2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy for Employment and Social Development Canada (Update 2 – 2026)

FSDS Context:

ESDC works to lift Canadians out of poverty by helping to ensure basic needs are met. It also aims to prevent Canadians from falling into poverty by supporting income security and resilience.

ESDC will continue its work to reduce poverty by implementing Opportunity for All: Canada's First Poverty Reduction Strategy. This includes supporting the National Advisory Council on Poverty and collaborating with partners to address gaps in poverty measurement as well as monitoring progress towards the strategy's poverty reduction targets. ESDC will continue collaborating with Statistics Canada to monitor poverty levels using annual estimates and the Market Basket Measure Poverty Index (MBM-PI). We will also monitor the 12 complementary indicators of well-being featured on the Dimensions of Poverty Hub, such as food insecurity, housing needs, and unmet health needs.

Additionally, we will continue working with National Indigenous Organizations and other partners to identify and develop indicators of poverty and well-being that reflect the experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, including measures beyond income.

As part of Canada's Poverty Reduction Strategy, we will continue to seek opportunities to improve existing benefits and programs to better support efforts to reduce poverty.

Through its programs and services, ESDC continues to invest in making life more affordable for Canadians. Improved access to Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement will help ensure seniors have a basic income as the population ages. The department will continue its work to improve services for groups disproportionately affected by poverty, via initiatives such as the new Canada Disability Benefit, which will support the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities.

Through investments in innovative programs such as the Social Finance Fund, the department is also working to enhance the capacity of social purpose organizations across the country, including charities, not-for-profit organizations, co-operatives, and for-profit social enterprises, who play a fundamental role in tackling persistent challenges like access to affordable housing, food insecurity, and poverty.

Target theme: Poverty reduction

Target: By 2030, reduce the poverty rate by 50% from its 2015 level (Minister of Families, Children and Social Development)

Implementation strategy:

Improve the measurement of poverty

Departmental action:

ESDC will continue to lead the implementation of Opportunity for All-Canada's First Poverty Reduction Strategy on behalf of the Government of Canada.

• Initiative: Opportunity for All-Canada's First Poverty Reduction Strategy

Performance indicator:^{Footnote 1}

• Indicator:

ESDC improves how it measures and shares information about poverty. This includes publishing research under the Market Basket Measure (MBM) Research Agenda in collaboration with Statistics Canada, and sharing analysis on poverty trends, causes, and impacts.

• Starting point:
  ESDC has an established foundation for measuring and sharing information about poverty such as:
  • Including regular analysis of poverty trends since 2015
  • Supporting consultations that inform the National Advisory Council on Poverty's annual report
  • Completing groundwork to identify research topics that will support the next MBM research agenda and inform the Fourth Comprehensive Review of the MBM.
• Target:
  By end of FY 2026-2027:
  • Complete and share poverty analysis using the latest Canadian Income Survey data (CIS)
  • Develop new analytical products on emerging priorities
  • Publish research articles under the MBM Research Agenda.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

Opportunity for All-Canada's First Poverty Reduction Strategy offers a bold vision for Canada as a world leader in the eradication of poverty, with progress validated in terms of its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of ending poverty (SDG 1). The Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) is a whole-of-government strategy that involves actions and investments that span across the federal government. It sets the foundation for future government investments in poverty reduction and commits to work with provinces and territories and forge strong bond with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, civil society organisations and community groups on the front lines of tackling poverty in communities across Canada.

The Market Basket Measure (MBM) was adopted as Canada's Official Poverty Line in 2018 following the release of Opportunity for All-Canada's First Poverty Reduction Strategy. Items included under the MBM research agenda and the upcoming Fourth Comprehensive Review of the MBM will contribute to the key objectives of the Poverty Reduction Strategy by ensuring that Canada's official poverty line continues to reflect a modest, basic standard of living over time.

The PRS introduced the Dimensions of Poverty Hub, a dashboard of 12 indicators available online for Canadians to track progress on deep income poverty as well as aspects of poverty other than income, including indicators of material deprivation, lack of opportunity and resilience.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition/Target:
    • 1.1 Ambition - Reduce poverty in Canada in all its forms
    • Target - by 2030, a 50% reduction in the rate of poverty, compared to the 2015 level.
  • CIF indicator: poverty rate, as measured by Canada's official poverty line
  • Global indicator framework (GIF) target 1.2: by 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.

Implementation strategy:

Make investments to reduce poverty

Departmental action:

Through the Social Finance Fund (SFF), ESDC will facilitate investments into a range of diverse social purpose organizations, that are led by or serving diverse equity deserving groups. $50 million of the Social Finance Fund was allocated to the Indigenous Growth Fund (IGF), which provides access to capital for Indigenous Financial Institutions and Indigenous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) independently manages and administers the IGF.

• Program: Social Finance Fund - Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy (SI/SF).

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of social purpose organizations financed through the Social Finance Fund (SFF) that aim to contribute to SDG 1 (No Poverty).^{Footnote 2}
  • Starting point: 6 as of December 2024.
  • Target: At least 150 by March 31, 2039 (end of the program).

*Note: This performance indicator has been added in response to the Management Response to the recent OAG audit on departmental progress implementing the SDG Poverty Reduction Goal. This new indicator will help highlight the SFF's contribution to the Government of Canada's poverty reduction efforts.

• Indicator: Percentage of Social Finance Fund (SFF) investments that contribute to the entrepreneurship and economic well-being of equity-deserving groups, including Indigenous Peoples and Indigenous communities.
  • Starting point: 0% at beginning of the program in 2023.^{Footnote 3}
  • Target: At least 35 % of SFF funding (excluding the IGF) will be allocated to investments that target advancing social equity by March 31, 2039 (end of the program).

*Note: The IGF is independently managed by NACCA, which has its own set of targets.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Social Finance Fund (SFF) will support investment to reduce poverty by providing funds to social finance intermediaries and social purpose organizations focused on diverse initiatives that support social and environmental goals, including poverty reduction. The program is particularly focused on supporting investment into organizations led by and serving underrepresented groups and diverse equity deserving communities as part of its social equity and inclusion lens. The SFF contributes to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy by leveraging new financing opportunities to invest in the SDGs and supporting SDG 1.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target: By 2030, a 50% reduction in the rate of poverty, compared to the 2015 level.
  • CIF indicator: Percentage of Canadians below Canada's official poverty line.
  • GIF target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.

Implementation strategy:

Make investments to reduce poverty

Departmental action:

ESDC will make investments to help support the long-term financial security of Persons with disabilities through the Canada Disability Savings Program (CDSP). The CDSP includes the Registered Disability Savings Plan. To help savings grow, ESDC provides federal disability savings incentives (the Canada Disability Savings Bond and the Canada Disability Savings Grant).

• Program: Canada Disability Savings Program (CDSP)

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Percentage of Canadians approved for the Disability Tax Credit who have a Registered Disability Savings Plan.
  • Starting point: 35% in December 2021
  • Target: 34% by December 2025

*Note: Revised for improved accuracy, better measurement, and language for additional context.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Canada Disability Savings Program supports the reduction of poverty in Canada by providing savings incentives such as the Canada Disability Savings Bond and the Canada Disability Savings Grant to persons with disabilities. The grant and bond respond to long-standing and ongoing needs identified by persons with disabilities, their families, and organizations supporting them to reduce barriers to saving for the future.

The CDSP contributes to advancing SDG 1: No Poverty as well as SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition/Target 1.1: "Reduce poverty in Canada in all its forms."

Implementation strategy:

Work with partners to reduce poverty

Departmental action:

ESDC will continue to support data sharing, knowledge creation and engagement with Canadians by facilitating the work of the National Advisory Council on Poverty, enshrined into law.

• Initiative: National Advisory Council on Poverty -Opportunity for All: Canada's first Poverty Reduction Strategy

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Publication and presentation to Parliament of a report on Canada's progress towards its poverty reduction goals with advice with advice and recommendations for poverty reduction is presented to Parliament annually.
  • Starting point: 6 reports have been tabled since the establishment of the National Advisory Council on Poverty (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025).^{Footnote 4}
  • Target: 1 annual report tabled by March 31, 2026.^{Footnote 5}

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The National Advisory Council on Poverty brings together persons with lived experience, leaders, experts, academics, and practitioners that work in the field of poverty reduction. The advice and recommendations of the Advisory Council contribute to the goal and poverty reduction target by maintaining a dialogue with Canadians on poverty and helping the Government of Canada stay accountable to Canadians for lowering poverty.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • GIF Target: 
    • SDG Global Indicator Framework target 1.b : Create sound policy frameworks at the national, regional, and international levels, based on pro-poor and gender-sensitive development strategies, to support accelerated investment in poverty eradication actions.

Implementation strategy:

Additional implementation strategy in support of Goal 1

Departmental action:

ESDC will provide income security to Canadians in their senior years by ensuring that Canadians aged 65 or over who meet the residence and legal status requirements have access to a basic Old Age Security (OAS) Pension and provide additional assistance to low-income OAS pensioners through the income-tested Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

• Initiative: Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Percentage of seniors receiving the Old Age Security Pension in relation to the estimated total number of eligible seniors.
  • Starting point: Actual results: 96.8% (2019)*.
  • Target: At least 94% by March 2027
    *Note:
  • Data is available with a three‑year lag. Since 2013, seniors may defer OAS until age 70 for higher monthly payments; the department now measures take‑up among eligible seniors aged 70 and over and has added this indicator to the Departmental Plan.
  • The OAS pension indicator now tracks take‑up at age 70 instead of the previous broader OAS take‑up measure; this is a change in scope, not a new indicator, and additional context has been added to the notes for clarity.
• Indicator (GIS): Percentage of seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement in relation to the estimated total number of eligible seniors.^{Footnote 6}
  • Starting point: Actual results 92.2% (2019)
  • Target: 90% by March 2027.^{Footnote 7}

*Note: There is a 3-year time lag in the availability of data. The target was updated because the Market Basket Measure (MBM) was rebased. Additional explanations were added to the notes to explain to provide context.

• Indicator (Poverty): Percentage of seniors living in poverty
  *Note: This indicator is based on Canada's Official Poverty Line. Data is collected by Statistics Canada through the annual Canadian Income Survey
  • Starting point: N/A (ongoing). Actual results: 3.1% (2020).^{Footnote 8}
    *Note: The starting point and the target is based on 2018 base Market Basket Measure (MBM).
  • Target: At most 7.3% by December 2030

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

ESDC's statutory Old Age Security (OAS) program plays a significant role in providing income security to Canadians in their senior years. The OAS pension and the income-tested Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), ensure that the overall income of seniors does not fall below a specified threshold, providing seniors with a minimum income guarantee.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target:
    • Canadian indicator framework ambition of 1.1: "End poverty in all its forms everywhere" and the target for this ambition: "50% reduction in the poverty rate for 2015 by 2030."
  • GIF target:
    • Global indicator framework target 1.2: "by 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions."
    • Global indicator framework target 1.3: "Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable."

The program also advances SDG 5:

• "Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls."

As well as SDG 8:

• "Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all".

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 1 - No poverty

The following initiatives demonstrate how ESDC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned initiative:

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) provides partial income replacement for Canadian workers and their families in the event of retirement, disability or death. The CPP enhancement that began in 2019 will reduce the number of families at risk of not having adequate income in retirement by a quarter and, over time, increase the maximum retirement pension by more than 50 percent. This promotes economic inclusion for retirees, survivors, people with disability and their dependents.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributes to advancing global indicator framework target 1.3: "implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and by 2030 achieve substantial coverage of the poor and the vulnerable".

Planned initiative:

The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) supports the financial security of low-income persons with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64. The monthly benefit payment is intended to supplement existing income support programs for working-age Canadians with disabilities, many of which are provided by provinces and territories.^{Footnote 9}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The CDB supports the UN SDG goal of No Poverty. The CDB aligns with target 1.1. of Canada's Indicator Framework for the SDGs: "By 2030, a 50% reduction in the rate of poverty, compared to the 2015 level."

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 2 - Zero Hunger

The following initiative demonstrates how ESDC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and SDG 2.

Planned initiative:

Through the National School Food Program (NSFP), funding is provided to provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners to enhance and expand access to nutritious school food programs for children and youth across Canada.^{Footnote 11}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The National School Food Program contributes to advancing:

• Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 2.1: "Canadians have access to sufficient, affordable and nutritious food" and associated indicator: "Prevalence of food insecurity."
• Global Indicator Framework Target 2.1: "By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round."

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 3 - Good health and well-being

The following initiatives demonstrate how ESDC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and SDG 3.

Planned initiative: The New Horizons for Seniors Program provides funding for projects that increase the social participation and inclusion of seniors in their communities. Increased social inclusion is directly linked to improved mental health.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The New Horizons for Seniors Program contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 3.6 "Canadians have healthy and satisfying lives" and the associated indicator "percentage of Canadians who perceived their overall health and social well-being as very good to excellent."

Planned initiative:

The Social Development Partnerships Program funds projects that improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities, children and families, Black Canadian communities, and other vulnerable populations facing physical, economic and social pressures.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Social Development Partnerships Program contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 3.6: "Canadians have healthy and satisfying lives" and associated indicator "percentage of Canadians who perceived their overall health and social well-being as very good to excellent".

