Canada Education Savings Program: 2021 Annual Statistical Review
On this page
- List of acronyms
- List of figures
- List of tables
- About this report
- Introduction
- The Canada Education Savings Program at a glance
- Part Ⅰ: Program background information
- Part ⅠⅠ: Analysis of key results
- Part ⅠⅠⅠ: Government of Canada outreach activities
- The data in this report
- Annex A – Reporting in constant dollars
- Annex B – Canada Education Savings Program results for 2021
- Annex C – Characteristics that increase the chances of not receiving Canada Education Savings Program incentives
Alternate formats
Canada Education Savings Program: 2021 Annual Statistical Review [PDF - 2.25 MB]
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List of acronyms
- ASR
- Annual Statistical Review
- CESG
- Canada Education Savings Grant
- CESP
- Canada Education Savings Program
- CLB
- Canada Learning Bond
- ESDC
- Employment and Social Development Canada
- PSE
- Postsecondary education
- RESP
- Registered Education Savings Plans
List of figures
- Figure 1: RESP assets by promoter type
- Figure 2: CESG payment by promoter type
- Figure 3: CLB payment by promoter type
- Figure 4: Average annual contributions for beneficiaries in receipt of the CESG (in 2021 constant dollars)
- Figure 5: Average annual contributions for beneficiaries in receipt of the CLB (in 2021 constant dollars)
- Figure 6: Average RESP withdrawal per beneficiary (in 2021 constant dollars)
- Figure 7: Average annual contributions made to the RESPs of children receiving the CESG (constant vs. current dollars), 2010 to 2021
List of tables
- Table 1a: National summary of statistics - Registered Education Savings Plans
- Table 1b: National summary of statistics - Canada Education Savings Grant
- Table 1c: National summary of statistics - Canada Learning Bond
- Table 1d: National summary of statistics - Access to postsecondary education
- Table 2: Additional CESG eligibility thresholds
- Table 3: CLB eligibility thresholds
- Table 4: Evolution of the CESG take-up rate between 2012 and 2021: Nationally and by province and territory
- Table 5: Evolution of the CLB take-up rate between 2012 and 2021: Nationally and by province and territory
- Table 6: Number of new beneficiaries in receipt of the CLB
- Table B1: Total RESP assets by year
- Table B2: RESP assets, CESG payment and CLB payment in 2021, by promoter type
- Table B3: Cumulative RESP contributions
- Table B4: Average RESP contributions by province and territory in 2021
- Table B5: Proportion of beneficiaries by contribution amount received, 2020 and 2021
- Table B6: Cumulative CESG payments since 1998, nationally and by province and territory, 2021
- Table B7: Proportion of CESG and CLB payments received by children, broken down by family income level
- Table B8: Total annual number of CESG beneficiaries
- Table B9: Cumulative number of CESG beneficiaries 0 to 17 years old in 2021, by gender
- Table B10: Number of new beneficiaries in receipt of the CESG
- Table B11: CESG take-up rate in 2021, nationally and by province and territory
- Table B12: CESP take-up rate by gender
- Table B13: Average annual contributions for beneficiaries in receipt of the CESG
- Table B14: Average annual contributions for beneficiaries in receipt of the CESG in 2021 constant dollars
- Table B15: Annual net CLB payments and number of beneficiaries in receipt of the CLB by year
- Table B16: Cumulative number of CLB beneficiaries and take-up rate
- Table B17: Cumulative number of CLB beneficiaries 0 to 17 years old in 2021, by gender
- Table B18: CLB take-up rate and payment in 2021, nationally and by province and territory
- Table B19: Contributions made to the RESPs of CLB beneficiaries
- Table B20: RESP withdrawals and number of beneficiaries making RESP withdrawals
- Table B21: RESP withdrawals in 2021 constant dollars and number of beneficiaries making RESP withdrawals
- Table B22: RESP withdrawals for beneficiaries from low- and middle-income families
- Table B23: RESP withdrawals for beneficiaries from low- and middle-income families in 2021 constant dollars
- Table B24: EAP and PSE withdrawals
- Table B25: EAP and PSE withdrawals in 2021 constant dollars
- Table B26: Proportion of beneficiaries with RESP withdrawals, by gender
- Table B27: Average RESP withdrawals, by gender
- Table B28: Average RESP withdrawals, by gender in 2021 constant dollars
About this report
The 2021 Annual Statistical Review (ASR) of the Canada Education Savings Program (CESP) provides statistics on Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP) for the period between January 1 and December 31, 2021. The ASR also provides statistics on the Canada Education Savings Grant (CESG) and the Canada Learning Bond (CLB). The CESG and the CLB are 2 education savings incentives paid into RESPs provided by the Government of Canada. The report also provides historical data.
Introduction
The Government of Canada encourages using RESPs to save for a child’s postsecondary education (PSE), including full- or part-time studies at a trade school, college, university, or in an apprenticeship program. Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) administers the CESG and the CLB to help Canadians build early savings.
Definition of concepts used in this report
Cumulative number of beneficiaries: count of beneficiaries who received a CESG or CLB payment at least once since the inception of the program.
Example: Sarah received the CESG in 2015 and 2021. Therefore, she will be counted once in the cumulative number of CESG beneficiaries as of 2021.
Total number of beneficiaries: all individuals who received a CESG or CLB payment in a given year (for example, in 2021).
Example: In Sarah’s case, she will be included in the total number of CESG beneficiaries in 2015 and in 2021.
Total number of new beneficiaries: count of beneficiaries who received a CESG or CLB payment for the first time in a particular year.
Example: Lu received the CESG in 2021 for the first time. He will therefore be included in the total number of new CESG beneficiaries in 2021.
Note that, as the above definitions suggest, Lu will also be included in a) the total number of CESG beneficiaries in 2021, and b) the cumulative number of CESG beneficiaries as of 2021.
Contributions and withdrawals are presented in constant dollars (see Annex A for more details). Payments are in current dollars.
The data in this document come from the CESP reporting database, which does not include information on family income. For this reason, the receipt of different education incentives are used to proxy different income groups. More specifically, the receipt of the CLB and/or the 20% additional amount of CESG (Additional CESG) is used as a proxy for RESP beneficiaries belonging to a low-income family. The receipt of the 10% Additional CESG, but no CLB, is used as a proxy for belonging to a middle-income family. Finally, the receipt of the Basic CESG with neither the Additional CESG, nor CLB, is used as a proxy for beneficiaries belonging to a high-income family.
