Agreement to Amend the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Development Agreement (Signed on March 27, 2018)

Information for reference

This text copy of the bilateral transfer agreement between the Government of Canada and Nova Scotia is provided for reference and research purposes only. The final signed version of the agreement is the official version between the parties.

On this page

• List of acronyms and abbreviations
• Preamble
• Clauses
• Schedule 1
• Schedule 2
• Schedule 3
• Appendix A

List of acronyms and abbreviations

BPC: Benefit Period Commencement

Canada: The Government of Canada

COPS: Canadian Occupational Projection System

DESD Act: Department of Employment and Social Development Act

EI Act: Employment Insurance Act

FLMM: Forum of Labour Market Ministers

FOIPOP Act: Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

IT: Information Technology

LMDA: Labour Market Development Agreement

NES: National Employment Service

NLMIS: National Labour Market Information System

NOC: National Occupation Classification

Nova Scotia: The Government of Nova Scotia

NS: Nova Scotia

PIA: Privacy Impact Assessments

PLAR: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

PSSC: Personnel Security Screening Check

P/TPB: Provincial/Territorial Parental Benefits

TRA: Threat and Risk Assessments

TWS: Targeted Wage Subsidy

WDA: Workforce Development Agreement

Between

The Government of Canada (hereinafter referred to as "Canada") as represented by the Minister of Employment and Social Development styled as the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Canada Employment Insurance Commission;

And

The Government of Nova Scotia (hereinafter referred to as “Nova Scotia”), represented of the Minister of Labour and Advanced Education.

Hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”.

Preamble

Whereas the Parties concluded the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Development Agreement (“Canada-Nova Scotia LMDA”) on June 13, 2008;

Whereas in Budget 2017, the Government of Canada announced that it would invest an additional $1.8 billion for fiscal years 2017-2018 to 2022-2023 to the funding provided annually to the provinces and territories under the Labour Market Development Agreements to help Canadians looking for work by providing them with more opportunities to upgrade their skills, gain experience, start their own business, and by providing more support to help them plan their career;

Whereas Canada and Nova Scotia have agreed to objectives, principles and areas of focus for investment under the Canada – Nova Scotia Labour Market Development Agreement and Canada Nova Scotia Workforce Development Agreement in building an integrated, client-centered, outcomes-driven employment and training model in Nova Scotia;

Whereas Canada and Nova Scotia recognize the importance of engaging with and providing services through Aboriginal partners;

Whereas in order to modernize its labour market transfer agreements Canada also wishes to align various provisions of the Labour Market Development Agreements with the new Workforce Development Agreements;

Whereas Canada and Nova Scotia agree that it is critical to put in place strong performance measurement systems to track outcomes and demonstrate results to inform program and policy development;

Whereas Canada and Nova Scotia agree on the importance of continuous improvement in programs and services based on the best available labour market information, the sharing of best practices, and fostering innovation;

Whereas evaluations show that early interventions are associated with positive impacts on earnings and employment for participants to activities under the LMDAs;

Whereas on June 22, 2017, the Budget Implementation Act, 2017, No. 1 amended the Employment Insurance Act (EI Act) to broaden eligibility for the assistance that may be provided under Employment Benefits and Support Measures established under Part II of that Act effective April 1, 2018;

Whereas Nova Scotia also wishes to broaden eligibility for the assistance that it may provide under its similar benefits and measures effective April 1, 2018;

Therefore, the Parties agree to amend the Canada-Nova Scotia LMDA, as amended from time to time, as follows:

Clauses

1. The definitions of “EI Client” and "Nova Scotia Measure", in Article 1.2 are replaced by the following:

   "EI Client” means an unemployed person whom, when requesting assistance under a Nova Scotia Benefit or Nova Scotia Measure:

   1. is an Active EI claimant; or,
   2. had a benefit period that ended within the previous 60 months; or
   3. has a benefit period established under a "provincial plan" as that term is defined in section 76.01 of the Employment Insurance Regulations, or has had that benefit period end within the previous 60 months, and who would have been entitled to receive special benefits under sections 22 or 23 of the EI Act had they not been entitled to receive provincial benefits, as this term is defined in section 76.01 of the Employment Insurance Regulations, under the "provincial plan"; or
   4. paid employee’s premiums as defined in section 2 of the EI Act in at least five of the previous 10 calendar years and in respect of these premiums, was not entitled to a refund under subsection 96(4) of the EI Act.

   "Nova Scotia Measure" means a labour market development program set out in Annex 1, as amended from time to time, that is provided by Nova Scotia under Article 3 with funding transferred under this Agreement to support:

   1. organizations that provide employment assistance services;
   2. employers, employee or employer associations, community groups and communities in developing and implementing strategies for dealing with labour force adjustments and meeting human resource requirements; or
   3. research and innovative projects to identify better ways of helping persons prepare for, return to or keep employment and be productive participants in the labour force;
2. The following heading and articles are added immediately after Article 2.4:

   2.01 Principles, objectives and areas of focus

   2.01.1 Canada and Nova Scotia agree to the objectives of this Agreement and the Canada-Nova Scotia Workforce Development Agreement as set out below:

   1. Foster inclusive labour market participation: Help all individuals access labour market opportunities; and support successful integration of those facing obstacles to finding and maintaining employment;
   2. Align skills with labour market needs: Help workers and employers access the skills they need to adapt to the changing requirements of jobs and the labour market; and encourage employer involvement in training and continuous learning opportunities for workers; and
   3. Create efficient labour markets: Support strong and responsive labour market infrastructure to allow for timely and effective labour market programming which contributes to improved productivity and economic growth.

   2.01.2 Canada and Nova Scotia agree to the principles of this Agreement and the Canada-Nova Scotia Workforce Development Agreement as set out below:

   1. Client-centred: Flexibility to meet the needs of unemployed, underemployed and precariously employed individuals and employers using the best available labour market information; and minimize barriers in accessing programs and supports;
   2. Inclusion: Support underrepresented groups and those further from labour market;
   3. Outcomes-focused: Track measurable milestones and targets; and develop ways to measure different forms of progress (for example improved employability);
   4. Flexibility and Responsiveness: Flexibility to address local labour market priorities and respond to emerging issues;
   5. Innovation: Identify and explore collaborative models for innovation, including continuous sharing of best practices and lessons learned; and
   6. Engagement: Collaboration and partnership between F-P/T governments; engagement with and services through Aboriginal partners; consultation and engagement with stakeholders; and coordination to enhance program complementarity.

   2.01.3 Canada and Nova Scotia agree that to support flexibility, eligible provincial benefits and measures funded under this Agreement will fall within any of the following areas of focus:

   1. Training: Improve levels of literacy, essential and work-related skills; and support upskilling for the precariously employed and underemployed;
   2. Supports: Provide continuum of needs-based services to maximize the potential impact of training; and continue to support persons with disabilities to enter and stay in the labour market;
   3. Employment Partnerships: Work in partnership with employers and other stakeholders to promote awareness and expand the availability, accessibility and quality of employment opportunities; and
   4. Building Knowledge: Inform priorities with labour market information to better meet skills needs and market demand; enhance the knowledge base to support continuous improvement of labour market policies and programs; and support new and innovative approaches to meet the diverse needs of clients, including underrepresented groups.
3. Article 3.2 is replaced with the following:

   3.2 For each fiscal year during which Nova Scotia provides its NS Benefits and Measures, Nova Scotia will provide Canada’s Designated Official on or about February 15 Annual Plan which describes:

   1. the labour market issues which Nova Scotia intends to address during the coming fiscal year;
   2. the array of NS Benefits and Measures to be offered to eligible clients during the coming fiscal year;
   3. the projected costs under each of the NS Benefits and Measures for the coming fiscal year; and
   4. a description of the consultation process referred to in Article 3.2.1 including a list of stakeholders consulted and the main themes coming from the consultation.

