Details on Transfer Payment Programs

On this page

• Transfer payment programs with total planned spending of $5 million or more
  • Allowances
  • Canada Disability Benefit
  • Canada Disability Savings Program - Grants and Bonds
  • Canada Education Savings Program (Canada Education Savings Grant and Canada Learning Bond)
  • Canada Emergency Response Benefit
  • Canada Service Corps
  • Canada Student Financial Assistance Program - Canada Student Grants
  • Canada Student Loans - Direct Financing Arrangement
  • Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy
  • Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime
  • Community Workforce Development Program
  • Early Learning and Child Care
  • Enabling Accessibility Fund
  • Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities
  • Foreign Credential Recognition Program
  • Future Skills
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement
  • Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative
  • Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program
  • Labour Funding Program
  • Migrant Worker Support Program
  • National School Food Program
  • New Horizons for Seniors Program
  • Old Age Security Pension
  • Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities
  • Personal Support Worker Retirement Savings Innovation Program
  • Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program
  • Skills and Partnership Fund
  • Skills for Success Program
  • Social Development Partnerships Program
  • Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy - Social Finance Fund
  • Student Work Placement Program
  • Supports for Student Learning Program
  • Wage Earner Protection Program
  • Workforce Development Agreements
  • Youth Employment and Skills Strategy
• Transfer payment programs of less than $5 million
  • Payments of compensation respecting merchant seamen
  • Payments related to direct financing arrangement under the Apprentice Loans Act
  • Strategic Engagement and Research Program
  • Support for Labour Market Information in Canada
  • Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program
  • Universal Child Care Benefit
  • Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund (formerly Labour-Management Collaboration Program)

Transfer payment programs with total planned spending of $5 million or more

Allowances

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

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Old Age Security Act).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Link to departmental results:

clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Pensions and Benefits
• program: Old Age Security

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

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

Expected results: Current data doesn't allow us to identify people aged 60 to 64 who are married to / a common-law partner of GIS recipients. We're also not able to identify those who were married to / common-law partners of deceased GIS recipients. As such, we can't establish a denominator for those entitled to the Allowances.

Consequently, a measure of take-up for the Allowances is no longer reported as the data does not allow for a clear distinction between near-seniors who are entitled to the Allowances and those who are not.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2019 to 2020.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2028 to 2029.

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: no engagement initiatives are planned for fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Canada Disability Benefit

Start date: 2025.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory: Canada Disability Benefit Act.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Link to departmental results: persons with disabilities and their families have financial support.

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Pensions and Benefits
• programs: Canada Disability Benefit

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: this benefit aims to provide financial support and improve the social security of working-age persons with disabilities. This support is provided through a monthly payment for those who: have a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate; are below the income thresholds (determined through income tax filing); are a Canadian resident; and are aged 18 to 64.

Expected results:

• expected result: eligible working-age persons with disabilities receive the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)
• performance indicator: percentage of CDB recipients out of the total eligible population (low-income working-age persons with disabilities with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate)

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: none completed as it is a new benefit.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: to be determined.

General targeted recipient groups: low-income persons with disabilities age 18 to 64.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: no engagement activities planned for fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Canada Disability Savings Program - Grants and Bonds

Start date: December 2008.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Canada Disability Savings Act and Canada Disability Savings Regulations).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Link to departmental results:

• persons with disabilities and their families have financial support
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Pensions and Benefits)

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Pensions and Benefits
• program: Canada Disability Savings Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• this program aims to support the long-term financial security of persons with disabilities. The Government of Canada provides incentives (grants and bonds) to open and contribute to a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)
• this responds to long-standing and ongoing needs identified by persons with disabilities, their families, and organizations supporting them, to reduce barriers to saving for the future
• the Canada Disability Savings Grant is a limited matching grant. The government issues up to $3,500 a year per eligible beneficiary into a RDSP to match plan contributions. The limit is $70,000 over the beneficiary's lifetime
• in addition, the Government will issue a Canada Disability Savings Bond of up to $1,000 a year into the RDSPs of low- and modest-income Canadians. The limit is $20,000 over the beneficiary's lifetime. There is no annual RDSP contribution limit, but there is a maximum lifetime contribution limit of $200,000
• no contributions are necessary to receive a bond. Grants and bonds may be issued to a plan until the end of the calendar year in which the beneficiary turns 49 years old

Expected results:

• expected result: Disability Tax Credit approved individuals with severe and prolonged disabilities (and their families/guardians) open a RDSP to save for the future
• performance indicator: total number of registered plans since the inception of the program

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2018 to 2019.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: subsequent CDSP evaluation was initiated in Fall 2022.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: anticipated completion in March 2025.

General targeted recipient groups: Canadian residents who have a valid Social Insurance Number and are eligible for the Disability Tax Credit certificate are able to open a RDSP until the end of the year they turn 59. Grants and bonds are payable until the end of the year beneficiaries turn 49.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

• the program will engage potential applicants through its mail-out strategy, which targets a selection of Disability Tax Credit -approved Canadians aged 0 to 49, in all provinces and territories, who have not opened an RDSP
• in partnership with Canada Revenue Agency and disability-related stakeholder organizations across Canada, we will also host webinars and workshops to provide information, raise awareness and foster an understanding about RDSPs, Canada Disability Savings Bonds and Canada Disability Savings Grants
• the program will continue to engage current beneficiaries through its annual Statement of Grant entitlement letters. The letter highlights for each plan holder the grant entitlements available to them and the amount of contributions that would be required to maximize their grants over the specified year

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

Start date: January 1998 (Canada Education Savings Grant); January 2005 (Canada Learning Bond).

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Canada Education Savings Act)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Government of Canada encourages Canadians to save for a child's post-secondary education. The department administers 2 education savings incentives paid in Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP)
• the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) is available to all eligible children. It provides 20% (basic grant) on the first $2,500 of personal contributions made to a RESP each year. It also provides an additional 10% or 20% on the first $500 of personal contributions made each year for eligible children from middle- and low-income families, based on family income. The CESG is available until the calendar year in which the child turns 17, with a maximum lifetime amount of $7,200, including the additional grant
• the Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is available for children from low-income families born in 2004 or later. It provides an initial payment of $500 into an RESP. It also adds $100 for each subsequent year of eligibility, up to the age of 15, for a maximum of $2,000. No personal contributions to the RESP are required to receive the CLB. Eligible beneficiaries born in or after 2004 who are aged between 18 and 20 years can open a RESP themselves and apply for the CLB retroactively before turning 21
• these education savings incentives are delivered through a unique service delivery arrangement with financial institutions, banks, mutual fund companies, and scholarship foundations

Expected results:

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

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2023 to 2024.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2029 to 2030.

General targeted recipient groups:

• CESG: Children aged 0-17
• CLB: Children and youth aged 0-20 from low-income families or in care of a child services agency

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Budget 2024 introduced measures to implement automatic enrolment to the CLB and extend the eligibility age for beneficiaries to claim the Bond from age 20 to 30. The department has initiated activities to ensure these measures are successfully implemented by 2028. In fiscal year 2024 to 2025, the department will start notifying caregivers by mail if their child(ren) may be eligible for automatic enrolment, provided a RESP has not been opened by the time the child reaches age four.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

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

End date: October 2020.

Type of transfer payment: grants.

Types of appropriation:

• statutory (Canada Emergency Response Act)
• ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020 to 2021.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Pandemic-Related Benefits

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• Canada Emergency Response Benefit:
  • as part of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government announced the temporary Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). It provided taxable income support to eligible workers who stopped working or whose working hours were reduced for reasons related to COVID-19
  • although the benefit ended in October 2020, and the deadline for CERB applications was December 2020, ongoing activities remain to close out the program
  • note: the CERB program was delivered by both the Canada Revenue Agency, under the authority of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Act, and by Employment and Social Development Canada, under the authority of the Employment Insurance Act. The Government of Canada has committed to credit the EI Operating Account for the costs related to the CERB administered by Employment and Social Development Canada
• Canada Emergency Student Benefit:
  • the Government of Canada introduced the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) to provide financial support to eligible post-secondary students and recent graduates. Support was provided between May and August 2020 to mitigate the pandemic's impact on the labour market. Students had to be unable to work, seeking work but unable to find it, or working but expecting to earn less than $1,000 per benefit period

Expected results:

• Canada Emergency Response Benefit:
  • expected result: Canadian workers were able to apply for CERB and received temporary income support
  • performance indicator:
    • given that the program is no longer available, no performance indicator is provided
• Canada Emergency Student Benefit:
  • expected result: students and recent graduates use federal financial assistance to help finance their post-secondary education, pay their bills and stay connected to the labour market
  • performance indicator:
    • given that the program is no longer available, no performance measure is provided.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: not applicable; it was a new temporary program.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: no requirement to evaluate.