This report focuses on a few key outcomes of general interest. Key statistics from previous editions are still available in Annex B
The Canada Education Savings Program at a glance
National summary
Table 1: National summary of statisticsFootnote 1Footnote 2Footnote 3
For accessibility reasons, the table has been simplified. Consult the PDF version for the full table.
Description | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|
Total RESP assets as of the end of the year (billions) | $63.7 | $63.7 | $78.0 |
Contributions made during the year (billions in 2021 constant dollars) | $5.2 | $5.5 | $5.8 |
Description | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|
Total gross CESG payments made during the year (millions) | $1,005 | $1,042 | $1,121 |
Cumulative gross CESG payments since 1998 (billions) | $13.5 | $14.6 | $15.7 |
Total number of beneficiaries receiving the CESG during the year (millions) | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.1 |
Total number of new beneficiaries in receipt of the CESG during the year | 289,525 | 256,780 | 284,635 |
Cumulative number of beneficiaries who have ever been in receipt of the CESG aged 0 to 17 years (millions) | 3.9 | 3.9 | 4.0 |
Cumulative number of beneficiaries of all ages who have ever been in receipt of the CESG (millions) | 6.6 | 6.9 | 7.2 |
CESG take-up rateFootnote 4 | 53.7% | 54.0% | 55.1% |
Average annual contribution per beneficiary (in 2021 constant dollars) | $1,673 | $1,717 | $1,764 |
Description | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|
Net CLB payments made during the year (millions) | $199 | $156 | $139 |
Cumulative net CLB payments since 2004 (millions) | $1,412 | $1,569 | $1,708 |
Total number of beneficiaries receiving the CLB during the year | 778,516 | 740,905 | 652,885 |
Total number of new beneficiaries in receipt of CLB during the year | 195,355 | 138,342 | 122,778 |
Cumulative number of beneficiaries who have ever been in receipt of the CLB (millions) | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 |
Cumulative number of CLB-eligible children (millions) | 3.6 | 3.9 | 4.1 |
CLB take-up rateFootnote 5 | 40.7% | 41.9% | 42.6% |
Average annual contribution per beneficiary (in 2021 constant dollars) | $1,235 | $1,277 | $1,320 |
Description | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|
Annual RESP withdrawals (billions in 2021 constant dollars) | $4.6 | $4.1 | $4.9 |
Annual number of students withdrawing funds from RESPs | 466,254 | 422,847 | 481,225 |
Annual number of students withdrawing funds from RESPs from low- and middle-income families | 126,766 | 124,876 | 157,108 |
Average annual RESP withdrawals per student (in 2021 constant dollars) | $9,843 | $9,718 | $10,115 |
Part Ⅰ: Program background information
This section describes education savings incentives available as part of the RESPs and the role of financial institutions in promoting them.
Registered Education Savings Plans
To receive education savings incentives, an RESP must be opened with a bank, financial planner, scholarship plan dealer, or an insurance company.
Anyone can open an RESP. Typically, a parent, grandparent, or another family member opens an RESP and names a child as the plan’s beneficiary. The person who opens the RESP is referred to as the subscriber. The subscriber does not need to be related to the beneficiary.
There are 2 types of RESPs:
- individual plans: only 1 beneficiary is named to the RESP
- family plans: multiple beneficiaries may be named to the RESP, but they must all be directly related (including through adoption) to the subscriber
Group plans are available where savings for many (non-family) beneficiaries of the same age group are pooled together and collectively invested by a scholarship plan dealer.
Funds in an RESP can be held in a variety of forms (for example, savings deposits, guaranteed investment certificates, mutual funds, and other types of investments); they grow tax-free until withdrawn by the subscriber. Depending on the promoter and their offerings, numerous avenues are available, including low- or no-fee optionsFootnote 6.
Canada Education Savings Grant
The CESG consists of a basic grant (Basic CESG) available to families of all income levels and an additional CESG amount (Additional CESG) for beneficiaries from low- and middle-income families.
Basic CESG
The Basic CESG is a 20% payment into an RESP on the first $2,500 of contributions made into the RESP each year, or up to $5,000 in contributions if sufficient carry forward room exists. Beneficiaries are eligible until the end of the calendar year they turn 17.
Grant room and carry forward
Grant room, or unused amounts of the Basic CESG, accumulates for each child until December 31 of the year they turn 17. This fact remains true even if they are not a beneficiary of an RESP. A $500 amount is added annually to the grant room for each eligible child.
Unused Basic CESG amounts for the current year are carried forward for possible use in future years, provided the beneficiary remains eligible.
Additional CESG
Beneficiaries from low- or middle-income families may also qualify for the Additional CESG. This is a payment of 10% or 20% on the first $500 of contributions made in an RESP each year on or after January 1, 2005, up to the end of the calendar year the beneficiary turns 17.
Note: Grant room and carry forward do not apply to the Additional CESG.
Note: The Government of Canada pays a maximum lifetime amount of $7,200 in the Basic and Additional CESG to each beneficiary.
For 2021, the following adjusted family income thresholds determined eligibility for the Additional CESG:
Additional CESG | Adjusted income |
---|---|
20% | up to $49,020 |
10% | greater than $49,020 but not more than $98,044 |
Canada Learning Bond
The CLB is available to individuals born on or after January 1, 2004, from families whose income is below a certain threshold (Table 3) or for whom benefits are payable under the Children’s Special Allowance Act. The bond provides an initial sum of $500 in an RESP and $100 for each subsequent benefit year of eligibility, up to the benefit year in which the beneficiary turns 15, to a maximum of $2,000. Contributions to an RESP are not required to receive the CLB. The CLB can also be claimed for previous years during which the child was eligible, even if they do not have an open RESPFootnote 7.
Eligibility for the CLB is based, in part, on the number of qualifying children and the adjusted income of the primary caregiver, including that of a cohabiting spouse or common-law partner, as outlined in the Canada Education Savings Act. Accordingly, a child receiving the CLB in a given year might not be eligible in subsequent years. For example, a child who received it in 2020 would not qualify in 2021 if their adjusted family income was higher than $49,020 that year.