Planned initiative:

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) funds projects that make Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. For example, past EAF-funded projects have included multisensory rooms, which support people with cognitive and/or mental health disabilities. These rooms support the provision of mental health services in community spaces.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) program contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 3.5: "Canadians have healthy and satisfying lives" and associated indicator "percentage of Canadians who are satisfied or very satisfied with their life".

The Enabling Accessibility Fund also contributes to advancing other sustainable development goals, including:

• Global indicator framework target 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value".
• Canadian indicator framework ambition 10.1: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced".
• Global indicator framework Target 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status."
• Global indicator framework 10.3: "Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard".
• Global indicator framework target 11.7: "By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities."

Planned initiative:

Through the National School Food Program (NSFP), funding is provided to provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners to enhance and expand access to nutritious school food programs for children and youth across Canada.^{Footnote 12}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The NSFP contributes to advancing:

• Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 3.1: "Canadians adopt healthy behaviours" and associated indicator: "Percentage of Canadians who report eating fruits and vegetables 5 or more times per day."
• Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 3.7: "Canadians have healthy and satisfying lives" and associated indicator: "Percentage of Canadians who perceived their overall health as very good to excellent."

FSDS context:

ESDC's commitments in support of FSDS Goal 4 focus on making early learning and child care more affordable and accessible across the country and helping Canadians access the education, skills and training needed to participate in a changing labour market.

In 2021-2022, the department reached Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) agreements with every province and territory on behalf of Canada. Federal investments under these agreements have supported reductions in average fees for regulated child care across the country. Agreements were extended in 2025-26 to support continued access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive early learning and child care programs and services. These extensions will provide over $27 billion in additional federal investments to sustain the progress made from the existing early learning and child care agreements. The department will continue its work with provinces and territories to protect access to high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive early learning and child care. Guided by the co-developed Indigenous ELCC Framework, the department will also continue to collaborate with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation governments and organizations to support distinctions-based Indigenous-led Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) programs.

Ensuring young people have the financial support they need to complete their studies and successfully transition from school to the workforce will also continue to be an important focus for ESDC in support of FSDS Goal 4. Changes were made in 2024-2025 to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program to support this goal.

Target theme: Child care

Target: By March 31, 2026, regulated child care fees will be reduced to $10 a day, on average, everywhere outside of Quebec (Minister of Children, Families and Social Development).^{Footnote 13}

Implementation strategy:

Work with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide, community-based system of quality child care

Departmental action:

ESDC will continue to work with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners to build and maintain a Canada-wide early learning and child care system, ensuring that all families have access to high-quality, affordable, flexible and inclusive early learning and child care.

• Program: Canada-wide early learning and child care system

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of provinces and territories with $10-a-day average regulated child care costs.
  • Starting point: 2 provinces/territories as of July 2021.
  • Target: 10 provinces and 3 territories by March 31, 2026.^{Footnote 14}

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Canada-wide early learning and child care system will help ensure access to high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive child care is widely available in Canada. Canada-wide early learning and child care supports parents, particularly mothers, to enter or re-enter the workforce, pursue education, open a new business. It also promotes quality early education and learning for young children, preparing them for school. This program directly supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) through target 4.2.

With the exception of Quebec, these agreements include commitments from provinces and territories to fund and develop a plan to ensure that vulnerable communities, including vulnerable children within Indigenous communities, have equitable access to regulated child care spaces. Some jurisdictions also made the additional commitment to develop a collaborative plan with relevant Indigenous organizations and governing bodies to ensure Indigenous children will have access to affordable, quality and culturally appropriate early learning and child care.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target: 4.1 Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives
  • GIF target: 4.2 by 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.

Implementation strategy:

Work with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide, community-based system of quality child care

Departmental action:

ESDC will enable horizontal coordination of federal investments in Indigenous early learning and child care through flexible, Indigenous-led approaches in support of the Government of Canada's co-developed Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework which reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada.

• Program: Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of National Partnership Tables established
• Starting point: 2 as of March 2021 to 2022
• Target: At least 3 established by March 2027^{Footnote 15}

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative supports greater Indigenous governance, capacity and self-determination in the early learning and child care (ELCC) sector. Through the initiative's National Partnership Tables, federal investments in Indigenous early learning and child care are coordinated in alignment with the IELCC framework and best practices in early learning and child care are shared. This initiative directly supports progress toward Canada's 2030 Agenda under SDG 4, ensuring Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target 4.1: Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives;
  • GIF target 4.2: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys have access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education

Target theme: Training and skills in sustainable development

Target: By December 2025, Canada's pool of science talent grows by 175,000 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) graduates (Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry)

Implementation strategy:

Support youth skill development in environmental sectors

Departmental action:

ESDC will continue to support the creation of work-integrated learning (WIL) work placement opportunities for post-secondary students in all academic disciplines, including STEM, by supporting employers who offer work experiences to post-secondary education students across Canada.

• Program: Student Work Placement Program

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of Work Integrated Learning opportunities created for post-secondary students
• Starting point: 50,000 opportunities in 2021 to 2022
• Target: 55,000 opportunities by March 2027.^{Footnote 16}

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Student Work Placement Program supports the creation of work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities for students of all ages enrolled in any post-secondary education program at a college, university or polytechnic in Canada. This includes WIL opportunities in STEM. The Program supports post-secondary students to develop work-ready skills, employers to hire and develop talent, and post-secondary institutions to keep pace with changing on-the-job expectations.^{Footnote 17}

In support of the 2030 Agenda Global Indicator Framework, the Student Work Placement Program helps post-secondary education students develop "work ready" skills to make a successful transition into the labour market.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • GIF target 4.4: by 2030 substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 4 - Quality education

The following initiatives demonstrate how ESDC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and SDG 4, supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned initiative:

The Canada Student Financial Assistance (CFSA) Program and Canada Apprentice Loans.

The CSFA Program provides non-repayable grants, interest-free loans, and repayment assistance to help Canadian students pay for their post-secondary education. Canada Apprentice Loans help participants complete their apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade. With Canada Apprentice Loans, participants can get up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training for up to five training periods.

For the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year, the CSFA Program temporarily increased the non-repayable grants by 40% over base amounts, ($4,200 for low-income students plus an additional $2,800 for students with disability). Canada Student Loans were also increased to $300 per week of study (up from $210) to help make post-secondary education more affordable.

Through the Repayment Assistance Program. Single borrowers are not required to start repaying their loans until they earn at least $40,000 per year, with this threshold being adjusted upwards based on family size and annually indexed to inflation The threshold is $44,388 for the 2024 to 2025 academic year.

In fiscal year 2023 to 2024, the CSFA Program will increase loan forgiveness for family doctors and nurses working in eligible underserved rural or remote communities. Nurses may qualify for up to $30,000 in loan forgiveness and doctors up to $60,000. Starting in 2025, the CSFA will include more health care and social services professionals, including early childhood educators, dentists, dental hygienists, pharmacists, midwives, teachers, social workers, personal support workers, physiotherapists, and psychologists. In 2024 to 2025, the CSFA Program also expanded the reach of Canada Student Loan Forgiveness to more rural and remote communities.

The CSFA Program has helped reduce the burden of student and apprentice loan repayment for young Canadians so they can invest in building their futures by permanently eliminating the accrual of interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans including those currently being repaid. As of July 2023, the average student loan borrower will save $610 per year because of their loan being interest-free.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Canada Student Financial Assistance (CFSA) Program and Canada Apprentice Loans contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 4.1: "Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives".
• Global indicator framework target 4.3: "by 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university".
• Global indicator framework target 4.4: "by 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship".

Planned initiative:

The Canada Education Savings Program helps make post-secondary education more affordable and accessible for Canadians by encouraging early planning and savings.

The Government offers education savings benefits deposited in Registered Education Savings Plans, specifically the Canada Education Savings Grant as well as the Canada Learning Bond for children and youth from low-income households. Over the coming years, the Department will continue to advance outreach and partnership initiatives as well as the Budget 2024 announcement to implement automatic enrolment to the Canada Learning Bond to increase program access and enable postsecondary education, in particular from underserved harder-to-reach populations, including Indigenous Peoples.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Canada Education Savings Program contributes to:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition for SDG 4: "Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives".
• Global indicator framework target 4.3: "by 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university".

Planned initiative:

The Supports for Student Learning Program (SSLP) funds youth-serving organizations to provide supports to help underserved youth, including Indigenous youth and youth from low-income households, to succeed in school and successfully transition to post-secondary education (PSE) and the labour market.^{Footnote 18}

The Supports for Student Learning Program contributes to:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 4.1: "Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives".
• Global indicator framework target 4.5: "By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and children in vulnerable situations".
• Global indicator framework target 4.7: "By 2030 ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including among others through education for sustainable development and sustainable lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture of peace and non-violence, global citizenship, and appreciation of cultural diversity and of culture's contribution to sustainable development".

Planned initiative:

The Canada Service Corps works with third party organizations to promote civic engagement among youth aged 12 to 30 by providing them with funding to offer service placements and opportunities, including micro-grants. The program aims to create, promote and facilitate access to volunteer service opportunities that are meaningful to youth, support lasting civic engagement, and provide youth with skills and experience.

In 2023 to 2024, CSC lowered the minimum participation age from 15 to 12 years old.

CSC volunteer service opportunities are open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and youth with a granted refugee status and aims to engage at least 50% Indigenous and underserved youth in programming. This includes Indigenous youth; Black and racialized youth; youth with disabilities; youth living in rural or remote areas; 2SLGBTQI+ youth; youth from low-income families; newcomer youth; and Official Language Minority Community (OLMC) youth.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Canada Service Corps contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 4.2: "Canadians have access to inclusive and quality education throughout their lives".
• Global indicator framework target 4.4: "by 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship".
• Global indicator framework target 4.5: "by 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous Peoples and children in vulnerable situations".

Planned initiative:

The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities provides skills training and employment supports for persons with disabilities to help them prepare for, obtain and maintain employment, and advance in their careers. It supports persons with disabilities in overcoming barriers to participation in the Canadian labour market, and it supports employers to hire persons with disabilities and make workplaces more accessible and inclusive. The program assists persons with disabilities receive the essential skills training needed to enhance their employability.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework target 4.4: "by 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship".
• Global indicator framework target 4.5: "by 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous Peoples and children in vulnerable situations".

Planned initiative:

The Skills for Success Program supports the development and delivery of training opportunities and training resources for adult Canadians to improve their foundational and transferable skills, including reading, numeracy, digital and adaptability skills.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Skills for Success Program contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework target 4.6: "by 2030, ensure that all youth and substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy".

Planned initiative:

Under the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) and the Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs) with provinces and territories (PTs), the department helps people across the country prepare for, find, and keep employment.

The Government of Canada invests nearly $2.9 billion annually through the LMDAs and the WDAs, reaching almost 800,000 Canadians each year. The LMDAs, funded by the Employment Insurance program, provide training and employment assistance to individuals recently detached from the labour market to enable them to return to work quickly. The WDAs complement this by supporting those further removed from the labour market, such as underrepresented groups and people with disabilities, through flexible programming that addresses skill gaps and evolving workforce needs.

These agreements allow more Canadians, including, including Indigenous Peoples and members of other equity-deserving groups such as women, youth, and visible minorities, as well as Indigenous Peoples, to have access to training and supports to find and maintain employment.^{Footnote 19}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Labour Market Development Agreements and the Workforce Development Agreements contribute to advancing:

• Global indicator framework target 4.4: "by 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship".
• Global indicator framework target 4.5: "by 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and children in vulnerable situations".
• Global indicator framework target 4.6: "by 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy".

Planned initiative:

Through the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program, a distinctions-based program delivered by Indigenous service delivery providers, Indigenous participants will be provided with skills training, and employment-related and career development assistance to improve their skills and meet their long-term career goals.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework target 4.4: "by 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship".

Planned initiative:

The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) helps key sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs. The SWSP funds sectoral projects that focus on a wide range of industry-driven activities such as training and reskilling workers, helping employers attract and retain a skilled and diverse workforce, including those from equity-seeking groups, and develop and implement other solutions to help sectors address labour market needs.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program contributes to advancing:

• Global Indicator Framework target 4.4: "By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship."
• Global Indicator Framework target 4.5: "By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and children in vulnerable situations."

FSDS context:

ESDC recognizes the importance gender equality plays in the Canadian economy and is actively looking to reduce systemic barriers that exist for women, girls and gender-diverse people in the labour market. To do so, ESDC will advance new pay transparency measures that will shine a light on pay gaps experienced by women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and members of racialized groups.

At the same time, ESDC is investing in programs and initiatives that focus on creating new and improving existing opportunities for women. The first example is the Women's Employment Readiness Pilot Program, which was delivered under the Skills for Success program and funded organizations to provide and test pre-employment and skills development supports for 4 groups of women: racialized women and/or Indigenous women; women with disabilities; women from the 2SLGBTQI+ community; and women with prolonged workforce detachment. The pilot also tested ways to improve employer inclusivity. The target for this program was set at up to 5,000 participants over a two-year period. The pilot ended on March 31, 2024, and the results will be used to inform systemic changes to how skills and employment programming for women is delivered.

Secondly, the Women in Skilled Trades Initiative was created to focus on funding projects that recruit, retain, and help women apprentices succeed in trades predominately found in the construction and manufacturing sectors. ESDC will fund organizations such as women's groups, community colleges, unions, and employers for activities that will recruit women, create outreach tools, offer mentorship supports, and create a welcoming space where women can feel comfortable and safe in the training and work sites. With a target of supporting 10,900 women over the next 4 years, this initiative will reduce the difference in gender representation while increasing opportunities for women in, not only leadership roles, but also in the broader economy.

