Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2017–18

General targeted recipient groups All employed workers in Canada, irrespective of jurisdiction. The WEPP helps ensure that wages and vacation, termination and severance pay owed to workers are paid if their employer goes bankrupt or is subject to a receivership. Workers may receive a payment of up to four weeks of maximum insurable earnings under the Employment Insurance Act.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients The WEPP engages stakeholders, including the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals and Trustees. While information is available on the Labour Program website (www.labour-travail.gc.ca), the WEPP utilizes Service Canada to convey information about the WEPP to Canadians. Service Canada – WEPP website: Service Canada

21. Old Age Security Pension

Name of transfer payment program Old Age Security Pension (statutory)

Start date 1952

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions Not applicable

Strategic Outcome Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 4.1: Income Security

Sub-Program: 4.1.1: Old Age Security

Description The Old Age Security (OAS) Pension program contributes to the income security of seniors by providing a monthly payment to all Canadians aged 65 or older who meet the age, residence and legal status requirements. An applicant's employment history is not a factor in determining eligibility, nor does the applicant need to be retired.

The OAS Pension program is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results Canada's eligible seniors have a basic income to live and receive the OAS pension benefit to which they are entitled

Performance measure: Percentage of seniors receiving the OAS pension in relation to the total number of eligible seniors (benefit take-up rate); 2015–16 Target: 98%

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2012–13

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2017–18

General targeted recipient groups Seniors aged 65 and over who meet the eligibility criteria.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients The Department undertakes a variety of initiatives to ensure individuals are aware of, and apply for, benefits to which they may be entitled. This includes proactive mailings to potential beneficiaries, inclusion of information with annual tax slips, enhancement of Service Canada channels (Web, phone, in person), outreach services for those potentially eligible and discussions with other government departments, municipal governments and community service providers to identify opportunities for partnership to increase take-up. Budget 2012 introduced the proactive enrolment of OAS benefits, which allows many seniors to receive OAS benefits without having to apply. The first phase of the proactive enrolment initiative began in April 2013, with the automatic enrolment for the OAS pension of over 40 per cent of new pensioners. Other phases of the proactive enrolment initiative will be implemented in later years.

22. Guaranteed Income Supplement

Name of transfer payment program Guaranteed Income Supplement (statutory)

Start date 1967

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions Not applicable

Strategic Outcome Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 4.1: Income Security

Sub-Program: 4.1.1: Old Age Security

Description Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) contributes to the income security of seniors by providing an additional benefit, on top of the Old Age Security (OAS) Pension benefit, to low-income seniors living in Canada. To be eligible for the GIS, applicants must be receiving the OAS pension benefit and have no or little income.

The GIS is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results Canada's eligible seniors receive the GIS benefits to which they are entitled

Performance measure:

Percentage of seniors receiving the GIS in relation to the total number of eligible seniors (Guaranteed Income Supplement take-up rate); 2015–16 Target: 90%

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2010–11

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2017–18

General targeted recipient groups Low-income seniors aged 65 and over in receipt of the OAS pension

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients The Department undertakes a variety of initiatives to ensure individuals are aware of, and apply for, benefits to which they may be entitled. This includes proactive mailings to potential beneficiaries, inclusion of information with annual tax slips, enhancement of Service Canada channels (Web, phone, in person), outreach services for those potentially eligible and discussions with other government departments, municipal governments and community service providers to identify opportunities for partnership to increase take-up. In addition to simplifying application forms for the GIS, the current process enables the automatic renewal of GIS benefits for tax filers who have submitted an initial application and whose income is below the income level cut-off.

23. Allowances

Name of transfer payment program Allowances (statutory)

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

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions Not applicable

Strategic Outcome Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 4.1: Income Security

Sub-Program 4.1.1: Old Age Security

Description Allowances contributes to the income security of near-seniors by providing an additional benefit to low-income individuals aged 60 to 64 who are the spouse or common-law partner of a Guaranteed Income Supplement recipient, or who are a widow/widower.

Allowance payments are not a repayable contribution.

Expected results Eligible low-income near-seniors receive the Allowance benefits to which they are entitled

Performance measure:

Percentage of near seniors receiving the Allowances in relation to the total number of eligible near seniors (Allowances take-up rate). 2014–15 Target: 65%

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2011–12

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation TBD

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients The Department undertakes a variety of initiatives to ensure individuals are aware of, and apply for, benefits to which they may be entitled. This includes proactive mailings to potential beneficiaries, inclusion of information with annual tax slips, enhancement of Service Canada channels (Web, phone, in person), outreach services for those potentially eligible and discussions with other government departments, municipal governments and community service providers to identify opportunities for partnership to increase take-up.