From July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, the CLB eligibility was based, in part, on the following adjusted family income thresholds:
Number of qualified children | Adjusted income |
---|---|
1 to 3 | up to $49,020 |
4 | less than $55,311 |
5 | less than $61,626 |
6 | less than $67,942 |
Registered Education Savings Plan promoters
The role of RESP promoters, the organizations offering RESPs and education savings incentives, is essential. They assist with the application process and help the subscriber understand the various investment options. In 2021, there were 85 promoters, which fell into 4 categories:
- banking services: deposit-taking institutions that provide private and commercial services
- insurance and other: institutions that offer insurance (property, casualty, life, and health) and various registered plan promoter types
- investment services: institutions that provide services in investment banking, brokerage services, wealth management, fund operations, and private equity, security and commodity exchanges
- scholarship plan dealers: institutions that offer registered plans by age cohort in addition to family and individual plans
In 2021, investment services held the largest share of RESP assets (47.0%) and received the bulk of CESG payments (41.3%). On the other hand, banks received the highest proportion of CLB payments (48.0%).

Figure 1 - Text Version
Promoter type | RESP assets |
---|---|
Banking services | 28.3% |
Insurance and other | 5.4% |
Investment services | 47.0% |
Scholarship plan dealers | 19.4% |

Figure 2 - Text Version
Promoter type | CESG payments |
---|---|
Banking services | 33.8% |
Insurance and other | 7.3% |
Investment services | 41.3% |
Scholarship plan dealers | 17.6% |

Figure 3 - Text Version
Promoter type | CLB payments |
---|---|
Banking services | 48.0% |
Insurance and other | 11.7% |
Investment services | 20.6% |
Scholarship plan dealers | 19.7% |
Key government initiatives
The Government of Canada encourages Canadians to plan and save early for the PSE of a child using RESPs. In 2021, 56.7% of eligible children (0 to 17 years old) in Canada received federal education savings incentives in an RESP. Research shows that children are more likely to access higher learning opportunities when money is set aside for PSEFootnote 9. Helping more low- and middle-income families save for their children’s PSE reduces barriers to higher education.
To this end, the Government of Canada has advanced several initiatives to promote the benefits of early planning and savings for PSE and raise awareness of and enable access to the education savings incentives that help build savings in an RESP.
Investments in community-based organizations
As part of the second funding phase announced in Budget 2017, the Government of Canada invested approximately $6.9 million in 2021 to finance several projects from community-based organizations.
These 2-year projects ((2022 to 2023) to (2023 to 2024)) will support families throughout the process of opening an RESP and accessing the CLB via:
- one-on-one assistance for individuals and families
- virtual support
- the integration of information into existing programs and service offerings
Applications for unclaimed CLB, for eligible youth transitioning to PSE
Typically, a parent, grandparent, or another family member opens an RESP and names a child as the plan’s beneficiary. Nevertheless, under current legislation, individuals eligible for the CLB but who have not yet received it can apply for the incentive for themselves as soon as they turn 18. They will have up until the day before their 21st birthday to do so. They will still be eligible for the entire amount they would have received had it been requested from birth, up to a maximum of $2,000.
In 2022, ESDC anticipates that around 147,000 18-year-old eligible individuals who have not yet received the CLB could apply for the bond. This represents about $192 million in CLB payments.
The Government of Canada sends individualized letters of eligibility to families of children who are eligible for, but have not yet received the bond. Recently, these letters started informing families that once the child turns 18, they can open an RESP for themselves and apply for the CLB. This information will enable eligible youth transitioning to PSE to request unclaimed amounts of the CLB.
Engagement with external stakeholders
The Government of Canada continues to engage with various partners and stakeholders, encompassing provinces, territories, and Indigenous organizations, to explore novel ways of promoting and accessing education savings among underserved and harder-to-reach demographics. Most notably, ESDC works with its network of CLB Champions to assist low-income families, Indigenous People, and newcomers to Canada. This network includes the following groups:
- non-governmental, community-based organizations
- front-line service providers
- postsecondary institutions
- RESP promoters
- national philanthropic and charitable organizations
- federal, provincial and municipal governments
The government also engages with provincial and territorial child welfare organizations. This year’s collaboration featured the dissemination of a toolkit for public primary caregivers in 2021 to help support access to education savings incentives for children in care. Most of these organizations, such as public primary caregivers receiving children’s special allowances payments, can open an RESP and request the CLB for children in their care.
Education Savings Week
Supported by ESDC, Education Savings Week (ESW) is a community-led communication and outreach initiative celebrated in November of every year. It brings together partners and stakeholders to increase awareness of the benefits and availability of the Government of Canada’s education savings incentives.
ESW coincides with the Financial Literacy Month (November), National Child Day (November 20), and Financial Planning Week. In 2021, ESDC hosted a series of virtual sessions on:
- the Government of Canada supports for Canadians transitioning to PSE, including information on the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program
- Indigenous learners
- lessons learned over 10 years of enabling access to the CLB in Calgary, Alberta
Investing in tomorrow
For youth to make the most of future opportunities, they need to be equipped with the knowledge, skills and experience that come from PSE. By offering education savings incentives to Canadians, the Government of Canada is investing in a skilled and innovative workforce for tomorrow.
According to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey, employment rates were consistently higher among individuals with some PSE. In addition, according to 2019 ESDC projections, two thirds of new Canadian job openings between 2019 and 2028 will require some PSEFootnote 10.
Part ⅠⅠ: Analysis of key results
Contributions to Registered Education Savings Plans
Average annual contributions of CESG beneficiaries increased over the past few years after declining between 2012 and 2019. They have been rising for CLB recipients since 2016.
Average annual contributions to CESG beneficiaries’ RESPs decreased by 3.0% between 2012 and 2019 (Figure 4). Conversely, they grew 5.4% between 2019 and 2021, reversing the 8-year trend. This is likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in reduced household spending and heightened savings. These extra savings may have made it possible for some families to invest more in RESPs. In addition, robust financial markets encouraged some families to invest additional amounts in RESPs.
Between 2012 and 2016, average annual contributions to the RESPs of CLB beneficiaries remained stable (Figure 5). However, in 2017, they increased by 2.7%.
The period from 2019 to 2021 also saw a 6.9% rise in average annual contributions to the RESPs of CLB beneficiaries. The pandemic is likely the cause of this. Many CLB beneficiaries who received relatively lower contributions in 2019 no longer received any in 2021. As a result, average annual contributions to the RESPs of CLB beneficiaries receiving contributions grewFootnote 11.