General targeted recipient groups: all Canadian workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: No engagement activities planned for fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Canada Service Corps

Start date: June 2017.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023 to 2024.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Service Corps

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: This contributions program aims to promote civic engagement among Canadians aged 12 to 30, with a focus on Indigenous and under-served youth. It supports organizations to create and facilitate access to meaningful volunteer service opportunities for youth that help them gain essential skills and experience. These opportunities can include volunteer service placements or micro-grants for youth-led projects. These service opportunities will provide youth with the chance to make a difference in their communities.

Expected results:

• expected result: youth service volunteers are engaged
• performance indicator: number of volunteer service opportunities created

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2023 to 2024.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: An evaluation of this program was completed in March 2024, using multiple lines of evidence to assess its effectiveness, efficiency, and success in achieving objectives and intended outcomes. ESDC is implementing these three recommendations outlined in the evaluation:

• explore alternative program design approaches within the Grants and Contributions framework to foster youth civic engagement, particularly among Indigenous and under-served youth
• increase awareness and visibility of the program and the volunteer service opportunities available to youth
• strengthen data capacity and collection methods to inform policy analysis, research and evaluation activities

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2028 to 2029.

General targeted recipient groups: Eligible recipients include not-for-profit organizations, public institutions, academia and Indigenous organizations. Other eligible organizations under Canada Service Corps Terms and Conditions may include non-commercial for-profit organizations, and municipal, provincial, and territorial governments.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, the department will focus on increasing engagement activities with funding recipients and youth. Through in-person and virtual methods, the department will aim to better understand how the program is being delivered, raise program awareness, gather insights to inform program design and improve data quality.

Canada Student Financial Assistance Program - Canada Student Grants

Start date: August 2009.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Canada Student Financial Assistance Act).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and Canada Apprentice Loans

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: through Canada Student Grants, the department provides eligible students with up-front, non-repayable support to assist and encourage participation in post-secondary education. These grants are aimed at students from low- and middle-income families, students who are parents and students with disabilities. The grants are managed in partnership with participating provinces and territories.

Expected results:

• expected result: eligible students receive a Canada Student Grant to help them finance their post-secondary education
• performance indicator: percentage and number of full-time and part-time post-secondary students in participating provinces/territories who used a Canada Student Grant to help finance their participation in post-secondary education

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2021 to 2022.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2028 to 2029.

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: no engagement activities planned for fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Canada Student Loans - Direct Financing Arrangement

Start date: August 2000.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Canada Student Financial Assistance Act).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and Canada Apprentice Loans

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• this program provides financial assistance to students who have a demonstrated financial need. Students can receive grants and loans to help them participate in post-secondary education
• to support borrowers who face financial challenges, the department offers:
  • debt management measures to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. This helps them pay back their student loans in periods of unemployment or low income
  • loan forgiveness for medical professionals, including family doctors, family medicine residents, nurse practitioners, and nurses working in under-served rural or remote communities
  • loan forgiveness for borrowers with severe permanent disabilities, as those students may be eligible to have their entire federal portion of the student loan debt forgiven
• as of April 1, 2023, no interest is accrued on the Canada Student Loans
• this program is delivered in partnership with participating jurisdictions (9 provinces and the Yukon). Quebec, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut have opted out. Students from these jurisdictions do not qualify for assistance. However, per the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act, the Government of Canada makes annual alternative payments to these non-participating jurisdictions to help them administer their own student financial assistance measures. This supports the availability of student financial assistance across the country, while respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction in education

Expected results:

• expected results:
  • post-secondary education students in the province of Quebec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut can access jurisdiction-specific financial assistance similar to the assistance provided to students in jurisdictions that participate in the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and Canada Apprentice Loans
  • students in non-participating jurisdictions with financial difficulty are able to receive repayment benefits
• performance indicator: the total amount of alternative payments disbursed by the Government of Canada to non-participating provinces and territories to operate their own student financial assistance programs

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2023 to 2024.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2028 to 2029.

General targeted recipient groups: non-participating provincial and territorial government

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: no engagement activities planned for fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy

Start date: July 2022.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022 to 2023.

Link to departmental results:

Canadian access education, training, and lifelong learning supports to gain the skills and work experience they need

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy provides grants and non-repayable contributions to support apprenticeship and the skilled trades. Eligible recipients for funding include:
  • individuals
  • unions representing workers in Red Seal trades or organizations managing training funds for Red Seal trades workers
  • non-profit organizations
  • for-profit organizations
  • municipal governments
  • Indigenous organizations
  • provincial and territorial governments
  • institutions
  • agencies and crown corporations
• Its objectives are to:
  • promote the skilled trades as a good career option
  • support the development of apprenticeship initiatives that help workers to explore, prepare for, participate and succeed in apprenticeship
  • facilitate the participation of employers and unions in apprenticeship
  • encourage the development of innovative tools and approaches to better prepare pre-apprentices, apprentices and journeypersons for the jobs of tomorrow

Expected results:

• expected result: individuals access information and opportunities to explore skilled trades as a career option
• performance indicator: number of non-registered apprentices in funded projects that participate in awareness and exploration activities
• expected result: individuals are able to participate and succeed in apprenticeship training in the Red Seal Trades
• performance indicators:
  • number of individuals in funded projects that participate in skills training activities
• expected result: Red Seal apprenticeship stakeholders are engaged
• performance indicator: number of employers who access Apprenticeship Service supports to hire apprentices

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2024 to 2025 (Evaluation of the Apprenticeship Grants).

Decision following the results of last evaluation: while no decision was made as a direct result of the evaluation, the Apprenticeship Grants are scheduled to sunset on March 31, 2025.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026 to 2027.

General targeted recipient groups:

• apprentices in Red Seal Trades
• unions representing workers in Red Seal trades or organizations managing training funds for Red Seal trades workers;
• for-profit organizations;
• not-for-profit organizations and charities;
• governments;
• Indigenous organizations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: in fiscal year 2025 to 2026, the department will engage with provinces and territories, through:

• the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA)
• National Stakeholder Meeting with employer associations, unions, training institutions, and industry associations
• participation in stakeholder events including the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF)

Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime

Start date: January 2013; modified on September 30, 2018.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018 to 2019.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: the Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime (PYVC) provides income support to eligible parents or legal guardians who suffer a loss of income while taking time away from work to cope with the death or disappearance of their child (or children) under 25 years of age as the result of a probable Criminal Code offence.

Expected results:

• expected result: the financial burden on parents of children who are deceased or missing due to a probable Criminal Code offence and who take time away from work to cope with the tragic situation is eased
• performance indicator: proportion of applications received and processed within 35 calendar days

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2017 to 2018.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: not applicable. Actual program spending does not meet Financial Administration Act requirements.

General targeted recipient groups: parents of children who have disappeared or are deceased due to a probable Criminal Code offence.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: in fiscal year 2025 to 2026, outreach and stakeholder engagement activities will be ongoing through victim service providers. These are to ensure that families who find themselves in tragic circumstances are aware of this income support and provide greater accessibility to the benefit. Victim service providers can also facilitate the application process for those who may be eligible.

Community Workforce Development Program

Start date: June 2021.

End date: May 2026.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

the Community Workforce Development Program tests a place-based approach to community workforce planning and skills training. It supports communities to develop local plans that identify opportunities for economic growth and connects employers with training providers to upskill and reskill workers to fill jobs in demand

Expected results:

• expected result: participants access tailored skills training
• performance indicator: number of participants who access a training intervention

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: not applicable, new temporary program.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: no requirements to evaluate.

