Details on Transfer Payment Programs - Employment and Social Development Canada’s Departmental plan for fiscal year 2026 to 2027

Allowances

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

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Name of program terms and conditions: not applicable.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

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

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

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

Link to departmental results:

• seniors have income support for retirement
• 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

Expected results:

• expected result:
  • 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 next planned evaluation: Evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2028-29.

Canada Disability Benefit

Start date: 2025.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Name of program terms and conditions: not applicable.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Canada Disability Benefit Act).

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.

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

Link to departmental result:

• persons with disabilities and their families have financial support.

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: no planned evaluations.

Canada Disability Savings Program - Grants and Bonds

Start date: December 2008.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Name of program terms and conditions: not applicable.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

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

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

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.

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

Expected results:

• expected result: eligible Disability Tax Credit approved individuals (and their families/guardians) open a RDSP to save for the future
• performance indicator: RDSP Take up rate: Number of RDSP Beneficiaries aged 0-49 with valid Disability Tax Credit Certificate as of December 31 divided by Disability Tax Credit approved individuals aged 0-49 as of December 31

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: No planned evaluations. Program is statutory, allowing more flexibility in how often evaluations are conducted.

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.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Name of program terms and conditions: not applicable.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Canada Education Savings Act).

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Government of Canada encourages Canadians to save for their child's post-secondary education by offering two education savings benefits, directly paid into a 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 benefits are delivered through partnerships with financial organizations, including banks, investment services, insurance companies, and scholarship plan dealers

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

Link to departmental results:

• Canadians can afford to participate in post-secondary education or apprenticeship training
• 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

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 next planned evaluation: Evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2029-30.

Canada Service Corps

Start date: June 2017.

End date: March 31, 2027.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023-24.

Name of program terms and conditions: Canada Service Corps - Terms and Conditions.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

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

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

Link to departmental result:

• Youth and students receive supports, training and opportunities to help them attend school, work, or participate in their communities

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Expected results:

• expected result: youth service volunteers are engaged
• performance indicator: total number of youth in service opportunities (service placements and youth-led projects)

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2028-29.

Canada Student Financial Assistance Program - Canada Student Grants

Start date: August 2009.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Name of program terms and conditions: not applicable.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: through the Canada Student Grants, the department provides eligible students with up-front, non-repayable support to help them pursue post-secondary education. These grants target students from low- and middle-income families, students with dependants and students with disabilities. The grants are administered in partnership with participating provinces and territories.

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

Link to departmental results:

• Canadians can afford to participate in post-secondary education or apprenticeship training
• 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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2028-29.

Canada Student Loans - Direct Financing Arrangement

Start date: August 2000.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Name of program terms and conditions: not applicable.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• this program gives financial help to students who need it. They can get grants and loans to support their 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

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

Link to departmental results:

• Canadians can afford to participate in post-secondary education or apprenticeship training
• 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

Expected results:

• expected results:
  • post-secondary education students in Quebec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut can access financial assistance through their jurisdiction's programs, similar to the support available under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and Canada Apprentice Loans
  • students in non-participating jurisdictions with financial difficulty can 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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2028-29.

Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy

Start date: July 2022.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023-24.

Name of program terms and conditions: Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy - Terms and Conditions.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions.

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

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 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

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 (including training institutions)
• governments
• Indigenous organizations

Link to departmental result:

• working age Canadians access skills, training and supports to start working, return to work, return to school, or stay employed.

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2026-27.

Community Workforce Development Program / Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative

Start date: June 2021.

End date: March 2028.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22.

Name of program terms and conditions: Community Workforce Development Program - Terms and Conditions.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Community Workforce Development Program provides funding for testing a place-based approach to community-driven projects that support local workforce planning and skills training to help workers transition to new jobs
• the program includes the Canada Retraining and Opportunities Initiative, which supports communities and workers significantly impacted by a mass layoff. The initiative helps build community resilience by providing additional support to existing programs and services in communities where it is exceptionally difficult for workers to transition to other jobs

General targeted recipient groups:

• for-profit organizations
• not-for-profit organizations and charities
• educational institutions
• Indigenous organizations or governments
• municipal governments

Link to departmental result:

• working age Canadians access skills, training and supports to start working, return to work, return to school, or stay employed.

