2023 to 2027 Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy - ESDC

What we heard

Across the submissions received, ESDC identified sustainable development priorities and issues related to ESDC’s mandate and sustainable development that affect us.

During the public consultation on the FSDS, we heard that Canadians want to see a greater acknowledgment of socio-economic challenges such as inequality, poverty, and the rising cost of living in Canada.

Reconciliation and respect for the rights and self-governance of Indigenous Peoples were also strong themes that emerged during the consultation. Specifically, the importance of taking a distinctions-based approach in the federal government’s work with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, to ensure that the unique rights, interests, history and lived experience of Indigenous communities are acknowledged, affirmed, and reflected in policies and programs.

Finally, we also heard that ensuring a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon future for workers and their communities was a key priority. Stakeholders expressed that the federal government needs to develop programming to deal with Canada lacking the skilled workforce needed to transition to net-zero and take action to advance a circular economy.

What we did

ESDC took the above-mentioned key priorities and issues into consideration in this DSDS.

ESDC continues to address the concerns of Canadians regarding the rising cost of living and its impacts on Canada’s most vulnerable populations through its sustainable development commitments.

As the Federal Government lead for Opportunity for All: Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy, ESDC is taking action on FSDS Goal 1: Reduce Poverty in Canada in all is Forms and SDG 1: No Poverty by making long-term investments in poverty reduction to ensure a sustainable livelihood for all Canadians.

This includes investing and improving access to the Old Age Security pension and the income-tested Guaranteed Income Supplement to ensure a minimum income for seniors as they age and reduce the number of Canadian seniors living in poverty. It also includes investments in initiatives supporting the financial security of Persons with Disabilities, such as the new Canada Disability Benefit, which will reduce poverty, and support the financial security of working age persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities experience poverty at twice the rate of working-age persons without disabilities.

ESDC programs and initiatives that contribute to the department’s efforts to advance reconciliation and support the self-determination of Indigenous Peoples are also a key part of the department’s commitments.

Through its work on the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative, which supports Indigenous governance, capacity, and self-determination in the early learning and child care (ELCC) sector, ESDC is contributing to the advancement of: FSDS Goal 4: Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development; SDG 4: Quality education; and FSDS Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality. Per the initiative’s National Partnership Tables, federal investments are coordinated in alignment with the Government of Canada’s co-developed Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Framework which reflects the unique cultures and needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada.

By way of its commitments and planned initiatives in support of FSDS Goal 8: Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada, ESDC is also taking steps to ensure that Canada has the skilled workforce it needs to transition to net-zero and help Canadians thrive in a changing global economy.

As a result of its distinctions-based Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) Program, the department is helping Indigenous and northern communities access green job opportunities and skills training in culturally relevant ways. Over the duration of the DSDS, the department will also implement measures announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, including the Sustainable Jobs Training Centre and a new Union Training and Innovation Program sustainable jobs funding stream under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy to support the development of green skills training for skilled trades apprentices and journeypersons.

As the largest federal service delivery organization in Canada, the essential programs, and services the department delivers are informed by ongoing conversations with Canadians. As we share the plans and commitments of our 2023 to 2027 DSDS in support of the FSDS’s goals and targets, as well as Canada’s 2030 Agenda, we look forward to sharing our progress and continuing the conversation with Canadians in support of building a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable future.

Goal 1: Reduce poverty in Canada in all its forms

FSDS Context:

ESDC works to lift Canadians out of poverty by ensuring basic needs are met and to protect Canadians from falling into poverty by supporting income security and resilience.

Looking ahead, the department will continue its work to reduce poverty by implementing Opportunity for All: Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy. This includes working with partners to address key gaps in poverty measurement in Canada as well as measuring progress towards the strategy’s poverty reduction targets. Between 2023 and 2025, ESDC will collaborate with Statistics Canada to refine and update Canada’s official poverty line to gain a greater understanding of the disposable income required to achieve a modest, basic standard of living in communities across the country. The department will also continue its work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to better understand and address poverty among Indigenous populations in Canada.