Target theme: Take action on gender equality

Target: By 2026, at least 37% of the environmental and clean technology sector are women (Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry)

Implementation strategy:

Reduce systemic barriers to gender equality

Departmental action:

ESDC will support federally regulated private-sector employers in achieving progress towards creating equitable workplaces

• Program: Workplace Equity Program

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: percentage of Legislated Employment Equity Program employers whose representation equals or surpasses Canadian labour market availability for 2+ designated groups or who demonstrated progress towards representation since the previous reporting period.
  • Starting point: 2021 to 2022 actual results: 74%
  • Target: At least 75% by September 2026^{Footnote 20}

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

Through the Employment Equity Act which governs the Federal Contractors Program and the Legislated Employment Equity Program, the Workplace Equity Program supports socioeconomic equality goal by promoting employment equity outcomes for federally regulated private-sector employers These 2 federal programs seek to encourage the establishment of working conditions that are free from barriers and remove conditions of disadvantage experienced by members of four designated groups under the Act - women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target 5.2: "Gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision-making"
  • GIF target 5.a: "Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance, and natural resources."
  • 5.5 "Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life".
  • 10. 2 "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status".

Implementation strategy:

Reduce systemic barriers to gender equality

Departmental action:

ESDC will continue to work with provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners to build and maintain a Canada-wide early learning and child care system, ensuring that all families have access to high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive early learning and child care

• Program: Canada-wide early learning and child care system

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Women's Labour Force participation (core-aged women with children 0-5).^{Footnote 21}
  • Starting point: 75.8% (2019).
  • Target: Maintain between 75%-80%.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

Access to child care is a significant support for women and girls to participate in political, economic, and public life fully and effectively. Research shows that child care availability and affordability strongly impact mothers' ability to enter or remain in the labour market or school, if they wish. Furthermore, the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreements provide the flexibility for provinces and territories to support early childhood educators, the majority of whom are women. In turn, this supports the growth of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system and promotes the overall higher valuing of care work.

The Canada-wide early learning and child care system supports progress toward SDG 5, through GIF targets 5.4 and 5.5.^{Footnote 22}

*Note: GIF target 5.4 has been replaced by GIF 5.5.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • GIF target 5.5: Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life.

Implementation strategy:

Additional implementation strategy in support of goal 5

Departmental action:

ESDC will support the recruitment, retention, and success of women apprentices in 39 eligible Red Seal trades found predominately in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

• Program: Women in the Skilled Trades (WST) Initiative under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of individuals in funded projects that participate in skills training activities.
  • Starting point: New program started in 2023-2024.
    • 735 individuals in funded projects as of 2023-2024.^{Footnote 23}
  • Target: 10,900 individuals by March 31, 2027

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Women in the Skilled Trades focuses on funding projects that recruit, retain, and help women apprentices succeed in the 39 eligible Red Seals trades found predominately in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

The Women in Skilled Trades Initiative delivered under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy contributes to the FSDS goal 5 of increasing Canadian women's representation in leadership roles and participation in the broader economy.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target 5.2: Greater representation of women in leadership roles
  • CIF indicator 5.2.1: proportion of leadership roles held by women
  • GIF target 5.5: ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic, and public life.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 5 - Gender equality

The following initiatives demonstrate how ESDC's programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the SDG 5, supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned initiative:

The Employment Equity Act is being reviewed and recommendations will be prepared on how best to modernize the legislative framework.

The Act currently supports equality and diversity in workplaces for the four designated groups: women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. It also covers women in intersection with the three other designated groups.

In 2021, the Act was amended to include Pay Gap Reporting requirements aimed at reducing wage gaps in federally regulated organizations. Making pay gap information publicly available can help to shift business culture and expectations towards greater equality.

Under the Act, federally regulated private sector employers are required to report their salary data in a way that shows aggregate pay gaps for each of the four designated groups. This information is included in employers' annual submissions to the Minister of Labour. The data is published on a dynamic website where data on employer representation and pay gaps can be reviewed and compared by the public. It includes information in the form of aggregated percentages for each employer, overall and for each Employment Equity Occupational Group showing the:

• Representation
• Mean and median hourly wage gaps
• Mean and median bonus pay gaps; and
• Mean and median overtime pay and hours gaps

In addition, the Minister of Labour's Employment Equity Act - Annual Report presents an analysis of employer's consolidated employment equity submissions. This report is tabled in Parliament and shared publicly.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Employment Equity Act contributes to advancing:

• Global Indicator framework target 5.a: "Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property, financial services, inheritance and natural resources, in accordance with national laws."
• Canadian indicator framework ambition 5.2: "Gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision-making"
• Global indicator framework target 5.5: "Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision making in political, economic and public life."

Pay gap reporting contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 5.2: "Gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision-making".
• Global indicator framework target 5.c: "Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls at all levels."

Planned initiative:

The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy's Women in the Skilled Trades initiative funds projects that aim to recruit, retain, and help women apprentices succeed in 39 eligible Red Seals trades found predominantly in the construction and manufacturing sectors. 30 projects are underway and are expected to end in 2027-2028.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy's Women in the Skilled Trades initiative contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework target 5.5: "Ensure women's full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life".

Planned initiative:

The Employment Insurance maternity, parental and caregiving benefits provide financial assistance to people who are away from work:

• Because they're pregnant or have recently given birth,
• To care for their newborn or newly adopted child, and/or,
• Providing care or support to a gravely ill or critically ill family member.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Employment Insurance parental and caregiving benefits contribute to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 5.3: "Canadians share responsibilities within households and families."
• Canadian indicator framework target 5.3.1: "equal sharing of parenting roles and family responsibilities"
• Global indicator framework target 5.4: "Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies and the promotion of shared responsibility within the household and the family as nationally appropriate."

FSDS context:

In support of FSDS Goal 8, ESDC is taking steps to ensure that a fully representative Canadian workforce gets the skills, training and opportunities necessary to transition to net-zero and help Canadians thrive in a changing global economy. Owing to various programs, ESDC is focused on collaboration with employers as well as directly with Canadians to promote skills development and economic diversification in Canada's environmental and clean technology sector.

For example, ESDC's Apprenticeship Service helps apprentices get the hands-on experience they need for a career in the skilled trades. As part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, the initiative encourages small and medium-sized employers by offering a financial incentive for each first-year apprentice hired in 1 of 39 eligible Red Seals trades found predominately in the construction and manufacturing sectors. They can get an additional incentive when the apprentice hired is from an equity-deserving group - specifically, women, persons with disabilities, and members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, racialized communities, and newcomers, or when an apprentice is Indigenous. Budget 2024 announced an investment of $90 million to the Apprenticeship Service. Work is underway to implement this initiative in 2026-27. The department's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) also provides wraparound supports and job placements for young people facing employment barriers such as Indigenous youth, racialized youth, youth with disabilities, recent youth immigrants and youth in rural or remote areas.

Similarly, the Opportunities Fund (OF) for Persons with Disabilities supports the goals of the Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities by supporting individuals, employers and. The OF program intends to increase labour market participation for Persons with Disabilities by providing participants with employment supports to help them find and keep good jobs. The program also helps participants advance in their careers and help employers create inclusive, accessible and welcoming workplaces for persons with disabilities. Training is also provided to those with or without disabilities who are in occupations that support persons with disabilities such as sign language interpreters. With a target of 6,200 participants employed or self-employed or returned to school by March 2027, the Opportunities Fund contributes to advancing the 2030 Agenda through its work to support increasing access to the labour market and improving the economic inclusion and quality of life for persons with disabilities.

ESDC's Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) helps key sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs. SWSP supports projects that focus on a range of industry-driven activities such as training and reskilling workers, helping employers retain and attract a skilled and diverse workforce, and labour market information and tools to help sectors address needs. By 2024 to 2025, the program intends to connect up to 3,750 Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs.  

In addition, the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund (SJTF) is a new initiative that leverages the SWSP framework to support training projects that help workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in the low-carbon economy. It focuses on low-carbon energy and carbon management, green buildings, and retrofits, as well as electric vehicle maintenance and charging infrastructure. The SJTF aims to support training for up to 15,000 workers by 2028 (9,000 by March 31, 2027).

ESDC will also test a community-based approach to workforce planning and skills training through the Community Workforce Development Program. This program will advance regional and national priorities through local leadership in areas such as decarbonization, technology adoption and blue economy. The program reached over 145 communities and supported skills training for over 1,700 individuals, with 90% of participants belonging to one or more underrepresented groups in the labour market. Evidence gathered will inform programs and whole-of-government priorities. This includes, for example, decarbonization and supporting a "just transition" for workers so that they are prepared to work in transforming sectors like energy.

In addition, through the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities (EF-OLMC), ESDC contributes to the vitality and development of official language minority communities (OLMCs). Stream 1 ($95 million over 2023-2028) funds 14 not-for-profit OLMC organizations to engage in economic and human resources development and promote partnerships. Stream 2 ($54 million ongoing) funds 27 OLMC organizations to provide employment assistance services to individuals living in OLMCs. These services by and for OLMCs - like job search help and career advice - make it easier for people to find and keep jobs.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal

This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal 'Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada' but not a specific FSDS target.

Implementation strategy:

Increase labour market participation of Persons with Disabilities

Departmental action:

ESDC will continue to support activities designed to provide skills training and employment support to help persons with disabilities find and retain good jobs and advance in their careers and provide support to employers to make workplaces accessible and inclusive for persons with disabilities.

• Program: Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities Program (OF)

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of participants employed or self-employed or returned to school after participating in the program.
  • Starting point: 3,277 (latest results for 2022 to 2023, including 431 participants from Quebec).
  • Target: At least 3,735 per year by March 2027.^{Footnote 24}

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

Under the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities Program, programming assists persons with disabilities to prepare for, obtain and maintain good jobs and advance in their careers. It supports a wide range of services, including job search supports, pre-employability services, wage subsidies, and work placements, through third-party service providers in partnership with organizations in the community.

The OF contributes to advancing the 2030 Agenda through its work to support increasing access to the labour market, improving the economic inclusion and quality of life for persons with disabilities.

• Relevant targets or ambitions: 
  • CIF ambition/target: Canadians have access to quality jobs
  • CIF indicator 8.1.1: Unemployment rate 
  • GIF target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities.

Implementation strategy:

Take a sector-by-sector approach to investing in workforce support

Departmental action:

ESDC will support key sectors of the economy implement solutions to current and emerging workforce needs through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP).

• Program: Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP)

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of participants who access or participate in training and transition initiatives.
  • Starting point: 89,546 participants in 2023-2024.^{Footnote 25}
  • Target: Cumulative target: 104, 500 individual participants by the end of 2026-2027.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP) helps key sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs. The Program supports projects that focus on a range of industry-driven activities such as training and reskilling workers, helping employers retain and attract a skilled and diverse workforce, including those from equity-deserving groups, and developing workforce solutions, labour market information and tools to address sector-specific labour market needs.

• Relevant targets or ambitions: 
  • Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 8.1: "Canadians have access to quality jobs."
  • Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 8.5: "Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth."  
  • Global Indicator Framework target 8.3: "Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services." 
  • Global Indicator Framework target 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value."

Implementation strategy:

Support training and employment opportunities to transition to a net-zero economy.

Departmental action:

ESDC will invest in targeted initiatives to help upskill and reskill the current workforce and help Canada adapt and thrive in a low-carbon future.

• Program: Sustainable Jobs Training Fund

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of participants who access or participate in training and transition initiatives. 
  • Starting point: Projects began in 2025. As this initiative is in its first year of implementation, baseline information is not available.^{Footnote 26}
  • Target: 15,000 individual participants by the end of 2027-28 (9,000 individual participants by the end of 2026-27).
    • 9,000 individual participants by the end of 2026-27
    • 15,000 individual participants by the end of 2027-28.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Sustainable Jobs Training Fund will support a series of training projects that will help 15,000 workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in the low-carbon economy. The Fund will focus on low-carbon energy and carbon management, green buildings and retrofits, as well as electric vehicle maintenance and charging infrastructure.

Relevant targets or ambitions:  

• Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 8.1: "Canadians have access to quality jobs."
• Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 8.5: "Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth."
• CIF Indicator 8.6.1: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth - Jobs in the clean technology sector.

Implementation strategy:

Test community-based approaches to national and regional priorities

Departmental action:

ESDC will support local economic development and growth that advances national and regional priority areas like decarbonization through testing community-based approaches to workforce planning and skills training.

• Program: Community Workforce Development Program

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of participating communities responding to national or regional priorities 
  • Starting point: 13 CWDP projects started as of Spring / Summer 2023.^{Footnote 27}
  • Target: 25 communities by March 31, 2024.