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Expected results:

• expected result: participants are employed following an intervention
• performance indicator: percentage of people reported as employed following training or employment support interventions
• expected result: participants return to school following an intervention
• performance indicator: percentage of people reported as having returned to school following training or employment support interventions

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: no planned evaluations. Program is temporary and has no requirement to evaluate.

Early Learning and Child Care

Start date: April 2017.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22.

Name of program terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions for the purpose of early learning and child care.

Type of transfer payment: other transfer payments, Grants and Contributions.

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

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 were first signed with all provinces and territories (PTs) in 2021-22. Commitments included 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. These agreements have since been extended to support continued access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive early learning and child care programs and services and to sustain the progress made from the existing early learning and child care agreements
• 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 2023-24 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

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

Link to departmental result:

• children and their families have the support and resources needed to promote well-being and economic participation

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2030-31.

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.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25.

Name of program terms and conditions: Enabling Accessibility Fund and Social Development Canada Terms and Conditions for Grants and Contributions.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions.

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

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 eligible 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 grant and contribution funding through separate funding processes:
  • grants: supports small-scale construction, renovation or retrofit projects that increase accessibility in communities or workplaces
  • contributions: 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

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

Link to departmental results:

• persons with disabilities experience increased community participation, accessibility and social inclusion
• 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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2027-28.

Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities

Start date: April 2005.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023-24.

Name of program terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions for the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

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

General targeted recipient groups: official language minority communities.

Link to departmental result:

• working age Canadians access skills, training and supports to start working, return to work, return to school, or stay employed

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Expected results:

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

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2026-27.

Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Start date: May 2010.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-21.

Name of program terms and conditions: Foreign Credential Recognition Program - Terms and Conditions.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

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 internationally trained professionals 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 internationally trained professionals; and support interprovincial labour mobility

General targeted recipient groups:

• eligible recipients include:
  • 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

Link to departmental result:

• Canadian workers and employers participate in a labour market where skills and jobs match

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Expected results:

• expected result: internationally trained professionals benefit from 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

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2030-31.

Future Skills

Start date: May 2018.

End date: March 2024.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19.

Name of program terms and conditions: Future Skills Program, Employment and Social Development Canada - Terms and Conditions.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• rapid technological advancements (such as AI) 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

General targeted recipient groups:

• Targeted recipient 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

Link to departmental result:

• Canadian workers and employers participate in a labour market where skills and jobs match

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2028-29.

Guaranteed Income Supplement

Start date: 1967.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Name of program terms and conditions: Not applicable. This is a statutory funding agreement under the Old Age Security Act. As such, there are no approved terms and conditions.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

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

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 GIS, we provide 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

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

Link to departmental results:

• seniors have income support for retirement
• 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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2028-29.

Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative

Start date: September 2018.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Application of terms and conditions is permanent and ongoing. Updates to terms and conditions made in 2025-26.

Name of program terms and conditions: Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) Transformation Initiative terms and conditions for contributions.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

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 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

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

Link to departmental result:

• children and their families have the support and resources needed to promote well-being and economic participation

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 have been 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. Implementation of the co-developed results frameworks will be advanced in 2026-27

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in fiscal year 2029-30. The evaluation is to be advanced through collaboration with Indigenous partners.

Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program

Start date: April 2019.

End date: March 2029.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20.

Name of program terms and conditions:

• First Nations Labour Market Strategy - Terms and Conditions
• Inuit Labour Market Strategy - Terms and Conditions
• Métis Nation Labour Market Strategy - Terms and Conditions
• Urban/Non-affiliated Indigenous People Labour Market Strategy - Terms and Conditions

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

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

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* government, 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

Link to departmental result:

• working age Canadians access skills, training and supports to start working, return to work, return to school, or stay employed

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2026-27.

Labour Funding Program

Start date: April 2012.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013-14.

Name of program terms and conditions: Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSD), Labour Program, Terms and Conditions, Labour Funding Program (LFP), Grants and Contributions (Gs &Cs).

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
• 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).

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.

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

Link to departmental results:

• work conditions are fair and inclusive
• workplaces are safe and healthy
• labour relations are cooperative
• 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

Expected results:

• International Trade and Labour
  • expected result: enhanced awareness by Canada and/or partner countries of fundamental international labour principles including of the risks of forced labour in global supply chains
  • 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
  • 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 employers in creating barrier-free workplaces
  • performance indicator: percentage of projects that are completed within established timelines

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: International Labour Affairs Program: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2027-28.