Owing to its programs and services, ESDC continues to make important investments that make life more affordable for Canadians. ESDC’s improved access to its Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits will ensure a minimum income for seniors as Canada’s population ages. The department will also continue its work to improve services for groups disproportionately affected by poverty, via initiatives such as the new Canada Disability Benefit, which will reduce poverty and support the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities. Persons with disabilities experience poverty at twice the rate of working-age persons without 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: Canada’s poverty rate, as measured by Canada’s Official Poverty Line. This indicator is available from the Canadian Income Survey and is published annually

Starting point: The 2015 poverty rate was 14.5%

Target: The strategy sets targets for poverty reduction that align with SDG1: a 20% reduction in poverty by 2020, and a 50% reduction in poverty by 2030, relative to 2015 levels

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 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:
  • Canadian indicator framework (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: Improve the measurement of poverty

Departmental action: In partnership with Statistics Canada, ESDC will lead the policy direction of the third comprehensive review of the Market Basket Measure (MBM), Canada’s Official Poverty Line. Statistics Canada is responsible for launching and conducting the comprehensive review as well as for the statistical methodology of the MBM, and ESDC is responsible for setting the scope of the review and for the policy direction of the MBM. The MBM reflects the combined costs of a basket of goods and services that individuals and families require to meet their basic needs and achieve a modest standard of living.

In addition, Statistics Canada is expected to finalize Nunavut’s official MBM methodology by the end of 2023, fulfilling a key commitment made by Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy to develop Canada’s Official Poverty Line in all territories.

Initiative: Third Comprehensive Review of the Market Basket Measure (MBM)

Performance Indicator: A new 2023-base Market Basket Measure (MBM) is created

Starting point: 1. 2018-base MBM

Target: New 2023-base MBM is expected to be finalized by December 31, 2025

Performance Indicator: The creation of an official MBM methodology for Nunavut

Starting point: There is currently no official poverty measure for Nunavut

Target: The official MBM methodology for Nunavut is expected to be finalized by December 31, 2023

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS: 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. The third 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, using the latest available standards and data. Through planned engagement sessions, the review will also ensure that updates to Canada’s official poverty measure are informed by feedback from a wide range of experts and stakeholders.

The official MBM methodology for Nunavut will capture the spirit of Canada’s Official Poverty Line, while accounting for adjustments to reflect the realities of life in Nunavut.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target: 1.1 ambition- reduce poverty in Canada in all its forms. 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
  • GIF target: SDG 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

Implementation strategy: Make investments to reduce poverty

Departmental action: Through the Social Finance Fund, 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.

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

Performance 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: New program (2023)

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 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) 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. 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).

Initiative: Canada Disability Savings Program (CDSP)

Performance Indicator: percentage of Canadians approved for the Disability Tax Credit who have a Registered Disability Savings Plan

Starting point: 35% in December 2021 (2021 to 2022 results not yet available)

Target: 35% by December 2023

Performance Indicator: percentage of Registered Disability Savings Plan beneficiaries that have been issued a grant and/or a bond

Starting point: 78% in December 2021

Target: 77% by December 2023

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: An annual 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: 3 reports tabled since the establishment of the National Advisory Council on Poverty (2020, 2021, 2022)

Target: 3 additional reports tabled by March 31, 2026

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: 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: 97% by March 2022

*note: there is a 3-year time lag in the availability of data. *The actual result can be impacted by the fact that seniors can delay the receipt of their Old Age Security pension up to age 70, in exchange for a higher pension

Performance Indicator: percentage of seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement in relation to the estimated total number of eligible seniors

Starting point: Actual results 92.2% (2019)

Target: 90% by March 2022

*note: There is a 3-year time lag in the availability of data

Performance Indicator: percentage of seniors living in poverty

Starting point: Actual results: 3.1% (2020)

Target: At most 6.1% by December 2030

*note: This indicator is based on Canada’s Official Poverty Line. Data is collected by Statistics Canada through the annual Canadian Income Survey

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”

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Goal 4: Promote knowledge and skills for sustainable development

FSDS Context:

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

In 2021 to 2022, the department reached Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) agreements with every province and territory on behalf of Canada. These agreements have already led to reductions in average fees for regulated child care across the country. Looking ahead, the department will continue its work with provinces and territories to increase access to high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive early learning and child care and meet the federal target to reduce regulated child care fees towards an average of $10-a-day by March 2026. 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 supports 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. The permanent elimination of interest for Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans, effective April 1^st, 2023, will support this ambition.

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)

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.

Initiative: Canada-wide early learning and child care system

Performance 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

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.