* Notes: All projects funded through the Community Workforce Development Program ended by October 2025. As such, final results will be reported in the 2025-26 progress report.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Community Workforce Development Program advances regional and national priorities through local leadership in areas such as decarbonisation, technology adoption and blue economy. The projects supported rural and remote communities and encouraged diversity and inclusion with a requirement that 75% of participants come from 1 or more under-represented groups in the labour market.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:  
  • CIF ambition/target:
    • 8.1: Canadians have access to quality jobs.
    • 8.6 Ambition: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth.
    • Target:  Achieve an 8% growth in jobs in the clean technology products sector by March 31, 2024.  
  • CIF indicator:
    • 8.1.1: Unemployment rate.
    • 8.6.1: Jobs in the clean technology products sector.
  • GIF target:
    • 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, including through a focus on high-value added and labour-intensive sectors.
    • 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

Implementation strategy:

Test community-based approaches to national and regional priorities

Departmental action:

ESDC will enhance the development and vitality of official language minority communities (OLMCs). Through its Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities (EF-OLMC) program funds OLMC organizations to increase their capacity and services for community economic development (CED), human resources development (HRD) and promoting partnerships

• Program: Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities (EF-OLMC)

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Ratio of dollar(s) leveraged by funded OLMC organizations for each dollar received from the EF-OLMC program.^{Footnote 28}
  • Starting point: Ratio of 2:1
    * Notes: Ratio is based on 2019-2020 results, which is the first year this indicator was reported in GC InfoBase.
  • Target: Invest at a ratio of 2 to 1 by March 2027

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The EF-OLMC program is one of ESDC's flagship programs for meeting its obligations under the Official Languages Act (OLA) to enhance the vitality of OLMCs.

In line with the spirit of the OLA, the EF-OLMC program follows the ''by and for'' approach, which considers the needs and priorities of OLMCs in the design and delivery of initiatives.

As a result, funded projects are implemented by OLMC organizations for the benefit of individuals living in those communities, as well as their organizations and businesses.

Under stream 1 (Community Economic Development & Human Resources Development), this program strengthens OLMCs' capacity in the areas of community economic development and human resources development and promotes partnerships. Funding is provided to a network of 14 organizations across Canada.

• Relevant targets or ambitions: 
  • CIF ambition/target 8.5: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth.
  • CIF indicator 8.5.1: Gross domestic product per capita

Implementation strategy:

Test community-based approaches to national and regional priorities.

Departmental action:

ESDC will also enhance the development and vitality of official language minority communities (OLMCs) by expanding its Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities (EF-OLMC). The program will fund OLMC organizations to provide employment assistance services to individuals living in OLMCs.

Program: Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities (EF-OLMC).

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of clients who used EAS through a funded OLMC organization.
  • Starting point: TBD.^{Footnote 29}
  • Target: TBD.

*Notes: Starting point (baseline) and target to be established following analysis of 2025-2026 baseline data.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The EF-OLMC program is ESDC's flagship program for meeting its obligations under the Official Languages Act (OLA) to enhance the vitality of Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) in Canada. The EF-OLMC Program follows the "by and for" approach, which considers the needs and priorities of OLMCs in the design and delivery of initiatives. As a result, projects that receive funding under the Program are implemented by OLMC organizations for the benefit of individuals living in OLMCs, as well as their organizations and businesses.

Under stream 2 (Employment Assistance Services), the EF-OLMC Program funds OLMC organizations to provide tailored employment assistance services to individuals living in OLMCs so that they can find, obtain, or maintain employment. The Program also ensures that the services it funds are integrated into the broader provincial or territorial skills and employment delivery system to fully support clients' needs.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition/Target 8.5: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth.
  • CIF Indicator 8.5.1: Gross domestic product per capita.

Implementation strategy:

Additional implementation strategy in support of Goal 8

Departmental action:

ESDC will continue to help young people (aged 15 to 30 years) make a successful transition into the labour market, including jobs and skills training programs in keys sectors of the economy e.g. Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM), housing, agriculture/agri-food, sustainable jobs, creative and cultural industries, etc.

• Program: The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS).

YESS includes 2 programs:

• The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program (YESSP), which is an ESDC-led horizontal initiative involving 11 other federal departments, agencies, and crown corporations; and
• The Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ).

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of youth served
  • Starting point: 97,359 (2019 to 2020)
  • Target: 29,000 youth served by March 2027. Target breakdowns per program:
    • YESSP: Target to serve 5,000 for EDSC.
    • CSJ: 24,000 opportunities

*Note: Budget funding allocated target will be readjusted once budget is confirmed in 2026.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

In support of Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy, the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy helps young people (aged 15 to 30 years), particularly those who are facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition/Target 8.1: Canadians have access to quality jobs.
• CIF indicator:
  • 8.1.1: Unemployment rate.
  • 8.3.1: proportion of youth not in education, employment, or training.
• GIF target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.

Implementation strategy:

Additional implementation strategy in support of Goal 8

Departmental action:

ESDC will encourage economic growth by supporting small and medium-sized employers to create first-year apprenticeship positions in trades found predominantly in the construction and manufacturing sectors, with a focus on improving the participation of equity-deserving groups.

• Program: Apprenticeship Service (AS) initiative under the CAS

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of employers who access supports to hire apprentice
  • Starting point: New Pilot Program, started in 2021 to 2022 and sunset on March 31, 2024 as planned.^{Footnote 30}  
    *Notes: ESDC is relaunching as per Budget 2024 announcement. The information will be updated once approval is received. Approval is anticipated in 2026.
  • Target: To be confirmed once initiative relaunches.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Apprenticeship Service helps apprentices get the hands-on experience they need for a career in the skilled trades. Under the Apprenticeship Service, small and medium-sized employers can get a financial incentive for each first-year apprentice hired in 1 of 39 eligible Red Seals trades found predominately in the construction and manufacturing sectors. They can get an additional incentive when the apprentice hired is from an equity-deserving group (specifically, women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples, and members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, racialized communities, and newcomers). In addition, the Apprenticeship Service provides other supports to employers that will make it easier for them to hire first-year apprentices, such as help on navigating the apprenticeship system and welcoming workplace training.

The initiative contributes to Goal 8 of the FSDS by encouraging small and medium-sized employers to hire first-year apprentices in Red Seal trades.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF Ambition/Target: Canadians have access to quality jobs.
  • CIF indicator 8.1.1: Unemployment rate.
  • GIF target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 8 - Decent work and economic growth

The following initiatives demonstrate how ESDC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and SDG 8, supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned initiative:

The Accessible Canada Act requires entities that are subject to the Act to identify, remove and prevent barriers to accessibility in seven priority areas including employment. When barriers to employment are removed, Canadians with disabilities have increased skill development and employment opportunities. In addition, workplaces are more accommodating and persons with disabilities can participate more fully in the labour market economy. This helps communities and Canada's economy thrive so that all Canadians benefit.

The department is funding projects aimed at increasing capacity in the professional sign language interpretation sector across Canada by raising awareness of the career path, increasing the number of interpreters and improving the skills of existing interpreters. Eligible funding recipients may include entities such as sign language education institutions, professional associations representing interpreters, and community organizations representing sign language users.

Further to publication of draft Phase 1 Digital Technologies Accessibility Regulations (under the Accessible Canada Act) for consultation in 2024-25, the department is finalizing the regulations based on feedback received from the disability community, federally regulated organizations and Canadians. The goal of these regulations is to remove barriers in the information and communication technologies domain with a view to improving persons with disabilities get access to jobs, programs and services.^{Footnote 31}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Accessible Canada Act contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework target 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value".

Performance indicators that support measuring progress in the removal of barriers to employment were published in 2023.

Planned initiative:

The Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program is one of several tools the Government of Canada has to protect the Canadian economy, support Canadian businesses, and respond to labour market needs, especially in a rapidly changing economy.

The TFW Program will continue to administer the measures introduced in 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 to strengthen Program integrity, curb suspected misuse of the Program, and protect the Canadian labour market and economy. The Program will also play an integral role in the Government's International Talent Attraction Strategy aimed at attracting top talent and will benefit from new Job Bank features in FY 2025-2026 that help employers better assess how applicants meet their needs. Moving forward, these measures will continue to support the Government's objective of reducing the number of temporary residents to under 5% of Canada's population by December 2027, while remaining responsive to evolving labour market needs.

In addition, the TFW Program carries out compliance inspections to protect the Canadian labour market and the rights of temporary foreign workers. These inspections verify whether employers are meeting Program conditions and requirements and hold them accountable for how they treat workers. The compliance regime includes several core functions such as receiving, reviewing, and assessing tips and allegations about employers using the TFW Program. The compliance regime operates in close collaboration with federal, provincial, and territorial partners and any suspected criminal activity is referred to the appropriate authorities.

These efforts will help advance Sustainable Development Goal 8 by promoting decent work, productive employment, and sustainable economic growth.^{Footnote 32}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The TFW Program will contribute to advancing:

• UN global indicator framework target 8.8: "protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment."
• Canadian Indicator Framework 8: "Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all."

Planned initiative:

Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreements:

With the support of over $27 billion provided through the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreements, provinces and territories have announced new investments in the early childhood workforce in areas such as hiring, retention, training, and wage increases. Agreements have since been extended to support continued access to high-quality, affordable and inclusive early learning and child care programs and services. These extensions will provide over $27 billion in additional federal investments to sustain the progress made from the existing early learning and child care agreements.^{Footnote 33} Further, in September 2024, the labour force participation rate for women aged 25-54 in Canada was 85.0%. The labour force participation rate for women with a child under 6 was 79%, a 3.3% percentage point increase from September 2019. The Bank of Canada's recent analysis suggests a rise in the labour market participation rate among women could be due to lower average fees for regulated child care under the Canada-wide early learning and child care system.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreements contribute to advancing:   

• Canadian indicator framework Indicator 8.1.1: Unemployment rate and Labour force characteristics.
• Canadian indicator framework Indicator 8.2.1: Proportion of employees earning less than 66% of the median hourly wage for permanent full-time employees.

Global indicator framework Indicators:

• 8.5: by 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value  
• 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of employees, by sex, age, occupation, and persons with disabilities
• 8.5.2: Unemployment rate, by sex, age, and persons with disabilities  
• 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15 to 24 years) not in education, employment, or training

Planned initiative:

Through the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) and the Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs) with provinces and territories, the department helps people across the country prepare for, find, and keep employment. Under the LMDAs, employment benefits enable eligible unemployed individuals to gain skills and work experience through programming such as skills training and wage subsidies. Programs delivered under the Programs delivered under the WDAs provide skills training and employment programming with a focus on those further removed from the labour market and require a broad range of supports to enable their participation in the workforce. Both the LMDAs and WDAs support a culture of lifelong learning to equip Canadians with skills to thrive in an evolving labour market.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Labour Market Development Agreements and the Workforce Development Agreements contribute to advancing:

• Global indicator framework target 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value".

Planned initiative:

The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program is a distinctions-based labour market program designed to support First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban/non-affiliated Indigenous People improve their skills and meet their long-term career goals to reduce the skills and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous People. These supports are provided by an Indigenous service delivery network, supporting reconciliation and self-determination as priorities are set by Indigenous communities.

The Skills and Partnership Fund is a project-based program of $40 million per year that funds partnerships between Indigenous organizations and industry employers to provide skills training for Indigenous Peoples linked to economic development opportunities.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program and the Skills and Partnership Fund contribute to advancing:

• Global indicator framework Target 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value".   
• Canadian indicator framework ambition 8.1: "Canadians have access to quality jobs".
• Global indicator framework Target 8.6: "By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training".

The Skills and Partnership Fund contributes to advancing:

• GIF Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment or training

Planned initiative:

The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy's Women in the Skilled Trades initiative funds projects that aim to recruit, retain, and help women apprentices succeed in 39 eligible Red Seals trades found predominantly in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Projects are anticipated to be implemented in 2023 to 2024.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy's Women in the Skilled Trades initiative contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework target 8.5: "by 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value".

Planned initiative:

The new Union Training and Innovation Program sustainable jobs funding stream under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement will support unions in leading the development of green skills training for 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons in the trades. This new stream is expected to support the Greening Government Strategy as well as the DSDS goals and targets.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The new Union Training and Innovation Program sustainable jobs stream under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy will contribute to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 8.6: "Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth".
• Canadian indicator framework target 8.6.1: "Achieve 25% growth in jobs in the clean technology products sector from 2015 to 2026".
• Global indicator framework target 8.3: "Promote policies to support job creation and growing enterprises".

Planned initiative:

The Foreign Credential Recognition Program (FCRP) helps internationally-trained professionals and skilled newcomers find work in Canada by supporting faster and easier recognition of their foreign qualifications. It provides funding to provinces and territories, regulatory bodies, and other organizations to improve the process of assessing foreign credentials. The program also offers loans and services to help skilled newcomers through this process along with job-related support like work placements, wage subsidies, training, mentoring, and coaching. The goal is to improve the ability to assess foreign qualifications, help skilled newcomers integrate into the Canadian jobs market and enhance labour mobility.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The FCRP contributes to advancing:

• Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 8.1: "Canadians have access to quality jobs."
• Global Indicator Framework target 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value."

Planned initiative:

The Skills for Success Program funds organizations to deliver training, and to develop assessment tools and training resources to help Canadians to improve their foundational and transferable skills. This helps them to learn other skills (technical and job-specific) so that they can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing labour market.

• Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:
  • Global indicator framework target 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value".

Planned initiative:

ESDC, in collaboration with Natural Resource Canada, is actively working to implement the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act. The Act supports the government in advancing concrete measures, under Canada's interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, and will ensure ongoing action to help the workforce gain the necessary skills, training and tools for the job opportunities of the global energy transition.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

Implementing the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act which contributes to advancing:

• Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 8.3: "Canadians have access to quality jobs."
• Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 8.6: "Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth".
• Canadian Indicator Framework target 8.6: "Achieve a 25% growth in jobs in the clean technology products sector from 2015 to 2026".