No planned evaluations for Occupational Health and Safety, Labour Standards, nor the Workplace Equity Program. These programs have a small or no grants and contributions component, which provides more flexibility on how often they are evaluated.

National School Food Program

Start date: 1 August 2024.

End date: 31 March 2029.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25.

Name of program terms and conditions: the National School Food Program Terms and Conditions.

Type of transfer payment: Other Transfer Payments and Contributions.

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

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

General targeted recipient groups: school-aged children and youth.

Link to departmental result:

• children and their families have the support and resources needed to promote well-being and economic participation.

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Expected results:

• expected result: enhanced and expanded school food programming in each province and territory (PT)
• performance indicator: number of PTs who report enhanced or expanded school food programming
• expected result: more provincial and territorial schools offer school food programming
• Performance Indicator: percentage of PT schools, within each PT, offering one or more types of school food programming
• expected result: More school-aged children reached by school food programs in publicly funded provincial and territorial schools
• performance indicator: Number of school-aged children in Canada reached by school food programming within provincial and territorial schools, as a result of federal investment

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2028-29.

New Horizons for Seniors Program

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

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19.

Name of program terms and conditions: New Horizons for Seniors Program.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions.

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

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

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
• 2SLGBTQI+ organizations
• official languages minority communities (OLMC)
• municipal governments
• research and educational institutions

Link to departmental results:

• Canadians and communities are empowered to address social issues
• 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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2030-31.

Old Age Security Pension

Start date: 1952.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Name of program terms and conditions: not applicable. This is a statutory funding agreement under the Old Age Security Act. As such, there are no approved terms and conditions.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

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

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 Canadians aged 65 or older who meet the residence and legal status requirements. To be eligible, a person must have resided in Canada for at least 10 years after the age of 18

General targeted recipient groups: seniors aged 65 and over.

Link to departmental results:

• seniors have income support for retirement
• 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

Expected results:

• expected result: seniors have income support for retirement
• performance indicators: 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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2028-29.

Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Start date: April 1997.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-23.

Name of program terms and conditions: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities Employment and Social Development (ESDC) - Terms and Conditions.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

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.

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 (with approval from the Minister)
• institutions
• not-for-profit organizations
• For-profit organizations
• Indigenous organizations (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities)
• municipal governments
• organizations representing equity deserving groups

Link to departmental result:

• working age Canadians access skills, training and supports to start working, return to work, return to school, or stay employed

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2030-31.

Personal Support Worker Retirement Savings Innovation Program

Start date: January 1, 2025.

End date: March 31, 2028.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25 to 2027-28.

Name of program terms and conditions: Personal Support Worker Retirement Savings Innovation Program - Employment and Social Development Canada - Terms and Conditions for Contributions.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

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) working without retirement security coverage. The government uses the program to test different approaches to encourage savings for retirement among PSWs and to find out which incentives can work 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 will be assessed on how they have encouraged retention of PSWs.

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

Link to departmental result:

• 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

Expected results:

• expected results:
  • personal support workers open tax-assisted retirement savings accounts
  • personal support workers save for retirement
• performance indicators:
  • number of tax-assisted savings account opened
  • total contributions made by participating PSWs

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: no planned evaluation. Program is temporary and has no requirement to evaluate.

Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program

Start date: June 2021.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-23.

Name of program terms and conditions: Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program - Terms and Conditions.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

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 program will help employers find skilled workers and connect Canadians with the training they need to access quality 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

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

Link to departmental result:

• working age Canadians access skills, training and supports to start working, return to work, return to school, or stay employed

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2027-28.

Skills and Partnership Fund

Start date: April 2010.

End date: March 2029.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10 (with the last amendment made in March 2016).

Name of program terms and conditions: Skills and Partnership Fund: Terms and conditions for contributions.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

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

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

Link to departmental result:

• working age Canadians access skills, training and supports to start working, return to work, return to school, or stay employed.

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Expected results:

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

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2029-30.

• Note: The decrease in planned spending for the Skills and Partnership Fund reflects changes in the funding structure of the program. These funding levels are under consideration.

