Details on Transfer Payment Programs of $5 Million or More

1. Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy

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

Start date: April 1, 2010

End date: March 31, 2019

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009 to 2010 (with the latest amendment in April 2017)

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program: 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program: 2.1.9: Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy

Description: The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS) aims to increase Indigenous participation in the Canadian labour market, ensuring that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people are engaged in sustainable, meaningful employment. Funding from the Strategy supports 85 Indigenous service delivery organizations, which deliver employment and training services and supports through over 600 points of service across Canada. Specific attention is given to working with partners in the private sector, educational institutions and other levels of government in demand-driven labour markets. This program is linked to the Employment Insurance Act, which enables Indigenous groups to deliver programs similar to those established by Part II of the Act. The Strategy also supports labour market obligations specified in Treaty and Self-Government Agreements that are in place with some Indigenous groups.

The program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy.

ASETS is not a repayable contribution.

Results achieved: Out of the 57,442 clients served, 20,374 were employed following participation to the program and 10,158 returned to school following service intervention(s). This has resulted in unpaid Employment Insurance benefits of over $19 million.

The program target for ASETS (2017 to 2018) was 14,000‐16,500 clients employed per year. Surpassing the target may be the result of additional funding of the $50 M provided in 2017 to 2018 to meet increased demand for skills development and job training from the Indigenous populations

Comments on variances: Additional one-time funding was allocated to ASETS agreement holders through Budget 2016 and internal reallocation to further support Indigenous job training and skills development. As the internal reallocation occurred after the Departmental Plan, more funds were allocated for ASETS than originally planned.

Audits completed or planned: No internal audit was conducted or none is planned. The Office of the Auditor General has conducted a performance audit and tabled its report in May 2018.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of Aboriginal Labour Market Programming is planned for completion in November 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2017, the Department completed extensive engagement with Indigenous partners across Canada on the future of Indigenous Labour Market Programming, including Indigenous organizations and leadership, provinces, other federal departments and academic institutions.

ESDC works with Indigenous agreement holders throughout the life of their contribution agreement. In particular, the Department interacts with agreement holders in the development and negotiation of the multi-year ASETS strategic business plans, which form the basis of their contribution agreements. There is also ongoing communication with agreement holders at the national and regional level, including regular monitoring activities.

2. Youth Employment Strategy

Name of transfer payment program: Youth Employment Strategy (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2003

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2016 to 2017

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-program 2.1.6: Youth Employment Strategy

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

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Youth Employment Strategy.

Results achieved:

1. Number of clients served who have started one or more interventions within the current fiscal year: 82,087 (all streams)
2. Number of clients employed or self-employed: 6,851 (For Career Focus and Skills Link only)
3. Number of clients returned to school: 785 (For Career Focus and Skills Link only)

Comments on variances: ESDC received incremental funding through Budget 2017. Due to the timing of this funding, it was not included in the planned spending or targets reported in the 2017 to 2018 Departmental Plan.

In addition, through Supplementary Estimates, ESDC transferred:

• $10M from its Career Focus program to Youth Employment Strategy programs at Natural Resources Canada and the National Research Council of Canada; and
• $0.6M from its Skills Link program to Youth Employment Strategy programs at the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Youth Employment Strategy is planned for completion in February 2020.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The Government of Canada engaged recipients via contribution agreements. ESDC uses Calls for Proposals as the main mechanism to engage with stakeholders.

The Government of Canada also held a series of consultation engagement activities with stakeholders and partners modernization of the Youth Employment Strategy.

3. Targeted Initiative for Older Workers

Not applicable; the program expired prior to 2017 to 2018 Fiscal Year.

4. Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities

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

Start date: April 1, 2004

End date: March 31, 2018

Type of transfer payment: Other Transfer Payments

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013 to 2014

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.4: Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities

Description: The Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities expired on March 31, 2018. They have been consolidated with the Canada Job Fund Agreements and the former Targeted Initiative for Older Workers into new Workforce Development Agreements, which have been signed by most provinces and territories.

The Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities were designed to improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities by enhancing their employability, increasing employment opportunities and demonstrating the best possible results for Canadians. This program transferred funds to provinces and territories under bilateral agreements for programs and services. Provinces and territories agreed to match the federal contribution from their own revenues. As the needs of persons with disabilities may differ between jurisdictions, provinces and territories had flexibility to determine the design and delivery of programming in the following five priority areas: education and training, employment participation, employment opportunities, connecting employers and persons with disabilities, and building knowledge.

Results achieved: Number of clients served; 2017 to 2018: Not Available*

Number of clients served; 2016 to 2017: 394,725**

Number of clients served*; 2015 to 2016: 382,933***

Comments on variances: The variance between planned and actual spending for 2017 to 2018 is attributable to the reissuing of a payment to the Yukon as they had mistakenly returned part of their allocation to ESDC in 2016 to 2017.

Audits completed or planned: No audits planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: No planned evaluation as the program has sunset.

Workforce Development Agreements will consolidate the existing Canada Job Fund Agreements, the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities and the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.

Evaluation of the Workforce Development Agreements is planned for completion in June 2021.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The Government of Canada engaged provinces and territories through the bilateral governance structure set out in each agreement. Provinces and territories were responsible for engaging with employers, disability community organizations and persons with disabilities in their jurisdictions.

• * Individual clients who were served by more than one program funded through the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities may have been counted more than once in the total.
• ** Based on reporting of 9 of 13 provinces and territories.
• ***Note: There is a time lag for the availability of data provided by provinces and territories. Data as of August 2018. Not all provinces and territories have provided annual reports for fiscal year 2016 to 2017. Assessment of data provided by provinces and territories is ongoing

5. Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

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

Start date: 1997

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Amended by the Minister in 2014 to 2015

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment, Sub-Program 2.1.5: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities

Description: The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities is a federally-delivered program that funds organizations to assist persons with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain employment. It supports persons with disabilities in overcoming barriers to participation in the Canadian labour market and supports employers to hire persons with disabilities. Eligible activities include a wide range of programs and services such as job search supports, pre-employability services, wage subsidies, work placements and employer awareness initiatives to encourage employers to hire persons with disabilities.

Results achieved: In 2017 to 2018 (P12), the program served 5,230 clients with 2,268 employed or self-employed.

Comments on variances: The variance is due to expenditures for the Opportunities Fund to meet Budget 2014 commitments.

Audits completed or planned: No audits planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities – Phase 1 is planned for completion in September 2018.

The Evaluation of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities – Phase 2 is planned for completion in March 2020.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The program issued a competitive Call for Proposals for both national and regional projects that closed on March 6, 2018.

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

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

Start date: January 1, 2013

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012 to 2013

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-Program 4.2.6: Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children

Description: The objective of the PMMC grant is to provide payments to parents of children who are deceased or missing, as a result of a probable Criminal Code offence, who suffer a loss of income due to taking time away from work to cope with the death or disappearance of their child.

Results achieved: In 2017 to 2018 the percentage of initial Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children payments or non-payment notifications issued within 35 calendar days was 100%, exceeding expected target of 90%.