   3.2.1 In developing each Annual Plan referred to in Article 3.2, Nova Scotia agrees to consult with stakeholders, including organizations representing both employers and employees and official language minority communities in Nova Scotia.

4. Article 4.0 is replaced entirely with the following heading and sections:

   4.0 Delegation of authority with respect to certain National employment services functions and cooperation on labour market information

   4.1 Canada hereby authorizes Nova Scotia to carry out and perform the function of the National Employment Service described in section 2 of Annex 2 entitled “National employment service functions and Labour Market Information.”

   4.1.1 The Parties’ respective roles and responsibilities in respect to the delegated functions of the National Employment Service referred to in Article 4.1 are described in Annex 2 of this Agreement entitled “National employment service functions and Labour Market Information”.

   4.2 Canada and Nova Scotia agree to cooperate in gathering, analyzing, producing, disseminating and using labour market information strategy in accordance with section 3 of Annex 2.

5. Article 8.0 is amended by replacing Article 8.1 with the following:

8.1 The Parties agree:

1. that results measurement and reporting respecting the maximum contribution payable to Nova Scotia under Article 14 will be consistent with the process described in Annex 4; and
2. to set annual results targets for the results indicators in accordance with Annex 4.
6. Article 8.0 is further amended by adding the following after Article 8.1:

   8.1.1 By no later than October 1 following the end of each fiscal year during the period of this Agreement, Nova Scotia agrees to share with Canada an Annual Report describing the results of the investments made under this Agreement, and the results of the NS Benefits and Measures achieved in the fiscal year based on the requirements set out in Annex 4 to this Agreement entitled “Performance Measurement Strategy and Targets”.

7. The following heading and section are added after Article 14B:

   Targeted six-year increase in contribution to costs of provincial benefits and measures

   14C Notwithstanding anything in Article 14, in each of fiscal years 2017-2018 to 2022-2023, Canada agrees to increase the maximum contribution payable to Nova Scotia under Article 14, based on an allocation methodology that takes into account Nova Scotia’s share in the national totals of the following two variables, which will be updated on an annual basis:

   1. Number of EI Part I claims with regular benefits paid (50% weight)
   2. Number of unemployed workers (50% weight)

   The maximum contribution payable under Article 14 towards the costs of the NS Benefits and Measures is increased by an amount not exceeding the amount determined by the following formula:

   ( (A × 0.5) + (B × 0.5) ) * C

   where:

   A is the number of EI Part I claims with regular benefits paid in Nova Scotia, divided by the number of EI Part I claims with regular benefits paid in Canada, determined on the basis of data obtained and prepared by Canada for the purpose of the Monitoring and Assessment Report according to Article 11, to be released at the beginning of the fiscal year for which the amount of the increase is calculated; and,

   B is the average number of unemployed workers in Nova Scotia, divided by the average number of unemployed workers in Canada calculated on the basis of the Labour Force Survey published by Statistics Canada for each month during the fiscal year of the Monitoring and Assessment Report used to determine the value of "A".

   C is the annual national amount of additional funding approved each year by Canada’s Treasury Board for expenditures under Part II of the EI Act to be allocated between the provinces and territories for each of fiscal years 2017-2018 to 2022-2023.

8. Article 14.0 is further amended by adding the following Article after Article 14.10:

   14.11 Notwithstanding Article 14C and Article 14.7, Nova Scotia may use up to 10% of the additional amount of Canada’s contribution provided under Article 14C towards administration costs for each of fiscal years 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, if the total contribution to Nova Scotia towards administration costs under Article 14.7 for the previous fiscal year was less than 30% of the maximum contribution amount towards the costs of NS Benefits and Measures under Article 14.0 for the previous fiscal year.

9. Article 16.0 is amended by adding the following article after Article 16.3:

   16.4 For fiscal year 2017-2018, Canada will make payment of its additional contribution to Nova Scotia under Article 14C for that fiscal year in one lump sum payment as soon as possible after this amending Agreement is signed by both Parties.

10. Article 16.0 is replaced in its entirety with the following:

    16.0 Payment procedures

    16.1 Beginning April 1, 2018, Canada will make payments of its annual contribution towards the costs of NS Benefits and Measures and Administration Costs in two installments each fiscal year. The first installment will be paid on or about April 1 of each fiscal year and the second installment will be paid on or about October 1 of each fiscal year.

    16.1.1 The first installment will be an amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total amount of Canada’s maximum contribution for the fiscal year based on the amount of Canada’s maximum contribution to Nova Scotia for the fiscal year towards the costs of NS Benefits and Measures and towards Administration Costs.

    16.1.2 The amount of the second installment will be an amount equal to the balance of Canada’s total contribution to Nova Scotia for the fiscal year towards the costs of NS Benefits and Measures and towards Administration Costs.

    16.2 Canada shall withhold payment of its first installment for the fiscal year if Nova Scotia has failed to provide its Annual Plan for the fiscal year provided in accordance with Article 3.2 until such time as the Annual Plan is provided.

    16.3 Canada shall withhold payment of its second installment for the fiscal year until Nova Scotia has provided its annual audited financial statement in accordance with Article 18.1, and its annual report in accordance with Article 8.1.1.

11. Article 18.0 is replaced in its entirety with the following:

    18.0 Financial accountability

    18.1 For fiscal year 2017-2018, and for each fiscal year thereafter during the term of this Agreement, Nova Scotia will submit to Canada no later than June 30 for the previous fiscal year a financial report containing:

    1. an audited financial statement prepared in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and presented in a form prescribed by Canada setting out the amount of the costs of NS Benefits and Measures that Nova Scotia has actually incurred in that fiscal year in respect of each of the NS Benefits and Measures; and
    2. a statement certifying that all payments received from Canada in the fiscal year on account of Canada's contribution to its Administration Costs were paid in respect of administration costs actually incurred in that fiscal year.

    18.2 The audit of the financial statement shall be performed by the Auditor General of Nova Scotia, or his or her designate or by an independent public accounting firm registered under the laws of Nova Scotia and shall be conducted in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted Auditing Standards.

    18.3 Nova Scotia’s use of Canada’s additional contribution provided under article 14C towards administration costs for fiscal years 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 shall be included in the audited financial statement prepared in accordance with article 18.0.

12. Article 21.0 is replaced in its entirety with the following:

    21.0 Designated Officials

    21.1 For the purposes of this Agreement, the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Skills and Employment Branch of the Department of Employment and Social Development is the Designated Official of Canada, and the Associate Deputy Minister of the Department of Labour and Advanced Education is the Designated Official for Nova Scotia.