Figure 4 - Text Version
Years | Average annual contributions (in 2021 constant dollars) |
---|---|
2012 | $1,725 |
2013 | $1,726 |
2014 | $1,711 |
2015 | $1,707 |
2016 | $1,695 |
2017 | $1,707 |
2018 | $1,686 |
2019 | $1,673 |
2020 | $1,717 |
2021 | $1,764 |

Figure 5 - Text Version
Years | Average annual contributions (in 2021 constant dollars) |
---|---|
2012 | $1,175 |
2013 | $1,187 |
2014 | $1,188 |
2015 | $1,191 |
2016 | $1,186 |
2017 | $1,219 |
2018 | $1,221 |
2019 | $1,235 |
2020 | $1,277 |
2021 | $1,320 |
Canada Education Savings Grant take-up rate
Between 2020 and 2021, the CESG take-up rate increased in all provinces and territories (Table 4)Footnote 12. Quebec experienced the most significant jump at 2.1 percentage points (pp).
By 2021, the take-up rate was highest in British Columbia at 59.3%, followed closely by Quebec at 59.0%. These 2 provinces are likely at the top because they offer education savings incentives beyond the CESP, making RESPs more attractive for parents. Nunavut had the lowest take-up rate of only 5.6%.
Overall, between 2012 and 2021, CESG take-up increased in all provinces and territories. It rose by 9.5 pp at the national level, from 45.6% to 55.1% (Table 4). Growth was most significant in Quebec (at 18.2 pp).
Province or territory | 2012 | 2020 | 2021 | Change in percentage points from 2012 to 2021 | Change in percentage points from 2020 to 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Newfoundland and Labrador | 42.1% | 44.7% | 45.0% | 2.9 | 0.3 |
Prince Edward Island | 38.3% | 41.9% | 42.8% | 4.5 | 0.9 |
Nova Scotia | 39.2% | 44.3% | 44.7% | 5.5 | 0.5 |
New Brunswick | 41.7% | 44.2% | 44.1% | 2.3 | -0.1 |
Quebec | 40.9% | 56.9% | 59.0% | 18.2 | 2.1 |
Ontario | 50.2% | 55.7% | 55.6% | 6.4 | 0.9 |
Manitoba | 32.6% | 39.7% | 40.3% | 7.7 | 0.6 |
Saskatchewan | 35.1% | 42.1% | 42.9% | 7.8 | 0.8 |
Alberta | 46.0% | 53.4% | 54.2% | 8.2 | 0.7 |
British Columbia | 49.8% | 58.5% | 59.3% | 9.5 | 0.8 |
Yukon | 37.8% | 42.8% | 43.2% | 5.4 | 0.5 |
Northwest Territories | 23.7% | 29.8% | 30.1% | 6.3 | 0.3 |
Nunavut | 4.2% | 5.3% | 5.6% | 1.4 | 0.3 |
Canada | 45.6% | 54.0% | 55.1% | 9.5 | 1.1 |
Canada Learning Bond take-up rate
Between 2020 and 2021, CLB take-up rates increased in all provinces and territories (Table 5). Again, Quebec experienced the greatest rise (1.3 pp). In 2021, the take-up was highest in British Columbia at 50.9%, followed closely by Quebec at 49.6%. Nunavut’s was the lowest at 2.7%.
Over the past 10 years, rates grew by 14.8 pp at the national level, going from 27.8% in 2012 to 42.6% in 2021 (Table 5). All provinces and territories saw an increase, with the steepest being in British Columbia (19.2 pp), closely followed by Quebec (18.8 pp).
Province or territory | 2012 | 2020 | 2021 | Change in percentage points from 2012 to 2021 | Change in percentage points from 2020 to 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Newfoundland and Labrador | 19.1% | 28.0% | 28.4% | 9.4 | 0.4 |
Prince Edward Island | 19.2% | 32.0% | 32.8% | 13.6 | 0.8 |
Nova Scotia | 19.3% | 32.4% | 33.2% | 13.8 | 0.8 |
New Brunswick | 21.2% | 32.6% | 32.8% | 11.6 | 0.2 |
Quebec | 30.8% | 48.3% | 49.6% | 18.8 | 1.3 |
Ontario | 29.4% | 41.2% | 41.8% | 12.5 | 0.6 |
Manitoba | 18.9% | 31.3% | 31.8% | 12.9 | 0.5 |
Saskatchewan | 18.2% | 28.0% | 28.5% | 10.3 | 0.5 |
Alberta | 26.2% | 40.5% | 41.0% | 14.8 | 0.5 |
British Columbia | 31.7% | 50.3% | 50.9% | 19.2 | 0.7 |
Yukon | 19.1% | 32.1% | 32.1% | 13.1 | 0.1 |
Northwest Territories | 7.7% | 15.6% | 15.9% | 8.1 | 0.2 |
Nunavut | 1.6% | 2.6% | 2.7% | 1.2 | 0.1 |
Canada | 27.8% | 41.9% | 42.6% | 14.8 | 0.7 |
Number of new Canada Learning Bond beneficiaries
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the number of new CLB beneficiaries. In 2020, it decreased by 29.2% compared with 2019 (Table 6). In 2021, this trend continued, with the number of new CLB beneficiaries dropping by another 11.3% relative to 2020.
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New beneficiaries | 114,057 | 106,620 | 107,850 | 116,029 | 133,743 | 150,612 | 158,427 | 195,355 | 138,342 | 122,778 |
Registered Education Savings Program withdrawals for postsecondary education
Over the past 10 years, RESP withdrawals increased almost 20%
The amount of funds withdrawn from RESPs includes Educational Assistance Payments (EAPs) and PSE withdrawals.
Once enrolled in a qualifying PSE program, a beneficiary can request EAPsFootnote 13. An EAP consists of CESG and CLB amounts, as well as amounts paid under a provincial education savings program and income earned through assets in the RESP. EAPs are taxable income for the beneficiary, who often has a modest income while studying, so the income tax paid on EAPs is generally low. The beneficiary can use these funds to cover their tuition and other PSE costs, such as textbooks and rent.
At the same time, the subscriber can make a PSE withdrawal. This is a withdrawal of contributions the subscriber makes without penalty when the beneficiary enrolls in PSE. Although it is not required, this money can further assist with PSE-related expenses.
Between 2012 and 2021, RESP withdrawals rose by 19.8% (in constant dollars, Figure 6). Two main factors can explain this. First, the average age of new beneficiaries has been declining as parents are saving sooner for their child’s PSE. The earlier that Canadians start to save in RESPs, the more money accumulates in it. As a result, more funds are available for students to use. Second, the costs of education and living generally increased over time. Despite the availability of significant student financial assistance, students may need more money every year to make ends meet.