Initiative: Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative

Performance Indicator: Number of National Partnership Tables established

Starting point: 2 as of March 2021 to 2022

Target: At least 3 established by March 2024

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 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

Initiative: The Student Work Placement Program- Innovative Work Integrated Learning Initiative

Performance Indicator: Number of Work Integrated Learning opportunities created for post-secondary students

Starting point: 50,000 opportunities in 2021 to 2022

Target: 40,000 opportunities by March 2024

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 a variety of work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students including a number of opportunities in STEM. These opportunities help students to develop the “work ready” skills sought by Canadian employers.

The Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative of the Program offers opportunities for students to build on work ready skills by accessing new and emerging types of opportunities including hackathons and micro-internships.

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

Goal 5: Champion gender equality

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 continue to modernize the Employment Equity Act to promote equality and diversity and help identify and eliminate barriers to employment opportunities in federally regulated workplaces. The department will also advance new pay transparency measures that will shine a light on pay gaps experienced by women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities.

At the same time, ESDC is investing in programs and initiatives that focus on creating new and improving existing opportunities for women in this sector of the economy. The first example is the Women’s Employment Readiness Pilot Program, delivered under the Skills for Success program, which funds 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 tests ways to improve employer inclusivity. The target for this program has been set at up to 5,000 participants over a 2-year period and will use the results 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

Initiative: Workplace Equity Program

Performance 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 65% by September 2023

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 the gender 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 4 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”

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

Initiative: Canada-wide early learning and child care system

Performance 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

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 program supports progress toward SDG 5, through GIF targets 5.4 and 5.5.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target: 5.2.1 gender equality in leadership roles and at all levels of decision-making. 5.3.1 Canadians share responsibilities within households and families
  • GIF 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. 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: Invest in women’s skills, employment, and leadership

Departmental action: ESDC will provide and test pre-employment and skills development supports for women facing multiple barriers, test models to improve employer inclusivity, and use the results to inform systemic changes to how skills and employment programming is delivered

Initiative: The Women’s Employment Readiness Pilot Program

Performance Indicator: Number of women served in the reporting year

Starting point: New time-limited program (Projects running 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024)

Target: 5,000 participants by the end of the pilot, March 31, 2024

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’s Employment Readiness (WER) Pilot Program funds 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 tests ways to improve employer inclusivity. Results will inform systemic changes to skills and employment programming for women. In this way, the WER Pilot Program supports the SDG to champion gender equality.

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • CIF ambition/target: 5.3 ambition: “Canadians share responsibilities within households and families” Target: “equal sharing of parenting roles and family responsibilities”
  • CIF indicator: 5.3.1 proportion of time spent on unpaid domestic and care work
  • GIF target: 5.1: “end all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere”

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

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

Performance Indicator: Number of individuals in funded projects that participate in skills training activities

Starting point: New program started in 2022 to 2023

Target: 10,500 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: 5.2.1proportion 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

Goal 8: Encourage inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Canada

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, Indigenous people, and members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, racialized communities, and newcomers. The department has also scaled up programs like the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) that provides wraparound supports and job placements for young people facing employment barriers such as Indigenous, racialized youth, youth with disabilities, recent youth immigrants and youth in rural or remote areas.

Similarly, the Opportunities Fund (OF) for Persons with Disabilities will support the implementation of Canada’s Employment Strategy for Canadians with Disabilities. 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 jobs. The program will also help participants advance in their careers and help employers create inclusive, accessible and welcoming workplaces for persons with disabilities. Training will also be 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 3,355 participants by March 2024, 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. This year, the program intends to connect up to 30,000 Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs. The program will help address workforce needs across many sectors including, but not limited to: agri-food and agriculture, construction, health, information and communications technologies, manufacturing, natural resources and environment, tourism, and transportation. 

ESDC will also test a community-based approach via its 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. With an initial target of 25 communities, the program encourages diversity and inclusion with 75% of project participants from 1 or more under-represented groups in the labour market. Evidence gathered will inform programs and whole-of-government priorities. This includes, for example, de-carbonization and supporting a “just transition” for workers so that they are prepared to work in transforming sectors like energy.

In addition, the Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities will aim to enhance the development and vitality of official language minority communities (OLMCs). These communities consist of Francophones who reside outside of Quebec or English-speaking residents of Quebec. The Program funds 14 not-for-profit OLMC organizations to engage in economic and human resources development activities for their community. The agreements will last for a 5-year period and were signed in March 2023.