    21.2 Either party may, from time to time, upon written notice to the other designate a new Designated Official in replacement of an existing Designated Official.

    21.3 Designated Officials, or their designates, will meet as required to resolve issues that emerge from the Agreement.

13. Article 22.0 is replaced in its entirety with the following heading and articles:

    22.0. Workforce Development Committee

    22.1 Canada and Nova Scotia agree to maintain a bilateral Canada-Nova Scotia Joint LMDA Committee to be known as the Workforce Development Committee.

    22.2 The Workforce Development Committee will be co-chaired by the Designated Officials of the Parties and will meet at least twice annually, timed to coincide with the planning and reporting cycles, or as agreed to by the co-chairs. The co-chairs can invite representatives from other agencies, departments or ministries to participate in Committee meetings as deemed appropriate.

    22.3 The Assistant Deputy Minister of Service Canada’s Atlantic Region will be represented on the Workforce Development Committee.

    22.4. Decisions of the Workforce Development Committee with respect to this Agreement will be by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, then the issue(s) will be referred to the appropriate Deputy Ministers for both of the Parties. If the issue cannot be resolved by the Deputy Ministers, it shall be referred to the appropriate Ministers for both of the Parties to be resolved.

    22.5. The role of the Workforce Development Committee with respect to this Agreement includes but is not limited to:

    1. Administration and management of this Agreement, including providing a forum for the exchange of information on annual planning priorities and reporting;
    2. Exchanging information on regional or local labour market challenges and priorities and the results of engagement with other relevant stakeholders, including official languages and minority communities;
    3. Providing a forum to exchange information on best practices and have discussions related to the implementation of this Agreement,
    4. Providing a forum for discussing regional issues and ways to better coordinate the delivery of federal and Nova Scotia programs;
    5. Sharing information on innovative labour market programs and policies as well as broader developments in the labour market and bilateral issues that may fall outside the parameters of this Agreement;
    6. Providing support to resolve issues arising from the management of this Agreement;
    7. Discussing annual result targets as described in Article 8.0;
    8. Discussing Nova Scotia’s Annual Plans described in Article 3.2;
    9. Overseeing evaluation responsibilities outlined in Article 9.0;
    10. Maintaining linkages with the planning processes under any other Canada- Nova Scotia Labour Market Agreement entered into between the Parties;
    11. Developing measures referred to in Article 12 for ensuring employment insurance program integrity;
    12. Sharing views on labour market programs and policies as well as broader developments in the labour market; and
    13. Providing a forum for discussing the future of labour market transfers in Nova Scotia, including the renewal of incremental funding outlined in Article 6 of this Agreement.
14. Annex 1 entitled “Description of Nova Scotia benefits and measures” is amended by replacing the description of “Nova Scotia employment services" measure in Article 4.0 a) by the following:
    1. a) Nova Scotia employment services

       Employment services will be used to help clients to obtain employment. Services may include, but are not limited to such things as: 1) needs determination, 2) employment counseling, 3) job search supports, 4) workshops and coaching, 5) Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), and 6) provision of labour market information.

       Nova Scotia will provide services to meet the needs of specific client groups and local communities through a service delivery network that is further described in Annex 3.

       Services provided under this provincial measure will be accessible to those seeking help to prepare for, return to or keep employment.

15. Annex 1 entitled “Description of Nova Scotia benefits and measures” is further amended by replacing the description of “Nova Scotia Labour Market Partnerships" measure in Article 4.0 b) by the following:
    2. b) Nova Scotia Labour Market Partnerships

       Nova Scotia will provide funding to support employers, employer or employee associations, community groups and communities in developing and implementing strategies for dealing with labour force adjustments and meeting human resource requirements. It is understood that Labour Market Partnerships may be used to provide assistance for employed persons who are at risk of becoming unemployed or need that assistance to maintain their employment.

16. Annex 2 entitled “National employment service function and Cooperation on labour market information” is replaced in its entirety by a new Annex 2 entitled “National Employment Service (NES) Functions and Labour Market Information” which is included under Schedule 1 to this amending Agreement.
17. Annex 4 entitled “Indicators for measuring results of Nova Scotia benefits and measures, annual results targets and reporting” is replaced in its entirety by a new Annex 4 entitled “Performance Measurement Strategy and Targets” which is included under Schedule 2 to this amending Agreement.
18. Annex 5 entitled “Canada-Nova Scotia exchange of information and data sharing arrangements” is replaced in its entirety by a new Annex 5 which is included under Schedule 3 to this amending Agreement.
19. The Parties agree that no part of this Amending Agreement will have an impact on how Canada allocates the current Employment Insurance funding ($1.95 billion per year) when determining the maximum annual amount of contributions paid to Nova Scotia, in accordance with Article 14 of the Canada-Nova Scotia LMDA. The Parties acknowledge that the current method set out in Article 14 of the Canada-Nova Scotia LMDA for allocating the current $1.95 billion to the provinces and territories is the allocation method described in the letter dated June 26, 1996, from the Deputy Minister of the Department of Human Resources Development to the Deputy Minister of Community Services.
20. For the purpose of facilitating early intervention with EI Clients, Nova Scotia agrees to implement and use Canada’s Targeting, Referral and Feedback system no later than March 31, 2020. The federal arrangements required to implement this system are detailed in Annex 5 of the Canada-Nova Scotia LMDA entitled “Canada-Nova Scotia Exchange of Information Data and Sharing Arrangements”.
21. In all other respects, the Canada-Nova Scotia LMDA shall remain unchanged.
22. This Amending Agreement shall be read together with the Canada-Nova Scotia LMDA as amended from time to time and takes effect as if its provisions were part of the Canada-Nova Scotia LMDA.
23. Sections 1, 10, 14 and 15 of this Amending Agreement will come into force on April 1, 2018.
24. Nova Scotia agrees and recognizes that for fiscal year 2017-2018, Canada’s contribution will only be paid to Nova Scotia for Costs of Nova Scotia Benefits and Measures as defined in the Canada-Nova Scotia LMDA on April 1st 2017. Nova Scotia further agrees and recognizes that the Costs of Nova Scotia Benefits and Measures for an EI Client and in respect of Nova Scotia measures as defined in section 1 of this Amending Agreement will only be eligible for a contribution under the Canada-Nova Scotia LMDA starting in fiscal year 2018-2019 and subsequent fiscal years once sections 1, 10, 14 and 15 of this Amending Agreement are in effect on April 1, 2018.
25. All other sections of this Amending Agreement will come into force once it has been signed by both Parties.

Signed on behalf of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario this 27th day of March 2018

Signed on behalf of Nova Scotia in Halifax, Nova Scotia this 8th day of March 2018

Schedule 1

Annex 2 - National Employment Service (NES) functions and Labour Market Information

1.0 Purpose

1.1 The purpose of this Annex is to set out:

1. the National Employment Service functions delegated to Nova Scotia by the Canada Employment Insurance Commission;
2. the parties respective roles in respect of the delegated functions of the National Employment Service; and
3. how the parties will cooperate and collaborate in the gathering, analyzing, production, dissemination and use of labour market information.

