Canadians are invited to share their ideas on the development of a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy

Social innovation is a new solution to a social or economic problem which gives better results than traditional approaches. It can improve people’s quality of life through collaborating with new partners, testing creative ideas and measuring their impact. Social finance is a tool that seeks to mobilize private capital for the public good. It creates opportunities for investors to finance projects that benefit society, and for community organizations to access new sources of funds.

“The Government of Canada committed to develop a Social Innovation and Social Finance Strategy with, and not for Canadians. This online consultation is an important part of this process. We encourage community leaders from coast to coast to share their stories, new ideas and innovative approaches. Together, we will co-create a strategy that brings together partners, generates innovative solutions to enduring social problems and creates measurable outcomes for Canadians most in need and more prosperous and inclusive communities for all.”
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“We want to hear from key partners in the community, as well as Canada’s innovators and job creators, to draw from their expertise. When we embrace innovation, we can find tangible solutions to real issues. When creative new partnerships finance projects that benefit society as a whole, we improve the quality of life of those most vulnerable.”
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour

• Social innovation, social enterprise and social finance have been successfully used in countries like the U.S. and the United Kingdom. For example, in the United Kingdom, government support for social finance over the past five years has helped generate over $1 billion (£600 million) in social investment and grow the domestic social enterprise sector, which now employs 2.3 million individuals.
  

• In recent years, the Government of Canada has been exploring social innovation and social finance to increase the effectiveness of its programs. It is already testing new types of partnerships and approaches (e.g. social impact bonds, micro-loans, pay-for-performance and support for social enterprises).

• Since 2014, several Employment and Social Development Canada grants and contributions programs, including the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and Skills Link, have launched open calls for proposals seeking submissions for innovative projects.

Émilie Gauduchon-Campbell
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
819-654-5546

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
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