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

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

Performance Indicator: Number of participants employed or self-employed or returned to school after participating in the program

Starting point: 2,846 (latest results for2022 to 2023). Data from Quebec is not available

Target: At least 3,355 by March 2024

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)

Initiative: Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP)

Performance Indicator: Number of participants who access or participate in training and transition initiatives

Starting point: Fiscal year 2023 to 2024 will be the baseline year as SWSP is currently implementing a new data collection process and awaiting a decision on ongoing program funding beyond March 31, 2024

Target: 30,000 individual participants by the end of 2023 to 2024

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:
  • CIF ambition/target: Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth
  • CIF indicator:  8.6.1 Canadians contribute to and benefit from sustainable economic growth

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

Initiative: Community Workforce Development Program

Performance Indicator: Number of participating communities responding to national or regional priorities. 

Starting point: New Program - Announced in Budget 2021 with projects anticipated to start spring/summer 2023

Target: 25 communities by March 31, 2024

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. It encourages diversity and inclusion with 75% of project participants 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

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

Performance Indicator: Amount invested, including in-kind, by non-EF-OLMC program funded partners (not-for-profit groups, private sector organizations other federal departments and levels of government) for every dollar invested by the EF-OLMC program funded organizations

Starting point: Baseline year: 2018, based on the Action Plan for official languages 2018 to 2023

Target: Invest at a ratio of 2 to 1 by March 2024

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 main programs that support meeting the Department’s legal 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 is centered on the ‘’by and for’’ approach, supporting OLMC organizations to identify and respond to the needs of their communities. New 5-year agreements with the program’s 14 OLMC organizations (funding recipients) were signed in spring 2023. 

• 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 with a focus on innovation, Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM), as well as green jobs and the environment

Initiative: The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS)

• YESS includes 2 programs: (1) 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 (2) the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ)

Performance Indicator: Number of youth served

Starting point: Number of youth served:  97,359 (2019 to 2020)

Target: 75,240 by March 2024. Target breakdowns per program: YESSP: Target to serve 5,240 youth CSJ: 70,000 opportunities

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

Initiative: Apprenticeship Service (AS) initiative under the CAS 

Performance Indicator: Number of employers who access supports to hire apprentices

Starting point: New Program, started in 2021 to 2022  

Target: Between 25,000 and 55,000 employers over the duration of the program until the end of 2023 to 2024 when the  Apprenticeship Service sunsets

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

Goal 9: Foster innovation and green infrastructure in Canada

Goal 10: Advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and take action on inequality

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 to work with Indigenous partners to test new approaches to investment coordination, priority setting and project and partnership development under the Skills and Partnership Fund. This Fund will also support sustainable employment and help ensure projects funded to provide skills training continue to meet the needs of Indigenous communities and employers.

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.

And finally, 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

Initiative: ESDC Essential Training Curriculum for Employees

Performance Indicator: percentage of staff who have completed Indigenous cultural competency training (internal or external)

Starting point: Actual of staff trained for 2022 to 2023: 81%

Target: Achieve and maintain 100%, 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

Initiative: Indigenous Skills and Employment Training Program (ISET)

Performance Indicator: Number of Indigenous participants who obtain employment following service interventions

Starting point: 16,339 (average of 2018 and 2019 to 2020 and 2021)*

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

Target: At least 16,500 Annually

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

Initiative: Skills and Partnership Fund (SPF)

Performance Indicator: Number of Indigenous participants who obtain employment following interventions under the SPF

Starting point: Performance Measurement Framework is currently being updated for a new round of investments. Starting Point is not yet available

Target: Performance Measurement Framework is currently being updated for a new round of investments. Target is not yet available

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.

• 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.

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

Performance Indicator: percentage of SFF investments into social purpose organizations that target advancing social equity

Starting point: New program (2023)

Target: 35% of investments target advancing social equity by March 31, 2039 (end of program)

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 (such as credit unions, private equity firms, etc.), 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: In response to the Mandatory Procedures for Contracts Awarded to Indigenous Businesses, ESDC will continue to implement 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: Total percentage of contracts with Indigenous businesses

Starting point: 4% (forecasted) in 2022 to 2023

Target: 5% by March 31, 2024

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 is 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). In 2023 to 2024, the department will also be reaching out to the Indigenous business community by issuing a Request for Information (RFI) looking at increasing communications and/or opportunities for strategy implementation.