Figure 6 - Text version
Years |
Average RESP withdrawals (in 2021 constant dollars) |
---|---|
2012 | $8,442 |
2013 | $8,845 |
2014 | $9,099 |
2015 | 9,280 |
2016 | $9,387 |
2017 | $9,590 |
2018 | $9,733 |
2019 | $9,843 |
2020 | $9,718 |
2021 | $10,115 |
Part ⅠⅠⅠ: Government of Canada outreach activities
ESDC undertakes outreach and engagement initiatives with the CLB Champions Network. This work aims to:
- promote the benefits of early planning and savings for the PSE of a child, and raise awareness of education savings incentives that help build savings in an RESP
- enable access to RESPs and the education savings incentives; most notably, among the primary caregivers of the eligible children and soon-to-be eligible adult beneficiaries
- contribute to a greater understanding of Government of Canada supports and resources available to Canadians transitioning to PSE to make education more affordable
Key challenges
There are several obstacles faced by those that are eligible for but do not receive education savings incentives, including:
- a lack of awareness of:
- the benefits of saving early for the postsecondary education of a child
- the availability of the education savings incentives from the Government of Canada
- the process of opening an RESP
- an absence of foundational documents required to open an RESP and request the CLB for their child, including Social Insurance Numbers and birth certificates
- limited access to financial institutions and services, particularly among those living in rural, remote or isolated communities
- logistical challenges associated with attending appointments at financial institutions, either in-person or online, such as transportation, childcare, time off work and language barriers
- choice overload when making investment decisions, such as those associated with the various financial products (for example, guaranteed investment certificates or mutual funds)
Annex C contains more information on the characteristics that heighten the chances of not receiving the CESG, CLB, 10% Additional CESG or 20% Additional CESG (for eligible children).
The COVID-19 pandemic has likely amplified the impact of key challenges listed above, as many in-person services and supports have not been available.
In addition, several emerging challenges are informing ESDC’s outreach activities, notably:
- increased use of online tools and resources in daily life
- limited ability to hold in-person events for disseminating information and for learning about, and initiating, the process of opening RESPs as a means of accessing the CLB
- messaging overload may limit the effectiveness of calls to action around education savings. Those with lower levels of financial literacy, as well as individuals living with low-income and other harder-to-reach groups, increasingly sometimes receive competing or conflicting messaging
- stakeholder organizations across the country have noted that “readiness” to take action for education savings varies from community to community, region to region and sector to sector. Faced with increasing demands and financial pressures, community partners are establishing varying priority areas of action
Key areas of activity moving forward
To better help its partners and stakeholders, ESDC will continue to support community-based organizations with mailings to primary caregivers of CLB-eligible children within their communities, including youth transitioning to PSE. Mailings provide information about:
- the child’s eligibility for the CLB
- the process of opening an RESP and requesting the CLB, both online and in the community
Community outreach and engagement activities moving forward for the year will focus on:
- youth (18 to 20 years of age) transitioning to PSE
- primary caregivers of low-income households, and public primary caregivers of children for whom the child special allowance is paid
- hard-to-reach demographics, such as Indigenous peoples and those living in rural, remote and isolated communities
The data in this report
Data sources: The data in this report come from the CESP reporting database, which compiles information from 85 RESP promoters.
Rounding: The numbers presented in this report may not add up exactly due to rounding decimals.
Aggregation and non-Canadian residents: National totals include data on beneficiaries whose regional identity is either unknown or outside Canada. Because of this, provincial and territorial statistics may not add up precisely to the stated national total.
Historical data: Except for contributions and withdrawals, all figures reported here are nominal and do not account for inflation. The 2021 report supersedes previous editions. Due to the nature of financial transactions, earlier years’ data are updated annually to reflect corrections or additional reporting by financial institutions that may have been delayed.
Readers who require older data or wish to refer to available data, please refer to the corresponding data sets on the Open Government Portal, or contact the CESP by email at cesp-pcee@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.
Annex A – Reporting in constant dollars
This year, the Department reports contributions and withdrawals in constant, or “real,” dollarsFootnote 14.
Presenting contributions and withdrawals in “constant” dollars
Current dollars refer to dollars in the current year, unadjusted for inflation. Constant dollars have been adjusted to reflect their real “purchasing powerFootnote 15”. For instance, a dollar in 1998 could buy a hotdog and a drink. In 2021, a dollar could only get a hotdog. As a result, the 1998 dollar had more purchasing power than the 2021 dollar; in other words, it could buy more.
Constant dollars show how the “purchasing power” of contributions and withdrawals changed over time, which current dollars cannot do. Using constant dollars also aligns with analyses done by the Office of the Chief Actuary (responsible for the valuation of the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security Program, Canada Student Financial Assistance Program and Employment Insurance Program), Finance Canada, the Bank of Canada, and other organizations.
Figure 7 shows the average annual contributions for beneficiaries receiving the CESG between 2010 and 2021. Average annual contributions are shown in both current and 2021 constant dollars.
- Average annual contributions generally declined in constant dollars, going from $1,796 in 2010 to $1,673 in 2019, a 7% dropFootnote 16. This drop means that, increasingly, Canadian families are saving less, and Canadian children will have to find other sources of funds to pay for their postsecondary education. For instance, they might have to take on more loans or work more hours to cover education-related costs
- Using current dollars would have led to the opposite or inaccurate conclusion that average annual contributions constantly increased over timeFootnote 17

Figure 7 - Text version
Years | Average annual contributions (in 2021 constant dollars) | Average annual contributions (in current dollars) |
---|---|---|
2010 | $1,796 | $1,478 |
2011 | $1,741 | $1,474 |
2012 | $1,725 | $1,482 |
2013 | $1,726 | $1,497 |
2014 | $1,711 | $1,513 |
2015 | $1,707 | $1,526 |
2016 | $1,695 | $1,537 |
2017 | $1,707 | $1,572 |
2018 | $1,686 | $1,588 |
2019 | $1,673 | $1,607 |
2020 | $1,717 | $1,661 |
2021 | $1,764 | $1,764 |
Annex B – Canada Education Savings Program results for 2021
All dollar values are in current dollars unless specified otherwise.