Comments on variances: When the Parents of Murdered or Missing Children grant was launched on January 1, 2013, the forecast was based on available data and interdepartmental consultations. Despite ongoing efforts by ESDC since 2013 to increase public and stakeholder awareness of the grant, take-up continues to be lower than estimated. The program continues to engage key stakeholders while seeking opportunities to promote the Parents of Murdered or Missing Children grant. Awareness raising activities include encouraging partners to promote the program, engaging federal and provincial law enforcement agencies, and increasing awareness among missing children networks and victims’ support organizations.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Federal Income Support for Parents of Murdered or Missing Children Grant completed December 2017.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Due to the sensitive nature surrounding qualifying circumstances for the grant, the department does not engage former grant recipients.

7. Canada Job Fund Agreements

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Job Fund Agreements (Voted, replaced the Labour Market Agreements)

Start date: April 1, 2014

End date: March 31, 2020

Type of transfer payment: Other Transfer

Type of appropriation: Vote 5 Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014 to 2015

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: 2.1 Program: Skills and Employment, 2.1.3. Sub-Program: Canada Job Fund Agreements

Description: The Canada Job Fund Agreements (CJFAs) have been consolidated with the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities and the former Targeted Initiative for Older Workers into new Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs) which have been signed by most provinces and territories.

Under the CJFAs, the Government of Canada transferred funds to support provinces and territories in delivering programs and services to increase labour force participation and help Canadians develop the skills necessary to find and keep a job. The CJFAs included three streams:

• The Canada Job Grant encouraged employer involvement and investment in training by providing financial assistance to employers on a cost-shared basis;
• Employer-Sponsored Training supported employer involvement in and contribution to demand-driven training programs and incentives; and
• Employment Services and Supports aimed to enhance labour market participation of Canadians, with priority given to the unemployed ineligible for Employment Insurance benefits and to low-skilled employed workers.

A separate six-year agreement was signed with Quebec that does not include the delivery of the Canada Job Grant, recognizing that the core principles behind the Canada Job Grant are already embedded in Quebec's training system.

Results achieved: Completed actual results for 2017 to 2018 for these three indicators are not yet available. Results for fiscal year 2016 to 2017 are as follows:

1. Number of participants benefiting from programs covered under the Canada Job Fund: 399,502**
2. Average employer contribution to the Canada Job Grant in a given year: $3,479***
3. Change in employment stats of participants benefiting from programs covered under the Canada Job Fund: 10,914 from Unemployed to Employed when surveyed 3 months post-intervention****

Comments on variances: The variance is attributed to the additional 2017 to 2018 Workforce Development Agreements (WDA) top-up funding ($75M) that was allocated through Budget 2017 which was not included in the Planned Spending for this fiscal year's Departmental Plan. In 2017 to 2018, 11 jurisdictions out of 13 signed a new WDA which accounts for the variance between the 2017 to 2018 WDA top-up funding and the Actual Spending for that same fiscal year.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: No planned evaluation as the program has sunset for most jurisdictions.

WDAs consolidate the existing CJFAs, the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities and the former Targeted Initiative for Older Workers.

Evaluation of the WDAs is planned for completion in by March 31, 2022.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Provinces and territories submitted annual plans, annual reports and audited financial statements to the Government of Canada. Engagement between the federal government and the provinces and territories also took place through the bilateral committee set out in each agreement. Provinces and territories are responsible for the design and delivery of skills training and programming, and setting priorities within the parameters of their Agreements. As part of the process to determine annual priorities, provinces and territories committed to engaging with stakeholders, including organizations representing employers and employees, the disability community, and official language minority communities.

• *There is a time lag for the availability of data provided by provinces and territories. Data as of August 2018. Not all provinces and territories have provided annual reports and financial statements for fiscal year 2016 to 2017. Assessment of data provided by provinces and territories is ongoing.
• ** Based on partial reporting of 9 of 13 provinces and territories.
• *** Based on reporting of 10 of 13 provinces and territories.
• **** Based on partial reporting of 10 of 13 provinces and territories.

8. Apprenticeship Grants

Name of transfer payment program: Apprenticeship Grants (voted)

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

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017 to 2018

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-program 2.1.16: Apprenticeship Grants

Description: Apprenticeship grants are incentives to attract Canadians to the trades and to assist apprentices in the Red Seal trades to progress and complete their training. This program targets eligible Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons who are out of high school and are registered apprentices in one of the 56 designated Red Seal trades.

It is comprised of two grants: the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year for registered apprentices (up to a maximum of $2,000 per apprentice) who have successfully completed the technical and on-the-job training requirements for the first or second year/level of an apprenticeship program; and the Apprenticeship Completion Grant, an additional $2,000 taxable cash grant to registered apprentices upon completion of apprenticeship training and receipt of journeyperson certification.

Eligibility for this program is tied to the Red Seal trades, as the Red Seal represents a standard of excellence which promotes the mobility of skilled tradespeople based on national standards.

Delivery of apprenticeship grants to eligible registered apprentices involves responding to calls for information, collecting and processing applications, issuing payments and monitoring accuracy of payments.

Results achieved:

1. Numbers of grants
   1. Number of Apprenticeship Incentive Grants issued; 2017 to 2018: 43,088
   2. Number of Apprenticeship Completion Grants issued; 2017 to 2018: 22,916
2. Percentage of initial Apprenticeships Incentive Grant payments and non-payment notifications issued within 28 calendar days; 2017 to 2018: 100%

Percentage of initial Apprenticeship Completion Grant payments and non-payment notifications issued within 28 calendar days; 2017 to 2018: 100%

Comments on variances: The majority of the variance between planned and actual spending in 2017 to 2018 is attributable to lower program take up rate. Eligible apprentices are not applying for the grants to which they are entitled, or not providing the necessary documentation to complete the application process. In addition, Planned spending at the time of the Departmental Plan did not include funding for the Union Training and Innovation Program as this funding had not yet been approved, while actuals include spending of $7.8M for this program (768K in Grants and $7.032M in contributions).

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Apprenticeship Grants program is planned for completion in March 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2017 to 2018, the Department continued to work with provincial/territorial apprenticeship authorities to identify opportunities and implement measures to increase program efficiency. Also, offering individuals applying for an Apprenticeship Grant a more streamlined application process by reducing the number of proof documents required.

9. Literacy and Essential Skills

Name of transfer payment program: Literacy and Essential Skills (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2006

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012 to 2013

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.14: Literacy and Essential Skills

Description: The Literacy and Essential Skills (LES) program aims to help adult Canadians improve their literacy and essential skills to better prepare for, get and keep a job, and adapt and succeed at work.

LES is working closely with provincial and territorial governments to support the integration of essential skills into employment and training programs, which they in large part deliver, and for which they are further supported by federal labour market transfers, including the Labour Market Development Agreements.

Particular emphasis is placed on supporting individuals with low skills and facing multiple barriers to employment, for example, Indigenous people, youth, and Official Language Minority Communities (OLMC). Accordingly, LES is working horizontally with other ESDC programs such as the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, the Youth Employment Strategy and the Enabling Fund for OLMC. LES is also partnering with other government departments, including Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, to enhance the availability of essential skills supports for those most in need, e.g. newcomers.