• 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: ESDC will support advancing accessibility on First Nations reserves. While the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) applies to First Nations band councils, they are currently not required to comply with the Act by virtue of an exemption in the Accessible Canada Regulations that were published in December 2021. The Government of Canada is currently working with First Nations to identify options for a tailored approach to implementation of the ACA on reserve in line with the commitment included in the 2023 United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Persons Act (UNDA) Action Plan. The Action Plan 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

Initiative: Accessible Canada Initiative

Performance Indicator: Indicators to support measuring progress in advancing accessibility on First Nations reserves will be developed once the tailored approach has been developed

Starting point: New program

Target: New program

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

• Relevant targets or ambitions:
  • GIF target: Accessible Canada contributes to advancing: 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: ESDC will continue to remove employment barriers faced by persons with disabilities by supporting the public service commitment to hire 5,000 persons with disabilities by 2025 outlined in the Government of Canada Disability Action Plan released in October 2022

Initiative: Disability Inclusion Action Plan and 3-year ESDC Accessibility Plan

Performance Indicator: Hiring of persons with disabilities: Number of new ESDC employees who self-identify as a person with disabilities as of April 1, 2022

Starting point: 424 as of April 2022

Target: 1,187 employees with disabilities by 2025

Performance Indicator: Hiring of persons with disabilities: percentage of annual promotion rates of ESDC employees with disabilities as of April 1, 2022

Starting point: 4.1% set by TBS in December 2020

Target: 6.0% by 2025 set by TBS in December 2020

Performance Indicator: Hiring of persons with disabilities: percentage of employees with disabilities who state that accessibility or accommodation issues cause stress at work to a large or very large extent

Starting point: 20% set by TBS in December 2020

Target: 10% by 2025 set by TBS in December 2020*

*source: 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) 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. Source: Measuring progress: Accessibility Strategy for the Public Service of Canada - Canada.ca

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:
  • 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
  • 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: 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

Initiative: Social Development Partnerships Program-Disability (SDPP-D) Disability Inclusion Action Plan (Pillar 3: Accessible and Inclusive Communities)

Performance Indicator: Number of alternate formats documents produced

Starting point: Continued improvement of availability and access to alternate format print materials

Target: Launch new Equitable Access to Reading Program in 2024. Improved access to alternate format reading materials for persons with print disabilities through innovative partnerships.

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. ESDC-led engagement with stakeholder organizations and persons with print disabilities.

Funding provided to the Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) and National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS) in 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024 to support the production of alternate format readings materials.

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. In addition, the Government has committed to creating a new Equitable Access to Reading Program that will launch in 2024 to boost the production of accessible format reading materials through innovative partnerships. ESDC is undertaking research and engaging with persons with print disabilities to inform the design of the new program.

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.

Initiative: 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 $100,000 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: 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: 322 community spaces and workplaces by March 31, 2024

How the departmental action contributes to the FSDS goal and target and, where applicable, to Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy and SDGS: Enabling Accessibility 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. 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”; and 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

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

Performance Indicator: percentage of SFF investments into social purpose organizations that target advancing social equity

Starting point: New program (2023)

Target: 35% of investments target advancing social equity by March 31, 2039 (end of program)

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.

• 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 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

Initiative: Social Finance Fund-Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy

Performance Indicator: percentage of women and/or gender diverse people and equity deserving groups in staffing at the senior management levels as well as in the board of directors, investment committee, advisory committee, and any future or subsequently formed or introduced governance body for the wholesaler(s) per fiscal year starting in 2025

Starting point: New program (2023)

Target: 50% of women and/or gender diverse people (in other words, gender parity) in staffing at the senior management level as well as in composition of the board of directors, investment committee, advisory committee, and any other governance committees for the wholesaler (assessed for each individual body) 30% equity deserving groups (in other words, significant representation) in staffing at the senior management level as well as in the composition of the board of directors, investment committee, advisory committee, and any other governance committees for the wholesaler (assessed for each individual body)

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

Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities

Goal 12: Reduce waste and transition and transition to zero-emission vehicles

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

Initiative: Computers for Schools (CFS) Program

Performance Indicator: ESDC will offer all unclassified digital devices to Computers for Schools Plus (CFS+) Program prior to e-waste

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.

Target: The Government of Canada’s procurement of goods and services will be net-zero emissions by 2050, to aid the transition to a net-zero, circular economy (All Ministers)

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

Initiative: Internal Services

Performance Indicator:

• 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 point:

• 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

Target:

• 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 ecoDriving 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 10% of new light duty vehicle sales by 2025, 30% by 2030 and 100% by 2040
  • 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.