General targeted recipient groups:

• for-profit organizations
• not-for-profit organizations and charities
• academia and public institutions
• Indigenous recipients
• governments

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: the program engages with recipients to discuss challenges, lessons learned, and best practices. Data will inform the future direction of the program.

Early Learning and Child Care

Start date: April 2017.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: other transfer payment.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Link to departmental results:

Affordability of early learning and child care is increased

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Multilateral Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Framework sets the foundation for federal, provincial and territorial governments to work towards a shared long-term vision for ELCC. This Canada-wide ELCC system aims to increase access to high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive ELCC. The Canada ELCC Act enshrines the federal guiding principles and a long-term funding commitment for a Canada-wide ELCC system
• to advance this vision, agreements have been signed with all provinces and territories (PTs). Commitments include lowering fees for regulated child care to $10-a-day, on average, and creating more than 250,000 child care spaces by March 2026, as well as to a variety of measures to increase the quality and inclusivity of child care across the country
• PT governments use federal funding under bilateral agreements to support the delivery of ELCC systems that reflect their particular needs in support of the objectives of the Multilateral ELCC Framework
• additional funding for PTs is being provided as of fiscal year 2023 to 2024 through the ELCC Infrastructure fund. This will enable PTs to make additional investments in child care infrastructure that supports communities that are underserved or with barriers to access to increase inclusion in the Canada-wide ELCC system
• in addition, the Federal Secretariat on ELCC provides grants and contributions funding to:
  • fund data and research projects that identify gaps and improve data collection in an effort to build capacity for reporting on common quality and outcome indicators
  • improve access to high quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive child care services and programs
  • contribute to the economic vitality of official language minority communities
  • promote lifelong learning opportunities for members of these communities

Expected results:

• expected result: affordability of early learning and child care is increased
• performance indicator: average fees for regulated child care spaces

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: not applicable.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026 to 2027.

General targeted recipient groups:

• governments (provinces and territories)
• academia and public institutions
• not-for-profit and international organizations
• experts and stakeholders
• Indigenous communities, government or organizations
• Official Language Minority Community organizations
• others

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

• we maintain regular engagement with PTs, including bi-annual Implementation Committee meetings, to support collaboration and progress
• the National Advisory Council, comprised of academics, advocates, practitioners, and caregivers, provides a forum to address challenges in the ELCC sector
• for the Research, Official Language Action Plan, and Innovation program grants and contributions, stakeholders are notified when calls for proposals are launched, and engagement continues as needed to monitor project progress and outcomes
• more broadly, we engage regularly with diverse stakeholders-experts, advocates, academics, practitioners, caregivers, and families-to advance the vision for Canada-wide ELCC

Enabling Accessibility Fund

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

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024 to 2025.

Link to departmental results:

• barriers to accessibility for persons with disabilities are removed
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Social Development)

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development
• program: Enabling Accessibility Fund

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• persons with disabilities often experience barriers to their participation and inclusion in daily activities. To support their participation in society, we fund capital projects that increase accessibility and eliminate barriers for persons with disabilities in communities and workplaces. We create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in community activities, programs and services, or to access employment opportunities.
• eligible recipients are not-for-profit, for-profits, Indigenous organizations, municipalities, and territorial governments. They can apply for funding through periodic funding processes under 3 program components:
  • small projects component: supports small-scale construction, renovation or retrofit projects that increase accessibility in communities or workplaces
  • youth innovation component: empowers youth to identify accessibility barriers within their communities and work with local organizations to find solutions. The goal is to increase accessibility and safety in community spaces and workplaces
  • mid-sized projects component: supports larger retrofit, renovation or construction projects of facilities or venues that house or will house programs and services geared towards addressing the social and/or labour market integration needs of persons with disabilities

Expected results:

• expected result: organizations undertake accessibility improvements to their facilities as a result of Enabling Accessibility Fund funding
• performance indicator: number of community spaces and workplaces that are more accessible due to Enabling Accessibility Fund funding

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2022 to 2023.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2027 to 2028.

General targeted recipient groups: persons with disabilities across Canada through eligible funding recipients, that is:

• not-for-profit organizations
• for-profit organizations
• municipalities
• Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities)
• territorial governments

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

• the Youth Innovation Component engages identified youth leaders with a ‘Youth Journey Journal' to help guide them through their experience. Youth are invited to provide their completed Journal back to the program, including any photos and videos that they wish to share, to collect their views on:
  • how they communicated with their partner organization(s)
  • the approach they chose to present their project idea to the organization(s) and whether they would choose the same approach again
  • their personal support system throughout their experience
  • the helpfulness of the Youth Journey Journal
• the EAF will continue to invite successful youth leaders from previous funding processes to share their experiences with new youth leaders during information sessions. This results in youth gaining insight from their peers on how to become a youth leader with a successful accessibility project
• the program will also continue to engage youth funding recipients by sharing newsletters. These newsletters cover outcomes of projects and promote the launch of new calls for proposals

Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities

Start date: April 2005.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023 to 2024.

Link to departmental results:

Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities (EF-OLMC) is our flagship program for meeting our obligations under the Official Languages Act (OLA) to enhance the vitality of Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) in Canada
• the EF-OLMC Program follows the "by and for" approach, which considers the needs and priorities of OLMCs in the design and delivery of initiatives. Projects are implemented by OLMC organizations for the benefit of individuals living in OLMCs, as well as their organizations and businesses
• the Program's funding is divided into 2 streams:
  • stream 1: community Economic Development & Human Resources Development. Under this stream, the program strengthens OLMCs' capacity in the areas of community economic development and human resources development and promotes partnerships. Funding is provided to a network of 14 organizations across Canada
  • stream 2: employment Assistance Services. Under this stream, the program funds organizations to provide tailored employment assistance services to people living in OLMCs so that they can find, obtain, or maintain employment. It also ensures that the services it funds are integrated into the broader provincial or territorial skills and employment delivery system to fully support clients' needs

Expected results:

• expected result (stream 1): members use Community Economic Development (CED) & Human Resources Development (HRD) services and products provided by funded OLMC organizations
• performance indicator: number of beneficiaries from CED & HRD services and products provided by funded OLMC organizations
• expected result (stream 2): OLMC members use Employment Assistance Services (EAS) provided by an OLMC organization
• performance indicator: number of clients who used EAS through a funded OLMC organization

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2021 to 2022.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026 to 2027.

General targeted recipient groups: official language minority communities.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

in fiscal year 2025 to 2026, we will continue to maintain regular multilateral and bilateral engagement with funding recipients throughout their projects

Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Start date: May 2010.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020 to 2021.

Link to departmental results:

Canadians participate in an inclusive and efficient labour market

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Foreign Credential Recognition Program provides funding to provinces and territories, regulatory authorities and other organizations to improve foreign credential recognition (FCR) processes and make them faster and more efficient. It also provides loans to help skilled newcomers obtain recognition of their credentials and gives them employment supports to help gain Canadian work experience in their field of study
• this program aims to develop and strengthen Canada's foreign credential assessment and recognition capacity; contribute to improving the labour market integration outcomes of skilled newcomers; and support interprovincial labour mobility

Expected results:

• expected result: skilled newcomers benefit from foreign credential recognition (FCR) systems improvements and are directly supported in their labour market integration
• performance indicator: proportion of participants in FCR loans projects who complete the FCR process
• expected result: skilled newcomers are working in occupations in their field of expertise
• performance indicator: proportion of participants in employment support projects (excluding foreign credential recognition loans) who found employment in their intended or related occupation

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020 to 2021.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation of program.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025 to 2026.

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

• not-for-profit organizations
• for-profit organizations
• regulatory bodies
• provincial/territorial governments
• professional associations
• industry associations
• unions
• municipal governments
• public health institutions
• schoolboards, universities, colleges, CEGEP

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: in fiscal year 2025 to 2026, we will continue to engage key stakeholders, including provincial and territorial partners through multilateral and bilateral meetings.

Future Skills

Start date: May 2018.