LES project funding is used to make strategic investments to test new and innovative approaches to skills upgrading as well as replicate and scale up proven approaches to improve the quality of employment and training supports for employers and workers. Best practices and lessons learned are shared for integration into federal and P/T employment programs.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program. The program also links with the Roadmap for Canada's Official Languages 2018 to 2023.

Results achieved:

Expected results:

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

Performance measures:

1. Number of Canadians accessing essential skills training or supports; 2017 to 2018 Target: 13,000 - 17,500

Actual Results:

7,509 Canadians received ES training and 8,588 ES tools downloaded.

2. Number of organizations supporting essential skills training and development; 2017 to 2018 Target: 450 – 500

Actual Results: 550

Comments on variances: The variance is attributed to the late start of a new project in 2017 to 2018 from the 2015 Call for Concepts. The surplus was reprofiled to partially contribute to the Budget 2018 announcement to provide immediate supports to workers in seasonal industries through a $10 million reallocation of existing resources.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of Literacy and Essential Skills completed October 2017.

Next Evaluation of Workplace Literacy and Essential Skills is planned for completion in 2022 to 2023.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The LES program made significant progress in 2017 to 2018 toward addressing an evaluation recommendation to strengthen stakeholder engagement efforts. Specifically:

• Held an annual Essential Skills Forum to advance intergovernmental discussions on areas of shared interest, and to connect 2015 funding recipients with provinces, territories and other stakeholders to share knowledge on proven models and approaches.
• Collaborated with provincial and territorial partners, through the Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Literacy and Essential Skills Network, to increase understanding of how labour market transfer agreements can be used to support essential skills programming, exchange information on current priorities and to identify shared interests in testing new and innovative ideas.
• Re-imaged a FPT Essential Skills and Apprenticeship Community of Practice to share knowledge and good practices amongst FPT partners to enhance the integration of essential skills into apprenticeship systems—with a particular emphasis on vulnerable populations (e.g. Indigenous people, newcomers and youth), and ES assessment tools.
• Held a national consultation with 29 Official Languages Minority Communities (OLMC) to inform ESDC’ literacy and essential skills multi-year strategy in OLMC.
• Conducted a Design Jam on eLearning Solutions for Canadians to gather expert stakeholder input on online assessments and learning tools to upgrade Canadian adults’ essential skills.

Established a FPT eLearning Advisory Committee which supports knowledge transfer across governments to inform the development of an apprenticeship pilot and the federal eLearning learning website on essential skills.

10. Foreign Credential Recognition Program

Name of transfer payment program: Foreign Credential Recognition Program (Voted)

Start date: May 26, 2010

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Last updated 2016 to 2017.

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-program 2.1.17: Foreign Credential Recognition Program

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

Results achieved: In 2017 to 2018, the portion of skilled immigrants in regulated occupations targeted by systemic foreign credential recognition programs was 52.9% (Target: 78%)^{Footnote 1}

Comments on variances: The variance is mainly attributable to the complex nature of Foreign Credential Recognition contribution agreements targeting regulatory bodies and provinces/territories; as well as a later than expected launch date for the Foreign Credential Recognition Loans Initiative

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Foreign Credential Recognition Program is planned for completion in November 2019

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

11. Sectoral Initiatives Program

Name of transfer payment program: Sectoral Initiatives Program (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2013

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

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

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.13: Sectoral Initiatives Program

Description: The Sectoral Initiatives Program is a grants and contributions program with the objective of addressing current and future skills shortages by supporting the development and distribution of sector-specific labour market intelligence, national occupational standards and skills certification and accreditation systems. In response to evolving labour market pressures, the program also supports increasing skills development capacity and creative labour market solutions.The mandate is to help industry identify, forecast, and address human resources and skills issues through partnership-based projects for key sectors of the Canadian economy to help ease labour mobility and labour market adjustment.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Sectoral Initiatives Program.

Results achieved: While a call for proposals was launched in 2017 to 2018, SIP effectively managed a total of 14 multi-year projects, which resulted in products being released to enhance sectoral intelligence and support labour market adjustment. In Fall 2018, the annual survey to collect 2017 to 2018 data will be launched, with results to be confirmed in winter 2019.

In 2016 to 2017, SIP-funded projects resulted in newly developed and updated products being made available including: 205 labour market information reports or forecasts, 4 labour market forecasting systems, 28 National Occupational Standards (NOS), 15 certification programs, and 2 accreditation programs. Notable examples of products include the Canadian Mining Industry 2016 Employment, Hiring Requirements and Available Talent 10-Year Outlook project research reports that helped to formulate policy initiatives around training and educational needs in the mining sector, as well as the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council’s project, LMI: Agricultural Supply & Demand Forecast Model, which yielded a number of national, provincial, and commodity-specific labour market information research reports that are accessible online.

Comments on variances: SIP projects are complex and multi-year in nature. Initial SIP projects began late 2013 to 2014/early 2014 to 2015 and were three years or less in duration: as such, 2017 to 2018 was the last fiscal year for many projects. Wherever it makes sense, SIP funds solicited projects aligned with policy interests, industry needs and program Term and Conditions to minimize variance. Additionally, where there were emerging needs, some projects were amended/extended. In 2017 to 2018, the variance between planned and actuals can also be attributed to a delay in launching a new call for proposals.

Audits completed or planned: The department conducted an internal audit of the Grants and Contributions Control Framework in 2017 to 2018, of which SIP was a part.

Evaluations completed or planned: An evaluation of the Sectoral Initiatives Program continued in 2017 to 2018 and the final report published August 6, 2018.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2017 to 2018, SIP actively engaged with potential and actual funding recipients and continued to develop and maintain partnerships and projects. Recipients were also consulted to gather information about outputs, users and results of SIP projects that were active in 2016 to 2017.

12. First Nations Job Fund

(The First Nations Job Fund program was not included in the 2017 to 2018 Departmental Plan as the program sunset on March 31, 2017. ESDC continues to renew and improve Indigenous labour market programming to help close the employment gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people).

13. Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities

Name of transfer payment program: Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities - (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2013

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2013 to 2014; no end date

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.8: Enabling Fund for Official Languages Minority Communities

Description: The Enabling Fund (EF) for Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) is Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) main contribution under the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018 to 2023: investing in Our Future. The EF is ESDC’s main program to meet its legal and mandated obligations under Section 41 of the Official Languages Act. The program has three main objectives: strengthening community capacity building; promoting partnerships in the area of human resources development; and, enhancing community economic development. It is delivered through contribution agreements with a pan-Canadian network of 14 designated community economic development organizations (in every province and territory) with more than 130 employees working in 50 locations across the country. The EF provides a single-window access to services and expertise for workers and employers in OLMCs, coordinating economic development and labour market resources and services from multiple federal departments and other levels of government. The EF network of organizations contributes to improving access to provincial/territorial programs and services for OLMC members in their first official language. Provinces and territories regularly work with EF organizations on community initiatives and to deliver services in OLMCs. The EF is designed so that OLMCs can plan and implement community-specific development initiatives and better access a range of labour market services and programs.

Results achieved: Amount invested by non-Enabling Fund partners (e.g. not-for-profit groups, private-sector organizations and other governmental partners) for every dollar invested by the Enabling Fund in community economic development and human resource development; 2017 to 2018: $2.12.

Comments on variances: No variance.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities completed June 2017.