Registered Education Savings Plan assets and contributions
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Assests (billions) | $35.6 | $40.5 | $44.4 | $47.0 | $51.3 | $55.9 | $56.1 | $63.7 | $69.9 | $78.0 |
Type | RESP assets | CESG payments | CLB payments |
---|---|---|---|
Banking services | 28.3% | 33.8% | 48.0% |
Insurance and other | 5.4% | 7.3% | 11.7% |
Investment services | 47.0% | 41.3% | 20.6% |
Scholarship plan dealers | 19.4% | 17.6% | 19.7% |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cumulative contributions made to RESPs of CLB beneficiaries (billions)Footnote 19 | $1.8 | $2.5 | $3.2 | $4.1 | $5.1 | $6.3 | $7.8 | $9.6 | $11.5 | $13.6 |
Cumulative contributions made to RESPs of CESG beneficiaries (billions)Footnote 20 | $37.6 | $41.6 | $45.7 | $50.0 | $54.4 | $59.1 | $64.0 | $69.1 | $74.3 | $80.1 |
Province or territory | Average RESP contributionsFootnote 21 |
---|---|
Newfoundland and Labrador | $1,374 |
Prince Edward Island | $1,555 |
Nova Scotia | $1,522 |
New Brunswick | $1,367 |
Quebec | $1,573 |
Ontario | $1,893 |
Manitoba | $1,408 |
Saskatchewan | $1,580 |
Alberta | $1,627 |
British Columbia | $1,901 |
Yukon | $1,843 |
Northwest Territories | $1,739 |
Nunavut | $2,069 |
Canada | $1,737 |
Annual contribution | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|
$1 to $500 | 20.4% | 18.7% |
$501 to $1,000 | 21.4% | 20.5% |
$1,001 to $1,500 | 17.7% | 17.4% |
$1,501 to $2,000 | 19.4% | 6.7% |
$2,001 to $2,500 | 16.8% | 17.7% |
Above $2,500 | 17.0% | 19.1% |
Province of territory | Cumulative CESG paymentsFootnote 22 since 1998 (millions) |
---|---|
Newfoundland and Labrador | $156.5 |
Prince Edward Island | $44.8 |
Nova Scotia | $276.8 |
New Brunswick | $212.9 |
Quebec | $2,806.4 |
Ontario | $7,178.9 |
Manitoba | $402.7 |
Saskatchewan | $427.4 |
Alberta | $1,858.4 |
British Columbia | $2,259.7 |
Yukon | $14.1 |
Northwest Territories | $12.4 |
Nunavut | $2.7 |
Canada | $15,688.9 |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Low- and middle-income familiesFootnote 23 | 40.0% | 40.4% | 40.6% | 41.7% | 43.0% | 44.6% | 47.9% | 48.5% | 46.2% | 44.1% |
High-income familiesFootnote 24 | 60.0% | 59.6% | 59.4% | 58.3% | 57.0% | 55.4% | 52.1% | 51.5% | 53.8% | 55.9% |
Canada Education Savings Grant
Year | Number of beneficiaries in receipt of the Basic CESG only | Number of beneficiaries in receipt of the 10% Additional CESG | Number of beneficiaries in receipt of the 20% Additional CESG | Number of beneficiaries in receipt of the CESGFootnote 25 |
---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | 1,619,117 | 418,211 | 409,285 | 2,446,613 |
2013 | 1,656,696 | 454,503 | 428,340 | 2,539,539 |
2014 | 1,694,728 | 481,704 | 439,501 | 2,615,933 |
2015 | 1,731,363 | 517,725 | 462,241 | 2,711,329 |
2016 | 1,759,207 | 548,944 | 482,995 | 2,791,146 |
2017 | 1,778,915 | 586,675 | 503,350 | 2,868,940 |
2018 | 1,730,923 | 658,845 | 544,851 | 2,934,619 |
2019 | 1,751,661 | 680,671 | 559,529 | 2,991,861 |
2020 | 1,776,249 | 697,394 | 544,714 | 3,018,357 |
2021 | 1,850,525 | 714,416 | 532,235 | 3,097,176 |
Cumulative number of CESG beneficiaries | Female | Male |
---|---|---|
Number of CESG beneficiaries | 1,950,772 | 2,031,263 |
Proportion of CESG beneficiaries | 49.0% | 51.0% |
Year | Number of new CESG beneficiaries in receipt of the Basic CESG only | Number of new CESG beneficiaries in receipt of the 10% Additional CESG | Number of new CESG beneficiaries in receipt of the 20% Additional CESG | Number of new beneficiaries in receipt of the CESGFootnote 27 |
---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | 151,869 | 61,502 | 75,581 | 288,952 |
2013 | 156,560 | 61,314 | 70,399 | 288,273 |
2014 | 154,674 | 62,137 | 67,295 | 284,106 |
2015 | 168,173 | 67,801 | 71,525 | 307,499 |
2016 | 161,362 | 67,407 | 77,050 | 305,819 |
2017 | 157,753 | 67,907 | 75,442 | 301,102 |
2018 | 142,017 | 71,214 | 80,728 | 293,959 |
2019 | 143,381 | 68,745 | 77,399 | 289,525 |
2020 | 133,721 | 62,802 | 60,257 | 256,780 |
2021 | 158,439 | 68,888 | 57,308 | 284,635 |
Province or territory | Cumulative number of beneficiaries in receipt of the CESGFootnote 28 (age 0 to 17) (1) |
Number of eligible childrenFootnote 29 (age 0 to 17) (2) |
CESG take-up rateFootnote 30 (1)÷(2) |
---|---|---|---|
Newfoundland and Labrador | 37,941 | 84,245 | 45.0% |
Prince Edward Island | 12,782 | 29,864 | 42.8% |
Nova Scotia | 74,200 | 165,821 | 44.7% |
New Brunswick | 59,857 | 135,835 | 44.1% |
Quebec | 945,141 | 1,601,448 | 59.0% |
Ontario | 1,557,526 | 2,750,101 | 56.6% |
Manitoba | 124,559 | 309,218 | 40.3% |
Saskatchewan | 116,924 | 272,298 | 42.9% |
Alberta | 527,437 | 973,877 | 54.2% |
British Columbia | 517,946 | 873,990 | 59.3% |
Yukon | 3,632 | 8,399 | 43.2% |
Northwest Territories | 3,205 | 10,659 | 30.1% |
Nunavut | 801 | 14,415 | 5.6% |
Canada | 3,982,035 | 7,230,170 | 55.1% |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FemaleFootnote 31 | 45.9% | 47.4% | 48.7% | 50.0% | 51.0% | 52.1% | 53.0% | 53.8% | 54.1% | 55.2% |
MaleFootnote 32 | 45.3% | 46.9% | 48.3% | 49.8% | 50.8% | 51.9% | 52.9% | 53.6% | 53.9% | 55.0% |
Year | Average annual contributions for beneficiaries in receipt of the Basic CESG only | Average annual contributions for beneficiaries in receipt of the 10% Additional CESG | Average annual contributions for beneficiaries in receipt of the 20% Additional CESG | Average annual contributions for beneficiaries in receipt of the CESG |