End date: March 2024.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018 to 2019.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: rapid technological advancements (such as artificial intelligence) and new business models are realities of the labour market. These affect job seekers', workers' and employers' ability to adapt and keep up with the pace of change. Future Skills introduced proactive and innovative measures through experimentation to support workforce development strategies that adapt to the pace and scope of changes in the workplace. The program facilitates collaboration between governments, private sector, labour, employment and training service providers, Indigenous and not-for-profit organizations to develop, test and adopt proven practices based on reliable evidence.

Expected results:

• expected result: increase access to employment and training supports that address gaps in training systems, especially for groups that are under-represented in the labour market and Indigenous Peoples
• performance indicator: proportion of projects that target under-represented groups and Indigenous Peoples in the labour market

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: May 2023.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2028 to 2029.

General targeted recipient groups: Targeted recipients groups include:

• private sector
• labour
• educational and training institutions
• not-for-profit and Indigenous organizations
• Canadians from demographic groups that are underrepresented in the labour market

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: in fiscal year 2025 to 2026, through various activities (e.g. meetings, events, online sessions), we will engage with the Future Skills Centre and organizations leading research and innovation projects.

Guaranteed Income Supplement

Start date: 1967.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Old Age Security Act).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Link to departmental results:

clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Pensions and Benefits
• program: Old Age Security

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Old Age Security (OAS) program is the first pillar of Canada's retirement income system. Its objective is to ensure a minimum income for seniors, and to reduce income disruptions at retirement. The program includes 3 benefits:
  • the OAS pension
  • the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
  • the Allowances
• through the GIS, the department provides additional assistance to OAS pensioners with little or no income. Entitlement to the GIS is based on marital status and income of the individual, and their spouse or common-law partner for couples. The GIS is income-tested to ensure that the highest benefits are paid to the lowest-income seniors

Expected results:

• Expected result: seniors have income support for retirement
• Performance indicator: percentage of seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement in relation to the estimated total number of eligible seniors

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020 to 2021.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2028 to 2029.

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: no engagement initiatives planned for fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative

Start date: September 2018.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Application of terms and conditions is permanent and ongoing. Updates to terms and conditions made in 2023 to 2024.

Link to departmental results:

access to early learning and childcare is increased

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• through the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Transformation Initiative, we support the implementation of the co-developed Indigenous ELCC Framework. This framework reflects the unique cultures and priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. The initiative enables greater Indigenous control over IELCC through a partnership model to facilitate Indigenous-led decision making on national and regional priorities. Key priorities of Indigenous partners include improving quality and accessibility of IELCC with an emphasis on cultural language and content
• the initiative allows for investments in a wide range of IELCC programs and services, governance, and infrastructure. The initiative enhances early childhood development and school readiness for children regardless of where they live
• ESDC is the federal lead guiding this horizontal initiative. Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) are key federal partners

Expected results:

• expected result: Indigenous partners have greater influence over Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care programming
• performance indicator:
  • number of National Partnership Tables established
  • note: additional performance indicators and targets to be determined in collaboration with Indigenous partners. Joint results frameworks are being co-developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners, based on the principles, goals and distinctions-based priorities outlined in the co-developed Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework. Results framework co-development is targeted to be completed by March 2025 and implemented by March 2026

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Formative Evaluation was completed in 2024 to 2025.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: summative evaluation planned for fiscal year 2027 to 2028. The evaluation is to be advanced through collaboration with Indigenous partners.

General targeted recipient groups: Indigenous organizations serving Indigenous families with children 0 to 6 years.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: current processes to co-develop distinctions-based IELCC results frameworks will ensure Indigenous funding recipients who deliver the program are able to measure and report on culturally appropriate and meaningful results.

Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program

Start date: April 2019.

End date: March 2029.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019 to 2020.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: through the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program, we help reduce skills and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. Under the program, Indigenous service delivery organizations provide skills development and job training to First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban/non-affiliated Indigenous Peoples through a distinctions-based approach. Funding comes from both the Consolidated Revenue Fund and Employment Insurance Act, Part II.

Expected results:

• expected result: an increasing number of Indigenous Peoples are employed and integrated into the Canadian labour market
• performance indicator: number of clients who obtained employment following service interventions

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020 to 2021.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025 to 2026.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Indigenous organizations (may include incorporated for-profit and not-for-profit Indigenous-controlled organizations, governments and mandated organizations. Indigenous-controlled unincorporated organizations, Indian Act bands, tribal councils and Indigenous governments under Modern Treaty and self-government entities). Recipients may also include provincial, territorial, and municipal* governments, institutions and agencies and Crown Corporation depending on the distinctions-based strategy
• note: Kativik Regional Government is a municipal government in the province of Quebec

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

• in fiscal year 2025 to 2026, we will continue to work with Indigenous contribution recipients at the national and regional levels throughout their contribution agreements. Engagement occurs through various channels, such as discussions with technical working groups and directly with ISET service delivery organizations on specific program elements when required. We engage on a range of issues, such as reporting on program results and ways to support program implementation and evaluation
• in fiscal year 2025 to 2026, recipients will continue to be engaged on the co-development of the evaluation to be completed in the same fiscal year

Labour Funding Program

Start date: April 2012.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment:

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

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013 to 2014.

Link to departmental results:

• work conditions are fair and inclusive
• workplaces are safe and healthy
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Working Conditions and Workplace Relations
• programs:
  • International Labour Affairs
  • Labour Relations
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Labour Standards
  • Employment Equity

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

Expected results:

• International Trade and Labour
  • expected result: enhanced awareness by Canada and/or partner countries of fundamental international labour principles
  • performance indicator: number of agreements, instruments, action plan and joint activities adopted, undertaken or implemented to strengthen respect for international labour standards
• Occupational Health and Safety
  • expected result: contribution to the building and sharing of knowledge on prevention of accident and illness for workers as well as fire protection, fire prevention and safety
  • performance indicator: number of projects/activities that support knowledge building and sharing to address workplace accident and illness
• Workplace Opportunities: Removing Barriers to Equity
  • expected result: projects promote meaningful collaboration and dialogue between employers and stakeholders
  • performance indicator: percentage of completed activities made possible by grants and/or contributions funding
  • expected result: project-based tools and resources are developed to support capacity building among federally regulated private-sector employers
  • performance indicator: percentage of completed projects that develop capacity-building tools and resources
  • expected result: employers have access to information to address barriers and representation issues in a timely manner
  • performance indicator: percentage of tools and resources made available to employers within 6 months of receiving final project deliverables from funding recipients
  • expected result: completed projects provide access to tools and resources to assist LEEP employers in creating barrier-free workplaces
  • performance indicator: percentage of projects that are completed within established timelines

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation:

• the Evaluation of Multilateral Labour Affairs was completed in fiscal year 2018 to 2019
• the Evaluation of Occupational Health and Safety was completed in fiscal year 2018 to 2019
• the Evaluation of Labour Standards was completed in fiscal year 2018 to 2019
• the Evaluation of Employment Equity was completed in fiscal year 2018 to 2019

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation:

• the International Labour Affairs Program is considered exempt
• the Evaluation of Occupational Health and Safety will be completed in fiscal year 2025 to 2026
• the Evaluation of Labour Standards will be completed in fiscal year 2025 to 2026
• the Evaluation of the Workplace Equity Program will be completed in fiscal year 2025 to 2026

General targeted recipient groups:

• international labour or labour-related organizations
• international and national organizations mandated to assist countries in meeting their labour obligations under free trade agreements
• legally incorporated, national and international, not-for-profit organizations
• publicly funded universities and colleges
• Indigenous organizations, including Band Councils
• legally incorporated not-for-profit organizations with objectives that address workplace occupational health
• non-governmental organizations
• not-for-profit organizations and academic institutions
• sector associations
• employer associations
• unions
• labour associations
• federally regulated private-sector employers

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: we will conduct multiple informal roundtable discussions with grant and contribution recipients. The roundtables aim to bring together all successful agreement holders from the latest intake process to continue communication and collaboration. These discussions allow sharing project ideas and learnings to date with other projects and evaluate opportunity to partner where there is a ‘right fit'.

Migrant Worker Support Program

Start date: October 2022 (Terms and Conditions were approved January 25, 2022).