Next Evaluation of the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities is planned for completion in March 2022.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The Enabling Fund allows for the development of community-based solutions and initiatives that respond to the needs of official language minority communities Through a network of organizations of the Réseau de développement économique et d’employabilité (RDÉE) and the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation (CEDEC), the Enabling Fund helped build the expertise and strengthened the capacity of organizations to offer a range of programs and services from multiple federal departments (e.g. Innovation Science and Economic Development, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Canadian Heritage) to clients requiring services and support in their first official language thereby consolidating services available in these communities.

14. Skills and Partnership Fund

Name of transfer payment program: Skills and Partnership Fund

Start date: April 1, 2010

End date: March 31, 2021

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5.

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

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.10 Skills and Partnership Fund

Description: As a complement to the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy, the Skills and Partnership Fund is a demand-driven, partnership-based program that contributes to the skills development and training-to-employment of Indigenous workers through strategic partnerships, with the goal of long-term, meaningful employment. The SPF provides training-to-employment for jobs identified by partner employers and focuses on emerging or untapped economic development opportunities that meet the needs of high-demand sectors and areas with skills shortages. SPF encourages innovative approaches to providing labour market training and improving employment outcomes for Indigenous people. To do this, the program requires the development of partnerships, leverages private sector and federal-provincial-territorial funding to maximize SPF investments, and encourages testing of new service delivery models to embed long-term program improvements.

This program uses funding from the following transfer payment: Skills and Partnership Fund.

The SPF is not a repayable contribution.

Results achieved: In 2017 to 2018, SPF served 1,693 clients. Of this number, 545 were employed following participation to the program and 55 returned to school.

Comments on variances: Due to the large number of proposals received in response to the 2016 call for proposals and the rigorous assessment conducted, therefore project implementation was delayed.

Audits completed or planned: No internal audit was conducted or none is planned. The Office of the Auditor General has conducted a performance audit and tabled its report in May 2018.

Evaluations completed or planned: Aboriginal Labour Market Programming evaluation is planned for completion in November 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: ESDC works with Indigenous agreement holders throughout the life of their contribution agreement. In particular, the Department interacts with agreement holders in the development and negotiation of their contribution agreements. There is also ongoing communication with agreement holders at the national and regional level, including regular monitoring activities.

15. Student Work-Integrated Learning Program

Name of transfer payment program: Student Work Placement Program (formerly Student Work-Integrated Learning Program)

Start date: April 1, 2017

End date: March 31, 2021

Type of transfer payment: Contribution program

Type of appropriation: Annual Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017 to 2018 – 2020 to 2021

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.1: Skills and Employment; Sub-Program 2.1.19: Student Work-Integrated Learning Program

Description: The Student Work Placement Program (SWLP) is a contributions program with the objective of supporting the establishment of sustainable multi-stakeholder partnerships involving employers and post-secondary education (PSE) institutions that work collaboratively to create quality work placement (WIL) opportunities for PSE students in high-demand fields of the economy.

Results achieved: 10 project agreements signed.

Over 1,100 student work placements created in first year of Program activities.

523 student work placements were filled by students from under-represented groups (women in STEM, Indigenous Students, Persons with Disabilities, newcomers and first-year students) – representing over 46% of total placements created.

Comments on variances: The SWILP planned spending was not fully utilized as some projects required the gathering of more information and there was a need for more time to negotiate parameters. Funding will be re-profiled for use next year.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Student Work-Integrated Learning Program is planned for completion December 2021.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: 10 Student work placement project agreements signed – Program’s four-year funding envelope now fully committed.

540 employers across Canada have created student work placements with support from the Program.

Majority of post-secondary institutions across Canada participating in the Program.

16. Canada Student Loans Program – Interest Payments and Liabilities

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Student Loans Program – Interest Payments and Liabilities (Statutory)

Start date: August 1, 1995

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Canada Student Loans Act

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

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-Program 2.2.1: Canada Student Loans and Grants and Canada Apprentice Loans Program

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

Results achieved: The 2017 to 2018 CLGSAP Client Satisfaction Survey shows that 83% of the borrowers were satisfied with the quality of services they received.

In addition, as of March 31, 2018, there were 367 students (608 as of March 31, 2017) who had borrowed under the risk-shared regime and received in-study student financial assistance and 143,950 borrowers (151,544 as of March 31, 2017) who are in-repayment, and are eligible to apply for and receive repayment assistance measures.

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

Comments on variances: The variation is mainly due to slightly lower than anticipated value of recoveries on defaulted loans by Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Audits completed or planned: As part of the third phase of the ESDC Audit of Accounts Receivable, the Internal Audit Services Branch (IASB) is conducting an Audit of ESDC’s Commitments as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Results will be available in 2018.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan – Phase 1 was completed June 2017.

The Summative Evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan – Phase 2, is planned for completion in March 2020.

Evaluation of the CSLP: Effectiveness at Achieving Outcomes – Phase 1, is planned for completion in September 2020.

Evaluation of the CSLP: Effectiveness at Achieving Outcomes – Phase 2, is planned for completion in 2021 to 2022.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Not Applicable

17. Canada Student Loans Program – Direct Financing Arrangement

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Student Loans Program – Direct Financing Arrangement (Statutory)

Start date: August 1, 2000

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Contribution

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Canada Student Loans Act

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

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-Program 2.2.1: Canada Student Loans and Grants and Canada Apprentice Loans Program

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

This transfer payment also includes a non-repayable contribution to a province and territory that have elected not to participate in the CSLP and to deliver programs comparable to the CSLP in their jurisdictions.

Results achieved: During the 2017 to 2018 fiscal year, 53% (615,000) of the student population (aged 15 -29) used a Canada Student Loan and/or Canada Student Grant and/or in-study interest subsidy benefited from an interest-free status on their loan while attending school to help finance their participation in post-secondary education, which is above the 47% target. Eligible full-time and part-time students received over $3.2B in Canada Student Loans in the 2017 to 2018 fiscal year.

As a result of the alternative payment, post-secondary education students in the province of Québec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut continued to access financial assistance similar to the assistance provided to students in those jurisdictions that participate in the Canada Student Loans Program. The total value of the Alternative Payment disbursed during the 2017 to 2018 fiscal year was $338.6M.

Comments on variances: No material variance.

Audits completed or planned: As part of the third phase of the ESDC Audit of Accounts Receivable, the Internal Audit Services Branch (IASB) is conducting an Audit of ESDC’s Commitments as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Results will be available in 2018.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan – Phase 1 was completed June 2017.

The Summative Evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan – Phase 2, is planned for completion in March 2020.

Evaluation of the CSLP: Effectiveness at Achieving Outcomes – Phase 1, is planned for completion in September 2020.

Evaluation of the CSLP: Effectiveness at Achieving Outcomes – Phase 2, is planned for completion in 2021 to 2022

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Not applicable

18. Canada Student Grants Program

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

Start date: August 1, 2009

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Canada Student Financial Assistance Act

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

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-Program 2.2.1: Canada Student Loans and Grants and Canada Apprentice Loans Program

Description: The Canada Student Grants Program (CSGP) provides predictable, up-front grants to assist and encourage students from low- and middle-income families, student parents and students with disabilities to participate in post-secondary education. It is managed in partnership with participating provinces and territories. Budget 2016 expanded eligibility thresholds for Canada Student Grants and introduced a fixed student contribution to determine eligibility for grants. This measure has been in place since August 1st, 2017.