Skills for Success Program

Start date: April 2006.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22.

Name of program terms and conditions: Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program (CRF) and National Essential Skills Initiative (EI Part II) - Terms and Conditions.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions.

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

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.

General targeted recipient groups: projects help people build the skills they need to find a job or move into a new one. They support groups that often face barriers to employment, including racialized Canadians, persons with disabilities, women, Indigenous Peoples, youth, newcomers, and people in 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

Link to departmental result:

• working age Canadians access skills, training and supports to start working, return to work, return to school, or stay employed

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2027-28.

Social Development Partnerships Program

Start date: April 1998.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25.

Name of program terms and conditions: Social Development Partnerships Program: Grants and Contributions: Terms and Conditions.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions.

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Social Development Partnerships Program (SDPP) 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, we support 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 helps to fund groups that help create print materials in alternate formats for people with print disabilities (for example: Braille, certain digital and e-books, and large print). The program also supports participation beyond the workplace and community and includes broader 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

General targeted recipient groups:

• the program aims to support persons with disabilities, children and families, Black Canadian communities, Indigenous communities and other vulnerable and marginalized 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

Link to departmental results:

• Canadians and communities are empowered to address social issues
• 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 and Accessible Canada Initiative

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2028-29.

Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy - Social Finance Fund

Start date: March 2023.

End date: March 2039.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22.

Name of program terms and conditions: Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy, Social Finance Fund (Employment and Social Development Canada) - Terms and Conditions for Contributions.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

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).

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

Link to departmental result:

• Canadians and communities are empowered to address social issues

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 social purpose organizations accessing capital

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2027-28.

Student Work Placement Program

Start date: April 2017.

End date: March 2029.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2025-26.

Name of program terms and conditions: work-integrated learning initiative.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

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
  • Innovative-WIL (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
• 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

General targeted recipient groups:

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

Link to departmental results:

• youth and students receive supports, training and opportunities to help them attend school, work, or participate in their communities

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Expected results:

• expected result: increase 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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2026-27.

Supports for Student Learning Program

Start date: June 2019.

End date: March 31, 2027.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023-24.

Name of program terms and conditions: Supports for Student Learning Program Terms and Conditions.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

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

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

• gender identity (with subcategories - Men and boys, Women and girls, Non-binary people) 
• Indigenous identity (with subcategories - First Nation, Métis, Inuit, Unaffiliated)
• Black and Racialized learners
• learners with a disability
• learners from low-income households
• learners identifying as 2SLGBTQI+
• learners living in rural, remote or Northern areas
• learners experiencing or at-risk of homelessness
• learners not in employment, education, or training (NEET)
• learners in or aging out of care
• learners who are or would be the first in their family to attend post-secondary education
• learners who are newcomers to Canada
• learners from Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC)

Link to departmental result:

• youth and learners receive out of school supports, training and opportunities to help them attend and succeed in education, training, and labour market or participate in their communities

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2028-29.

Wage Earner Protection Program

Start date: July 2008.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Name of program terms and conditions: Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) eligibility and terms and conditions can be found in the WEPP Act and WEPP Regulations.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

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

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 ($9,275 for 2026). 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

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

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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2026-27.

Workforce Development Agreements

Start date: April 2017.

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

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18.

Name of program terms and conditions: terms and conditions for Workforce Development Agreements Between the Department of Employment and Social Development and Provinces and Territories.

Type of transfer payment: other transfer payments.

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

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. 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

General targeted recipient groups:

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

Link to departmental result:

• working age Canadians access skills, training and supports to start working, return to work, return to school, or stay employed

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: evaluation studies and a synthesis report are scheduled for completion between 2026-2027 and 2029-2030.

• Note: Future funding is currently under review for 2028-29, further details to be confirmed at a later date.

Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Start date: April 2003, modified in May 2019.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25.

Name of program terms and conditions: Horizontal Terms and Conditions for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS).