End date: March 31, 2026.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

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

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment.
• programs: Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the purpose of the Migrant Worker Support (MWS) Program is to provide migrant workers with accurate information and access to available services and supports, and to assist them in learning about and exercising their rights while in Canada
• the overall objective of the MWS Program is to provide support to workers through the delivery of on-arrival orientation and referral services at major airports across Canada as well as for the provision of community-based direct support to migrant workers living and working in Canada
• specifically, the funding will:
  • increase migrant workers' awareness and understanding of their rights and responsibilities through educational activities and/or existing educational material
  • empower migrant workers to exercise their rights by providing or assisting in accessing services available to them
  • foster inclusion and welcoming of migrant workers through social, cultural and/or recreational events
  • support migrant workers during emergency situations
  • foster new partnerships or leverage existing partnerships/networks, to support migrant workers
  • develop and implement coordinated approaches among community organizations, and/or build their capacity and knowledge to provide resources and services to migrant workers

Expected results:

• expected result:
  • TFWs learn about their rights and of the mechanisms and supports available to, and receive help to exercise their rights
  • TFWs exercise their rights when needed or feel that they can exercise their rights hypothetically
• performance indicator:
  • airport Orientation Services: Number of client interactions with temporary foreign workers to provide services and information for them to learn about and exercise their rights, by funded organizations
  • community-based Services: Number of client interactions with temporary foreign workers to provide services and information for them to learn about and exercise their rights, by funded organizations
  • percentage of temporary foreign workers who report an increased understanding of their rights and resources available to them
  • percentage of temporary foreign workers who report that they are likely to exercise their rights, if such a situation arises

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: not applicable - program has not been evaluated.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable - program has not been evaluated.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: drafting of the Evaluation Plan is underway in 2024 to 2025, and the Evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2026 to 2027 (January 2027).

General targeted recipient groups:

• not-for-profit organizations
• Indigenous not-for-profit organizations
• provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, institutions and agencies
• note: while the above organizations are eligible recipients to receive funding, the targeted participant group of the MWS Program (of the funded organizations) is foreign nationals who were issued a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or were issued an employer-specific work permit under the International Mobility Program

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: recipients are engaged through the MWS Program quarterly meetings, which is a forum for ESDC and recipient organizations to discuss policy issues regarding the MWS Program, as well as challenges and opportunities for temporary foreign workers to learn about and exercise their rights.

National School Food Program

Start date: 1 August 2024.

End date: 31 March 2029.

Type of transfer payment: Other Transfer Payments and Contributions.

Type of appropriation: Statutory (Budget Implementation Act) ESDC Vote 5 (Grants and Contributions)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024 to 2025.

Link to departmental results: contributes to Departmental Result 1: "Not-for-profit organizations, communities, and other groups have an enhanced capacity to address a range of social issues such as social inclusion of persons with disabilities, engagement of seniors, and support for children and families."

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development
• programs: National School Food Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• through bilateral funding agreements with the provinces and territories, the Government of Canada is expanding and enhancing existing school food programming across Canada. Funding agreements are guided by provincial, territorial, and Indigenous priorities in a manner that reflects the principles and objectives outlined in the National School Food Policy
• these federal investments also support Indigenous organizations and partners to build capacity in support of Indigenous school food policy and programming, as well as investments for data collection and research on school food programs

Expected results:

• expected result: Establishment of a National School Food Program, through signed funding agreements with each province and territory, which outline the terms and conditions of federal investments in school food programming
• performance indicator: Number of bilateral funding agreements signed with provinces and territories
• expected result: Expanded and enhanced school food programming in each province and territory
• performance indicator: Number of PTs who report expanded or enhanced school food programming
• expected result: More PT schools offer school food programming
• Performance Indicator: Percentage of PT schools, within each PTs, offering one or more 1 type of school food programming
• expected result: More school-aged children participate in school food programs in publicly funded provincial and territorial schools
• performance indicator: Number of school-aged children in Canada that participate in school food programming within provincial and territorial schools, as a result of federal investment

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: not applicable, new program.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2027 to 2028.

General targeted recipient groups: school-aged children.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: ongoing discussions with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners and stakeholders to obtain feedback that will inform ongoing program development and implementation.

New Horizons for Seniors Program

Start date: original program: October 2004; expanded program: September 2007; enhanced program: September 2010.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018 to 2019.

Link to departmental results:

• not for profit organizations, communities and other groups have an enhanced capacity to address a range of social issues such as the social inclusion of persons with disabilities, the engagement of seniors, and support for children and families
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Social Development)

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development
• program: New Horizons for Seniors Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• this program enhances seniors' quality of life and promotes their full participation in all aspects of Canadian society. Program initiatives are implemented at the national, regional and community level. They address seniors' issues through partnerships and the engagement and contributions of seniors themselves
• the program's design includes 2 streams:
  • community-based grants address social challenges ‘on the ground' and recognize communities as the focal point for program and service delivery. Funded projects are: volunteer-based; supported by communities; inspired or led by seniors; and, address one or more of the 5 program objectives. Selected through annual calls for proposals, one-year, community-based projects are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in grant funding
  • pan-Canadian grants and contributions support innovative projects that create a significant impact in communities. These projects invest in large initiatives that meet the growing social needs of seniors. Organizations can apply for projects up to 5 years in duration and up to $5 million in funding under the pan-Canadian stream

Expected results:

• expected result: communities have the capacity to address local issues by engaging seniors
• performance indicator: number of seniors who participated in community projects

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020 to 2021.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025 to 2026.

General targeted recipient groups: the New Horizons for Seniors Program has a broad array of eligible recipients, including:

• not-for-profit organizations
• coalitions
• for-profit enterprises
• Indigenous organizations
• 2SLGBTQ+ organizations
• official languages minority communities (OLMC)
• municipal governments
• research and educational institutions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

• funding calls and information about this program are posted on our website and shared with networks. We are also engaged with recipients at various times through their projects
• for the Community-Based stream, potential applicants and other interested parties are engaged as part of the community outreach activities performed by Service Canada during the Call for Proposals (CFP) process
• the funding calls in the Pan-Canadian stream are launched approximately every five years, most recently in 2023. Information is shared broadly with potential applicants through the NHSP website and information sessions, as well as through email and social media
• we engage with funding recipients to discuss or otherwise monitor the progress of their projects and in the interest of performance measurement and reporting. Pan-Canadian projects holders also participate in a Community of Practice

Old Age Security Pension

Start date: 1952.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Old Age Security Act).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Link to departmental results:

clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Pensions and Benefits
• program: Old Age Security

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Old Age Security (OAS) program is the first pillar of Canada's retirement income system. It aims to ensure a minimum income for seniors, and to reduce income disruptions at retirement. The OAS program is funded through general tax revenues. The program includes 3 benefits: the OAS pension, the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), and the Allowances
• the OAS pension is a monthly payment to all Canadians aged 65 or older who meet the residence and legal status requirements. To be eligible for the OAS pension, an individual must have resided in Canada for at least 10 years after the age of 18

Expected results:

• expected result: seniors have income support for retirement
• performance indicators:
  • percentage of seniors receiving the OAS pension at age 65 and over in relation to the estimated total number of eligible seniors aged 65 and over
  • percentage of seniors receiving the OAS pension at age 70 and over in relation to the estimated total number of eligible seniors aged 70 and over

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2019 to 2020.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2027 to 2028.

General targeted recipient groups: seniors aged 65 and over.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: no engagement initiatives planned in fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Start date: April 1997.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022 to 2023.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: under this program, we support persons with disabilities to get ready for, find and keep quality jobs, and advance their careers. We also help employers create more inclusive and accessible workplaces. Projects may provide training, job search, work experience, self-employment, and career advancement. This program is a key vehicle for the implementation of the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities. Third-party organizations in the community deliver this program.

Expected results:

• expected result: persons with disabilities have enhanced their employability, obtained employment, become self-employed or returned to school
• performance indicators:
  • number of clients with enhanced employability
  • number of clients employed or self-employed
  • number of clients who return to school
• expected result: participating employers have increased ability to hire and support persons with disabilities in the workplace
• performance indicator: number and percentage of employers who report increased ability to hire and support persons with disabilities in the workplace
• expected result: participating employers hire, retain and promote persons with disabilities
• performance indicator: percentage of employers that hired one or more persons with a disability as part of their Opportunities Fund activities
• expected result: participating persons with disabilities advance in their careers or have increased job responsibilities
• performance indicator: percentage of participants who report a promotion or have increased responsibilities

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020 to 2021.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025 to 2026.