While Canada Student Loans are repayable, Canada Student Grants provide non-repayable financial assistance.

Results achieved: During the 2017 to 2018 fiscal year, 53% (615,000) of the student population (aged 15 -29) who used a Canada Student Loan and/or Canada Student Grant benefited from an interest-free status on their loan while attending school to help finance their participation in post-secondary education, which is above the 47% target.

In the 2016 to 2017 loan year, $1 billion in Canada Student Grant funding was provided to approximately 380,000 students.

Comments on variances: The variation in grants is due to announcements in Budget 2016 which expanded eligibility thresholds for Canada Student Grants and introduced a fixed student contribution to determine eligibility for grants. These measures have been in place since August 1st, 2017. As this was the first year of expanded eligibility, the new baseline for planned spending could not be predicted with 100% accuracy.

Audits completed or planned: As a part of the third phase of the ESDC Audit of Accounts Receivable, the Internal Audit Services Branch (IASB) is conducting an Audit of ESDC’s Commitments as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Results will be available in 2018.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan – Phase 1 was completed June 2017.

The Summative Evaluation of the Canada Apprentice Loan – Phase 2, is planned for completion in March 2020.

Evaluation of the CSLP: Effectiveness at Achieving Outcomes – Phase 1, is planned for completion in September 2020.

Evaluation of the CSLP: Effectiveness at Achieving Outcomes – Phase 2, is planned for completion in 2021 to 2022

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Ongoing outreach to current and prospective post-secondary education students through multiple channels.

19. Canada Education Savings Program

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Education Savings Program (Statutory)

Start date: January 1, 1998 (Canada Education Savings Grant);

January 1, 2005 (Canada Learning Bond and Additional Canada Education Savings Grant)

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Canada Education Savings Act

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

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-Program 2.2.2: Canada Education Savings Program

Description: The Government of Canada encourages Canadians to use Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP) to save for a child’s post-secondary education.

The department administers two education savings incentives linked to RESPs:

1. The Canada Education Savings Grant consisting of a basic grant of 20% on the first $2,500 in annual personal contributions to an RESP (this grant is available to all Canadians regardless of their family income), as well as the Additional Canada Education Savings Grant, consisting of:
• 10% on the first $500 of annual personal contributions for children from families with a net income between $45,282* and $90,563*; or,
• 20% on the first $500 of annual personal contributions for children from families with net incomes of $45,282* or less. *2016 net family income levels. These levels are subject to annual indexing for inflation.
• The Canada Education Savings Grant is available until the calendar year in which the beneficiary turns 17, and the maximum lifetime amount, including Additional Canada Education Savings Grant, is $7,200.
2. The Canada Learning Bond (CLB) is available for children from low-income families born in 2004 or later and provides an initial payment of $500 plus $100 for each year of eligibility, up to age 15, for a maximum of $2,000. Personal contributions are not required to receive the CLB.

These incentives are delivered through an alternative service delivery arrangement with financial institutions, banks, mutual fund companies and scholarship foundations. These incentives complement the Canada Student Loans Program and other labour market and skills development programs offered by the department. Funding and activities in support of these incentives are governed by the Canada Education Savings Act and related Regulations.

Results achieved:

1. 24.8% (431,009) full- and part-time post-secondary students (aged 15 to 29) who used RESP funds to help finance their participation in post-secondary education.
2. Total amount of RESP assets: $55.9 billion by December 31, 2017.
3. Percentage of children under 18 who have ever received a CESG: 52.3% as of December 31, 2017.
4. Percentage of eligible children who have ever received a Canada Learning Bond: 36.5% as of December 31, 2017.

Comments on variances: The variances are due to more people taking advantage of the education savings incentives; particularly the Canada Learning Bond, due, in part, to various initiatives to increase awareness and take-up.

Audits completed or planned: No audit completed in 2017 to 2018.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Canada Education Savings Program is planned for completion in March 2020.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Information on the Canada Education Savings Grant and the Canada Learning Bond is available online at canada.gc.ca, including: telephone, mail and email inquiry services and 1-800 O-Canada.

Families with newly and previously CLB-eligible children received letters concerning entitlement information to receive this education saving incentive.

20. Pathways to Education Canada

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

Start date: December 31, 2014

*renewed: April 1, 2018

End date: March 31, 2018

*renewed: March 31, 2022

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2015 to 2016

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-Program 2.2.1: Canada Student Loans and Grants and Canada Apprentice Loans Program

Description: Pathways to Education Canada is a community-based charitable organization founded in 2001, dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by helping youth from disadvantaged communities graduate from high-school, successfully transition into post-secondary education (PSE), and to become engaged in their career development. Pathways works closely with community-based partners and volunteers to deliver an after-school program that offers a comprehensive suite of academic, social and financial supports targeted at middle and secondary school age students.

Results achieved: Results exceeded expectations from last year. Specifically:

• 5,487 students, including 441 Indigenous students, were enrolled in Pathways during the 2015 to 2016 school year, surpassing the goal of serving approximately 5,300 students over the school year;
• In the 2015 to 2016 school year, 843 students graduated from high school while registered in Pathways; of these graduates, 71% went on to PSE; and
• By opening two new program locations, bringing the total number to 20 as of 2018, Pathways surpassed the expectation of 18 program sites.

Comments on variances: No variance.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned:

Completed evaluation:

• In March 2017, as a condition of the 2014 to 2018 grant agreement, an independent evaluation of Pathways was completed by Goss Gilroy Inc.

Planned evaluations:

• As part of the renewed funding agreement 2018 to 2022, Pathways will undertake an independent evaluation. This evaluation is anticipated to take place towards the end of the grant period.
• ESDC’s Evaluation Directorate plans to complete an evaluation report before the end of the 2018 to 2019 fiscal year.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: As stipulated in the funding agreement between Pathways and the Government of Canada, Pathways has ensured that funded activities are effectively captured using indicators to evaluate the outputs of its activities, to determine to the extent to which results support expected objectives and outcomes, and to capture lessons learned. This information is reflected in the annual reports and in the final report, which was submitted on July 31, 2018.

21. Support for Post-Secondary Education

Name of transfer payment program: Support for Post-Secondary Education (Voted)

Start date: 2018

End date: 2018

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017 to 2018

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 2.2: Learning; Sub-Program 2.2.1 Canada Student Loans and Grants and Canada Apprentice Loans Program

Description: Support for post-secondary education and skills training in the province of Quebec through a one-time payment from the Government of Canada to provide support to train nurse practitioners.

Results achieved: This was a one-time unconditional $25,000,000 payment from the Government of Canada which the province of Quebec intends to use for supporting the training of nurse practitioners.

Comments on variances: This represents a one-time payment to the province of Quebec to provide support for post-secondary education and skills training as part of the March 2017 health care agreement with Quebec.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable.