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation:

• ESDC Vote 5 (grants and contributions)

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• the Strategy aims to support diverse youth (aged 15 to 30) to become job-ready through work experience, training, skills development and wraparound supports that allow them to successfully transition into diverse sectors of the labour market
• the Program also encourages collaboration and innovation to increase capacity across the youth service provider network (for example: employers, service delivery organizations and training providers), to better support youth, and to help employers hire and retain youth
• the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) include two programs:
  • the YESS Program, which is an ESDC-led horizontal initiative involving 11 other federal departments, agencies and crown corporations
  • Canada Summer Jobs

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

Link to departmental result:

• youth and students receive supports, training and opportunities to help them attend school, work, or participate in their communities

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Expected results:

• expected result: youth have access to the wraparound supports, 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 served:
    • 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 next planned evaluation: evaluation is scheduled to be completed in 2029-30.

Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime

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

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19.

Name of program terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions for the Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime - Employment and Social Development Canada.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: the Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime (CBPYVC) 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 a child (or children) under 25 years of age as the result of a probable Criminal Code offence.

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

Link to departmental result:

• workers receive temporary income support during employment transitions or specific life events.

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: no planned evaluations. Actual program spending falls below the threshold prescribed by the Financial Administration Act, allowing more flexibility in how often evaluations are conducted.

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.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Name of program terms and conditions: funding agreement.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Merchant Seamen Compensation Act).

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program: this program ensures that registered 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.

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

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

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 next planned evaluation: no planned evaluations. Actual program spending falls below the threshold prescribed by the Financial Administration Act, allowing more flexibility in how often evaluations are conducted.

Payments related to direct financing arrangement under the Apprentice Loans Act

Start date: January 2015.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: not applicable.

Name of program terms and conditions: not applicable.

Type of transfer payment: contribution.

Type of appropriation: statutory (Apprentice Loans Act)

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

Link to departmental results:

• Canadians can afford to participate in post-secondary education or apprenticeship training
• 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

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 next planned evaluation: no planned evaluations. Program is statutory, allowing more flexibility in how often evaluations are conducted.

Strategic Engagement and Research Program

Start date: May 2020.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-21.

Name of program terms and conditions: Employment and Social Development Canada Terms and Conditions for Strategic Engagement and Research Program.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

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

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

General targeted recipient groups:

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

Link to departmental result:

• Canadians and communities are empowered to address social issues.

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: no planned evaluations. Actual program spending falls below the threshold prescribed by the Financial Administration Act, allowing more flexibility in how often evaluations are conducted.

Support for Labour Market Information in Canada

Start date: 2017.

End date: Ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-21.

Name of program terms and conditions: Support for Labour Market Information in Canada Grant - Terms and Conditions.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

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

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.

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

Link to departmental result:

• Canadian workers and employers participate in a labour market where skills and jobs match

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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
  • number of engagement activities

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: no planned evaluations. Actual program spending falls below the threshold prescribed by the Financial Administration Act, allowing more flexibility in how often evaluations are conducted.

Sustainable Development Goals Funding Program

Start date: 2018-19.

End date: 2030-31.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20.

Name of program terms and conditions: Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) funding program: Employment and Social Development Canada - Terms and conditions for grants and contributions.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

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

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

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 if the activity is non-commercial, not intended to generate profit, and supports program priorities and objectives

Link to departmental result:

• Canadians and communities are empowered to address social issues

Link to department's program inventory:

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

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 next planned evaluation: no planned evaluations. Actual program spending falls below the threshold prescribed by the Financial Administration Act, allowing more flexibility in how often evaluations are conducted.

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.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2006-07.

Name of program terms and conditions: Funding Agreement - no specific name of terms and conditions to deliver transfer payment program. The CRA was responsible for seeking the required authority, approval and funding for the administration and delivery of the UCCB.

Type of transfer payment: grant.

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

Purpose and objectives of the transfer payment program:

• 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 meets its administrative obligations related to retroactive claims, write-offs and adjustments of the Universal Child Care Benefit accounts receivable

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

Link to departmental result:

• children and their families have the support and resources needed to promote well-being and economic participation

Link to department's program inventory:

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

Expected results: no longer applicable.

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

Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Fund

Start date: 2018-19.

End date: ongoing.

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19.

Name of program terms and conditions: labour management collaboration program terms and conditions for grants and contribution.

Type of transfer payment: grants and contributions

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

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.

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

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

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 next planned evaluation: no planned evaluations. Actual program spending falls below the threshold prescribed by the Financial Administration Act, allowing more flexibility in how often evaluations are conducted.