2.0 National employment service – Functions delegated to Nova Scotia

Pursuant to section 60 of the Employment Insurance Act, the Canada Employment Insurance Commission is responsible for maintaining a National Employment Service (NES). As part of the NES, the Commission operates a national labour exchange service and information technology platform known as Job Bank where employers can prepare and advertise employment opportunities and where job seekers can search for employment.

2.1 Pursuant to Article 4 of the Agreement, Nova Scotia agrees to perform the following functions:

1. review job postings of job vacancies prepared by employers for publication in Job Bank in accordance with Canada’s requirements and instructions; and
2. authorize the publication of job postings that meet Canada’s requirements into Job Bank

2.2 In performing these functions, Nova Scotia shall:

1. comply with Canada’s requirements and instructions, including but not limited to requirements on identity management, security and privacy;
2. ensure that there is no discrimination within the meaning of the Canadian Human Rights Act in regards to a job posting;
3. ensure that sufficient resources are dedicated to the performance of the functions set out in section 2.1 in order to meet Canada’s service standards for processing and response times in relation to job postings in Job Bank;
4. communicate with employers and employer representatives to resolve any issues in respect of their request to publish a job posting in Job Bank view; and
5. respond to enquiries and provide service support to employers and employer representatives in accordance with accessibility requirements that Canada may require.

2.3 Canada shall:

1. provide to Nova Scotia a copy of its requirements, standards and accessibility requirements related to the functions of the National Employment Service performed by Nova Scotia under this Agreement;
2. provide to Nova Scotia a copy of updates and modifications to Canada’s requirements, standards and accessibility requirements;
3. provide Nova Scotia with training to support the performance of its functions and responsibilities set out in section 2.1 and 2.2 ; and
4. maintain and provide Nova Scotia with electronic access to Job Bank, as well as future information technology applications required for Nova Scotia to fulfill the functions and responsibilities set out in section 2.1 and 2.2.;

2.4 Canada and Nova Scotia agree to participate in an annual discussion on plans and priorities for future changes and enhancements to Job Bank and it labour exchange services.

3.0 Labour market information

3.1 Canada and Nova Scotia agree to the preparation of a joint labour market information strategy which will set out how each party will cooperate in gathering, analyzing, producing, disseminating and using local, provincial and national labour market information to support economic progress.

3.2 Canada and Nova Scotia agree to clarify their respective roles and responsibilities, to encourage partnerships and ensure complementarity such that there is no unnecessary overlap and duplication.

3.3 Canada is responsible for the National Labour Market Information System, with which it will produce and disseminate labour market information and products connected with proper management of the Employment Insurance Account, entitlement to and continuation of EI benefits, and information for Employment Insurance users, as well as those required for the planning and delivery of ESDC activities relating to this Agreement.

3.4 Nova Scotia will be responsible for producing local, regional and provincial labour market information needed to assume the responsibilities conferred on it in this Agreement, as well as disseminating within Nova Scotia, labour market information relating to the implementation of this Agreement and participating in and maintaining a link with the National Labour Market Information System.

3.5 Local, regional, provincial and national labour market information may include:

1. a) occupational profiles and forecasts;
2. b) community profiles;
3. c) demographic and labour force profiles and forecasts;
4. d) industrial/sectoral profiles and forecasts;
5. e) wage and salary data;
6. f) conditions of employment;
7. g) vacancy and employment opportunities;
8. h) labour market reviews and trends;
9. i) occupational demand and skill shortage lists;
10. j) potential employer lists;
11. k) lists of training providers and available courses;
12. l) major project updates;
13. m) career resource planning tools; and
14. n) work search tools.

Schedule 2

1.0 Purpose

1.1 The purpose of this Annex is to set out the mutual understanding and agreement of the parties on:

1. the performance measurement strategy
2. the target setting process, results reporting and results targets.

2.0 Performance Measurement Strategy

Canada and Nova Scotia recognize the importance of performance measurement for tracking the progress of clients of labour market programs; and for reporting to the public on results achieved under this Agreement.

Pursuant to article 8.1 of the Agreement, the Parties agree to the following Performance Measurement Strategy.

The Performance Measurement Strategy was developed multilaterally by Canada and the provinces and territories through the Forum of Labour Market Ministers (FLMM) Labour Market Transfer Agreements and Performance Measurement Working Group, hereinafter referred to as the “Working Group”. The strategy is informed by a logic model, performance indicators, outputs, outcomes, data elements, definitions and implementation plan.

2.1 Governance

To maintain the Performance Measurement Strategy as evergreen, the Parties agree to continue to work together on performance measurement for this Agreement through the Working Group in order to:

1. Review and assess the implementation and effectiveness of the Performance Measurement Strategy; and
2. Identify and propose changes to the Performance Measurement Strategy for approval by Designated Officials.

To plan and carry out evaluation activities for the programs and services funded under this Agreement, the Parties agree to work together through the Joint Workforce Development Committee as described in Article 22.0 of this Agreement.

2.2 Performance Measurement

Nova Scotia agrees to collect and compile the performance indicator information, which includes, but is not limited to:

1. Individual level participant information;
2. Aggregated individual data;
3. Aggregated employer data; and
4. Information related to Research and Innovation investments

2.3 Performance Indicators

Nova Scotia agrees to collect and compile the data necessary to support performance indicators developed by the Working Group. This data will be combined with federally available data to measure the following outcomes:

1. Participation of individuals and employers in programs and services;
2. Progression of individuals along the continuum to labour market participation;
3. Improved workforce capacity of employers/industries;
4. Employers/Industries better able to manage labour market challenges;
5. Employment, increased earnings and positive net impacts for individuals; and
6. Sustainable employment of individuals.

2.4 Personal information

The nature of the exchange of personal information is detailed in Annex 5, entitled “Canada – Nova Scotia Exchange of Information and Data Sharing Arrangements”.

2.5 Reporting

1. Reporting to Canada
   1. Annual Report to Canada

      In accordance with Article 8.1.1 of the Agreement, the Annual Report will include, but is not limited to:

      1. Information on stakeholder engagement, including the outcomes of that engagement;
      2. Description of activities undertaken in the fiscal year, including outcomes;
      3. Aggregate information about individuals;
      4. Aggregate information about employers and their participation; and
      5. Descriptive information about investments in innovative approaches.
   2. Quarterly reporting to Canada

      On a quarterly basis, Nova Scotia will report to Canada on all performance indicators through data uploads as described in Annex 5 to this Agreement. This includes individual participants’ social insurance numbers.

2. Annual public reporting

   Annually Canada will work collaboratively with Nova Scotia to produce a national report on the Labour Market Development Agreements. Canada will share a preliminary annual national report with Nova Scotia for review and input prior to the publication of the final report.

3. Reporting to Parliament

   Canada will report annually to Parliament on the results of the Labour Market Development Agreements through the Employment Insurance Monitoring and Assessment Report.

2.6 Implementation

Where circumstances prevent full implementation by April 1, 2019, Nova Scotia will substantially implement the performance measurement strategy by April 1, 2019.

Nova Scotia will develop and share with Canada a work plan to achieve full implementation of the performance measurement strategy by April 1, 2020.

Transitional collection and reporting arrangements will be detailed in the work plan.