Evaluations completed or planned: Not applicable

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Included in the March 2017 Health Care Agreement with the province of Quebec was a commitment by the Government of Canada to make a one-time $25,000,000 payment to Quebec in 2017 to 2018 to provide support to train nurse practitioners

22. Wage Earner Protection Program

Name of transfer payment program: Wage Earner Protection Program (Statutory)

Start date: July 2008

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Wage Earner Protection Program Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2008 to 2009

Strategic Outcome: Safe, healthy, fair and inclusive work environments and cooperative workplace relations

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 3.1: Labour; Sub-Program 3.1.3: Labour Standards and Equity; Sub-Sub-Program 3.1.3.3: Wage Earner Protection Program

Description: The Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) is designed to reduce the economic insecurity of Canadian workers, in all labour jurisdictions, who are owed unpaid wages and vacation, termination and severance pay when their employer declares bankruptcy or becomes subject to a receivership. The delivery of WEPP benefits involves responding to calls for information, collecting and processing applications, issuing payments and monitoring for accuracy of payments.

Eligible workers can receive an amount up to four weeks of maximum insurable earnings under the Employment Insurance (EI) Act. When eligible workers receive payments under the WEPP, they sign over their rights as creditors of the employer to the federal government, but only up to the amount of the payment received from the program. The federal government seeks recovery of the amounts as the creditor of the employer in the bankruptcy or receivership process. There is no repayment of statutory transfer payments, unless a WEPP recipient receives an overpayment.

WEPP applicants who disagree with Service Canada's eligibility decision can request a review within 30 days of the initial decision, and an appeal within 60 days of the review decision. The appeals are handled by an independent adjudicator appointed by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

Results achieved: The WEPP again surpassed its service delivery standard and ensured applicants receive payments in a timely manner. This year, 97% of initial payment and non-payment notifications were processed within 35 days, which significantly exceeds the 80% target. Since its inception in 2008, the WEPP has paid over 110,000 workers, and for FY 2017 to 2018, the average WEPP payment was $2,669. In 2017, the WEPP maximum payment was $3,946 and in 2018, it is $3,976.

Comments on variances: The Wage Earner Protection Program (WEPP) annual spending for fiscal year 2017 to 2018 decreased to the previous fiscal year ($18.9 million compared to $16.1 million resulting in a spending decrease of $2.8 million or 15.2%). This is due in part to a lower number of recipients/claimants during 2017 to 2018 (8,565) and an increase in amounts recovered from insolvent estates ($6.9M in 2017 to 2018 compared to $5M 2016 to 2017). The annual program spending remains well below the statutory envelope allocated to the WEPP due to relatively low demand on the program.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Evaluation of the Wage Earner Protection Program is planned for completion in March 2022.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Budget 2018 proposed amendments to the WEPP Act, which would increase the maximum payment and make eligibility for the Program more equitable. Once these amendments are included in legislation and approved by Parliament, regulations will be developed and will involve consultation with internal and external stakeholders.

In addition, the Labour Program continues to engage with internal and external stakeholders on an ongoing basis through established governance and stakeholder liaison committees, to identify ways to improve the administration and delivery of the WEPP.

23. Old Age Security Pension

Name of transfer payment program: Old Age Security Pension (Statutory)

Start date: 1952

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Old Age Security Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.1: Income Security; Sub-Program 4.1.1: Old Age Security

Description: The Old Age Security (OAS) pension contributes to the income security of seniors by providing a monthly payment to all Canadians aged 65 or older who meet the age, residence and legal status requirements.

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

Performance measure: Percentage of seniors receiving the OAS pension in relation to the total number of eligible seniors (benefit take-up rate). 2017 to 2018 Target: 98%

Results achieved: 97.4% (2015)

Comments on variances: The overall variance for the OAS pension is $400.1 million. The factors that contributed to this overestimation are:

• An overestimation of $2.77 in the average monthly rate for the OAS pension, resulting in $199.6 million less in annual expenditures than expected.
• An overestimation of the number of beneficiaries i.e., forecasted at 6,019,192 compared to the actual number of 5,996,298, translating into an overestimation of $153.8 million benefit expenditures in the Main Estimates.
• The benefit repayment from higher-income OAS recipients through the OAS Recovery Tax was $1,761.7 billion compared to an estimate of $1,715 billion, representing a decrease in spending of $46.7 million.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Old Age Security Program: Phase 1 completed February 2018.
Evaluation of the Old Age Security Program: Phase 2 planned for completion in March 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: With the implementation of the second phase of OAS automatic enrolment in November 2016, 50% of new pensioners receive the OAS pension without the need to apply.

24. Guaranteed Income Supplement

Name of transfer payment program: Guaranteed Income Supplement (Statutory)

Start date: 1967

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Old Age Security Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

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

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.1: Income Security; Sub-Program 4.1.1: Old Age Security

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

Results achieved: Expected results: Canada's eligible seniors have a basic income to live and receive the GIS benefits to which they are entitled.

Performance measure: Percentage of seniors receiving the GIS in relation to the total number of eligible seniors (GIS take-up rate); 2017 to 2018 Target: 90%

Results achieved: 91.1% (2015)

Comments on variances: Overall, the GIS expenditures were $189 million less than estimated. The lower than expected expenditures were a result of two factors: The average monthly benefit of $500.27 was lower than the estimated $518.39 resulting in expenditures that were $433 million lower than estimated. The lower than estimated expenditures were offset by the higher than expected number of GIS beneficiaries resulting in expenditures that were $243 million higher than estimated.

Audits completed or planned: Audit of Guaranteed Income Supplement completed April 2018 (March DAC)

Evaluations completed or planned: The Guaranteed Income Supplement – Phase 1 evaluation is planned for completion September 2018.

The Guaranteed Income Supplement – Phase 2 evaluation is planned for completion September 2019.

Evaluation of the Old Age Security Program: Phase 1 completed February 2018.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Automatic enrolment for the GIS was introduced in December 2017. All new pensioners who are automatically enrolled for the OAS pension (about 50%) are also automatically assessed for the GIS.

25. Allowance Payments

Name of transfer payment program: Allowances (Statutory)

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

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Old Age Security Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

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

Link to department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.1: Income Security; Sub-Program 4.1.1: Old Age Security

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

Results achieved: Expected results: Previous measure is no longer reported as data do not allow a clear distinction between near-seniors who are entitled to the Allowances and those who are not.

Performance measure: Not Available

Results achieved: Not Available

Comments on variances: Overall, the Allowance expenditures were $48 million higher than estimated. The difference was a result of two factors: the average monthly Allowance benefit was $627.28 which was higher than the expected $553.47 resulting in higher than estimated expenditures of $63 million; the overall variance was offset by an overestimate in the number of Allowance beneficiaries resulting in $16 million less in expenditures than estimated.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Old Age Security Program: Phase 1 completed February 2018.
Allowance Payments – part of the Old Age Security Program: Phase 2 evaluation, is planned for completion March 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Not available

26. Canada Disability Savings Program – Grants and Bonds

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

Start date: December 2008

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Canada Disability Savings Act and Canada Disability Savings Regulations

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Not applicable

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

Link to department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.1: Income Security; Sub-Program 4.1.4: Canada Disability Savings Program

Description: The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) was introduced in 2008 to help people with disabilities improve their long-term financial security by providing a tool to encourage them and their families to save for the future.
Complementary to the RDSP, the Canada Disability Savings Grants and Canada Disability Savings Bonds provide additional support to encourage savings.