General targeted recipient groups: under this program, we target persons with disabilities and employers. Eligible recipients include:

• individuals
• provincial and territorial governments
• agencies
• Crown corporations
• institutions
• not-for-profit organizations
• For-profit organizations
• Indigenous organizations
• municipal governments
• organizations representing equity deserving groups

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: in fiscal year 2025 to 2026, we will continue to engage recipients on an on-going basis to address their needs, as well as to support program implementation and results reporting. Information obtained from other programs' engagement activities may be used.

Personal Support Worker Retirement Savings Innovation Program

Start date: January 1, 2025.

End date: March 31, 2028.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024 to 2025 to 2027 to 2028.

Link to departmental results: seniors have income support for retirement.

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Pensions and Benefits
• programs: Personal Support Worker Retirement Savings Innovation Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: this program provides funding to organizations to develop pilot projects. These organizations provide retirement savings incentives for personal support workers (PSWs) who don't have access to a workplace pension. The government uses the program to test different approaches to encourage savings for retirement among PSWs and to find out which works best. The incentives offered through the pilot projects must at least in part match some of the funds invested by PSWs in eligible savings accounts. In addition to helping PSWs save for retirement, the incentives may also encourage them to keep working in the long-term care sector.

Expected results:

• expected result: personal support workers open tax-assisted retirement savings accounts
• performance indicator: number of tax-assisted savings account opened

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: not applicable, new program.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: to be determined.

General targeted recipient groups:

for-profit organizations

not-for-profit organizations and charities

• Indigenous recipients
• other: 2SLGBTQI+ organizations, unions, boards of trades, cooperatives, industry associations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: funding calls and information about this program are posted on our website and shared with networks. We are also engaged with recipients at various times through their projects.

Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program

Start date: June 2021.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022 to 2023.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• this program aims to help employers and workers by supporting initiatives in key sectors of the Canadian economy that develop and implement solutions to address workforce needs (immediate, emerging, and longer-term)
• the SWSP funds sectoral projects that focus on a range of industry-driven activities such as training and reskilling workers, helping employers retain and attract a skilled and diverse workforce and develop and implement other solutions to help sectors address labour market needs. This will help employers find skilled workers and connect Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs in key sectors. It will also support equity-seeking groups by promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce and providing wrap-around supports as needed to those facing barriers to participation

Expected results:

• expected result: Canadian workers participate in sectoral training and transition initiatives to get the skills they need to succeed in key sectors
• performance indicator: number of Canadians who access or participate in training or transition initiatives, including those from equity-seeking groups

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2022 to 2023.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2027 to 2028.

General targeted recipient groups:

• not-for-profit organizations
• for-profit organizations
• municipal governments
• Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities)
• provincial and territorial governments
• institutions, agencies and Crown corporations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, we will continue to support recipients throughout their agreements. This includes quarterly engagement on data collection and other key deliverables to better inform and target sector supports and training initiatives. We will also provide formal functional guidance to funding recipients on performance measurement and reporting requirements, including GBA Plus data collection needs. Quarterly engagement meetings will also facilitate the early identification of implementation challenges that may impact the achievement of performance targets.

Skills and Partnership Fund

Start date: April 2010.

End date: March 2029.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

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

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF) supports partnerships through projects between Indigenous organizations and industry employers to provide skills training for Indigenous Peoples. Training is linked to economic opportunities at the local, regional and national level. It focuses on training Indigenous Peoples for industry-identified, specific jobs that align with labour market needs
• the fund is an important mechanism for advancing Government of Canada and Indigenous priorities, including responding to changing and evolving market needs. These partnerships provide skills training for Indigenous Peoples linked to economic opportunities at the local, regional and national level. By increasing access to training that is demand-driven, we play a key role in directly linking training efforts and Indigenous Peoples to specific jobs to improve their employment outcomes

Expected results:

• expected result: an increasing number of Indigenous Peoples are employed and integrated into the Canadian labour market
• performance indicator: number of clients who obtained employment following service intervention(s)

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2024 to 2025.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2029 to 2030.

General targeted recipient groups: Indigenous organizations, which may include:

• incorporated for-profit and not-for-profit Indigenous-controlled organizations
• Indigenous-controlled unincorporated organizations
• Indian Act bands
• tribal councils
• Indigenous governments under modern treaties

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

• in fiscal year 2025 to 2026, we will continue efforts to improve investment coordination and priority-setting as part of the renewed approach to the program, in collaboration with Indigenous communities
• the program will continue to work with Indigenous contribution recipients throughout the life cycle of their contribution agreement at the national and regional levels

Skills for Success Program

Start date: April 2006.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: we fund organizations to deliver training, and to develop assessment tools and training resources which are made available to Canadians. This helps them improve their foundational and transferable skills so they can better prepare for, get and keep a job.

Expected results:

• expected result: Canadians access employment supports and skills training opportunities to help them build their skills to better prepare for, participate and succeed in the labour market
• performance indicator: total number of Canadians taking part in foundational and transferable skills training

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2022 to 2023.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2027 to 2028.

General targeted recipient groups: projects typically support those who need extra help to increase their skills, including underrepresented groups such as racialized Canadians, persons with disabilities, women, Indigenous Peoples, youth, newcomers and people from official language minority communities. Eligible recipients for program funding include:

• not-for-profit organizations
• for-profit organizations
• Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities)
• municipal governments
• provincial and territorial governments, institutions, agencies and Crown corporations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: in fiscal year 2025 to 2026, we will continue to regularly engage with funding recipients, including through forums, training/information sessions, and newsletters. The program uses this engagement to communicate performance measurement processes and expectations, as well as to discuss and learn about funded projects.

Social Development Partnerships Program

Start date: April 1998.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024 to 2025.

Link to departmental results:

• not-for-profit organizations, communities and other groups have an enhanced capacity to address a range of social issues such as the social inclusion of people with disabilities, the engagement of seniors, and support for children and families
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Social Development)

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development
• program: Social Development Partnerships Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Social Development Partnerships Program is a grants and contributions program. It supports Government of Canada priorities through investment in not-for-profit organizations. These organizations aim to improve the quality of life and remove barriers to social inclusion of persons with disabilities, children and families, Black Canadian communities, and other vulnerable populations facing physical, economic and social barriers. The program has an annual budget supporting 2 components: Disability, and Children and Families
• through grants and contributions, the department supports communities, not-for-profit, volunteer sector organizations, and National Indigenous organizations. These organizations provide vulnerable Canadian populations with the tools and skills to respond to current and emerging barriers to social issues that they are facing. These issues include a limited ability to participate in the workplace or to contribute to their families and communities
• the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) is delivered under the Children and Families component. It helps Black Canadian communities and organizations to strengthen their capacity and infrastructure. These groups can then deliver much-needed programs and services, and reduce long-standing socio-economic disparities faced by marginalized communities.
• The Equitable Access to Reading Program for Persons with Print Disabilities supports participation beyond the workplace and community and includes the broader economy and social and cultural activities.
• Disability Benefits Navigation recognizes that persons with disabilities face multiple barriers in finding out about and accessing government benefits and services and these navigation services aim to connect individuals with the information and resources necessary to access different programs and benefits to reduce poverty and support the financial security of persons with disabilities

Expected results:

• expected result: not-for-profit sector and partners have improved capacity to respond to existing and emerging social issues for target populations
• performance indicator: percentage of funded recipients that created or enhanced effective approaches to address social inclusion of persons with disabilities
• expected result: not-for-profit organizations, communities, and other groups have an enhanced capacity to address a range of social issues such as the social inclusion of persons with disabilities, the engagement of seniors and support for children and families
• performance indicator: percentage of partnerships newly developed by recipient organizations to address a range of social issues such as the social inclusion of persons with disabilities, children and families and other vulnerable populations

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Evaluation was completed in fiscal year 2023 to 2024 with the final report received in February 2024. SBCCI had a mid-term evaluation completed in 2023 to 2024.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: the evaluation concluded that the program aligns with Government of Canada priorities and ESDC departmental objectives of addressing social issues, including diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and supporting vulnerable groups.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2028 to 2029.