---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | $1,636 | $1,202 | $1,160 | $1,482 |
2013 | $1,667 | $1,201 | $1,154 | $1,497 |
2014 | $1,692 | $1,211 | $1,153 | $1,513 |
2015 | $1,713 | $1,228 | $1,158 | $1,526 |
2016 | $1,734 | $1,245 | $1,149 | $1,537 |
2017 | $1,784 | $1,278 | $1,167 | $1,572 |
2018 | $1,821 | $1,310 | $1,184 | $1,588 |
2019 | $1,847 | $1,326 | $1,196 | $1,607 |
2020 | $1,904 | $1,370 | $1,242 | $1,661 |
2021 | $2,012 | $1,458 | $1,308 | $1,764 |
Year | Average annual contributions for beneficiaries in receipt of the Basic CESG only | Average annual contributions for beneficiaries in receipt of the 10% Additional CESG | Average annual contributions for beneficiaries in receipt of the 20% Additional CESG | Average annual contributions for beneficiaries in receipt of the CESG |
---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | $1,903 | $1,398 | $1,350 | $1,725 |
2013 | $1,922 | $1,385 | $1,330 | $1,726 |
2014 | $1,914 | $1,370 | $1,304 | $1,711 |
2015 | $1,916 | $1,373 | $1,295 | $1,707 |
2016 | $1,912 | $1,373 | $1,267 | $1,695 |
2017 | $1,938 | $1,387 | $1,267 | $1,707 |
2018 | $1,933 | $1,390 | $1,256 | $1,686 |
2019 | $1,923 | $1,381 | $1,245 | $1,673 |
2020 | $1,968 | $1,417 | $1,284 | $1,717 |
2021 | $2,012 | $1,458 | $1,308 | $1,764 |
Canada Learning Bond
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Net CLB paymentsFootnote 33 (millions) | $97.4 | $102.5 | $105.2 | $116.7 | $135.8 | $160.3 | $185.2 | $199.0 | $156.3 | $139.3 |
Number of beneficiaries | 348,737 | 398,096 | 441,696 | 491,372 | 559,762 | 643,465 | 723,037 | 778,566 | 740,937 | 652,885 |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cumulative number of beneficiaries in receipt of the CLBFootnote 34 (millions) | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.7 |
Cumulative number of children eligible for the CLBFootnote 35 (millions) | 1.8 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 2.8 | 3.1 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 4.1 |
Take-up rateFootnote 36 | 27.8% | 29.8% | 31.4% | 33.0% | 34.6% | 36.5% | 38.2% | 40.7% | 41.9% | 42.6% |
Cumulative number of CLB beneficiaries | Female | Male |
---|---|---|
Number of CLB beneficiaries | 852,027 | 884,053 |
Proportion of CLB beneficiaries | 49.1% | 50.9% |
Province or territory | Cumulative number of children in receipt of CLBFootnote 37 (1) |
Cumulative number of children eligible for CLBFootnote 38 (2) |
CLB take-up rateFootnote 39 (1)÷(2) |
Cumulative net CLB paymentFootnote 40 (millions) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Newfoundland and Labrador | 13,585 | 47,782 | 28.4% | $13.4 |
Prince Edward Island | 5,360 | 16,335 | 32.8% | $5.2 |
Nova Scotia | 33,342 | 100,573 | 33.2% | $33.5 |
New Brunswick | 26,706 | 81,423 | 32.8% | $27.3 |
Quebec | 441,096 | 889,458 | 49.6% | $434.3 |
Ontario | 638,800 | 1,526,517 | 41.8% | $652.3 |
Manitoba | 65,017 | 204,315 | 31.8% | $62.0 |
Saskatchewan | 48,284 | 169,224 | 28.5% | $43.2 |
Alberta | 216,145 | 527,708 | 41.0% | $193.7 |
British Columbia | 239,213 | 469,823 | 50.9% | $228.9 |
Yukon | 1,243 | 3,867 | 32.1% | $1.1 |
Northwest Territories | 966 | 6,092 | 15.9% | $0.9 |
Nunavut | 311 | 11,379 | 2.7% | $0.3 |
Canada | 1,736,080 | 4,074,469 | 42.6% | $1,708.1 |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Proportion of RESPs that receive some contributionFootnote 41 | 80.8% | 79.9% | 78.7% | 78.2% | 76.8% | 74.8% | 73.2% | 72.6% | 72.1% | 72.9% |
Average contributionFootnote 42 | $1,010 | $1,030 | $1,050 | $1,064 | $1,076 | $1,122 | $1,151 | $1,186 | $1,235 | $1,320 |
Registered Education Savings Plan withdrawals for postsecondary education
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RESP withdrawals (billions) | $2.4 | $2.8 | $3.1 | $3.3 | $3.6 | $3.8 | $4.1 | $4.4 | $4.0 | $4.9 |
Number of beneficiaries making RESP withdrawals | 336,057 | 361,206 | 382,557 | 397,556 | 422,562 | 434,013 | 446,483 | 466,254 | $422,847 | 481,225 |
Average RESP withdrawals | $7,255 | $7,670 | $8,045 | $8,297 | $8,512 | $8,832 | $9,169 | $9,453 | $9,402 | $10,115 |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RESP withdrawals (billions in 2021 constant dollars) | $2.8 | $3.2 | $3.5 | $3.7 | $4.0 | $4.2 | $4.3 | $4.6 | $4.1 | $4.9 |
Number of beneficiaries making RESP withdrawals | 336,057 | 361,206 | 382,557 | 397,556 | 422,562 | 434,013 | 446,483 | 466,254 | $422,847 | 481,225 |
Average RESP withdrawals (in 2021 constant dollars) | $8,442 | $8,845 | $9,099 | $9,280 | $9,387 | $9,590 | $9,733 | $9,843 | $9,718 | $10,115 |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Total withdrawals from the RESPs of beneficiaries belonging to low- and middle-income familiesFootnote 43 (millions) | $291.1 | $392.5 | $494.9 | $601.4 | $718.4 | $829.3 | $963.9 | $1,128.1 | $1,126.6 | $1,474.5 |
(2) Number of beneficiaries belonging to low- and middle-income families with RESP withdrawalsFootnote 44 | 38,127 | 49,685 | 61,606 | 73,076 | 87,099 | 98,805 | 111,252 | 126,766 | 124,876 | 157,108 |
(3) Average RESP withdrawals made from the RESPs of beneficiaries belonging to low- and middle-income families=(1) ÷ (2) | $7,636 | $7,900 | $8,033 | $8,230 | $8,248 | $8,394 | $8,664 | $8,899 | $9,022 | $9,386 |
(4) Percentage of withdrawals made from the RESPs of beneficiaries belonging to low- and middle-income familiesFootnote 45 | 11.9% | 14.2% | 16.1% | 18.2% | 20.0% | 21.6% | 23.5% | 25.6% | 28.3% | 30.3% |