Planned initiative:

Provide 10 days of paid sick leave for employees in federally regulated private sector that affords them job protection and income security while taking medical leave for personal health, illness or mental health reasons, and addiction treatment.

Providing 10 days of paid sick leave to all employees in federally regulated private sector supports Leaving No One Behind as it ensures that workers can take paid sick leave, thereby providing income and protection to workers who may experience inequalities and vulnerabilities.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

Provide 10 days of paid sick leave for federally regulated workers contributes to advancing:  

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 8.5: "Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth".   
• Global indicator framework target 8.3: "Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, including through access to financial services".    
• Global indicator framework target 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value".

Planned initiative:

Negotiation and implementation of labour provisions of free trade agreements. As an ongoing activity, Canada seeks labour provisions in free trade agreements that promote and protect internationally recognised labour principles and rights, including the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, a safe and healthy working environment, elimination of forced labour and child labour, and elimination of discrimination in employment. These provisions advance decent work and sustainable economic growth as trade is liberalized, improving predictability and contributing to a more level playing field for businesses and workers.^{Footnote 34}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

Negotiation and implementation of labour provisions of free trade agreements contributes to advancing: 

• Global Indicator Framework 8.8: "Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.

Planned initiative:

Forced Labour in Global Supply Chain initiatives towards the Global Indicator Framework target 8.7 to eradicate forced and child labour, including through research and analysis of forced labour and exploitation in global supply chains. This research will support other federal initiatives to address exploitation abroad. The department also continues to collaborate with international partners, including international organizations like the ILO and likeminded governments, on shared commitments to eradicate forced labour from supply chains.

In addition, labour provisions are included in Canada's free trade agreements to uphold labour protections, including addressing forced labour and child labour, and capacity-building funding to assist partner countries in meeting these obligations is provided.^{Footnote 35}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

Forced labour in global supply initiatives contributes to advancing:  

• Global indicator framework target 8.7: "Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms".

Planned initiative:

Address the misclassification of employees in the federally regulated road transportation industry. Employee misclassification happens when an employer does not consider, nor treats a person who is an employee, as an employee. As a result, the employee cannot access standards and benefits that they would normally be entitled to.

Addressing misclassification of employees in the federally regulated road transportation industry supports Leaving No One Behind, as it will ensure that all employees in the road transportation industry can benefit from their labour rights and protections equally.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

Address the misclassification of employees contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 8.5: "Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth."  
• Global indicator framework target 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value". 

Planned initiative:

The Government of Canada amended the Canada Labour Code to create a new stand-alone leave with three days' pay for employees in the federally regulated private sector who experience a pregnancy loss. If a pregnancy results in a stillbirth, workers can take up to eight weeks of unpaid leave. These new provisions are effective as of December 12, 2025.^{Footnote 36}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

Creating a new leave for pregnancy loss contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 8.3: "Canadians have access to quality jobs".
• Global indicator framework target 8.8: "Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment". 

Planned initiative:

The Government of Canada requires employers to provide menstrual products in federally regulated workplaces to support and ensure all employees' participation at work, including gender-diverse employees.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

Provide menstrual products contributes to advancing:

• UN global indicator framework target 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value." 

Planned initiative:

The Government of Canada amended the Canada Labour Code to improve job protections for federally regulated gig workers by strengthening prohibitions against employee misclassification. This ensures all federally regulated workers receive the protections and employer contributions to which they are entitled. The amendments introduced a presumption that all workers, including gig workers, are employees unless proven otherwise.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

Amending the Canada Labour Code to improve job protections for federally regulated gig workers contributes to advancing: 

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 8.5: "Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth."  
• UN global indicator framework target 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value."  
• UN global indicator framework target 8.8: "Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment."

Planned initiative:

The Government of Canada amended to the Canada Labour Code to improve eligibility for leave related to the death or disappearance of a child for workers in federally regulated sectors and extend the length of this leave from 52 to 104 weeks. On June 22, 2023, this leave was extended from 104 weeks to 156 weeks.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

Improving access to the leave related to the death or disappearance of a child contributes to advancing:  

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 8.3: "Canadians have access to quality jobs."  
• Global indicator framework target 8.8: "Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment."  

Planned initiative:

The Government of Canada is proposing regulations to implement amendments to the Canada Labour Code related to the new employer requirement to develop an internal "right to disconnect policy" in consultation with employees. This policy will set expectations for work-related communications outside of regular work hours.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

New employer requirement to develop an internal "right to disconnect policy" contributes to advancing:

• Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 8.3:"Canadians have access to quality jobs."
• UN Global Indicator Framework target 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value."
• UN Global Indicator Framework target 8.8: "Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment."

Planned initiative:

The Government of Canada is undertaking a review of the Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) system under the Canada Labour Code, including all related regulations. The review includes exploring potential changes to existing policies and procedures to strengthen compliance and enforcement. The review will also involve ensuring that the penalty amounts are consistent and effectively deter labour standards and occupational health and safety violations.^{Footnote 37}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

Ensuring strong compliance and enforcement, and consistent and effective penalty amounts contributes to advancing:

• Canadian Indicator Framework ambition: 8.3: "Canadians have access to quality jobs."
• UN Global Indicator Framework target: 8.8: "Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment."

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 9 - Industry, innovation and infrastructure

The following initiatives demonstrate how ESDC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and the SDG 9.

Planned initiative:

As part of the Future Skills Initiative, ESDC funds the Future Skills Centre, an independent innovation and applied research centre. The Centre prototypes, tests, and evaluates innovative approaches to skills assessment, training, and development. One of the Centre's areas of focus is Skills for a Net-Zero Economy. So far, the Centre has implemented 378 innovation and research projects (including projects focused on sustainable jobs), spanning over 20 industries that will directly benefit from the Centre's work.

To date, these projects have helped over 125,000 Canadians access skills training and/or employment. In addition, over 75% of FSC's funding has been dedicated to projects that focus on under-represented groups including women, racialized groups, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities. Innovation projects supporting sustainability have tested training interventions such as work integrated learning, short-duration training, employer awareness raising, mentorship employment assistance, and wrap around supports,

In June 2025, FSC announced the implementation of 35 new projects, including those that support sustainable jobs and transition to a decarbonized, net-zero economy by providing reskilling and skilling supports for new opportunities in emerging sectors.^{Footnote 38}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Future Skills Centre's work contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 9.1: Canada fosters sustainable research and innovation.

Planned initiative:

The Accessible Canada Act requires entities identify, remove and prevent barriers to accessibility in seven priority areas. These include areas that support inclusive industrialization, such as transportation, the built environment, and information and communications technologies (ICT). As barriers in these areas are removed over time and it becomes the norm to consider accessibility from the start, it will be easier for persons with disabilities to access information, public buildings and use public transportation systems.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Accessible Canada Act contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework target 9.1: "Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all."

Performance indicators that support measuring progress in the removal of barriers to accessibility in the areas of transportation and ICT will be published in 2023.

Planned initiative:

Alternate Format Business Technology Challenge:

ESDC joined forces with Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) to create the Alternate Format Business Technology Challenge. The purpose of the challenge is to encourage innovation. This helps increase access to alternate format materials for Canadians with print disabilities. This project will develop an assistive voice-app that would include new software and the use of smart speakers.^{Footnote 39}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Alternate Format Business Technology Challenge contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 10.1: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced"
• Global indicator framework target 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status."

FSDS Context:

ESDC recognizes the importance of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP), and actively supports the advancement of reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through ongoing efforts in the development, design and implementation of its programs and services, as well as the department's internal operations.

Co-developed with a network of Indigenous partners across Canada, the department's Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program intends to serve and support skills development, training, and employment by way of a distinctions-based approach to better meet the needs of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban/Non-affiliated Indigenous People. By March 31, 2024, the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program intends to serve at least 40,000 new Indigenous participants and support at least 16,500 Indigenous People find employment. Looking ahead, ESDC will continue working with Indigenous partners to try new ways of coordinating investments and setting priorities under the Skills and Partnership Fund. The Fund will support sustainable employment and ensure skills training projects meet the needs of Indigenous communities and employers.

The department will work to reduce inequality by removing barriers faced by persons with disabilities through the Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Persons with disabilities make up a large and diverse part of Canada's population, including nearly one in three Indigenous Peoples.

ESDC will use GBA Plus analysis to inform an intersectional approach to serve populations experiencing disability. To support the approach, the department is engaging with National Indigenous Organizations and holders of Modern Treaty and Self-Government Agreements to ensure the specific concerns of Indigenous populations are addressed in a culturally appropriate manner and meet all necessary modern treaty obligations and commitments.

ESDC is the policy lead within the Government of Canada to coordinate and implement the objectives of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent. The Decade is a global call to action to address issues impacting people of African descent in the areas of recognition, justice and development. In December 2024, the United Nations adopted a resolution for a Second International Decade, which will span from January 2025 to December 2034. The Government of Canada co-sponsored the resolution and ESDC will continue to work in close collaboration with other departments and partners to advance a whole-of-government approach to improve the social and economic well-being of Black communities across Canada.

ESDC will also work to reduce inequality through new funding models. Initiatives like the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund demonstrate the department is creating long-term sustainable funding and self-sustaining resources for Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving organizations in Canada. The fund is led by Black communities in Canada and will support projects that seek to combat anti-Black racism and increase social and economic outcomes for Black communities.

Target theme: Advancing reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities

Target: Between 2023 and 2026, and every year on an ongoing basis, develop and table annual progress reports on implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada).

Implementation strategy:

Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Departmental action:

ESDC will provide Indigenous cultural competency training and/or training on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. All employees need to complete at least 1 Indigenous Awareness and Reconciliation learning activity which can be, for example, a course offered through the Canada School of Public Service (PSPC) or participating in an Indigenous Employees' Circle, or an Indigenous Learning Event hosted by the ESDC College^{Footnote 40}

• Initiative: ESDC Essential Training Curriculum for Employees

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: percentage of staff who have completed Indigenous cultural competency training (internal or external).
  • Starting point: Percentage of staff trained (80% by 2022-23).^{Footnote 41}
  • Target: Achieve and maintain 100% of eligible employees annually.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

As part of the ESDC Essential Training Curriculum for Employees, all indeterminate and term employees across ESDC, Service Canada and the Labour Program must complete Indigenous Awareness and Reconciliation learning activities. This is an ongoing, annual commitment.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • GIF target 10.3: ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.

Implementation strategy:

Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

Departmental action:

ESDC will continue to support the skills development and employment of Indigenous Peoples through Indigenous labour market programs.

• Program: Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program (ISET)

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of Indigenous participants who obtain employment following service interventions.
• Starting point: 16,339.^{Footnote 42}

*Note: Includes last year of predecessor program, Aboriginal Skills and Employment Training Strategy (ASETS)

• Target: At least 16,500 annually by March 31, 2027.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Indigenous and Skills Training Program helps reduce the skills and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples by providing Indigenous Peoples with opportunities to develop and improve their skills and attain employment. The Program funds and supports a network of Indigenous agreement holders (service delivery providers) across Canada that design and deliver a full suite of skills development and employment training and supports targeting all Indigenous People. Co-developed with Indigenous partners, the Program is founded in a distinctions-based approach to better meet the needs of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Urban/Non-affiliated Indigenous Peoples.

• Relevant targets or ambitions: 
  • CIF ambition/target 10.1: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.
  • CIF indicator:  Gini Coefficient.
  • GIF target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

Implementation strategies supporting the goal

This section is for implementation strategies that support the goal "Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality" but not a specific FSDS target.

Implementation strategy:

Support economic development and entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities

Departmental action:

ESDC will continue to support economic development and entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities through partnerships between Indigenous communities/organizations and employers to support training to employment of Indigenous Peoples.

• Program: Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF)

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of Indigenous participants who obtain employment following interventions under the SPF.
  • Starting point: 6,917 (total multi-year results from last round of projects, 2017-18 to 2022-23)
  • Target: At least 6,500 by March 31, 2028 (multi-year cumulative target for projects funded from 2023-24 to 2027-28; interim cumulative results will be reported by March 31, 2027 to align with the 2023-2027 DSDS cycle).^{Footnote 43}

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Skills and Partnership Fund contributes to the FSDS goal 10 and Canada's 2030 Agenda as the SPF is a project-based fund that supports partnerships between Indigenous organizations and industry employers to provide skills training for Indigenous Peoples linked to economic opportunities at the local, regional and national level. Funding recipients deliver supports and services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to help them develop the necessary skills and training to secure jobs which advances reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and takes action on inequality and support inclusive economic participation.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target: 10.1: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced
  • CIF Indicator: 10.1.1: Gini Coefficient
  • GIF Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

Implementation strategy:

Support economic development and entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities

Departmental action:

ESDC will use the Social Finance Fund to facilitate investments in a range of diverse social purpose organizations, that are led by or serving diverse equity deserving groups. $50 million of the Social Finance Fund was allocated to the Indigenous Growth Fund (IGF), which provides access to capital for Indigenous Financial Institutions and Indigenous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association (NACCA) manages and administers the IGF.

• Program: Social Finance Fund-Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy (SI/SF)

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Percentage of SFF investments into social purpose organizations that target advancing social equity.  
  • Starting point: 0% at beginning of the program in 2023.^{Footnote 44}
  • Target: 35% of investments target advancing social equity by March 31, 2039 (end of the program).