Initiative: Internal Services

Performance Indicator:

• contracts with environmental considerations: percentage (%) increase in total contracts with environmental considerations  

Starting point:

• contracts with environmental considerations: 48% of total contracts with environmental considerations

Target:

• contracts with environmental considerations: 5 % increase change in total contracts with environmental considerations year over year

Performance Indicator:

• contracts with greening declaration from vendors: percentage (%) increase of procurement contracts for service/goods with greening declaration from vendors 

Starting point:

• contracts with greening declaration from vendors: 68% of contracts with greening declaration from vendors

Target:

• contracts with greening declaration from vendors: 50% of procurement contracts for service/goods with greening declaration from vendors every year

Performance Indicator:

• completion of green procurement training: percentage (%) of procurement specialists and materiel managers who have completed the Green procurement Training course

Starting point:

• completion of green procurement training: 100% of procurement specialists and material managers have completed the green procurement training course

Target:

• completion of green procurement training: 100 % of procurement specialist, materiel managers who have completed the green procurement training course within 1 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

Initiative: ESDC Internal Services

Performance Indicator:

• ratio of mobile to desktop devices
• ensure procurement focusses on vendors and products, such as mobile or print devices that are Energy Star or Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certified

Starting point:

• 89.54% of devices are mobile as of April 13, 2023
• already at 100% for procurement

Target:

• increase the current ratio of mobile to desktop devices to 95% by 2026
• 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.

Goal 13: Take action on climate change and its impacts

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. One such action has been by piloting a tree planting initiative for a real property project in British Columbia which will off-set up to 25,000 tons of CO2 emissions.

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

Initiative: Internal services

Performance 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: 13.1Canadians 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 Indicator:

• maintain/reduce user-to-print device ratios

Starting point:

• current user-to-print device is 19:1

Target:

• reduce user-to-print device ratios to fall within the 25:1 to 30:1 range by 2026 

Performance Indicator:

• maintain/reduce printers per floor for physical locations

Starting point:

• many physical locations have as many as 10 printing devices on a single floor

Target:

• reduce printer footprint to 3 printers per floor for physical locations by 2026

Performance Indicator:

• number of print devices with mandatory Secure Print is installed

Starting point:

• no devices have mandatory Secure Print

Target:

• 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: Modernize through net-zero carbon buildings

Departmental action: ESDC will work closely with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to modernize its work spaces in an effort to reduce the footprint of its buildings, operations and maintenance

Initiative: ESDC Real Property in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)

Note: ESDC does not own its Real Property but works closely with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) in the management and operations of its buildings

Performance Indicator: Number of modernized work points in ESDC general office space

Starting point: 2,821 Modernized work points as of January 2023

Target: 6000 modernized work points by March 31, 2024

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 large physical footprint is an opportunity for the department to adopt greener and more sustainable operations. The department works closely with Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to ensure work spaces are modernized, incorporate climate-resilient design and green procurement as well as ensuring they are flexible, accessible, and inclusive.

• 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

Initiative: ESDC Emergency Management and Assistance to federally coordinated response

Performance Indicator:

• increase percentage of climate change factors integrated into departmental exercises

Starting point:

• 25% of departmental exercises consider climate change factors

Target:

• climate change-related factors are incorporated in 75% of departmental exercises by fiscal year 2023 to 2024

Performance Indicator:

• increase percentage of climate change factors integrated into other Branch and regional Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) and Emergency Management (EM) exercises

Starting point:

• 25% of other branch and regional BCPs and EM exercises consider climate change factors

Target:

• climate change-related factors are incorporated into 75% of other branch and regional BCPs and EM exercises by fiscal year 2024 to 2025

*note: some exercises will not consider climate change factors which is why we are aiming for a target of 75%

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 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

Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions

Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals

ESDC’s strategic environmental assessment process

ESDC will continue to ensure that its decision-making process includes consideration of FSDS goals and targets through its Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process. A SEA for a policy, plan or program proposal includes an analysis of the impacts of the given proposal on the environment, including on relevant FSDS goals and targets.

Statements on the results of ESDC’s assessments are made public when an initiative that has undergone a detailed SEA. The purpose of the public statement is to demonstrate that the environmental effects, including the impacts on achieving the FSDS goals and targets, of the approved policy, plan or program have been considered during proposal development and decision making.