(5) Percentage of beneficiaries from low- and middle-income families with RESP withdrawalsFootnote 46 | 11.3% | 13.8% | 16.1% | 18.4% | 20.6% | 22.8% | 24.9% | 27.2% | 29.5% | 32.6% |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Total withdrawals from the RESPs of beneficiaries belonging to low- and middle-income familiesFootnote 47 (millions in 2021 constant dollars) | $338.8 | $452.6 | $559.7 | $672.7 | $792.3 | $900.6 | $1,023.1 | $1,174.5 | $1,164.4 | $1,474.5 |
(2) Number of beneficiaries belonging to low- and middle-income families with RESP withdrawalsFootnote 48 | 38,127 | 49,685 | 61,606 | 73,076 | 87,099 | 98,805 | 111,252 | 126,766 | 124,876 | 157,108 |
(3) Average RESP withdrawals (in 2021 constant dollars) = (1) ÷ (2) |
$8,885 | $9,110 | $9,085 | $9,205 | $9,096 | $9,115 | $9,196 | $9,265 | $9,324 | $9,386 |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EAPFootnote 49 (billions) | $0.9 | $1.0 | $1.2 | $1.3 | $1.5 | $1.6 | $1.8 | $1.9 | $1.8 | $2.4 |
PSE withdrawalsFootnote 50 (billions) | $1.6 | $1.7 | $1.8 | $2.0 | $2.1 | $2.2 | $2.3 | $2.5 | $2.2 | $2.5 |
Total RESP withdrawalsFootnote 51 (billions) | $2.4 | $2.8 | $3.1 | $3.3 | $3.6 | $3.8 | $4.1 | $4.4 | $4.0 | $4.9 |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EAPsFootnote 52 (billions in 2021 constant dollars) | $1.0 | $1.2 | $1.4 | $1.5 | $1.6 | $1.8 | $1.9 | $2.0 | $1.9 | $2.4 |
PSE withdrawalsFootnote 53 (billions in 2021 constant dollars) | $1.8 | $2.0 | $2.1 | $2.2 | $2.3 | $2.4 | $2.5 | $2.6 | $2.2 | $2.5 |
Total RESP withdrawals (billions in 2021 constant dollars)Footnote 54 | $2.8 | $3.2 | $3.5 | $3.7 | $4.0 | $4.2 | $4.3 | $4.6 | $4.1 | $4.9 |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FemaleFootnote 55 | 53.0% | 53.1% | 53.0% | 52.9% | 52.9% | 53.0% | 53.0% | 53.0% | 53.3% | 53.3% |
MaleFootnote 56 | 47.0% | 46.9% | 47.0% | 47.1% | 47.1% | 47.0% | 47.0% | 47.0% | 46.7% | 46.7% |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FemaleFootnote 57 | $7,148 | $7,552 | $7,921 | $8,147 | $8,340 | $8,686 | $8,993 | $9,254 | $9,193 | $9,874 |
MaleFootnote 58 | $7,377 | $7,804 | $8,185 | $8,465 | $8,706 | $8,996 | $9,367 | $9,678 | $9,641 | $10,390 |
TotalFootnote 59 | $7,255 | $7,670 | $8,045 | $8,297 | $8,512 | $8,832 | $9,169 | $9,453 | $9,402 | $10,115 |
Year | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FemaleFootnote 60 | $8,317 | $8,708 | $8,959 | $9,112 | $9,197 | $9,433 | $9,546 | $9,635 | $9,502 | $9,874 |
MaleFootnote 61 | $8,583 | $8,999 | $9,258 | $9,468 | $9,601 | $9,768 | $9,943 | $10,077 | $9,965 | $10,390 |
TotalFootnote 62 | $8,442 | $8,845 | $9,099 | $9,280 | $9,387 | $9,590 | $9,733 | $9,843 | $9,718 | $10,115 |
Annex C – Characteristics that increase the chances of not receiving Canada Education Savings Program incentives
In 2021, CESP data were made available to researchers on Statistics Canada’s Education and Labour Market Longitudinal Platform (ELMLP). This platform allows the linkage of program and survey data to better understand student and apprentices’ outcomes over time.
To document the profiles of CESP beneficiaries, CESP data were linked to 2016 Census data, the most recent Census data available on the ELMLP. RegressionsFootnote 63 were conducted to identify the characteristics that increase the risk of not receiving the Basic CESG, 10% Additional CESG, 20% Additional CESG or CLB. The following results highlight the factors found to have the most significant impact.
Overall, the chances of not receiving an education savings incentive are higher if:
- the child lives in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut
- the primary caregiver (PCG) self-identifies as Indigenous
- the PCG lives in band housing
- the PCG did not receive government transfers
The chances of not receiving the CLB for eligible children are higher if:
- the PCG lives in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut
- the child is less than 1 year old
- the PCG was born in Canada
- the PCG is Indigenous
- the PCG lives in band housing
- the PCG did not receive government transfers
The chances of not receiving the Basic CESG for children that are eligible for the Basic CESG but not the additional CESG are higher if:
- the PCG lives in Quebec or in 1 of the 3 territories
- the PCG is Indigenous
- the PCG has less than a bachelor’s degree
- the PCG works full-time
- the PCG lives in band housing
- the PCG has 3 or more children
- the PCG did not receive government transfers
The chances of not receiving the 10% Additional amount of CESG for eligible children are higher if:
- the child resides in Nunavut
- the child is between 15 and 17 years of age
- the PCG is Indigenous
- the child belongs to a lone-parent family
- the PCG has a low level of education (high school or less)
- the PCG works full-time
- the PCG rents its accommodation or lives in band housing
- the PCG did not receive government transfers
The chances of not receiving the 20% Additional amount of CESG for eligible children are higher if:
- the PCG resides in a province other than Quebec or 1 of the 3 territories
- the child is less than 1 year old or is 15 to 17 years old
- the PCG was born in Canada
- the PCG is Indigenous
- the PCG rents their accommodation or lives in band housing
- the child belongs to a lone-parent family
- the PCG did not receive government transfers
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