24. Canada Disability Savings Program – Grants and Bonds

Name of transfer payment program Canada Disability Savings Program – Canada Disability Savings Grants and Canada Disability Savings Bonds (statutory)

Start date December 2008

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions Not applicable

Strategic Outcome Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 4.1: Income Security

Sub-Program 4.1.4: Canada Disability Savings Program

Description Canadians with severe and prolonged disabilities often have low income and have to rely on family and others for support and care, leaving them financially vulnerable. The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) was introduced in 2008 to help people with disabilities achieve long-term financial security by providing a tool to encourage them and their families to save for the future. This program complements the RDSP by providing Canada Disability Savings Grants and Canada Disability Savings Bonds as additional supports to encourage savings. Canadian residents who have a Social Insurance Number and are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) can open an RDSP up until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 59, while grants and bonds can be paid up until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 49. Money paid to a beneficiary out of their RDSP will not affect their eligibility for federal benefits, such as the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance. This program is enabled by the Income Tax Act, the Canada Disability Savings Act and associated Regulations.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment(s): Canada Disability Savings Program – Grants and Bonds.

Expected results People with severe and prolonged disabilities have a measure of long-term financial security

Performance measures:

1. Percentage of individuals (aged 0 to 49) in receipt of the DTC that have a RDSP; 2015–16 Target: 17%
2. Percentage of individuals (aged 0 to 59) in receipt of the DTC that have a RDSP; 2015–16 Target: 14%
3. Percentage of RDSPs receiving a government contribution (a Canada Disability Savings Grant and a Canada Disability Savings Bond); 2015–16 Target: 30%

Eligible beneficiaries receive Canada Disability Savings Bonds.

Performance measure:

Average annual Canada Disability Savings Bond; 2015–16 Target: $1,700

Eligible beneficiaries receive Canada Disability Savings Grants.

Performance measure:

Average annual Canada Disability Savings Grant; 2015–16 Target: $4,300

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2014–15

Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2017–18

General targeted recipient groups Canadian residents under the age of 50 who have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), are eligible to claim the DTC and are eligible to receive the Canada Disability Savings Bond and/or Canada Disability Savings Grant (provided they apply for the bond and/or grant by December 31^st of the year in which they turn 49).

Canadian residents under the age of 60 who have a valid SIN and are eligible to claim the DTC (provided they open an RDSP by December 31^st of the year in which they turn 59).

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

• an updated plain-language website and program brochure;
• ongoing meetings with community-based organizations;
• continued program promotion at conferences attended by people with disabilities, their families and health/social services planners;
• e-mail communiqués to audiences such as community-based organizations, provincial/ territorial income and social support offices, health care facilities and social work departments, and MPs;
• continued inclusion of program information in letters sent by the Canada Revenue Agency to DTC recipients;
• Web-based information tools;
• mail-outs to DTC recipients; and
• contracts with non-governmental organizations to provide information sessions and one-on-one support to increase program awareness.

25. Homelessness Partnering Strategy

Name of transfer payment program Homelessness Partnering Strategy (voted)

Start date April 1, 2014

End date March 31, 2019

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2013–14

Strategic Outcome Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 4.2: Social Development

Sub-Program: 4.2.1: Homelessness Partnering Strategy

Description Homeless individuals and families can face a wide range of personal, financial and social challenges. Addressing these challenges in a sustainable manner requires the coordinated action of a number of partners including the federal government. The objective of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is to support the implementation of effective, sustainable and community-based solutions to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. As a community-based strategy, it provides grant and contribution funding to communities and service providers across the country with a focus on the Housing First approach, providing access to permanent housing and supports to help clients remain housed. These services target individuals, families and Aboriginal people who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless in major urban centres, rural communities and the North. Federal funding is prioritized based on input from Community Advisory Boards, in recognition that communities are best placed to identify their own unique homelessness-related needs. Complementary activities under the Strategy include promoting data development and collection; disseminating knowledge among communities, partners and stakeholders and exploring innovative approaches to homelessness such as social enterprise. Grants to not-for-profit organizations, municipal governments, Band/tribal councils and other Aboriginal organizations help communities more effectively address homelessness issues, and contributions to not-for-profit organizations, municipal governments, Band/tribal councils and other Aboriginal organizations support activities to help alleviate and prevent homelessness across Canada.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: HPS.

The HPS is a Transfer Payment Program with non-repayable contributions; however, some repayment clauses are outlined in the Terms and Conditions.