2.7 Data sharing

Canada and Nova Scotia recognize the importance of two-way data sharing to support effective analysis of performance for labour market programs and services. Canada will:

• Share Nova Scotia level data derived from the EI information;
• Share Nova Scotia level data from EI as per the Targeted Referral and Feedback system; and
• Share Nova Scotia level data from other sources as they become available.

3.0 Targets and target-setting

3.1 Canada and Nova Scotia agree that the annual targets for the three results indicators will be mutually agreed to and be based upon historical data, socio- economic and labour market context, local or regional priorities, the characteristics or requirements of clients, and the funds available for the NS Benefits and Measures. Canada and Nova Scotia agree that the results targets for the first fiscal year of implementation of the NS Benefits and Measures will be soft targets.

3.1.1 Canada and Nova Scotia agree that the following indicators are to be used in measuring the results of the NS Benefits and Measures:

1. the number of Active EI Claimants who have accessed NS Benefits and Measures;
2. the number of EI Clients returned to employment; and
3. savings to the Employment Insurance Account.

3.2 The results targets for each fiscal year will be set out in the Annual Annex for that fiscal year.

Schedule 3

Annex 5 - Canada-Nova Scotia exchange of information and data sharing arrangements

1.0 Purpose

1.1 The purpose of this Annex to the Canada-Nova Scotia Labour Market Development Agreement (the Agreement) is to provide for the exchange of information, including personal information, as defined in section 3 of Canada’s Privacy Act and section 3(1)(i) of Nova Scotia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and “information” as defined in subsection 30(1) of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act (DESD Act), between the parties. Personal information includes social insurance numbers.

2.0 Authorities

Canada’s authorities:

2.1 With respect to the information to be provided by Canada to Nova Scotia under section 3 of this Annex, Canada confirms that it is authorized under subsection 34(1) of the DESD Act to provide such personal information to Nova Scotia for the purposes set out in section 3. In this regard:

1. the personal information set out in section 3 consists of information obtained by the Canada Employment Insurance Commission or the Department of Employment and Social Development from persons under the Employment Insurance Act (EI Act), and of information prepared from such information;
2. subsection 34(1) of the DESD Act authorizes the disclosure of the aforementioned personal information to any person or body for the administration or enforcement of the program for which it was obtained or prepared; and
3. the personal information described in section 3 of this Annex will be disclosed to Nova Scotia only for the purposes described herein.

2.2 With respect to the information to be collected by Canada from Nova Scotia under section 4 of this Annex, Canada confirms that it is authorized under the EI Act to collect such personal information from Nova Scotia for the purposes set out in section 4.

Nova Scotia’s Authorities:

2.3 With respect to the personal information to be provided by Nova Scotia to Canada under section 4 of this Annex, Nova Scotia confirms that it is authorized under paragraph 27(a) of Nova Scotia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to provide such information to Canada for the purposes set out in section 4.

2.4 With respect to the information to be collected by Nova Scotia from Canada under section 3 of this Annex, Nova Scotia confirms that it is authorized under the FOIPOP Act to collect such personal information from Canada for the purposes set out in section 3.

3.0 Information to be provided by Canada to Nova Scotia

3.1 Canada will provide to Nova Scotia, when requested by Nova Scotia, on a per individual basis, the following personal information under its control from an individual’s file for the purposes of:

1. assisting Nova Scotia in establishing and verifying if the individual qualifies as an EI client who is not an active EI claimant (in other words who qualifies as a former EI claimant) and is therefore eligible for, or entitled to, assistance under Nova Scotia’s programs:
   • name
   • social insurance number
   • address
   • postal code
   • telephone number
   • date of birth
   • federal office code – if available
   • gender
   • language (French or English)
   • EI Part II eligibility status, with explanatory messages
   • Provincial/Territorial Parental Benefits (P/TPB), if applicable, with explanatory messages;
   • identification if participating in an intervention, with explanatory messages; and
2. in respect of an individual, who has been determined to be an active EI claimant who is eligible for, or entitled to, assistance under Nova Scotia’s programs, assisting Nova Scotia in determining the nature and level of financial assistance to be provided to the EI client under Nova Scotia’s programs:
   • name
   • social insurance number
   • address
   • postal code
   • telephone number
   • date of birth
   • federal office code – if available
   • gender
   • language (French or English)
   • EI client status, with explanatory messages
   • P/TPB client status, if applicable, with explanatory messages
   • Identification if participating in an intervention, with explanatory messages

     EI claim information:

   • benefit period commencement (BPC)
   • type of EI benefit (claim type, for example regular, etc.)
   • number of eligible weeks
   • number of weeks paid (number of weeks paid in special benefits and number of weeks paid in regular benefits identified if on same claim)
   • EI benefit rate – Part I
   • federal tax deducted
   • provincial tax deducted
   • week of renewal
   • latest renewable week
   • last week processed
   • expected end date of Part I
   • apprenticeship (yes/no)
   • apprenticeship waiting period waived (yes/no)
   • stop payment – yes/no
     • if yes – date of stop payment
   • disentitlements, if applicable
     • start date
     • end date
     • explanatory messages
   • disqualifications, if applicable
     • start date
     • disqualification weeks remaining
     • explanatory messages
   • allocation of earnings
     • start week
     • end week
     • allocation of earnings weekly amount
     • amount of last week of allocation of earnings

Canada, may on its own initiative, provide to Nova Scotia an update on all or any of the above information, for use by Nova Scotia in reviewing, as needed, the purpose and amount of the financial assistance provided to the EI recipient by Nova Scotia.

3.2 When Canada is unable to successfully process the information submitted by Nova Scotia pursuant to section 4.2 of this Annex, regarding the referral by Nova Scotia of an active EI claimant to a Nova Scotia benefit, for purposes of sections 25 and 27 of the EI Act, Canada will provide to Nova Scotia any or all of the following personal information under its control on the EI claimant so referred, for use by Nova Scotia in reviewing and/or modifying the information previously submitted to Canada:

• name
• social insurance number
• EI client status
• P/TPB client status
• federal office code, if available
• provincial office code, if available
• intervention type (for example training, job creation, self-employment)
• training ID (for training interventions)
• institution code, if available
• apprentice indicator
• no claimant report code (for apprentices)
• start week(s)/date(s) of intervention
• end week(s)/date(s) of intervention
• intervention break start week/date
• intervention break end week/date
• agreement/file number
• rate (EI Part II)
• error code
• definition of error code

3.3 Canada will provide to Nova Scotia on a quarterly basis any or all of the following personal information under its control on all EI clients and non-EI clients who have received assistance from Nova Scotia under Nova Scotia’s programs, for use by Nova Scotia for: the review, analysis and verification of the data calculated/held by Canada; planning, delivery, and administration of Nova Scotia programs; and for monitoring, assessing, evaluating and reporting about the effectiveness of the assistance provided. This information will be provided in a mutually agreed upon format.