General targeted recipient groups:

• the program aims to support persons with disabilities, children and families, Black Canadian communities, Indigenous communities and other vulnerable populations facing physical, economic and social pressures
• eligible recipients include not-for-profit organizations, such as registered charities and social enterprises actively pursuing activities in line with the objectives of the Social Development Partnerships Program

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: SDPP (Children & Families):

• organizations are engaged through regular mandated reporting and Community of Practice sessions. We conducted introductory Community of Practice sessions with funded organizations to present the Final Report template and to address any questions from the organizations. To support the organizations with their reporting requirements, we provided an optional tracking tool for the collection of performance measurement data. More Community of Practice sessions will be conducted
• SBCCI engages with applicants and recipients via intermediary organizations that fund them, and directly through events and written communications

Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy - Social Finance Fund

Start date: March 31, 2023.

End date: March 31, 2039.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021 to 2022.

Link to departmental results: not applicable.

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development
• program: Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: this fund aims to accelerate the growth of a vibrant and self-sustaining social finance market in Canada. It also seeks to attract new investment in social finance and improve access to capital for social purpose organizations. This will increase the capacity of organizations to generate social and environmental impacts by providing repayable and non-repayable contributions to social finance wholesalers (for example: professional fund managers).

Expected results:

• expected result: increased private capital is leveraged by social finance wholesalers and intermediaries into the social finance market
• performance indicator: sum value (in dollars) of private capital co-investment commitments
• expected result: increased access to capital by social purpose organizations
• performance indicator: number of investments in social purpose organizations

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: not applicable.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2027 to 2028.

General targeted recipient groups: funding will reach SPOs via funding recipients (social finance wholesalers) and social finance intermediaries. Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) include:

• charities and non-profits
• cooperatives
• social enterprises
• mission-based for-profits
• other mission-focused organizations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: No engagement activities planned for fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Student Work Placement Program

Start date: April 2017.

End date: March 2026.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024 to 2025.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• this program supports the creation of work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students of all ages enrolled in any post-secondary education program at a college, university, or polytechnic in Canada. The program helps:
  • post-secondary students develop work-ready skills
  • employers hire and develop talent
  • post-secondary institutions keep pace with changing on-the-job expectations
• the program supports two types of opportunities:
  • work placements: paid opportunities (usually 4 months or less) in a student's chosen field of study
  • I-WIL opportunities: shorter duration and/or high intensity; often delivered virtually and using new technologies; and offer flexibility of access for students who may otherwise not participate in traditional work placements
• employers offering work placements can receive wage subsidies of:
  • 50% of the wage cost (up to $5,000) for a standard placement
  • 70% (up to $7,000) for placements for first-year students and under-represented groups, which include women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, persons with disabilities, newcomers, Indigenous students, and visible minorities
• all students participating in I-WIL opportunities receive a stipend to compensate their efforts and/or cover some of their costs, with amounts ranging from $200 to $2,000 per opportunity depending on its nature and length

Expected results:

• expected result: increased number of work placements and Innovative Work-Integrated Learning (I-WIL) opportunities
• performance indicators:
  • number of new work placement opportunities created for post-secondary students
  • number of I-WIL opportunities created

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2021 to 2022 (formative evaluation).

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026 to 2027.

General targeted recipient groups:

• employer consortia
• not-for-profit organizations
• for-profit organizations
• student organizations

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: in fiscal year 2025 to 2026, ongoing stakeholder relation activities will continue with work-integrated learning focused organizations.

Supports for Student Learning Program

Start date: June 2019.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022 to 2023.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• this program funds youth-serving organizations to support students at risk of educational disengagement. It aims to help these students succeed in school, complete high school, and transition successfully to post-secondary education and the labour market
• funding is provided to:
  • youth-serving organizations to deliver evidence-based supports outside the formal education system, helping youth persist and succeed in their learning

Expected results:

• expected result: program participants feel ready for the next step in their learning or employment
• performance indicator: percentage of SSLP-funded supports that enable youth preparedness for further studies or the labor market

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2023 to 2024.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2028 to 2029.

General targeted recipient groups: students facing barriers to learning. This includes:

• Indigenous students
• Black and racialized students
• students living with disabilities
• students living in a low-income household
• students identifying as 2SLGBTQI+

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: In fiscal year 2025 to 2026, the department engage funding recipients through events, bilateral and multilateral meetings. Additionally, the department will also provide tools (e.g. pre- and post- surveys) to help demonstrate the benefits on participants.

Wage Earner Protection Program

Start date: July 2008.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: statutory

Type of appropriation: statutory (Wage Earner Protection Program Act).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Link to departmental results:

• work conditions are fair and inclusive
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Working Conditions and Workplace Relations)

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• this program aims to reduce the economic insecurity of Canadian workers whose employer files for bankruptcy, enters receivership, or other qualifying insolvency proceedings. It protects workers who are owed unpaid wages, vacation pay, disbursements, termination pay and/or severance pay
• workers can receive a one-time payment of up to a maximum amount equivalent to 7 times the maximum weekly insurable earnings under the Employment Insurance Act ($8,507 for 2024). When eligible workers receive payments under the Wage Earner Protection Program Act, they sign over their rights as creditors of the insolvent employer to the federal government, but only up to the amount of the payment received from the program. The federal government becomes the creditor and tries to recover the amount from the employer in the insolvency process. This program covers workers in all labour jurisdictions

Expected results:

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

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2021 to 2022.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026 to 2027.

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

• to provide required information, technical assistance, inquiries can now be sent by email allowing Trustees/Receivers to receive a response in a timely manner. A newsletter was sent to Trustees/Receivers to explain to clients the application process
• joint liaison committee meeting and outreach will continue to increase awareness of the WEPP and discuss items of interest with the insolvency community

Workforce Development Agreements

Start date: April 2017.

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

Type of transfer payment: other transfer payments.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017 to 2018.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Government of Canada provides annual funding to the provinces and territories through the Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs) to help people find, get, and maintain employment
• under the WDAs, skills training and employment programming can be offered to people regardless of their employment status. This includes people who have no ties to the Employment Insurance (EI) program. The WDAs can also support employers seeking to train current or new employees
• the WDAs include specific funding for persons with disabilities. WDA funding can also support members of underrepresented groups such as Indigenous Peoples, youth, older workers, and newcomers to Canada

Expected results:

• expected result: Canadians gain skills, become or remain employed and increase their income, while employers develop the skilled workforce they require
• performance indicator: number of clients benefiting from programs funded by the WDAs

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2021 to 2022.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2028 to 2029.

General targeted recipient groups:

• individuals
• employers
• persons with disabilities
• Indigenous Peoples
• youth
• seniors
• recent immigrants and newcomers
• racialized Canadians
• women

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: not applicable - provinces and territories design and deliver programming.

Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Start date: April 2003, modified in May 2019.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation:

• ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions)
• statutory (Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020 to 2021.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Strategy aims to provide youth (aged 15 to 30), especially those facing barriers to employment, with opportunities to receive employment supports, gain work experience, develop the skills needed to find and keep quality jobs. The YESS provides a flexible approach to employment and skills development, with a wide range of supports that are tailored to the individual needs of youth
• the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) includes two programs:
  • the YESS Program, which is an Employment and Social Development Canada-led horizontal initiative involving 11 other federal departments, agencies and crown corporations
  • Canada Summer Jobs

Expected results:

• expected result: youth have access to the social support, skills training, and employment opportunities they need to make a successful transition to the labour market
• performance indicators:
  • number of youth served
  • percentage of youth employed / self-employed
  • percentage of youth returned to school
  • percentage of youth facing barriers:
    • gender
    • Indigenous youth
    • racialized youth
    • Black youth
    • youth with a disabilities
    • official language minority community youth
    • rural/remote/Northern/fly-in youth
    • 2SLGBTQI+ youth

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2024 to 2025.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not available.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2029 to 2030.

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: the department will pursue ongoing stakeholder engagement activities.