Expected results Housing stability for homeless individuals and those at risk of becoming homeless

Performance measures:

1. Percentage of individuals receiving a housing loss prevention intervention who when contacted at three months had remained housed; 2015-16 Target: 80%
2. Reduction in the usage of emergency shelters, as measured by number of “bednights” utilized; 2015-16 Target: 15%
3. Reduction in the estimated number of shelter users who are episodically or chronically homeless; 2015–16 Target: 20% reduction from baseline

Partners are engaged to maximize and coordinate collective efforts

Performance measure:

Amount invested by external partners for every dollar invested by the HPS; 2015–16 Target: $1.50

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2014–15

Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2018–19

General targeted recipient groups The following class of recipients is eligible for HPS funding: not-for-profit organizations; individuals; municipalities; for-profit organizations; public health and educational institutions; Aboriginal organizations; and provincial and territorial governments and their entities, including institutions, agencies, and Crown Corporations. These groups are eligible to receive funding and act as coordinators for activities.

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

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

26. Enabling Accessibility Fund

Name of transfer payment program Enabling Accessibility Fund (voted)

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

End date Not applicable (ongoing)

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

Strategic Outcome Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 4.2: Social Development

Sub-Program 4.2.5: Enabling Accessibility Fund

Description People with disabilities often experience barriers to their full participation and inclusion in activities of everyday living. The objective of the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) is to improve accessibility, remove barriers and enable Canadians with disabilities to participate in and contribute to their community. The Fund supports capital costs of construction and renovations related to improving accessibility and safety for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces. Grants or contributions are provided to eligible recipients for capital costs projects that increase access for people with disabilities to their programs and services or create employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment(s): EAF.

The EAF is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results Recipient organizations have accessible facilities, technologies and transportation.

Performance measures:

1. Number of communities with funded projects; 2015–16 Target: 172
2. Percentage of project costs for funded projects that are from other sources of funding; 2015–16 Target: 35%

Accessible communities and workplaces which allow people with disabilities to have access to programs, services and employment opportunities

Performance measure:

Number of job opportunities created or maintained as a result of the project; 2015–16 Target: Not applicable*

* The number of people that benefit from this program greatly depends on the types of projects that are funded (small versus mid-sized projects, community versus workplace projects). There currently is not enough data collected to provide a target for this measure but, with time, the Department will be able to aggregate and analyse data and identify a target in future years.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2012–13

Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2016–17

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Communications approaches are developed for each call for proposals to generate awareness of the funding process and its related funding priorities/streams, to encourage the target audiences to submit an application to receive funding and to demonstrate the Government of Canada’s support for the integration of Canadians with disabilities in their communities and in the workplace.

27. Social Development Partnerships Program

Name of transfer payment program Social Development Partnerships Program (voted)

Start date April 1998

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions Social Development Partnerships Program Ts & Cs were last amended in 2010–11

Strategic Outcome Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 4.2: Social Development

Sub-Program 4.2.2: Social Development Partnerships Program

Sub-Sub-Program 4.2.2.1: Children and Families

Sub-Sub-Program 4.2.2.2: Disability

Description The Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP) makes strategic investments to support government priorities related to children and families, people with disabilities, the voluntary sector, official language minority communities and other vulnerable populations by playing a unique role in furthering broad social goals. It provides an opportunity to work in partnership with social not-for-profit organizations to help improve life outcomes of these target groups. Activities funded by the program are expected to lead to the development and sharing of knowledge of existing and emerging social issues; the creation of collaboration, partnerships, alliances and networks; and the development of approaches to respond to existing and emerging social issues. Over the long term, program support for these activities will help the not-for-profit sector and partners be more effective in addressing existing and emerging social issues, and will help target populations have access to information, programs and services tailored to their unique needs.

This is a grant and contribution program with non-repayable contributions in general. Under certain circumstances, provisions may specify repayment terms.

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

Performance measure:

Percentage of SDPP projects that leverage funds from non-federal partners; 2015–16 Target: 90%

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2014–15

Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2018–19

General targeted recipient groups Not-for-profit organizations, including registered charities and social enterprises actively pursuing activities in line with SDPP objectives.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Information on Call for Proposals for SDPP is posted publicly on Employment and Social Development Canada's website.

SDPP-Children and Families

To further the transformation of SDPP-Children and Families, the Department will engage in focused partnership development discussions at a community level.

SDPP-Disability

The Department will continue to engage stakeholders to communicate key aspects of the SDPP-Disability Component as they relate to transformation and redesign of the Program.