3.4 Upon request, and based on the quarterly data files on EI clients and non-insured participants who are participating in Nova Scotia programs funded with EI Part II monies, as provided by Nova Scotia in section 4.3, the following personal information will be provided to Nova Scotia for: the review and verification of Canada’s reporting of results; planning, delivery and administration of Nova Scotia programs; and for monitoring, assessing, evaluating and reporting about the effectiveness of the assistance provided. The personal information will be provided in two different data sets (by client and intervention):

• social insurance number
• age
• gender
• designated group indicators (persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups, aboriginal peoples)
• provincial office code
• EI client type
• action plan ID
• action plan start date
• action plan end date
• action plan result
• action plan result date
• intervention code (type of intervention)
• intervention start date
• intervention end date

3.5 Canada will provide to Nova Scotia, when requested by Nova Scotia and based on the selection criteria identified by Nova Scotia, on a per individual basis, any or all of the following personal information under its control from an individual’s file for the purpose of assisting Nova Scotia in contacting EI applicants who may be interested in receiving assistance under Nova Scotia’s programs funded under this Agreement, in order to facilitate their return to work:

• name
• social insurance number
• address
• postal code
• telephone number
• e-mail address (if available)
• gender
• date of birth
• education by level
• official language of service (written)
• official language of service (spoken)
• federal office code associated with the client’s postal code
• provincial office/catchment code associated with the client’s postal code
• referral type (occupation in demand/job-ready or other)
• referral source (Appli-web, second referral)
• referral code and reason (in other words the targeting criteria used to refer the client)
• National Occupational Classification (NOC) code for the most recent job

3.6 On a quarterly basis, Canada will provide to Nova Scotia the following personal information under its control on all individuals residing in Nova Scotia who are active EI claimants and who are in receipt of regular or fishing benefits, to assist Nova Scotia in the strategic planning of the delivery of its programs:

• postal code (first three digits)
• provincial office code, if available
• EI economic region
• age at benefit period commencement
• preferred official language (French or English)
• gender
• disability status (where available as self-identified information)
• visible minority (where available as self-identified information)
• aboriginal group (where available as self-identified information)
• education level (where available as self-identified information)
• EI claim status
• EI claim category (long-tenured worker, occasional claimant, frequent claimant)
• regular EI claimant without declared earnings – yes/no
• seasonal user
• weekly benefit rate
• number of entitlement weeks
• renewal week
• benefit period commencement
• first week of the last claimant’s report sent
• cut-off date (first insurable week)
• insured weeks/hours
• last week processed
• total number of weeks paid
• total benefits paid since the claim began
• last week worked
• insurable earnings
• National Occupational Classification (NOC) code of last job
• North American Industry Classification System code of last job

Any reports created by Nova Scotia or Canada involving these data elements must be in cells of no less than 10.

3.7 Nova Scotia understands that it cannot use any of the personal information received from Canada under this Annex for research or statistical purposes.

3.8 For the purposes of detecting overpayments of financial assistance due to error, misrepresentation or fraud, in relation to an individual or individuals receiving, or who have received assistance from Nova Scotia under Nova Scotia programs funded under this Agreement, Canada will provide to Nova Scotia where available and upon written request, on a per individual basis, any or all of the following personal information under its control about an individual:

• name
• social insurance number
• birth date
• address
• postal code
• telephone number
• type of benefits
• benefit commencement period
• waiting period weeks (in week code)
• gross weekly benefit rate (excluding the family supplement)
• net weekly benefit rate (excluding the family supplement)
• claim termination date
• number of entitlement weeks
• last week processed (in week code)
• weeks paid (in week code)
• payment indicator for each of the declarations referenced
• name and address of employer who issued the last record of employment used to establish the EI claim during which the client began participation in an Nova Scotia intervention
• NOC code of last job
• number of insurable hours of last job
• explanatory messages

3.9 Canada may also, on its own initiative, provide to Nova Scotia the information listed in section 3.8 about any individual who has received, or is receiving, assistance under Canada’s programs where it suspects that the individual was/is not entitled to that assistance, and/or may have received or be receiving insurance benefits under Part I of the EI Act to which the individual was/is not entitled.

3.10 Following amendments to Canada's EI Act, Canada will provide to Nova Scotia, when requested by Nova Scotia, on a per individual basis, any or all of the following personal information under its control in respect of each individual who has been determined to be an active EI claimant who is receiving or has recently received financial assistance while participating in a Nova Scotia program, to assist Nova Scotia in communicating with the individual and/or in determining whether any revisions to Nova Scotia financial assistance are required:

• name
• social insurance number
• address
• postal code
• telephone number
• language (English or French)
• federal office code, if available
• Part I benefit period commencement
• Part I end date
• original EI entitlement (in weeks)
• amended EI entitlement (in weeks)
• total weeks paid to date
• last week processed
• intervention type
• training ID
• start week(s)/date(s) of intervention
• end week(s)/date(s) of intervention
• agreement/file number
• benefit rate
• last renewable week

4.0 Information to be provided by Nova Scotia to Canada

4.1 Nova Scotia will provide Canada, on a per individual basis, the following personal information under its control about each of its clients who has submitted an application under one of Nova Scotia’s benefits and measures, for the purposes of establishing and verifying if the individual qualifies as an EI client:

• social insurance number
• name
• eligibility date

4.2 Nova Scotia will provide to Canada the following personal information under its control about each EI client who is an active EI claimant and who is receiving assistance under Nova Scotia programs for the following purposes:

1. to ensure that individuals who are active EI claimants continue to receive the insurance benefits to which they are entitled while participating in an Nova Scotia program (for purposes of section 25 of the EI Act):
   • name
   • social insurance number
   • provincial office code
   • intervention type (for example training, job creation, self-employment)
   • training ID (for training interventions)
   • institution code (if available)
   • start week(s)/date(s) of intervention
   • end week(s)/date(s) of intervention
   • intervention break start week/date (if available)
   • intervention break end week/date (if available)
   • authorization for absence from Canada during intervention, with dates (if available)
   • agreement/file number (if available)
   • apprentice indicator (if available)
   • no claimant report code (for apprentices) (if available)
   • rate (EI Part II)
2. to allow Canada to verify the ongoing eligibility for, or entitlement to, insurance benefits (for the purposes of sections 25 and 27 of the EI Act):
   • name
   • social insurance number
   • intervention type
   • date for absence from or for leaving the intervention prior to completion
   • reason for absence from, for departure, for abandoning, or for cancelling participation in the intervention, if known
3. to allow Canada to determine the eligibility for, or entitlement to, insurance benefits of an individual who is authorized by Nova Scotia to quit their job in order to participate in a Nova Scotia program (for the purposes of section 25 of the EI Act):
   • name
   • social insurance number
   • date on which the individual is authorized to quit their job (last day of work)
   • start date of participation in the Nova Scotia program, and rationale for any gap of more than two weeks
   • name and signature of designated authority, with date

4.3 Where available, Nova Scotia will provide to Canada the following personal information under its control:

1. about each EI client who is participating in Nova Scotia programs, and
2. for each non-insured participant who is participating in Nova Scotia programs funded with EI Part II monies,

for the purpose of assisting Canada in monitoring, assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of the assistance provided by Nova Scotia under Nova Scotia programs which Canada is required to do under Articles 9 and11 of this Agreement:

• Name
• Social insurance number
• Address
• Postal code
• Date of birth
• Telephone number
• Email address
• Gender
• Marital status
• Number of dependants
• Disability status
• Aboriginal identity
• Immigrant status
• Immigration year
• Visible minority status
• Highest level of education
• Federal official language of choice
• Federal official language of service
• Employment status
• Precarious employment status
• Provincial office code
• Intervention name
• Intervention code
• Intervention start date
• Intervention end date
• Intervention outcome
• Credential/certificate earned
• National Occupational Classification of Occupational Training Program
• Action Plan start date
• Action Plan end date
• Action Plan outcome
• Action Plan outcome date
• Increase in literacy and essential skills

The above information will be updated by Nova Scotia on a quarterly basis, or (for periodic evaluations) upon request, when available.