Canadian residents with a Social Insurance Number who are eligible for the federal Disability Tax Credit can open an RDSP until the end of the calendar year in which they reach 59 years of age. Once an RDSP is opened, the beneficiary may receive grants and bonds until the end of the calendar year in which the beneficiary reaches 49 years of age.

Assets held in and payments received from RDSPs will not affect eligibility for federal benefits, such as the Canada Child Benefit, the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax Credit, Old Age Security and Employment Insurance.

This Sub-Program is managed in accordance with the Income Tax Act, the Canada Disability Savings Act, and their respective Regulations.

Grants and bonds are statutory expenditures under the authority of the Canada Disability Savings Act and Regulations.

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

Performance measures:

• Percentage of individuals (aged 0 to 49) eligible for the Disability Tax Credit who have a Registered Disability Savings Plan; 2017 to 2018 Target: 28%
• Percentage of Registered Disability Savings Plan beneficiaries (aged 0 to 49) receiving Canada Disability Savings Grant and/or Canada Disability Savings Bond money; 2017 to 2018 Target: 81%
• Percentage of Registered Disability Savings Plan beneficiaries (aged 0–49) of low to modest income who receive both a Registered Disability Savings Bond and a grant from the Registered Disability Savings Plan; 2017 to 2018 Target: 57%

Results achieved

• Percentage of individuals (aged 0 to 49) eligible for the Disability Tax Credit who have a Registered Disability Savings Plan; 2017 to 2018 Achieved: Not available.
• Percentage of Registered Disability Savings Plan beneficiaries (aged 0 to 49) receiving Canada Disability Savings Grant and/or Canada Disability Savings Bond money; 2017 to 2018 Achieved: 84.3%
• Percentage of Registered Disability Savings Plan beneficiaries (aged 0–49) of low to modest income who receive both a Registered Disability Savings Bond; 2017 to 2018 Achieved: 57.6%

Comments on variances: From 2016 to 2017 to 2017 to 2018 the number of registered plans was less than anticipated. The number of newly registered plans dropped by about 35% over the same period. As a result, less grant and bond was paid out compared to what was planned. The relatively lower decrease (-9.0%) in grant payments is due to the fact that though participation decreases, average contribution is growing over time attracting higher grant payment. The relatively higher decrease (-25.5%) in bond is due to the fact that a lot of new beneficiaries received a one-time payment corresponding to a bond entitlement accruing to past eligibility. Therefore, a lower uptake is highly likely to translate into a significant decrease in bond disbursement.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: The Canada Disability Savings Program evaluation is planned for completion September 2018.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: A number of activities were undertaken to increase program awareness and uptake, these include:

• Review, renewal and distribution of the RDSP program plain-language brochure.
• In-person meetings with community-based organizations.
• Training presentations to community-based organization workers.
• Presentations to the general public in conjunction with community-based organizations.
• A mail-out in September 2017 using “nudge” techniques to DTC-eligible Canadians who did not have an RDSP.
• Teleconferences following the mail-out to address inquiries.
• The distribution of brochures at conferences and to stakeholder groups upon request.
• Exhibiting at conferences in 2017 to 2018; conferences were attended by service providers, practitioners, people with disabilities and their families, and the general public.
• Development and implementation of an initiative with the Province of Ontario to provide training to Ontario Disability Support Program workers on the RDSP.
• The continued inclusion of program information in letters sent by the Canada Revenue Agency to Disability Tax Credit recipients; and
• Web-based information tools

27. Homelessness Partnering Strategy

Name of transfer payment program: Homelessness Partnering Strategy (Voted)

Start date: April 1, 2014

End date: March 31, 2019

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: A minor amendment was made in 2016 to 2017 to reflect changes in the Ts &Cs for the Rural and Remote Homelessness Funding Stream

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

Link to department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-Program 4.2.1: Homelessness Partnering Strategy

Description: Homeless individuals and families can face a wide range of personal, financial and social challenges. Addressing these challenges in a sustainable manner requires the coordinated action of a number of partners including the federal government. The objective of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) is to support the implementation of effective, sustainable and community-based solutions to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada. As a community-based strategy, it provides grant and contribution funding to communities and service providers across the country with a focus on the Housing First approach, providing access to permanent housing and supports to help clients remain housed.

These services target individuals, families and Indigenous people who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless in major urban centres, rural communities and the North. Federal funding is prioritized based on input from Community Advisory Boards, in recognition that communities are best placed to identify their own unique homelessness-related needs.

Complementary activities under the Strategy include promoting data development and collection; disseminating knowledge among communities, partners and stakeholders, exploring innovative approaches to homelessness and making surplus federal properties available to communities for projects that prevent and reduce homelessness. The latter activity is a horizontal initiative that Employment and Social Development Canada manages in partnership and collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Grants and contributions to not-for-profit organizations, municipal governments, Band/tribal councils and other Indigenous organizations support activities to help alleviate and prevent homelessness across Canada.

The HPS is a transfer payment program with non-repayable contributions; however, some repayment clauses are outlined in the Terms and Conditions.

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

Performance measures:

1. Reduction in the usage of emergency shelters, as measured by number of 'bednights' utilized; 2017 to 2018 Target: 15% reduction from 2013 baseline
2. Reduction in the estimated number of shelter users who are episodically or chronically homeless; 2017 to 2018 Target: 20% reduction from 2013 baseline

Results achieved:

1. Reduction in the usage of emergency shelters, as measured by number of 'bednights' utilized;
   
   2016 to 2017: 5, 368, 757 (increase of 8.4% from baseline)
   
   2017 to 2018: initial data available in Fall 2018
   
2. Reduction in the estimated number of shelter users who are episodically or chronically homeless;
   
   2016 to 2017: 1, 354** (Increase of 6.4% from baseline)
   
   2017 to 2018: Not available

It is anticipated that accurate input will be available by mid-fall 2018.

• **Estimate is based on 12 of 15 communities reporting data in 2016

Comments on variances: No material variance

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy completed April 2018.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: The Advisory Committee on Homelessness, chaired by Parliamentary Secretary Adam Vaughan, was launched on June 22, 2017, to guide the Government’s consultation efforts on how the HPS could be redesigned to better reduce and prevent homelessness across Canada. As part of the engagement process, an online consultation tool was also launched on July 17, 2017 to invite Canadians to share their ideas on how to prevent and reduce homelessness and closed on September 15, 2017. The results of this engagement have been taken into consideration in the development of the redesigned Homelessness Partnering Strategy which will be launched on April 1, 2019.

28. Enabling Accessibility Fund

Name of transfer payment program: Enabling Accessibility Fund (Voted)

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

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

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

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

Link to department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-Program 4.2.5: Enabling Accessibility Fund

Description: People with disabilities often experience barriers to full participation and inclusion in the activities of everyday living. The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) a grant and contributions program that supports capital costs of construction and renovations related to removing barriers, and improving physical accessibility and safety for people with disabilities in Canadian communities and workplaces.

The EAF is not a repayable contribution.