Transfer payment programs of less than $5 million

Payments of compensation respecting merchant seamen

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

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: statutory.

Type of appropriation: statutory: Merchant Seamen Compensation Act.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Link to departmental results:

• work conditions are fair and inclusive
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Working Conditions and Workplace Relations)

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Working Conditions and Workplace Relations
• program: Federal Workers' Compensation

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

Expected results:

• expected result: eligible merchant seamen receive the benefits (or support) to which they are entitled to under the act
• performance indicator: there is no indicator because the timeliness of the calculations of eligible benefits depends on the type of injury and availability of medical documentation

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: not applicable.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: not applicable.

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: no engagement initiatives are planned for fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Payments related to direct financing arrangement under the Apprentice Loans Act

Start date: January 2015.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Apprentice Loans Act)

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Learning, Skills Development and Employment
• program: Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and Canada Apprentice Loans

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• through the Canada Apprentice Loans (CALs), the department will provide apprentices registered in listed Red Seal trades loans of up to $4,000 per technical training period, for up to five periods of training. As of April 1, 2023, CALs are interest free
• CALs help apprentices cover the costs of technical training, including lost wages, educational fees, equipment, and living expenses and is intended to complement other supports for apprentices. CALs are administered as part of the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program

Expected results:

• expected result: eligible apprentices receive loans to participate in technical training periods for their apprenticeship, and funding is provided to jurisdictions where CALs are not available to ensure apprentices in those jurisdictions have access to financial support
• performance indicator: number of apprentices receiving Canada Apprentice Loans to help finance their apprenticeship training in a designated Red Seal Trade

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020 to 2021 (evaluation of the Canada Apprenticeship Loan - phase 2).

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: to be determined.

General targeted recipient groups: apprentices registered in Red Seal trades.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: no engagement activities planned for fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Strategic Engagement and Research Program

Start date: May 2020.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020 to 2021.

Link to departmental results: not applicable.

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• through this program, we fund research and research-related events by and with international and domestic organizations. We also use it to fund assessed contributions to international organizations
• to be considered for funding, research and activities must be related to the department's mandate and priorities and not fit with the objectives of any other grant and contribution programs in the department. Finally, funded activities must contribute to the overall knowledge base and dialogue on employment and social development issues for the benefit of Canadians

Expected results:

• expected result: the department supports international and domestic research and activities
• performance indicator: the percentage of the SERP annual funding envelope disbursed
• expected result: Canada is able to engage international organizations to contribute to and share responsibility for the management of international issues related to employment and social development
• performance indicator: SERP-International - the percentage of payments of assessed contributions to international organizations of which Canada is a member that are paid in full and on time
• expected result: public access to an expanded knowledge base related to current and emerging employment and social development issues is increased
• performance indicator: SERP-Domestic - the percentage of completed projects funded through the domestic stream of the SERP resulting in at least one final product made public

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: not applicable, new program.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: to be determined.

General targeted recipient groups:

• for-profit organizations
• not-for-profit organizations and charities
• academia and public institutions
• Indigenous recipients
• governments
• international organizations (non-government)

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: no engagement activities planned for fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

Support for Labour Market Information in Canada

Start date: 2017.

End date: Ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020 to 2021.

Link to departmental results:

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

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: the Labour Market Information Council (LMIC) improves the timeliness, reliability and accessibility of labour market information. This information facilitates decision-making by employers, workers, job seekers, academics, policy makers, educators, career practitioners, students, parents and under-represented populations.

Expected results:

• expected result: labour market informational products, services and tools are provided to labour market information users and stakeholders
• performance indicators:
  • annual Report published online by Fall (November) each year
  • number of online publications of LMI products and research findings
• expected result: increased awareness of labour market information products and insights among users
• performance indicator: number of social media followers and website users

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: an independent review and assessment of the LMIC's progress and achievements was conducted in fiscal year 2020 to 2021.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: continuation.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: no evaluations are currently planned.

General targeted recipient groups: the Labour Market Information Council is the only eligible funding recipient.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: in fiscal year 2025 to 2026, the program will continue to engage regularly with the LMIC. The department also has representation on the Council's Board of Directors.

Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program

Start date: 2018 to 2019.

End date: 2030 to 2031.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019 to 2020.

Link to departmental results:

not-for-profit organizations, communities, and other groups have an enhanced capacity to address a range of social issues such as the social inclusion of persons with disabilities, the engagement of seniors and support for children and families

Link to department's program inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development
• program: Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• this program supports the federal government's implementation of the 2030 Agenda. We work with partners to build a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world that leaves no one behind. Partners include provinces and territories, municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, academia, the private sector, Indigenous Peoples, women, youth and vulnerable and/or marginalized populations.
• this program allows us to support projects that aim to increase public awareness and implementation of the SDGs. Projects recipients then develop partnerships and networks, improve knowledge, support engagement in SDG-related events, identify innovative approaches, and contribute to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples

Expected results:

• expected result: knowledge and data gaps are identified and innovation is supported in furthering Canada's implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs
• performance indicator: number of supported and completed projects that identify knowledge/data gaps or ways to support innovation to advance Canada's implementation of 2030 Agenda and the SDGs

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: not applicable, new program.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025 to 2026.

General targeted recipient groups:

• Eligible recipients of the SDG Funding Program include:
  • non-profit organizations
  • municipalities
  • provincial and territorial governments, institutions and Crown Corporations
  • Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities)
  • international organizations
  • coalitions, networks and committees
  • research organizations and institutes
  • educational institutions
  • public health and social services institutions
  • environmental organizations
  • individuals
  • for-profit organizations (see note below)
• note: for-profit organizations may be eligible for funding provided that the nature and intent of the activity is non-commercial, not intended to generate profit, and supports program priorities and objectives

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients:

• we actively promote this program to whole of society partners through communications and engagement activities including:
  • funding and participating in the 2025 edition of Together|Ensemble, Canada's annual national conference on the SDGs
  • continued meaningful collaboration and engagement with a distinction-based approach with National Indigenous Organizations (the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council) to ensure that Indigenous voices, views and traditional knowledge are reflected in Canada's work to advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda
  • knowledge sharing through attending national and international seminars, conferences, and events to highlight local and national initiatives to advance the SDGs
  • ongoing discussions with funding recipients following the 2023 call for proposals

Universal Child Care Benefit

Start date: July 2006.

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

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Universal Child Care Benefit Act).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2006 to 2007.

Link to departmental results:

Access to early learning and childcare is increased

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• through the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) provided financial support to help families with young children choose the child care option that best suited their needs
• the Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB) was replaced by the Canada Child Benefit effective July 1, 2016. This transfer payment program ensures the department meet its administrative obligations related to retroactive claims, write-offs and adjustments of the Universal Child Care Benefit accounts receivable

Expected results: no longer applicable.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2011 to 2012.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: no longer applicable, as the program has been sunset.

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: no longer applicable, as the program has been replaced.

Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund

Start date: 2018 to 2019.

End date: ongoing.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions

Type of appropriation: ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions).

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018 to 2019.

Link to departmental results:

• workplaces are safe and healthy
• clients receive high quality, timely and efficient services that meet their needs (Working Conditions and Workplace Relations)

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: we provide grants and contributions to eligible organizations to promote and co-develop labour-management tools and resources. This will enable the required culture shift and ensure the physical and psychological health and safety of the employees.

Expected results:

• expected result: increase awareness of sector specific workplace practices that contribute to the development of positive workplace cultures
• performance indicator: number of sector specific training programs, tools and resources developed
• expected result: improve the capacity of employers and unions to communicate the new harassment and violence prevention provisions in the Canada Labour Code and associated regulations
• performance indicator: number of tools and resources that have been integrated into the organizations' programs, policies and training
• expected result: improve dissemination, transfer, and application of knowledge and information among partners, stakeholders, employers, and unions
• performance indicator: number of events and information-sharing sessions delivered/facilitated

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: not applicable.

Decision following the results of last evaluation: not applicable.

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: not applicable.

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

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: we will continue to communicate with current WHVP Fund recipients to advance the co-development of tools and resources related to harassment and violence prevention and to further collaborative workplaces.