4.4 For the purposes of detecting overpayments of insurance benefits under Part I of the EI Act, due to error, misrepresentation or fraud, to an individual or individuals who are participating in, or have participated in Nova Scotia programs funded under this Agreement, Nova Scotia will provide to Canada upon written request on a per individual basis, any or all, if available, of the following personal information under its control about an individual:

• name
• social insurance number
• birth date
• address
• postal code
• telephone number
• reason for separation from employment, if known (pre-intervention)
• whether or not the individual reported for an interview as directed
• interview details (counsellor seen/scheduled to be seen, date, time and location of interview)
• method used to direct client to report
• reasons for not reporting
• reason individual is not capable of work/intervention/service
• reason individual is not available for work/intervention/service
• authorization for absence from Canada during intervention, with dates, if applicable
• date(s) absent from Canada/area without authorization
• reason absent from Canada/area without authorization
• intervention type (for example training, job creation, self-employment)
• training ID (for training interventions)
• institution code (if available)
• start week(s)/date(s) of intervention
• end week(s)/date(s) of intervention
• intervention break start week/date
• intervention break end week/date
• agreement/file number
• apprentice indicator
• rate (EI Part II)
• total number of weeks paid
• last week paid
• payment indicator for each EI Part II payment referenced
• reason for withdrawal from program
• reason for termination from program
• reason earnings not reported to Canada during the weeks they were earned (if known)
• date of return to work
• employer name and address
• employer telephone number
• explanatory messages

4.5 Nova Scotia may also, on its own initiative, provide to Canada the information listed in section 4.4 about any individual who has received, or is receiving, assistance under Nova Scotia’s programs where it suspects that the individual was/is not entitled to that assistance, and/or who may have received or be receiving insurance benefits under Part I of the EI Act to which the individual was/is not entitled.

4.6 Upon required amendments to Canada's EI Act, Nova Scotia will provide to Canada any or all of the following personal information under its control in respect of each individual who is receiving or has recently received financial assistance while participating in a Nova Scotia program, in order for Canada to determine which of these individuals is receiving or has recently received Part I benefits under that Act, which in turn will assist Nova Scotia in communicating with the client and/or in determining whether any revisions to Nova Scotia’s financial assistance are required:

• name
• social insurance number
• address
• postal code
• start week(s)/date(s) of Nova Scotia intervention
• end week(s)/date(s) of Nova Scotia intervention

4.7 Nova Scotia will provide to Canada the following personal information under its control on the results of Nova Scotia’s efforts to contact the clients identified by Canada under section 3.5 of this Annex, for the purpose of assisting Canada in assessing the impact of those efforts in facilitating the client’s return to work, and verifying the client’s ongoing eligibility for, or entitlement to, employment insurance (for the purposes of sections 25 and 27 of the EI Act):

• social insurance number
• date of successful contact
• result of contact
• date of scheduled interview with a designated official or case manager (if applicable)
• reason why the individual did not appear for the scheduled interview (if applicable)
• comments

5.0 Security requirements for user identity and access management

5.1 In the context of allowing a Nova Scotia employee to access Canada’s systems and personal information held by Canada, Nova Scotia will provide to Canada a written description of its policies and procedures relating to performing and managing Personnel Security Screening Checks (PSSC) when assigning an employee to a position that deals with personal information.

5.2 In accordance with the legislative, regulatory and policy requirements of their employer, Nova Scotia employees who access personal information provided by the other party under this Agreement must obtain and retain a personnel security screening level that is commensurate with the handling of personal information.

5.3 The parties will ensure that only authorized individuals have access to and use of the personal information exchanged under this Agreement and only as is required for the performance of their duties under this Agreement.

5.4 Nova Scotia will conduct PSSC of their employees and contractor’s employees based on standards similar or equivalent to those of the Government of Canada. Nova Scotia PSSC will include a nation-wide criminal records check. Once Nova Scotia has completed the PSSC for its own or a contractor’s employees, Nova Scotia will retain a copy of the PSSC and the individual’s signed written consent to initiate the PSSC.

5.5 Nova Scotia will provide an annual attestation that a valid PSSC for each of their employees is on file and that any risks identified during the screening process have been discussed with the other party prior to granting access. Nova Scotia will retain, and upon request will provide to Canada, the following personal and non-personal information under its control for each Nova Scotia employee who requires access to Canada’s systems and information, and who has completed the PSSC:

• name, including middle name
• date of the Personnel Security Screening Check completion
• name of approving authority
• position of approving authority
• signature of approving authority, with date

5.6 Once a Personnel Security Screening Level has been granted, it remains valid for 10 years, provided there has not been a break in employment for a period of more than 1 year. Nova Scotia will conduct a new Personnel Security Screening Check for their Authorized Users at least every 10 years (or more frequently, if required under Nova Scotia’s policy), in order to update the Personnel Security Screening Level of their Authorized Users. ESDC may suspend system access for Authorized Users whose Personnel Security Screening Level expires, until such time as their Personnel Security Screening Level is renewed

5.7 Nova Scotia will promptly inform Canada when a Nova Scotia employee ceases to need access to any of Canada’s systems.

6.0 Information protection and security

6.1 All personal information obtained under this Agreement shall be collected, used, maintained, stored, retained, disclosed, destroyed or disposed of and otherwise administered and protected in accordance with all applicable legislation. Personal Information is to be safeguarded at a high level of protection to ensure the integrity, privacy and security of the disclosure process.

6.2 In the event of a breach or incident involving personal information that was accessed or collected from the other party, the party responsible for the privacy breach or incident will promptly notify the other party and follow the process described in Appendix A.

7.0 Mode of information exchange

7.1 Canada and Nova Scotia agree to enter into a separate service level agreement outlining systems requirements.

7.2 Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, personal information and reports covered by this Annex will be provided by each party in a mutually agreed format, frequency and manner.

7.3 Canada and Nova Scotia agree to notify each other within a reasonable time of any change affecting communication protocols or methods, data bank access procedures or systems. The parties agree to participate in compatibility tests when changes are made to such protocols, methods or procedures.

7.4 Nova Scotia may request improvements to Canada’s applications used by Nova Scotia. If deemed appropriate, suggested improvements will be taken into account in Canada’s priority-setting process. Nothing in this clause limits the development activities that must be pursued by both parties in order to ensure personal information exchange between the two organizations.

7.5 Canada agrees to inform Nova Scotia, in a timely manner, in accordance with the procedures agreed upon by both parties, of any new federal application or any new version of a federal application that is relevant to this Annex.

7.6 Canada and Nova Scotia are committed to ensuring that the personal information they provide to each other under this Annex is reliable and is provided in a timely, secure, and confidential manner, and they agree to work together in achieving this goal.