*Note: that the IGF is independently managed by NACCA, which has its own set of targets.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Social Finance Fund (SFF) supports social purpose organizations led by or serving diverse equity-deserving groups such as (among others), Indigenous Peoples including First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Through wholesalers (investment managers) Indigenous-led and Indigenous-serving social finance intermediaries (e.g., credit unions, community loan funds, private equity firms), and social purpose organizations (SPOs), can access financing to grow their businesses and support economic reconciliation and development in their communities. The $50 million of the SFF allocated towards the IGF is managed by NACCA, a network of over 50 Aboriginal Financial Institutions. This allocation supports the self-governance of Indigenous Peoples and advances Indigenous economic development.

In support of Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy, the Social Finance Fund is contributing to Canada's commitment for Indigenous self-determination through its investment into Indigenous-led businesses, projects, and into Indigenous communities.

Relevant targets or ambitions:

• CIF Ambition/Target: 10.1 Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.
• CIF Indicator: 10.4.1 Median household after-tax income.
• GIF Target: 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

Implementation strategy:

Support economic development and entrepreneurship in Indigenous communities

Departmental action:

ESDC will continue updating its Indigenous Procurement Strategy. This strategy helps business groups across the department support the requirement to allocate a target percentage of their assigned budgets to Indigenous spending.

• Initiative: ESDC Indigenous Procurement Strategy

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Total percentage of contracts with Indigenous businesses.
  • Starting point: 5% in 2024 to 2025.^{Footnote 45}
  • Target: Minimum of 5% yearly.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

Through the implementation of its Indigenous Procurement Strategy, ESDC is supporting the Indigenous business community. To ensure the success of the strategy, the department will continue updating procurement documents and web pages, providing training and information sessions to procurement personnel as well as liaising with other government departments (ISC, TBS, PSPC).^{Footnote 46}

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • GIF target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.
  • 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.

Implementation strategy:

Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons Act

Departmental action:

The 2023 United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Persons Act (UNDA) calls on the Government of Canada to ensure that the implementation of the ACA with respect to First Nations band councils is culturally appropriate and that First Nations are supported in building capacity and expertise to advance accessibility at the community level.

The Department is exploring avenues to advance work on a tailored approach to the application of the ACA to First Nations band councils that meets UNDA's 5 obligations to consult and cooperate with Indigenous Peoples.

ESDC has recently launched an initiative to support the co-development of a culturally appropriate First Nations Accessibility Assessor Training Program that would result in a network of trained assessors able to work with individual First Nations communities in identifying and prioritizing their accessibility needs.^{Footnote 47}

• Program: Accessible Canada Initiative

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Indicators to support measuring progress in advancing accessibility on First Nations reserves will be developed once the tailored approach has been developed.^{Footnote 48}
  • Starting point: New program
  • Target: TBD.

*Notes: Performance indicators are pending and will be defined after initial engagement with FN communities and organizations.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National strategy and SDGS:

The development and implementation of a tailored approach to implementation of the ACA on reserve directly supports FSDS Goal 10: Advancing Indigenous Reconciliation and Take Action on Inequality through the identification and removal of barriers to accessibility in First Nations communities on reserve.^{Footnote 49}

It also contributes to SDG Goal 10: Reduce inequality within and among countries.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • GIF target 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status."
  • 10.3: "Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcomes, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard."

Implementation strategy:

Support accessibility and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

Departmental action:

To take action on inequality, ESDC is committed to support accessibility and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities by taking the following actions:

• ESDC will continue to create an accessible and inclusive workplace where everyone can reach their full potential.^{Footnote 50}

* Notes: The Government of Canada has shifted from targeting the number of employees with disabilities to targeting their percentage to meet the Canadian workforce availability.

Program: Disability Inclusion Action Plan and 3-year ESDC Accessibility Plan.Performance indicator:

1. Indicator: Percentage of ESDC employees who self-reported living with disabilities.^{Footnote 51}
   • Starting point: 7.5% of total number of ESDC employees (2025).
   • Target: Canadian workforce availability of 12.0%.
2. Indicator: Percentage of annual promotion rates of ESDC employees with disabilities.
   • Starting point: 4.1% set by TBS in December 2020.
   • Target: 8.0% by 2028.^{Footnote 52}
3. Indicator: Percentage of employees with disabilities who stay at ESDC for at least 2-year tenure.^{Footnote 53}
   • Starting point: 70.5% by 2022.
   • Target: 71% by 2028.

*Notes: ESDC Letter on Implementation of the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

In support of the Government of Canada's Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)and per the Accessible Canada Act and its own regulations, ESDC has developed its own departmental commitments through its ESDC 3-year accessibility plan. ESDC is also completing its Employment Systems Review by Fall 2023 to update its Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan by collaborating with the 7 ESDC diversity networks, one of which is the Employees with Disabilities Network.

• Source: ESDC Letter on Implementation of the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion.

To measure progress, ESDC contributes to the Accessibility Strategy for the Public Service of Canada by supporting promotional opportunities and workplace well being of employees with disabilities. ESDC Letter on Implementation of the Call to Action on Anti-Racism, Equity and Inclusion; Progress report: Employment and Social Development Canada 3-year accessibility plan - 2023.

As one of the largest employers in Canada, to strengthen diversity and inclusion and to address systemic barriers and biases faced by equity-seeking groups in the public service including persons with disabilities, ESDC is implementing new legislative and regulatory amendments of the Public Service Employment Act, effective in July 2023. Our selection process for employment opportunities will look at assessment methods and tools to minimize biases and barriers towards hiring persons with disabilities.

Dedicated training sessions on Mitigating Biases and Barriers in Appointment Processes at ESDC provide opportunities to recognize barriers and biases when selecting candidates.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • GIF target:
    • 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
    • 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies, and action in this regard.

Implementation strategy:

Support accessibility and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

Departmental action:

ESDC will support accessible and inclusive communities by improving access to alternate format reading materials for persons with print disabilities.

• Programs: 
  1. Social Development Partnerships Program-Disability (SDPP-D); and
  2. Equitable Access to Reading Program (EARP) Disability Inclusion Action Plan (Pillar 3 Accessible and Inclusive Communities), which was launched in 2024 to improve access to alternate format reading materials for persons with print disabilities through innovative partnerships.

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Produce 1000 new alternate format units for persons with print disabilities for each $1million in funding.
  • Starting point: 0 alternate format documents produced as of fiscal year 2024/2025.
  • Target: The expected results are a minimum total of 18,000 new alternate format reading materials for persons with print disabilities by March 31, 2027.

* Notes: The EARP started funding groups in fiscal year 2024-2025. Total contribution funding is $18 million at $6 million per year ending March 31, 2027.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

Through its implementation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (Pillar 3 Accessible and Inclusive Communities) addresses physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers that prevent persons with disabilities from fully participating in communities and the economy. Actions under this pillar include funding the production of alternate format reading materials in 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024 through the Social Development Partnerships Program-Disability (SDPP-D).

In addition, ESDC and Statistics Canada conducted a Survey on Accessible Print Materials to help understand the needs and challenges of persons who require printed reading materials in alternate formats through engagement with stakeholder organizations and persons with print disabilities.^{Footnote 54}

How action contributes to goals, strategy, and/or SDGs:

• The Disability Inclusion Action Plan Pillar 3 contributes to advancing SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Relevant targets or ambitions:

• CIF Ambition/target ambition 10.1: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced."
• GIF target 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status."

Implementation strategy:

Support accessibility and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Departmental action:

ESDC will fund projects that support Canadian communities and workplaces to be more accessible for persons with disabilities.

• Program: Funding projects that support Canadian communities and workplaces to be more accessible for persons with disabilities.

There are 3 program components in the EAF:

• The youth innovation component encourages youth to find accessibility barriers in their communities. They work with local organizations to improve accessibility and safety in community spaces and workplaces. Grant funding can be up to $10,000 per project.
• The small projects component provides grant funding for small scale construction and communication technology projects that improve accessibility in communities or workplaces. Grants can be up to $200,000 per project.
• The mid-sized projects component gives funding for larger construction projects. These projects must offer a holistic suite of programs and services that support the inclusion of persons with disabilities in their communities and the labour market. Contributions can be up to $3 million per project.

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Number of completed projects (community spaces and workplaces that are more accessible due to Enabling Accessibility Fund funding).
  • Starting point: 1,060 projects funded in fiscal year 2022 to 2023 (Note: this baseline is significantly higher than the target due to additional funding received through Budget 2021 for fiscal year 2022 to 2023).
  • Target: 257 community spaces and workplaces by March 31, 2025.^{Footnote 55}

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Enabling Accessibility Fund project funding supports Goal 9 by fostering innovation in accessible infrastructure and reducing accessibility barriers, ensuring Canadian community infrastructure such as workplaces and community organizations become more accessible for persons with disabilities.^{Footnote 56}

EAF funding contributes to: 

• SDG 3: ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages 
• SDG 8: decent work and economic growth 
• SDG 9: develop infrastructure with a focus on equitable access for all
• SDG 10: reduce inequality

Relevant targets or ambitions:

• CIF ambition/target 3.5: "Canadians have healthy and satisfying lives" and associated indicator "percentage of Canadians who are satisfied or very satisfied with their life."
• CIF ambition 10.1: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced."
• GIF target:
  • 8.5: "By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value."
  • 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status."
  • 10.3: "ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard."
  • 11.7: "by 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities."

Implementation strategy:

Support entrepreneurship and community development in Black communities.

Departmental action:

ESDC will support the Social Finance Fund which will facilitate investments into a range of diverse social purpose organizations (SPOs), that are led by or serving diverse equity deserving groups. The Social Finance Fund program is part of the Social Innovation and Social Finance (SI/SF) Strategy.

• Program: Social Finance Fund-Social Innovation (SFF) and Social Finance Strategy (SI/SF).

ESDC will support the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative by providing capacity building funding to not-for-profit organizations that are Black-led, Black-serving or Black-focused.

• Program: Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative

Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund is a long-term source of funding for Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving charities and non-profits in Canada. The Foundation for Black Communities (FFBC), a Black-led organization, is responsible for administering the Fund.

Initiative: Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund

Performance indicator:

• Indicator 1: Percentage of SFF investments into social purpose organizations that target advancing social equity.
  • Starting point: 0% at beginning of the program in 2023.^{Footnote 57}
  • Target: 35% of investments target advancing social equity by March 31, 2039 (end of program).

* Notes: Data will be collected annually and reported cumulatively.

• Indicator 2: Percentage of organizations reporting an improvement in one or more aspect of organizational capacity.
  • Starting Point: 0%.
  • Target: 50% of organizations report an increase in one or more aspects of organizational capacity.
• Indicator 3: Annual Return on Investment on the Fund's investments
  • Starting point: 4.04% (2024-25).^{Footnote 58}
  • Target: 6% annual return (subject to market conditions)
• Indicator 4: Number of Black-led, Black-focused and Black-serving charities and non-profits that receive funding through the Fund's CFPs.
  • Starting point: 107 in 2023-24
  • Target: 100

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Social Finance Fund (SFF) program will support investment to reach and support organizations that are led by or serve equity deserving groups, including Black peoples. The program will provide flow-through flexible financing towards social purpose organizations (such as, charities, non-profits, social enterprises, cooperatives) that have a dedicated social or environmental mission. The SFF is particularly focused on ensuring investment reaches social finance intermediaries (such as, credit union, private equity), and social purpose organizations that are led by equity-deserving groups, which includes Black peoples and support to Black communities. The program contributes to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy through its social equity focus that will emphasize investment into businesses and organizations that are led by and serve equity deserving groups.

The SBCCI takes targeted measures to build foundational infrastructure in Black communities, allowing Black-led, Black-serving community-based organizations to improve their efficiency and reduce existing gaps in adequate funding between Black-serving organizations and non-Black-serving organizations. SBCCI also provides funding for capital assistance projects including renovations or retrofits, purchases of equipment, and enhancement of accessibility in the physical environment.

The Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund receives investment income and uses the income to support projects that aim to combat anti-Black racism and improve social and economic outcomes in Black communities.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target 10: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.
  • CIF indicator:  Median household after-tax income
  • GIF target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

Implementation strategy:

Implement the 50-30 challenge

Departmental action:

ESDC will support the Social Finance Fund (SFF) which will implement the 50-30 Challenge.

The SFF facilitates investments into a range of diverse SPOs through initial disbursements to wholesalers (investment managers) who in turn will invest into social finance intermediaries (such as, credit union, private equity). The SFF will focus on SPOs that are led by or serving diverse equity deserving groups. The Social Finance Fund program is part of the Social Innovation and Social Finance (SI/SF) Strategy.