ESDC will continue to consider sustainable development in its internal policy and operational processes in the following ways:

Expanding our social equity lens through new tools and training

In addition to its SEA process, ESDC is committed to assessing the impact of its policies, plans and project proposals on diverse groups of individuals. In addition to the Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA +) assessment of proposals, ESDC’s GBA+ Centre of Excellence has recently expanded its assessment tools to include a new Black-Centric Lens (BCL). Launched in February 2023, the BCL recognizes the unique barriers faced by many Black people in Canada and supports the department in building greater relationships with Black communities while improving our services.

As well as new GBA+ analysis tools, ESDC continues to build knowledge and awareness across the department in advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. In addition to the Indigenous Awareness and Reconciliation learning requirements that form part of ESDC’s Essential Training Criteria for all employees, ESDC College is developing an Indigenous Learning Strategy in collaboration with external Indigenous stakeholders.

Increasing our service impact through stakeholder engagement

The programs and services the department delivers are essential in the lives of Canadians. The department is committed to increasing its understanding of service barriers that prevent marginalized and underserved Canadians from receiving the benefits to which they are entitled. Improving access to services and benefits for all eligible Canadians will continue to be a priority in advancing our contributions to FSDS and SDG goals and targets, particularly our leadership in advancing FSDS Goal 1: Reduce Poverty in Canada in all its forms. As a result of its Reaching All Canadians initiative, the department is working with the Canada Revenue Agency and Statistics Canada to gain insights into hard-to-reach populations in support of increasing benefit uptake for eligible Canadians.

The department is also working to implement the Accessibility Plan for Client Service. This plan proposes 17 measures to be put in place between 2023 and 2025. The measures are aimed at improving the accessibility of service delivery channels (in-person, online, phone) for persons with disabilities. As part of the Accessibility Plan for Client Service, the department will develop a process to include persons with disabilities in the design or redesign of programs and services. This plan will help to reduce or remove barriers that could otherwise limit access to services.

Our Service Canada Regions Service Delivery actively supports the delivery of a wide array of essential services at hundreds of Service Canada Centres across the country. Service Canada’s Indigenous Program Delivery will continue to conduct virtual engagements with Indigenous Peoples to remove barriers to service delivery and to help build capacity for programs such as the Indigenous Skills and Employment Training, Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care, and Skills and Partnership Fund. By using virtual platforms, engagements reduce the carbon footprint while providing effective forums for consultations and collaborations.

Continuous improvement through a results and delivery approach

As the largest government service delivery department, ESDC is committed to improving client service experience and outcomes, supported by increasingly seamless digital services. Looking ahead, the department will continue to deliver on IT upgrade projects that modernize systems that support programs and services such as Pensions, Employment Insurance, Passport, and Grants and Contributions. The department’s multi-year Benefits Delivery Modernization Programme is designed to deliver the future state client experience for the Old Age Security (OAS), Employment Insurance (EI), and Canada Pension Plan (CPP). This will be achieved by way of modernizing technology platform streamlining benefit processing, providing new digital services, and enhancing service management capabilities. These initiatives provide Canadians with a more accessible and sustainable client experience via digital channels and reduce the need for travel to Service Canada Centres.

In addition, through its Data Strategy, the department will continue the development of the data analytical infrastructure tools and supports needed to store, manage, share, and use data securely. ESDC has launched and is continuing to update a departmental Data Literacy Program to improve competencies that support evidence-based decision making and the shift to a data-enabled and data-driven culture. The department will also continue to collaborate internally and with other government departments and agencies to publicly share more data to fill key data gaps. These efforts will improve the department’s understanding of clients, including at-risk Canadians, as well as the impacts of programs and services.

ESDC is also focused on creating a more diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace, and taking steps to improve the day-to-day experience of the employees that work in the department. The department is completing an Employment System Review in the summer of 2023 to identify and remove systemic barriers, expand workplace accommodation advisory services, and implement the ESDC Accessibility Plan. Looking ahead, this review will also support the department’s efforts to advance its 2020 to 2024 Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, supporting continuous learning and growth opportunities for ESDC staff in areas such as Indigenous reconciliation, accessibility, and data literacy.

As a result of these initiatives to further integrate sustainable development into our activities, ESDC will be able to better deliver on its commitments to improve the lives of Canadians socially and economically. Further, our country will grow and prosper in ways that are equitable, fair, sustainable and protect our environment.