8.0 Confidentiality, use and disclosure

8.1 Canada and Nova Scotia undertake to use their best efforts to fully maintain and protect the confidentiality of the personal information they receive under this Annex.

8.2 Subject to sections 8.3 and 8.4, Canada and Nova Scotia shall not, in respect of any personal information they obtain from each other under this Annex:

1. use that information for a purpose other than that for which it was respectively provided to them; and
2. disclose that information to any person or body for a purpose other than that for which it was respectively provided to them.

8.3 Canada and Nova Scotia may use personal information they obtain from each other under this Annex for a purpose other than that for which it was obtained:

1. with the written consent of the individual to whom that information relates;
2. if permitted pursuant to the legislation applicable to the party that received that information and with the written consent of the party that provided that information; or
3. if required by legislation.

8.4 Canada and Nova Scotia may disclose personal information they obtain from each other under this Annex to any person or body for any purpose:

1. with the consent of the individual to whom that information relates;
2. in a form that cannot reasonably be expected to identify the individual to whom that information relates; or
3. if required by legislation.

8.5 Unless otherwise required by law or authorized in writing by the other party and subject to section 8.2, a party shall not disclose any personal information, obtained from the other party under this Annex, to a third party for a purpose authorized herein unless there is a written agreement between that party and the third party imposing upon the third party obligations that are the same as those imposed upon that party under this Annex with respect to the protection of this information.

8.6 Nova Scotia acknowledges that it is an offence under section 42 of the DESD Act for anyone to knowingly make available information that is privileged thereunder or to knowingly use or allow such information to be used otherwise than in accordance with that Act. This provision applies to employees of Nova Scotia as well as employees of ESDC and third parties to whom the information is disclosed.

8.7 In the event of a request under Canada’s Access to Information Act or Privacy Act for personal information obtained from Nova Scotia under this Annex, Canada agrees to consult, when required, with Nova Scotia prior to any disclosure of such information. In the event of a request under Nova Scotia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for information obtained from Canada under this Annex, Nova Scotia agrees to consult, when required, with Canada prior to any disclosure of such information. No consultation obligation referred to in this section will be construed as limiting any legal duty in respect of any disclosure referred to in this section.

9.0 Costs

9.1 Costs incurred by a party in carrying out its obligations under this Annex will be the responsibility of that party.

10.0 Information management

10.1 The personal information exchanged under this Annex shall be collected, used, maintained, stored, retained, disclosed, destroyed or disposed of and otherwise administered and protected in accordance with:

1. in the case of Canada, the Privacy Act, the DESD Act, the EI Act, the Library and Archives of Canada Act and regulations thereto, and any other applicable federal legislation, the Government of Canada’s Policy on Government Security, the Electronic Documents and Records Management Solutions Standard, as well as all applicable federal and departmental policies, protocols, operating directives, and guidelines, governing the administrative, technical and physical safeguarding and disposal of the personal information; and,
2. in the case of Nova Scotia, the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and regulations thereto, the Government Records Act, 1995-96, c. 7 and regulations thereto, as well as all applicable provincial and departmental policies, protocols, operating directives, and guidelines governing the administrative, technical and physical safeguarding and disposal of the personal information.

10.2 The parties will investigate all cases where they have reasonable grounds to believe that any of the conditions set out in this Annex have been or are likely to be breached. This includes any cases where it is alleged, suspected, or there is evidence, that there has been unauthorized collection, access, use, disclosure, modification, disposal or destruction of the personal information exchanged under this Annex, modification of a permitted use, misuse, or breach of confidentiality, or any incident which might jeopardize or has jeopardized the security or integrity of the parties’ respective computer systems or networks used to access and transmit the personal information, as outlined in Appendix A to this Annex.

10.3 The parties will comply with their respective policies related to the conducting of privacy impact assessments (PIA) and threat and risk assessments (TRA) covering the exchange of personal information under this Annex. When one party is conducting a PIA or TRA, the other party will provide information upon request related to their policies and procedures for managing the personal information provided by the first party, in order to facilitate the completion of the assessment. When the PIA or TRA is completed, the parties agree to provide a copy of the relevant portions of the related reports to each other.

10.4 The parties will periodically audit their respective information management practices and procedures in the context of this Annex, to ensure:

1. compliance with the requirements of section 10.1; and
2. the security, confidentiality and integrity of the personal information exchanged under this Annex.

11.0 Accuracy of information

11.1 Each party will use its best efforts to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the personal information provided to the other under this Annex. However, it is understood and agreed that they cannot guarantee its accuracy and completeness and will, therefore, not be held responsible by the other party for any damage resulting from the transmission or use of any information that is inaccurate or incomplete.

12.0 Personal information collection, storage and access

12.1 Except as may be permitted by Nova Scotia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information (as defined therein) in Nova Scotia’s custody or under Nova Scotia’s control may only be stored or accessed in Canada.

12.2 Canada and Nova Scotia will cooperate to ensure that the provisions of Nova Scotia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act are respected.

13.0 General

13.1 This Annex can be modified with the written consent of both parties.

Appendix A

A.1 In the event of a security incident involving personal information or privacy breach, which for the purpose of this Agreement includes unauthorized access to or collection, use, disclosure, deletion, disposal or destruction of information, the party responsible for the privacy breach shall:

1. take immediate and reasonable steps to contain or limit the privacy breach (unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, destruction, disposal, misuse, or breach of confidentiality, or computer or network security breach), including but not limited to: stopping the unauthorized practice; recovering the records or personal information, where possible; shutting down access to information systems; revoking or changing computer and other access codes or correcting weaknesses in physical and/or IT security;
2. promptly investigate the cause of the privacy breach;
3. notify the other party;
4. notify the appropriate authorities if criminal activity is suspected;
5. notify the affected individual(s) whose personal information was inappropriately disclosed;
6. cooperate with the other party and its Information and/or Privacy Commissioner and its contractors and auditors in any investigation into or audit of the events;
7. following the investigation, provide a detailed written report of the circumstances related to any unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, destruction, disposal, misuse or breach of confidentiality or computer or network security breach to the other party;
8. take reasonable steps requested by the other party to address the current situation or prevent a reoccurrence; and,
9. notify the other party of any remedial actions taken.

A.2 Upon being notified, of an instance of unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, misuse or breach of confidentiality, or computer or network security breach, the party so notified may:

1. review the steps proposed by the other party to address the current situation or prevent a recurrence of the non-compliance;
2. request that the other party take specific steps to address the current situation or prevent a recurrence; and/or, for serious breaches, suspend the exchange of personal information under this Annex until satisfied that the other party has complied with the Annex and with any reasonable requests made under this subparagraph.

For ESDC

Director, EI Part II, Benefits and Measures
Skills Employment Branch
Employment Programs and Partnerships Directorate
Employment and Social Development Canada
Place du Portage, Phase IV
140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, Mailstop 424
Gatineau, Quebec  
K1A 0J9
LMDA-SUPPORT-EDMT@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

For Nova Scotia

Information Access and Privacy Administrator
For the Department of Labour and Advanced Education
C/O Department of Internal Services
Suite 1201, 5161 George Street
PO Box 72
Halifax, NS B3J 2L4
902-424-2985