• Program: Social Finance Fund-Social Innovation (SFF) and Social Finance Strategy (SI/SF). 
• Performance indicator:
  • Indicator 1: Percentage of filled senior management and governance positions held by women and / or gender diverse people (i.e., gender parity) across the wholesaler(s)' senior management, board of directors, investment committee, advisory committee, and any subsequently formed governance bodies, calculated each fiscal year starting 2025.^{Footnote 59}
    • Starting point: 0% at the beginning of the program in 2023.
    • Target: 50% of positions at the senior management levels filled by women and / or gender diverse people (i.e. gender parity).
  • Indicator 2: Percentage of filled senior management and governance positions held by equity-deserving groups across the wholesaler(s)' senior management, board of directors, investment committee, advisory committee, and any subsequently formed governance bodies, calculated each fiscal year starting 2025.
    • Starting point: 0% at the beginning of the program in 2023.
    • Target: 30% of positions at the senior management levels filled by individuals in equity deserving groups.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Social Finance Fund (SFF) will provide repayable funds to a small number of investment managers known as wholesalers. As part of their funding agreement, wholesalers shall ensure that the composition of the board of directors, the advisory committee, the investment committee, and any future or subsequently formed or introduced governance body as well as staffing at the senior management level to meet what the SFF has named the 50-30 Requirement. The incorporation of the 50-30 Requirement into the Social Finance Fund is modelled off ISED's 50-30 Challenge and extends the definition by including all governance bodies of the recipient. This initiative within the SFF is a component of its social equity lens and supports SDGs #5 (gender equality) and #10 (reduced inequalities).

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target: Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced.
  • CIF indicator:  Median household after-tax income.
  • GIF target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion or all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, economic or other status.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 10 - Reduced inequalities

The following initiatives demonstrate how ESDC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and SDG 10, supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned initiative:

Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI)

In August 2024, the Government of Canada announced that a total of $7.25 million will be provided over three years to Caribbean African Canadian Social Services (CAFCAN) to establish the first-ever National Institute for People of African Descent. This institute will support Canada's efforts to tackle racism and discrimination by serving as a center for research, knowledge, and community engagement.

In addition, SBCCI provides targeted funding for emerging priorities that addresses specific needs identified by Black communities, such as supporting the Montreal Afro-Canadian Cultural Centre (MACC), which will benefit Montrealers by helping to enrich the city's cultural diversity through the MACC presence there starting in 2026. The project includes renovation and expansion work that will convert the former École des
beaux-arts de Montréal into a cultural facility for the benefit of the city's Black communities.

An additional example of reducing inequality within Canada is the establishment of the SBCCI External Reference Group (ERG). The members reflect Canada's ethno-cultural, gender, regional and linguistic diversity and support the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities in ensuring the meaningful implementation of the SBCCI to help build capacity within communities by providing strategic advice, expertise and insight on the emerging priorities of Black Canadians, and to support the advancement of the Government of Canada's commitments related to the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 10.1: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced."
• Global indicator framework target 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status."

Planned initiative:

Canada Disability Benefit (CDB)

The Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) supports the financial security of, low-income persons with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64. The monthly benefit payment is intended to supplement existing income support programs for working-age Canadians with disabilities, many of which are provided by provinces and territories.^{Footnote 60}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The implementation of the CDB in 2025-2026 could help support the UN SDG goal of Reduced Inequalities as outlined in the Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 10.1 "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced" by supporting a reduction in the relative degree of inequality in the distribution of income as measured by indicator 10.1.1 - the Gini Coefficient.

Planned initiative:

Alternate Format Business Technology Challenge

ESDC joined forces with Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) to create the Alternate Format Business Technology Challenge. The Challenge is part of a competitive research and development program offered by ISED's Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) Program designed to leverage the ingenuity of small businesses to either fill a gap in the marketplace in line with a department's mandate or solve internal departmental operational issues. The objective of this Challenge is to help increase access to reading materials in alternate formats for Canadians with print disabilities. Through this project ESDC has supported the development of assistive voice apps software for smart speakers and smartphones that converts written text into audio and allow users to navigate website, book and news article content using voice commands.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Alternate Format Business Technology Challenge could support the:

• Canadian Indicator Framework ambition 10.1: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced."

Planned initiative:

COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group (CDAG):

The COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group (CDAG) provides advice in relation to the disability inclusion and accessibility priorities of the Government of Canada. The Government of Canada established the CDAG, composed of experts in disability inclusion, in April 2020 to provide real-time expert advice on the lived experiences of persons with disabilities and ensure a disability-inclusive approach to the Government of Canada's response to the pandemic, in keeping with a "Nothing Without Us" approach. The Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities and her predecessor have both since renewed and expanded the CDAG's mandate several times, most recently in November 2022. Its current mandate focuses on providing expert advice on disability inclusion within Government of Canada priorities and on implementation of programs and policies.^{Footnote 61}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The CDAG contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 10.1: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced."
• Global indicator framework targets
  • 10.1: "By 2023, progressively achieve and sustain income growth of the bottom 40 per cent of the population at a rate higher than the national average."
  • 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status."
  • 10.3: "Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard."

Planned initiative:

CRPD and its Optional Protocol: Canada ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2010 and acceded to its Optional Protocol in 2018. The protocol is a separate treaty that established an international complaints mechanism for rights under the CRPD. The CRPD guides the Government of Canada's work on disability, for example, the development of Canada's first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

Canada has submitted its combined second and third reports to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. and will appear before the Committee in March 2025 to answer questions about its report. The CRPD guided the development of Canada's first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan.^{Footnote 62}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

Canada's commitments under the CRPD contribute to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework target 10.2.1: "Proportion of population reporting discrimination or unfair treatment."
• Global indicator framework targets 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status";
• 10.3: "Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard"; and
• 10.4: "Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social

Planned initiative:

Social Development and Partnership Program (SDPP): Through the Social Inclusion call for proposals held in 2021, the Social Development and Partnership Program (SDPP) is funding projects that support the social inclusion and well-being of persons with disabilities, vulnerable children and youth. It also invests in projects that support minority-language community health and economic development as part of the Social Partnerships Initiative through the Official Languages Action Plan.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Social Development and Partnership Program contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework target 10.2: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced."

Planned initiative:

The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy helps young people (aged 15 to 30 years), particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

• The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy contributes to advancing:
  • Canadian indicator framework ambition 10.1: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced."
  • Global indicator framework Target 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status."

Planned initiative:

The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program is a distinctions-based labour market program designed to support First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Urban/non-affiliated Indigenous People improve their skills and meet their long-term career goals to reduce the skills and employment gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. These supports are provided by an Indigenous service delivery network, supporting reconciliation and self-determination as priorities are set by Indigenous communities.

Through ISET, continue to support principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and implementation through targeted Indigenous labour market programs to support skills development and employment of Indigenous People.

UNDA principles have already been built into the ISET program since it is co-developed with Indigenous partners, and First Nations/Métis/Inuit/Urban-Unaffiliated Indigenous service delivery organizations set priorities and design and deliver training to meet the needs of their respective communities/clients.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

• The Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program contributes to advancing:
  • Canadian indicator framework ambition 10.1: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced."
  • Global indicator framework Target 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status."

Planned initiative:

Under the Labour Market Development Agreements (LMDAs) and the Workforce Development Agreements (WDAs) with provinces and territories, the Department helps people across Canada prepare for, find, and keep employment.

The Government of Canada invests nearly $2.9 billion annually through the LMDAs and the WDAs, reaching almost 800,000 Canadians each year. The LMDAs, funded by the Employment Insurance program, provide training and employment assistance to individuals recently detached from the labour market to enable them to return to work quickly. The WDAs complement this by supporting those further removed from the labour market, such as underrepresented groups and people with disabilities, through flexible programming that addresses skill gaps and evolving workforce needs.^{Footnote 63}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Labour Market Development Agreements and the Workforce Development Agreements contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 10.2: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced."

Planned initiative:

The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities provides annual funding to help persons with disabilities prepare for, obtain and maintain employment, and advance in their careers. It supports persons with disabilities of across all demographic groups (gender, age, visible minorities, Indigenous, etc.) in overcoming barriers to participation in the Canadian labour market. It also supports employers in hiring and retaining persons with disabilities, as well as creating more inclusive and accessible workplaces.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 10.1: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced."
• Global indicator framework target 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status."

Planned initiative:

The Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities is Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)'s flagship program to fulfill its obligations under the Official Languages Act (OLA). Its goal is to enhance the vitality of Official Language Minority Communities (OLMCs) in Canada. Stream 1 supports OLMC organizations in strengthening their capacity for community economic development and human resources development, and promoting partnerships. Stream 2 provides funding to OLMC organizations to provide tailored employment assistance services (EAS) to individuals living in OLMCs so that they can find, obtain, or maintain employment.^{Footnote 64}

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework target 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status."

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities

The following initiatives demonstrate how ESDC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and SDG 11.

Planned initiative:

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) funds projects that make Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities. For example, past EAF-funded projects have included multisensory rooms, which support people with cognitive and/or mental health disabilities. Furthermore, these rooms provide mental health services in community spaces.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) program contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework target 11.7: "By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

Planned initiative:

The Accessible Canada Act requires entities that are subject to the Act to identify, remove and prevent barriers to accessibility in seven priority areas including the built environment and transportation, and employment. When barriers to employment are removed, Canadians with disabilities can find employment more easily and access to related programs and services more effectively. They can also benefit from increased skill development opportunities.^{Footnote 65} In addition, workplaces are more accommodating and persons with disabilities can participate more fully in the labour market economy. This helps communities and Canada's economy thrive so that all Canadians benefit.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Accessible Canada Act contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework target 11.7: "By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.

FSDS context:

ESDC recognizes the need to transition to a circular economy with net-zero carbon emissions to fight climate change and is working to incorporate Goal 12 strategies through a variety of programs. For example, the department has engaged with partners to reduce electronic landfill waste. ESDC's Computers to Schools program offers its unclassified digital devices to schools. Not only does this program extend the useful life of computer assets and parts, but remaining components are sent to provincially licensed recycling facilities instead of landfills.

ESDC has also shown a commitment to responsible consumption by transitioning to zero-emission vehicles. The department is actively collecting and analyzing vehicle usage data to help identify where replacing older vehicles with zero-emission light duty vehicles would make the most impact. The department's transition towards net-zero emissions is made possible as a result of the strengthening of its green procurement criteria. By procuring only Energy Star or EPEAT certified devices, the department is encouraging major suppliers to improve while reducing its country-wide footprint at the same time.

Target theme: Federal leadership on responsible consumption

Target: by 2030, the Government of Canada will divert from landfill at least 75% by weight of non-hazardous operational waste (All Ministers).

Implementation strategy:

Maximize diversion of waste from landfill

Departmental action:

ESDC will offer digital departmental electronic equipment to Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) Program

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: ESDC will offer all unclassified digital devices to Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) Program prior to e-waste.^{Footnote 66}
• Starting point: 97% of digital devices offered to Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) Program prior to e-waste.
• Target: Annually offer 100% of all unclassified digital devices to Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) program prior to e-waste.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

Computers for Schools Plus benefits the environment by ensuring that computer systems are refurbished and recycled, and by extending the useful life of computer assets. Non-working systems are disassembled, and functional parts are used to repair other systems. Remaining components are sent to provincially licensed recycling facilities.

Implementation strategy:

Transform the federal light-duty fleet

Departmental action:

ESDC will optimize Fleet management by replacing older vehicles with zero emission light duty vehicles when possible and by applying telematics to collect and analyze vehicle usage data on vehicles scheduled to be replaced. ESDC is reporting this information to Treasury Board Secretariat on an annual basis.

• Program: Internal Services

Performance indicators:

• Indicators:
  • Fuel consumption: Percentage (%) decrease in litres of fuel consumed per year from the baseline Year 2016 to 2017.
  • GHG emissions: percentage (%) decrease in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005 to 2006 to current reporting fiscal year = [1-Y/X] %. 
  • Eco driving training: Percentage (%) of fleet drivers will have completed NRCAN's online ecoDriving course within 1 year of becoming a fleet driver.
  • Telematics purchased: Percentage (%) increase in number of telematics purchased from baseline year 2020.
• Starting points:
  • Fuel consumption: Fuel consumption baseline Year 2016 to 2017 142,010 litres.
  • GHG emissions: Emissions baseline 2005 to 2006 1.414 ktCO2e. 
  • Eco driving training: Eco driving course - new program. 
  • Telematics purchased: Baseline 2 units purchased in 2020 to 2021.
• Targets:
  • Fuel consumption: 90% decrease in fuel consumption for the fleet compared to the baseline year.
  • GHG emissions: 95% reduction change in GHG emissions from fleet from fiscal year 2005 to 2006
  • Eco Driving training: 100% of fleet drivers will have completed NRCAN's online Eco Driving course within 1 year of becoming a fleet driver.
  • Implementation of telematics: 5% increase in number of telematics purchased from baseline year 2020.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

Most of ESDC's fleet is used by the Service Canada Outreach programs. Community Outreach Liaison Service remove barriers and ensure substantive equality for all vulnerable Canadians. The Outreach program provides vulnerable populations with access to government services and benefits. Staff travel to over 604 in-person points of service across the country, some in extremely remote communities.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target 12.1.1: Zero-emission vehicles represent at least 20% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2026, 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2035.
  • CIF indicator 12.1.1: Proportion of new light-duty vehicle registrations that are zero-emission vehicles
  • GIF target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities.

Implementation strategy:

Strengthen green procurement criteria

Departmental action:

ESDC will develop green procurement criteria for the purchase of goods and services that addresses environmental considerations such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction, plastics waste reduction and/or broader environmental benefits. This includes developing a Green procurement Strategy as well as tools and training for ESDC employees.