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

Performance measures:

1. Number of communities with funded projects; 2017 to 2018 Target: 215
2. Dollar amount of funds leveraged (cash and/or in-kind) by other sources of funding for every dollar invested through Enabling Accessibility Fund funding; 2017 to 2018 Target: $0.35

Results achieved:

1. Number of communities with funded projects; 2017 to 2018: 234
2. Dollar amount of funds leveraged (cash and/or in-kind) by other sources of funding for every dollar invested through Enabling Accessibility Fund funding; 2017 to 2018: $0.58

Comments on variances: No material variance.

Audits completed or planned: Audit of Infrastructure – Enabling Accessibility Fund completed June 2017

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Enabling Accessibility Fund completed December 2017.

The next Evaluation of the Enabling Accessibility Fund is planned for completion in December 2022.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: In 2017 to 2018, a Call for Proposals (CFP) was held for small projects for the Workplace Accessibility Stream and the Community Accessibility Stream of the EAF. To increase uptake to the Workplace Accessibility Stream and the three territories, a series of emails were sent to key stakeholders and businesses during the CFP to inform their network of members. In addition, departmental officials responded to public inquiries submitted through the generic email box of the program during the CFP. These inquiries were mostly related to eligibility criteria of the CFP.

29. Social Development Partnerships Program

Name of transfer payment program: Social Development Partnerships Program (Voted)

Start date: April 1998

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Terms and Conditions were last amended in 2016 to 2017

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

Link to department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-Program 4.2.2: Social Development Partnerships Program

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

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

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

Performance measure: Percentage of SDPP projects that leverage funds from non-federal partners; 2017 to 2018 Target: 90%

Results achieved: 100%

Comments on variances: SDPP-Children & Families component: Amendments to active projects occurred late in the fiscal year and as a result, planned spending for Children and Families was not fully utilized.

SDPP-Disability component: Funds were re-allocated internally after the 2017 to 2018 Departmental plan was published to provide enough funding to this program in order to support the production and distribution of alternate format material. Other Transfer payments: Planned spending at the time of the 2017 to 2018 Departmental Plan did not include funding for the new Early Learning and Child Care program as it was still pending approval. It is reported under ‘Other transfer payments’ in this report. In 2018 to 2019, spending for the Early Learning and Child Care program will be reported on as a separate program under the new Departmental Results Framework.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: Summative Evaluation of the Social Development Partnerships Program is planned for completion before June 2019.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Information about SDPP, including open calls processes, is made available to the public on the Government of Canada's website. SDPP uses various methods to engage applicants, such as targeted solicitation of applications, unsolicited proposals and expressions of interest or letters of intent. The Department has also been working with organizations across the country to exchange knowledge, needs and best practices in implementing the intermediary model. A variety of engagement activities were conducted with applicants and recipients towards achieving the goals of leveraging federal investments, encouraging multi-sector partnerships and an increased focus on outcomes and impact.

30. New Horizons for Seniors Program

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

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

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant and Contribution

Type of appropriation: Vote 5

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: Ts & Cs were last amended in July 2013

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

Link to department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-Program 4.2.3: New Horizons for Seniors Program

Description: The growth in the population of seniors in Canada is accelerating, with the total number of seniors projected to reach approximately 10 million by 2036. This presents both opportunities and risks for seniors and their communities. Empowering seniors, encouraging them to share their knowledge, skills and experience with others in the community and enhancing seniors' social well-being and community vitality are goals of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP). This program provides grants and contributions funding for projects led or inspired by seniors who want to make a difference in the lives of others and in their communities. The program has five objectives: promoting volunteerism among seniors and other generations; engaging seniors in the community through mentoring of others; expanding awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse; supporting social participation and inclusion of seniors; and providing capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.

Community-based one-year grants are funded up to $25,000. In 2014 to 2015, two-year pilot projects tested the ability of applicants to leverage funds from others sources.

Pan-Canadian projects are eligible to receive up to $750,000 for up to three years in duration. A Call for Proposals was launched 2015 to 2016 requiring community partners to work together to measurably reduce the social isolation amongst seniors in their communities.

This program is complemented by a range of policies, programs and services targeted at seniors such as the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security and the National Seniors Council.

The NHSP does not use repayable contributions.

Results achieved: Expected results: Communities have the capacity to address local issues by engaging seniors.

Performance measure:

• Total number of New Horizons for Seniors Program projects that received funding; 2017 to 2018 Target: 1,850

Results achieved: 1,938 projects

• Pan-Canadian stream - 53
• Community-based stream - 1885

Comments on variances: Every year there is a transfer of funds from grants to contributions to meet project commitments. It is very difficult to predict to the dollar the amount project sponsors will be able to spend in a given year. In 2017 to 2018, only $78K of the NHSP Pan-Canadian stream budget was not spent which represents a very small total variance. While the funding was available, some organizations were not able to fully spend amounts they anticipated during the fiscal year.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: of the New Horizons for Seniors Program is planned for completion in December 2020.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: Information about NHSP, including calls for proposals, is made available to the public on the Government of Canada's website. As part of Service Canada’s community outreach activities, potential applicants are engaged on an ongoing basis. The Department has also been working with organizations across the country to implement the collective impact model which is an innovative approach that focuses on partnering among community organizations. The goal is to mobilize community stakeholders to work collaboratively in order to address complex social problems such as social isolation of seniors, and to achieve significant and long-lasting social impacts.

In September 2017, the NHSP organized a Community of Practice event for the Collective Impact Plan Backbone organizations. The national event brought together stakeholders and allowed them to learn and engage with each other. The event also provided ESDC with an opportunity to learn about the challenges and successes of the projects.

As well, both external and internal stakeholders were consulted on the NHSP Pan-Canadian Strategy for moving forward. Stakeholders included previously funded organizations, community organizations and internal partners.

31. Universal Child Care Benefit

Name of transfer payment program: Universal Child Care Benefit (Statutory)

Start date: July 1, 2006

End date: Replaced by the Canada Child Benefit in July 2016. ESDC continues to be responsible for retroactive claims, write-offs and adjustments of the UCCB account receivable.

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Statutory: Universal Child Care Benefit Act

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2006 to 2007

Strategic Outcome: Not applicable

Link to the department’s Program Alignment Architecture: Program 4.2: Social Development; Sub-program 4.2.4: Universal Child Care Benefit

Description: The Universal Child Care Benefit provides financial support to help all Canadian families with young children choose the child care option that best suits their families’ needs. Effective January 1, 2015, the UCCB was enhanced to provide eligible families with $160 per month (up to $1,920 per year) for each child under age six, and a new benefit of $60 per month (up to $720 per year) for each child aged six through 17. The new amounts began to be reflected in monthly payments to recipients in July 2015 and included payments retroactive to January 2015.

The UCCB was replaced by the Canada Child Benefit effective July 1, 2016.

Results achieved: No longer applicable

Comments on variances: Although the UCCB was replaced with the CCB in July 2016, ESDC continues to be responsible for retroactive claims, write-offs and adjustments of the UCCB account receivable. The variance of $-11.482 million between 2017 to 2018 Planned and Actuals is a result of lower than anticipated retroactive claims, write-offs and adjustments of the UCCB account receivable.

Audits completed or planned: No audits completed or planned.

Evaluations completed or planned: None

Engagement of applicants and recipients: No longer applicable