28. New Horizons for Seniors Program

Name of transfer payment program New Horizons for Seniors Program (voted)

Start date Original program: October 1, 2004; Expanded Program: September 27, 2007; Enhanced Program: September 30, 2010

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions New Horizons for Seniors Program Ts & Cs were last amended in 2013

Strategic Outcome Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 4.2: Social Development

Sub-Program 4.2.3: New Horizons for Seniors Program

Description The growth in the population of seniors in Canada is accelerating, with the total number of seniors projected to reach approximately 10 million by 2036. This presents both opportunities and risks for seniors and their communities. Empowering seniors, encouraging them to share their knowledge, skills and experience with others in the community and enhancing seniors' social well-being and community vitality are goals of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). This program provides grants and contributions funding for projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. The program has five objectives: promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations; engaging seniors in the community through mentoring of others; expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse; supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors; and providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors. Community-based projects are typically eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding per project for up to one year. Pan-Canadian projects are eligible to receive up to $750,000 for up to three years in duration. In order to test elements of the Social Partnerships Agenda in the NHSP, pilot projects involving the leveraging of funds commenced in 2014–15 for a period of two years. This program is complemented by a range of policies, programs and services targeted at seniors such as the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and the National Seniors Council.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment(s): NHSP.

Expected results Seniors participate in and contribute to communities

Performance measures:

1. Total number of NHSP projects that primarily promote volunteerism among seniors and other generations; 2015–16 Target: 230
2. Total number of NHSP projects that primarily engage seniors in the community through mentoring of others; 2015–16 Target: 298
3. Total number of NHSP projects that primarily expand awareness of elder abuse; 2015–16 Target: 120
4. Total number of NHSP projects that primarily support social participation and inclusion of seniors; 2015–16 Target: 1,269

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2010–11

Decision following the results of last evaluation Amendment

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2015–16

General targeted recipient groups The NHSP has a broad array of eligible recipients, including not-for-profit organizations, coalitions, for-profit enterprises, Aboriginal organizations, municipal governments and research and educational institutions.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Information about NHSP calls for proposals is posted on Employment and Social Development Canada's website. Potential applicants are engaged as part of the community outreach activities performed by Service Canada, and program evaluation is underway to identify project success stories and opportunities to disseminate this information more broadly, including with future applicants. The next pan-Canadian call for proposals is anticipated for winter 2014–15.

29. Universal Child Care Benefit

Name of transfer payment program Universal Child Care Benefit (statutory)

Start date July 1, 2006

End date Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2006–07 / 2014–15 for enhancements

Strategic Outcome Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

Link to department's Program Alignment Architecture Program 4.2: Social Development

Sub-Program 4.2.4: Universal Child Care Benefit

Description The Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) provides financial support to help all Canadian families with young children choose the child care option that best suits their families’ needs, whether they work in the paid labour force or stay at home with their children, or live in a small town, rural community or large urban centre. Parents receive $100 per month (up to $1,200 per year) for each child under age six to help them choose the child care option that best suits their families' needs. To ensure that all eligible families receive the benefit, application for the UCCB is integrated with the birth registration process in most provinces. UCCB benefits do not affect the eligibility of families to receive other benefits under the Canada Child Tax Benefit and the National Child Benefit Supplement programs, or the Child Care Expense Deduction. The UCCB is enabled by the Universal Child Care Benefit Act.

On October 30, 2014, the Government proposed enhancements to the UCCB including an increase to $160 per month for each child under the age of 6 and a new benefit of $60 per month for children aged 6 through 17. Upon parliamentary approval of the necessary legislation, enhanced payments will take effect as of January 2015 and will begin to be reflected in monthly payments to recipients in July 2015.

The UCCB is not a repayable contribution.

Expected results Canadian parents with children under age 18 have financial support for choice in child care

Performance measure:

Percentage of eligible children for whom parents are receiving the UCCB (UCCB take-up rate); 2015–16 Target: 97%

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2011–12

Decision following the results of last evaluation N/A

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2016–17

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients Engagement and outreach to parents of eligible recipients of the new proposed enhanced benefit for 6–17 year olds will be undertaken by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) through current tax products, website information and social media. Service Canada will continue to provide in-person and mobile outreach support with an emphasis on targeting rural and remote communities.

Roll-out of the Automated Benefits Application (ABA) Initiative continues with the service planned for Saskatchewan by the end of 2015. The ABA Initiative that has been implemented by the CRA, which delivers the UCCB on behalf of ESDC, simplifies the application process and increases take-up of child benefits, including the UCCB. The joint partnership between the CRA and provincial/territorial vital statistics agencies offers the parents of newborns the option of checking a single box on the birth registration form, which triggers automated applications for federal child benefits, related provincial/territorial programs and the GST/HST credit. The ABA is now available in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia, Ninety-eight percent of all newborns in participating provinces are currently being registered through the ABA.