• Program: Internal Services

Performance indicators:

• Indicators:
  1. Contracts with environmental considerations: Percentage (%) increase in total contracts with environmental considerations.
  2. Contracts with Greening declaration from vendors: Percentage (%) increase of procurement contracts for service/goods with greening declaration from vendors.
  3. Completion of Green Procurement training: Percentage (%) of Procurement Specialists and Materiel Managers who have completed the Green Procurement Training course.
• Starting points:
  1. Contracts with environmental considerations: 48% of total contracts with environmental considerations (2022 to 2023).
  2. Contracts with Greening declaration from vendors: 68% of contracts with greening declaration from vendors (2022 to 2023).
  3. Completion of Green Procurement training: 100% of Procurement Specialists and Material Managers have completed the Green Procurement Training course (2024 to 2025). 
• Targets:
  1. Contracts with environmental considerations: 5 % increase change in total contracts with environmental considerations year over year
  2. Contracts with Greening declaration from vendors: 50% of procurement contracts for service/goods with greening declaration from vendors every year.
  3. Completion of Green Procurement training: 100% of Procurement Specialists and Material Managers have completed the Green Procurement Training course within one year of becoming a Procurement Specialist or Material Manager.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

ESDC will continue to mature its approach to green procurement through the development of procurement tools and training as well as the development and implementation of a Green procurement Strategy. This includes the integration of environmental considerations in new common-use procurement instruments (reviewed yearly) as well as inclusion in procurements valued over $2 million.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • GIF target 12.7: Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities.

Implementation strategy:

Strengthen green procurement criteria

Departmental action:

ESDC will select and operate IT and office equipment in a manner that reduces energy consumption and material usage.

• Program: ESDC Internal Services

Performance indicators:

• Indicators:
  1. Percentage of mobile to desktop devices.
  2. Percentage of annual IM/IT procurement ($) from vendors that have their product Energy Star or Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certified.^{Footnote 67}
• Starting points:
  1. 89.54% of devices are mobile as of April 13, 2023
  2. Already at 100% for procurement
• Targets:
  1. Increase the current ratio of mobile to desktop devices to 95% by 2026.
  2. Maintain 100% procurement of goods or services from vendors that have their product Energy Star or Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certified.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

Increasing the use of mobile devices (laptops/ tablets) facilitates reducing overall energy consumption within the department.

Adopting clean technology and environmental considerations into purchasing decisions is expected to motivate suppliers to reduce the environmental impact of the goods and services they and their supply chains provide. By choosing electronic products that are Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certified consumers and organizations can help reduce their environmental impact by selecting products that are more energy-efficient, have a reduced use of hazardous materials, and are designed for easy recycling.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 12 - Responsible consumption and production

The following initiatives demonstrate how ESDC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and SDG 12, supplementing the information outlined above.

Planned initiative:

The department has introduced an Environmental Considerations clause into its Request for Proposal (RFP) and Sole Source contract templates. This clause ensures that all requirements performed under ESDC's authority are green, regardless of specific environmental requirements were included or not in the procurement.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The integration of Environmental Considerations clause contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework ambition 12.7: "Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities."

FSDS context:

ESDC acknowledges the urgency with which climate change needs to be addressed. We will work with Public Services and Procurement Canada to modernize via net-zero carbon buildings, adopt greener and more sustainable operations and reduce the risks posed by climate change to federal assets, services and operations.

Similarly, ESDC has identified the oncoming wave of electric vehicles and has been including the installation of EV (Electric Vehicles) chargers where possible during National Accommodation projects in order to move its conventional fleet emissions towards a net-zero. As the Federal Government's fourth largest employer, the department is also encouraging employees to use low-carbon forms of transportation for commuting as well as facilitating hybrid work arrangements to reduce daily travel.

Under the Emergency Management and Assistance program, ESDC is mitigating climate change impacts on the Department's services and benefits delivered to Canadians. This means that the department has been incorporating climate change factors into its departmental risk and business assessments, training, and planning. And while the department has successfully lowered its overall Greenhouse Gas emissions by 79% from 2005 levels, it will continue to explore new initiatives to further lead the way to reducing the impact of climate change in government operations.

Target theme: Federal leadership on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Climate Resilience

Target: The Government of Canada will transition to net-zero carbon operations for facilities and conventional fleets by 2050 (All Ministers)

Implementation strategy:

Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government's overall operations.

Departmental action:

To further reduce its GHG emission and its overall environmental footprint, ESDC will explore new initiatives that cover fleet management practices, green procurement procedures, and information management and technology.

These initiatives include:

• (a) improving building infrastructure sustainability options through the implementation of tenant service projects, such as but not limited to:
  • Including refillable water fountains to encourage less single-use plastic
  • Installing EV chargers in the base building requirements at Service Delivery Spaces and for Fleet vehicle parking to encourage more sustainable modes of transportation.
  • Including biophilia elements, such as green/live walls, within the scope of modernization projects
  • Including automatic lighting, within the scope of projects, in alignment with IDS standards
  • Ensuring recycling programs are implemented in all ESDC occupied buildings by engaging the landlord/service provider in each location.
  • Ensuring recycling programs are implemented in all ESDC occupied buildings by engaging the landlord/service provider in each location. 
• (b) partnering with Natural Resources Canada, Can, Trees Canada and Trees Ontario for national tree planting program to offset the carbon from modernized workplace projects.
• (c) increasing training and support on assessing climate change impacts, undertaking climate change risk assessments, and developing adaptation actions to public service employees. Facilitate sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
  * Notes: The following initiatives were removed from the DSDS because these actions are operational, partner‑led, or funding‑dependent.
  • Install EV chargers in base‑building requirements for Service Delivery Spaces and fleet parking.
  • Ensure recycling programs in all ESDC‑occupied buildings by engaging landlords/service providers.
  • Partner with NRCan, Trees Canada and Trees Ontario on a national tree‑planting program to offset carbon from workplace modernization. 
• (d) continuing to advance towards the 2030 target of a zero emissions fleet by investing in electric vehicles. In addition, we will continue to optimize our fleet to divest of underutilized vehicles.^{Footnote 68}
• Program: Internal services

Performance indicator:

• Indicator: Percentage reduction of ESDC's overall GHG emissions compared to 2005 levels. 
  • Starting point: 79% reduction of GHG emissions compared to 2005 levels
  • Target: 80% reduction of GHG emissions by 2050 compared to 2005 levels

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

ESDC activities in support of Greening Government strategy that contribute to the overall reduction of the department's greenhouse gas emissions and reduce its overall environmental footprint support the federal government goal and the net-zero carbon operations target.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target:
    • 13.1 Canadians reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
    • 13.2 Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change

Implementation strategy:

Implement the Greening Government Strategy through measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve climate resilience, and green the government's overall operations.

Departmental action:

ESDC will maintain/reduce the print devices ratio to employees set by Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS).

• Initiative: ESDC Internal services

Performance indicators:^{Footnote 69}

• Indicator:
  1. User-to-print device ratios.
  2. Employee-to-Printer ratio per floor for non-restricted areas in physical locations.
  3. Number of print devices with mandatory Pull Print is installed on eligible devices.
• Starting points:
  1. Current user-to-print device is 19:1.
  2. For locations up to 75 employees per floor, the starting point was 3-8
  3. No devices have mandatory Secure Print. Starting Point is 0.
• Targets:
  1. Reduce user-to-print device ratios to fall within the 25:1 to 75:1 range by 2027.
  2. Reduce printer footprint to 1 printer for 75 employees on a single floor by 2026. Floors with less than 75 employees to have 1 printer.
  3. Implement mandatory Secure Print on 90% of all printing devices by 2026.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

Reducing printing devices and paper consumed by printing supports the goal to take action on climate change and its impacts by reducing paper waste, saving energy, and reducing carbon emissions, conserving water, reducing maintenance and replacement of digital devices used such as printers and copiers.

In addition, implementing mandatory Secure Print on all printing devices will reduce unclaimed printouts, promote paperless habits, and reduce printing devices footprint.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • GIF target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

Implementation strategy:

Reduce risks posed by climate change impacts to federal assets, services, and operations

Departmental action:

ESDC will continue incorporating climate change factors into departmental risk assessments, business planning and simulation exercise activities to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the Department's services and benefits delivered to Canadians

• Program: ESDC Emergency Management and Assistance to federally coordinated response

Performance indicators:

• Indicators:^{Footnote 70}
  1. Percentage of climate change factors integrated into departmental exercises.
  2. Percentage of climate change factors integrated into other Branch and regional Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) and Emergency Management (EM) exercises. 
• Starting points:
  1. 25% of departmental exercises consider climate change factors.
  2. 25% of other Branch and regional BCPs and EM exercises consider climate change factors.
• Targets:
  1. Climate change-related factors are incorporated in 75% of departmental exercises by fiscal year 2026 to 2027.
  2. Climate change-related factors are incorporated into 75% of other Branch and regional BCPs and EM exercises by fiscal year 2025 to 2026.

*Note: Some exercises will not consider climate change factors which is why we are aiming for a target of 50%. EM and BCM operate on a three-year reporting cycle for planning and exercises. For this reason, the results will be included in the 2026-27 DSDS Report.

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada's 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS:

The Emergency Management and Business Continuity Program strengthens the Department's ability to mitigate the risks of localized climate change events affecting service delivery. The Emergency Management Application System facilitates coordinated planning, implementation, testing and monitoring of business recovery, information technology service recovery and crisis/incident response to emergency events, including climate-change related events.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target 13.3: Canadians are well-equipped and resilient to face the effects of climate change.
  • CIF indicator: Percentage of departmental business impact assessments and business continuity plans in place for all critical services.
  • GIF target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions

The following initiatives demonstrate how ESDC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and SDG 16.

Planned initiative:

The Government of Canada's Internet presence supports Canadians by providing easy, fast and convenient access to information and services online. Through Service Canada, the department is the principal publisher for the Government of Canada website, Canada.ca. The site provides an enhanced user experience. It is focused on clients' needs. The content is theme-based, there is a search function that allows the user to find content from anywhere on the Government of Canada site and tools tailored to specific program, such as chatbots.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Government of Canada's Internet presence contributes to advancing:

• Global indicator framework 16.6: "Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels."
• Canadian indicator framework ambition 16.7: "Canadians are supported by effective, accountable, and transparent institutions."
• Global indicator framework target 16.10: "Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements."

Planned initiative:

The Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund is led by Black communities in Canada and is for Black communities in Canada. It aims to create a sustainable source of funding for Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving charities and non-profits in Canada to help redress the systemic underfunding of these organizations, as well as support projects that seek to combat anti-Black racism and improve social and economic outcomes in Black communities. The Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund will support the diverse work that Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving organizations are doing to advance SDG 16 in communities across the country.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 16.7: "Canadians are supported by effective, accountable and transparent institutions."

The program also advances:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 10.1: "Canadians live free of discrimination and inequalities are reduced."
• Global indicator framework target 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status."

Initiatives advancing Canada's implementation of SDG 17 - Partnerships for the goals

The following initiatives demonstrate how ESDC programming supports the 2030 Agenda and SDG 17.

Planned initiative:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Funding Program supports the work of partners to accelerate progress on all the SDGs. Partners include not-for-profit organizations, provinces and territories, municipalities, academia, the private sector, and Indigenous Peoples. The program provides support to projects to increase public awareness of the SDGs, develop new partnerships and networks, improve knowledge, identify innovative approaches, and contribute to reconciliation with Indigenous People.

Together | Ensemble, operating under the auspices of the SDG Funding Program, is an annual conference that reunites a diversity of stakeholders, including from the private sector, government, academia and civil society around the topic of the SDGs and on their advancement. This conference helps advance SDG 17 by creating a platform of information exchange and strengthening partnerships between attendees.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Funding Program contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 17.1: "Canada fosters collaboration and partnerships to advance the SDGs"
• Global indicator framework Target 17.2.1: 'Total official support for sustainable development"

Planned initiative:

The Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy was designed to promote social equity and help organizations reach underserved and diverse Canadian populations. It supports social purpose organizations, directly and indirectly via delivery partners, by providing them with access to flexible financing opportunities. This allows the organizations to grow and develop new solutions and partnerships to address pressing social and environmental issues. It also enhances their ability to attract public and private investments that generate positive social and environmental impacts. Organizations supported include charities, non-profits, social enterprises, co-operatives, businesses with a social mission. It helps these organizations reach underserved and diverse Canadian populations.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 17.1: "Canada fosters collaboration and partnerships to advance the SDGs"
• UN global indicator framework Target 17.17: "Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships."

The program also advances:

• SDG 8: "Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all"
• Global indicator framework target 8.3: "Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro, small and medium sized enterprises, including through access to financial services."
• SDG 10: "Reduce inequality within and among countries."
• Global indicator framework target 10.2: "By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status".

Planned initiative:

The Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) As part of Canada's recognition of the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (UNDPAD), since 2018, the government has announced a number of budget and mandate commitments aimed at addressing issues affecting Black communities in Canada and pledged to work with federal and community organizations to advance positive changes. The department, through SBCCI, currently leads the implementation of the UNDPAD across the federal government, working with other federal organizations and stakeholders to:

• Develop a whole-of-government action plan for Black communities aligned to the objectives of the UNDPAD.
• Strengthen collaboration, strategic alignment and oversight on programs and initiatives specific to improving the wellbeing of Black communities in Canada.
• Implement plans, priorities and strategies aimed to support Black communities in Canada.

Associated domestics targets or ambitions and/or global targets:

The Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) contributes to advancing:

• Canadian indicator framework ambition 17.1: "Canada fosters collaboration and partnerships to advance the SDGs"
• UN global indicator framework target 17.17: "Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships."