ARCHIVED - Human Resources and Social Development Canada

1. Youth Employment Strategy
2. Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy
3. Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnerships
4. Aboriginal Human Resources Development Program - the Joint Voisey's Bay Employment and Training Authority
5. Targeted Initiative for Older Workers
6. Enabling Fund for Official Language Minority Communities
7. Sector Council Program
8. Foreign Credential Recognition Program
9. Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
10. Workplace Skills Initiative
11. Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program
12. Canada Study Grant / Canada Access Grant
13. Canada Student Loans Program - Direct Financing Arrangement
14. Canada Student Loans Program - Interest Payments and Liabilities
15. Canada Student Loans Program - Liabilities
16. Canada Education Savings Program -Canada Education Savings Grant
17. Canada Education Savings Program, Canada Learning Bond
18. Social Development Partnerships Program
19. Guaranteed Income Supplement
20. Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities
21. New Horizons for Seniors Program
22. Old Age Security
23. Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities
24. Allowance
25. Universal Child Care Benefit
26. Homelessness Partnering Strategy

Transfer payments made under the Youth Employment Strategy are predominantly in the form of contributions from participating departments for wage subsidies for participant youth; or for the development and delivery of youth support services. Such support services include client assessment, case management services and the provision of employability tools, which intend to help participants acquire needed skills. Transfer payments contribute directly to the program objectives by encouraging organizations to create meaningful, skill-enhancing, opportunities for youth.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

In 2007-2008 HRSDC with Service Canada Youth Employment Strategy programs assisted 56,584 youth clients of whom 6,804 became employed or self-employed and approximately 42,955 returned to school. This includes the Youth Employment Strategy Summer Work Experience Program, and the principal component of this program, Canada Summer Jobs, which assisted approximately 42,000 youth clients.

Human Resources and Social Development Canada Sectoral Council Programs assisted 879 Youth clients in the Career Focus Program of whom 371 became employed or self-employed and 12 returned to school since the beginning of this series of agreements.

Actual spending was higher than planned spending mainly due to additional funding received through the Supplementary Estimates (A) for the Canada Summer Jobs program

Summative evaluation is planned to be completed in Fall 2008. Another summative evaluation is planned for 2011-2012.

When published the reports will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audit completed for the reference period.

Transfer payments made under the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy are predominantly in the form of contributions to Aboriginal organizations. The Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy provides support to Aboriginal organizations to design and deliver:

• Labour market development programs to assist Aboriginal people, including Aboriginal persons with disabilities, prepare for, obtain, and maintain meaningful and sustainable employment;
• Special programs to assist Aboriginal Youth make successful transitions from school to work or to support their return to school, and;
• Child care programs.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

Since 1999, the AHRDS has provided service to over 430,000 clients. More than 140,000 clients (including 59,000 youth and 10,000 persons with disabilities) found meaningful, productive jobs and 45,000 clients returned to school.

The variance is mainly due to an agreement with the Cree Regional Authority and investments in youth aboriginal projects.

Formative and summative evaluations are planned to be completed in Fall 2008. A summative evaluation is planned for 2011-2012.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

Audit of the Financial and Activity Monitoring of the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy is planned for completion in fall 2008.

The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership initiative is a targeted Aboriginal skills development program designed to promote maximum employment for Aboriginal people on major economic developments through a collaborative partnership approach. It is designed to address a broad spectrum of skills and learning needs and provide access to jobs.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

The existing Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership projects run from 3-5 years.

Results for 2007-08 are:

• 1,439 Aboriginal clients served;
• 2,395 interventions completed;
• 570 Aboriginal clients returned to employment following an Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership intervention;

A total of 9 Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership partnerships managed projects in 2007-2008 which included 90 partners from private sector, Aboriginal communities, the provinces and territories, other federal departments and other stakeholders.

Variance due to delays in project proposals start dates which will occur next fiscal year.

Formative and summative evaluations are planned to be completed in Fall 2008. Another summative evaluation is planned for 2011-2012.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

The Audit of Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership is underway. Audit results will be presented to the Departmental Audit Committee in fall 2008.

The purpose of the Joint Voisey's Bay Employment and Training Authority is to promote maximum employment opportunities for Aboriginal people at the Voisey's Bay mine / concentrator site as well as in related spin-off activities.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

The contribution agreement with Joint Voisey's Bay Employment and Training Authority ended March 31, 2006, as the Voisey's Bay Nickel/Mine site was in Operation. The jobs now available at the Voisey's Bay site will be through attrition, and as such longer term planning and more effective programming is required to ensure that Aboriginal people have the appropriate skill sets for areas of demand with Voisey's Bay Nickel Company as well as other employers, as appropriate. Formal results for this project will be finalized in 2008-2009.

The Joint Voisey's Bay Employment and Training Authority program has been completed, and the 2007-2008 funding was transferred to the Aboriginal Human Resources Development Strategy.

Formative evaluation is planned to be completed in Fall 2008.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audits completed for reference period.

The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers is a federal-provincial/territorial cost-shared initiative providing support to unemployed older workers in communities affected by significant downsizing or closures, and/or ongoing high unemployment, through programming aimed at reintegrating them into employment. In situations where there is little likelihood of immediate employment, programming may be aimed at increasing the employability of older workers and ensuring they remain active and productive labour market participants while their communities undergo adjustment. Provinces and territories are responsible for identifying affected communities to target for activities, design and delivery of projects, and monitoring and reporting on projects.

To be eligible to participate in the Initiative, older workers must be unemployed, legally entitled to work in Canada, lack skills needed for successful integration into new employment, live in an eligible community, and normally be aged 55 - 64. Projects must include employment assistance activities such as résumé writing, interview techniques, counselling and job finding clubs, and at least two other employability improvement activities such as prior learning assessment, skills training, work experience, or assistance to start a small business. As well, they must offer income support to participants in the form of allowances, wages or wage subsidies, and involve at least 25 hours per week of activity for participants.

Where possible and appropriate, activities will support community economic development strategies and activities. As an example, skills development activities may prepare participants for emerging employment opportunities. Census Metropolitan Areas with a population greater than 250,000 are not eligible for Initiative programming.

* The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers was announced as a two-year program scheduled to end on March 31, 2009. In Budget 2008, it was announced that the initiative would be extended until 2012 and enhanced by $90 million.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

All nine provinces and territories that have indicated they will participate in the Targeted Initiative for Older Workers have now signed agreements with the Government of Canada.

Throughout the 2007-2008 timeframe, agreements were signed with Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Northwest Territories. Agreements were signed with Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Yukon in the previous year.

Participant results will be measured in 2008-2009.

Variance is due in part, to delays in Provincial and Territorial implementation of The Targeted Initiative for Older Workers. Also due to provinces and territories incurring lower expenses this fiscal year, than they had forecasted $24.3 million was re-profiled into 2008-2009.

Formative evaluation is planned for 2008-2009
Summative evaluation is planned for 2010-2011.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audits completed for reference period.

The objective of the Enabling Fund is to strengthen community economic and human resources development in official language minority communities. The Enabling Fund provides funding to Official Language Minority Communities designated organizations, the Réseaux de développement économique et d'employabilité and Community Economic Development and Employability Committees through contribution agreements so that these organizations can plan, develop and manage community projects and access additional funding for these projects.

Contributions can be made under the Enabling Fund for the Official Language Minority Communities to support activities such as:

• Human resources planning, research, preparing and adopting community development plans;
• Creating, implementing and consolidating partnerships;
• Mobilizing community stakeholders;
• Developing and coordinating projects that foster the development and enhance the vitality and economic growth of those communities;

Developing human resources and strengthening local and national structures to improve their capabilities in terms of governance, policy and support program development, the expansion of services to the community for community capacity building, and organizational administration and management.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

The Réseaux de développement économique et d'employabilité and Community Economic Development and Employability Committees continue to work proactively with Official Language Minority Communities to develop local labour markets and improve their economic vitality. Every year, each community develops its own community plan and develops projects for community economic development and labour market development. Two joint national committees with Federal and Community representatives provide strategic direction and relevant information to the Réseaux de développement économique et d'employabilité and Community Economic Development and Employability Committees, supporting them in accessing relevant programs and services from the Government of Canada. Evidence to date clearly shows that, through the Réseaux de développement économique et d'employabilité and Community Economic Development and Employability Committees, the Enabling Fund allows Official Language Minority Communities to leverage significant amounts of funding for partnerships dedicated to community economic development and human resources development. Preliminary results for 2007-2008 show a stable return on investment of over $20 million in financial contributions and an increase to over $5 million of in-kind contributions that were leveraged from partnerships.

Not applicable.

Formative evaluation is planned to be completed in Fall 2008.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audits completed for reference period.

Sector Councils are formal, national partnerships of businesses and workers that address human resources and workplace skills development on a sectoral basis ("Sectoral" refers to a defined area of economic activity, as in a sector of the Canadian economy. Since there are many sectors of the economy that are not defined in pure industrial terms, the term "sectoral" is the encompassing term used to represent those economic sectors of the Canadian economy in which sector councils work). Contribution payments under the Sector Council Program support research and project based activities proposed by Sector Councils and other national organizations (sector-like) working on skills and learning issues.

Sector Council Program supports sector council activities that include:

• Labour market forecasting and analysis
• National occupational standards;
• Curriculum tailored to industry needs;
• Skills development tools, including e-learning;
• Literacy and essential skills initiatives;
• Integration of foreign trained workers; and
• Targeted recruitment and retention initiatives.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

Human Resources and Social Development Canada worked to improve the capacity of Sector Councils to better align with the work of other government departments and pursue a unified or "whole of government" approach to address national skills and labour market issues. For example, initiatives were undertaken with Natural Resources Canada, Transport Canada and Industry Canada to address the challenges of key sectors of the economy. As such, the Program designed and implemented cross-sectoral, multi-partners models (skills tables) to better support Government of Canada initiatives of other departments. The Program continued to strengthen linkages, increasing collaboration and sharing best practices with national and provincial sector councils. For example, Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters realigned projects in support of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans priorities. The Department also strengthened the network of Sector Councils and improved program responsiveness through annual performance review of the Councils, and indicators show that council-sponsored training programs have increased over the past three years. During 2007-2008, the target for percentage of Sector Councils that would meet or exceed the expected level of performance was 90%, while the result was even higher (95%).

The variance of $1.2 million between Planned Spending for 2007-2008 and Actual Spending 2007-2008 is mainly due to a reprofile to future years due to delays in implementing the Forestry Sector Council.

Phase I of summative evaluation to be completed in 2008-2009.
Another summative evaluation is planned for 2011-2012.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audits completed for reference period.

The Foreign Credential Recognition Program provides financial and strategic support to provincial and territorial partners and stakeholders, including Sector Councils, regulatory bodies, immigrant serving organizations and post secondary educational institutions, to develop a pan-Canadian approach to assessing and recognizing foreign credentials within targeted occupations and sectors of the economy to facilitate entry into, and mobility within, the Canadian labour market. The Foreign Credential Recognition Program supports the research and project-based activities of partners and stakeholders to develop tools and processes to assess and recognize foreign credentials in targeted occupations and sectors. The goal of the program is to deliver on its mandate of improving the labour market outcomes of internationally trained workers in targeted occupations and sectors.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

Short-term:

To increase the understanding, consensus, collaboration and commitment among stakeholders and partners on issues and potential solutions related to foreign credential recognition

As of March 2008, the Foreign Credential Recognition Program staff have met with 37 stakeholders and held 44 meetings to raise FCR awareness and understanding. In addition, the Foreign Credential Recognition Program continues to participate and/or financially support activities (e.g. dialogues, conferences, symposiums) that complement program delivery and forward the Foreign Credential Recognition agenda.

To increase promotion, knowledge sharing and transfer of best practices in developing Pan-Canadian foreign credential recognition processes

The Foreign Credential Recognition Program addresses this through its work to engage provincial partners and stakeholders. To date, engagement work has been most evident with assessment agencies, post secondary education institutions, national associations and in enhancing provincial/territorial relations. On November 2007, the Foreign Credential Recognition Program organized a Federal-Provincial-Territorial Workshop on foreign credential recognition in Ottawa. The workshop focussed on four main themes: (1)the relationships and roles between FPT Government and employers; (2)increasing awareness, engagement and collaboration; (3)fostering successful practices and applying 'what works'; and (4) identifying knowledge gaps. Work with provincial agencies to standardize their Foreign Credential Recognition processes also continues.

To enhance national coordination among stakeholders and partners on foreign credential recognition

The interdepartmental Director General Forum on Immigrant Integration, met four times over the past year. The Forum initiated work on a government wide policy framework for immigrant integration by developing a comprehensive program inventory and an analysis of the interactions and contributions of federal initiatives to integration objectives. At the intergovernmental level, the Foreign Credential Recognition Program has engaged all ten provinces in discussions about strengthening their Foreign Credential Recognition capacity. Agreements have been negotiated with 7 provinces. The Canada/Alberta working group is still in operation and discussions continue with Quebec and Ontario.

Medium and long term:

To increase standardization of Pan-Canadian Foreign Credential Recognition processes and tools in targeted occupations and sectors

The program's approach of engagement, diagnostic, tool development, implementation, and follow-up enables the involvement and buy-in of all stakeholders to help address emerging priorities and pressures. Out of approximately 100 projects, 34% were funded in occupations that are classified under regulated occupations, 53% in non-regulated occupations and 10% in non-occupation specific initiatives. Investments have been with various organizations including the National Alliance of Respiratory Therapists, the Construction Sector Council, the Bio-talent sector council, the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science, the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers and the Medical Council of Canada.

To increase availability of tools and processes to assess and recognize foreign credentials among relevant organizations

By March 31, 2007, the Foreign Credential Recognition program had made investments that account for approximately 50% of the immigrant labour market. By March 31, 2008, the Foreign Credential Recognition Program support had increased to 53.7%. 45 of regulated and non-regulated professions represent over 85% of the immigrant labour market.

To reduce the barriers to entry into the labour market for foreign trained individuals in targeted occupations and sectors

The program has invested in pilot projects to examine overseas interventions to help address issues associated with Foreign Credential Recognition processes prior to immigrants arriving in Canada. The program continues to receive positive results from the three operational offices in Philippines, India and China. In addition, enhancement to the Working In Canada Tool, developed as part of the Going to Canada Immigration Portal, enables users to make informed labour market choices.

To increase use of tools and processes by relevant organizations to assess and recognize foreign trained individuals

The Foreign Credential Recognition Program has made substantial investments with partners while also encouraging knowledge sharing and promotion. By March 31, 2008, the Foreign Credential Recognition Program had invested in approximately 100 projects of which 43% have the objective to develop and disseminate information. Out of 100 projects, about 64% have been completed and 33% are still in progress.

The Program continues to work with provincial partners and stakeholders to achieve these short, medium and long-term outcomes in order to meet its ultimate objective of enhancing labour market outcomes of foreign trained individuals in targeted occupations and sectors.

The variance is due to the deferral of project activities to next fiscal year and the re-profiling of funds to a future year to fully develop projects with stakeholders related to the launch of the Foreign Credential Referral Office.

• A formative evaluation of the Foreign Credential Recognition Program that was completed in 2006-07 made six recommendations for the Foreign Credential Recognition Program.
• All six recommendations have either been addressed or are currently being addressed.
• The Evaluation report concluded that the Foreign Credential Recognition Program is progressing well towards accomplishing its objectives and outcomes.
• The Management Response to the Evaluation report was approved by the Management Audit and Evaluation Committee on February 28, 2007.

URL:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/2007/sp_ah_687_02_07/sp_ah_687_02_07e.pdf

A summative evaluation is planned for 2008-2009.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audits completed for reference period.

• The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant aims to promote access to apprenticeships and improve labour mobility by providing a $1,000 grant to registered apprentices in the Red Seal trades.
• This taxable cash grant is designed to reward advancement in the first two years of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades, building momentum for apprentices to complete their programs and receive their Red Seal endorsement.
• Registered apprentices who completed their first or second year of their apprenticeship program in a Red Seal trade designated in the province/territory where they are registered as an apprentice, on or after January 1, 2007, are eligible to apply.
• The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant provides an incentive for more Canadians to pursue apprenticeships and, taken together with the Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit for employers and the Tradesperson's Tool Deduction, is intended to meet the future need for skilled trades people that is crucial to the sustained growth of the economy.
• By focusing on the Red Seal trades, for which there are national occupational and training standards, the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant will also support inter-provincial mobility.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

The Department continued to implement the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, and also worked with provinces and territories under the Trades and Apprenticeship Strategy to strengthen and harmonize apprenticeship systems better enabling them to meet the demands of the growing economy. During 2007-2008, the Department completed the first full year of delivering the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant including the completion of the national advertising campaign, processing 52,697 applicants and issuing 30,781 grants.

2007-2008 represented the first full year of program delivery and thus eligible applicants were just becoming aware of the program and the application process. Key activities associated with the National Awareness Campaign were delayed by a few months impacting awareness and take-up of the grant.

The forecasted take-up was based on the 2003 Registered Apprentice Information System data, due to a lack of other benchmark data. The forecast is being adjusted to reflect the most recent Registered Apprentice Information System data and new input from provinces and territories.

Formative evaluation is planned for 2008-2009.
Summative evaluation is planned for 2010-2011.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audits completed for reference period.

The Workplace Skills Initiative funds projects that test and evaluate promising, partnership-based, outcomes-focused approaches to skills development for employers and employed Canadians:

• Central to these projects is the development of human capital in and for the workplace.
• Projects will vary in scope and scale (e.g. firm vs. sector).
• Small and medium-sized enterprises will be a key audience.
• Projects will generate cumulative knowledge around skills development and best HR models and practices.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

• The second Workplace Skills Initiative Call for Proposals closed on April 18, 2007. The Call focused on three critical but underutilized groups - older workers, low-skilled workers and newcomers to Canada, and allowed WSI to fund additional projects which test and evaluate promising, outcomes-focused approaches to skills development for employers and employed Canadians;
• To date, WSI has funded a total 25 projects which focus on enhancing workplace skills development and improving HR practices;
• 2007-2008 saw the development of a third Call for Proposals which was launched on April 23, 2008. This Call, while maintaining its focus on improving workplace skills development and HR practices, with a view to addressing skill shortages, also looks at innovative approaches to organizational changes to workplace environments that contribute to the improved productivity of Canadian firms;
• An extensive engagement strategy was also initiated in order to increase the awareness, visibility and uptake of the WSI and better position the Department for increased collaboration with workplace stakeholders. Since the Fall, discussions have taken place with a wide array of workplace stakeholders (including provincial and territorial officials) in various jurisdictions;
• To enhance the communication and knowledge base regarding WSI activities and objectives, and share preliminary project information and results, a Project Recipients Workshop was held March 17-18, 2008.

The variance of $13.6M between Planned Spending for 2007-2008 and Actual Spending 2007-2008 is due to the deferral of projects to the next fiscal year, of which $4.9M was reprofiled into future fiscal years.

A targeted evaluation is planned for 2009-2010.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No audits completed for the reference period.

The Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program works through non-statutory grants and contributions. The key objectives of the Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program are:

• to promote lifelong learning by reducing non-financial barriers to adult learning;
• to facilitate the creation of opportunities for Canadians to acquire the learning, literacy and essential skills they need to participate in a knowledge-based economy and society.

The Adult Literacy and Essential Skills Program aims to improve awareness and application of literacy and essential skills knowledge and information among partners, stakeholders, and employers, as well as the development of tools and mechanisms to support literacy and essential skills in the workplace.

The Adult Literacy and Essential Skills Program supports the generation, transfer, and application of knowledge; by contributing to the development of innovative approaches; by strengthening capacity of the adult learning, literacy and essential skills sectors, and by promoting the integration of adult learning, literacy and essential skills in and for the workplace and within families and communities. The Adult Literacy and Essential Skills is funded from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Funding is administered through non-statutory grants and contributions. This Program works to reduce non-financial barriers related to adult learning, literacy and essential skills.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

In 2007-2008, the Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program supported 268 projects to develop literacy and essential skills knowledge, tools and supports and disseminate them to those who need them. This includes support to 16 provincial or territorial literacy coalitions and 7 national literacy organizations.

Under the newly established Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, a Call for Proposals under the Adult Learning, Literacy and Essential Skills Program was issued and closed on October 31, 2007. Projects were solicited under two streams: 1) Literacy and essential skills for work and 2) Family and community literacy. There were 225 project proposals received under the Call.

Projects eligible under each of the streams included those that would broaden the knowledge base, develop tools and support mechanisms, and undertake outreach activities to build partnerships and share best practices. Priority target groups were identified as Aboriginal people, immigrants, Official Language Minority Communities, and low skilled workers.

The variance of $20.5M between Planned Spending for 2007-08 and Actual Spending 2007-08 is due to the deferral of projects, of which $19.0M was reprofiled into future fiscal years.

Formative evaluation is planned for 2008-2009.
Summative evaluation is planned for 2010-2011.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audits completed for reference period.

Since 1995, the Government of Canada has offered the Canada Study Grant for: high need part-time students; students with dependents; the accommodation of students with permanent disabilities; and women pursuing doctoral studies in certain disciplines. These grants encourage participation in post-secondary education by providing additional non-repayable assistance or reducing debt.

In August 2005, the Government of Canada introduced two Canada Access Grants, which provide up-front non-repayable assistance intended to improve access to post-secondary education and reduce financial barriers for students from low-income families and students with permanent disabilities.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

Provided targeted grants for eligible borrowers to increase access to post-secondary education by reducing financial barriers.

The value of Canada Study Grants and Canada Access Grants disbursed in 2007-2008 was $161.5 million.

In 2007-2008 approximately 58,500 Canada Study Grants and approximately 34,777 Canada Access Grants were awarded.

The difference between planned spending and actual spending is a combination of two factors: higher than expected up-take in the Canada Access Grant Program and extraordinary payment to one of the participating provinces regarding the Canada Study Grant.

Not Applicable.

No Audits completed for reference period.

Provinces and territories may choose not to participate in the Canada Student Loans Program. These provinces and territories receive an alternative payment to assist in the cost of delivering a similar student financial assistance program. This transfer payment provides Alternative Payments to non-participating jurisdictions, Interest Relief and Debt Reduction in Repayment benefits to borrowers, and the value of loans forgiven according to prescribed criteria.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

As a result of these alternative payments, post-secondary education students in the province of Québec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut continue to access financial assistance similar to the assistance provided to students in those jurisdictions that participate in the Canada Student Loans Program.

The difference between the planned spending and the actual is mainly due to a lower then anticipated Alternative payment to the non-participating provinces. The alternative payment calculation is based on net program costs. The overall net program costs have decreased over the last years. The reduction of cost variable is due to a massive decline of accounts returned to the Government over the past year: It has been observed that direct loans default rates are much lower than originally forecasted; consequently there are fewer loans that require collection action resulting in a reduction of net program costs.

Not Applicable since this transfer payment is for accounting purposes (see Description).

Canada Student Loans Program - Consulting Engagement is underway and will be completed in fall 2008.

From August 1, 1995 to July 31, 2000 the Canada Student Loans Program operated on a shared risk model with Canadian banks. This transfer payment represents Interest Subsidy, Interest Relief benefits, Debt Reduction in Repayment benefits, the amount of loans forgiven, risk premium and put-backs and administrative costs related to students who borrowed under the risk-shared regime.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

As a result of this transfer payment, students who borrowed under the risk-shared regime continue to receive in-study student financial assistance and debt management assistance in repayment. Canada also meets its obligations as set out under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act and in agreements with financial institutions.

The main explanation behind the recorded variance is lower than expected utilization of the debt management measure Debt Reduction in Repayment as well as the outstanding balance of the in-study portfolio being lower than previously forecasted resulting in lower disbursement of interest subsidy. Also, the actual spending is presented net of recoveries on Put-Backs while the planned spending represents the forecasted expenditure of Put-Backs.

No evaluation completed for the reference period

No Audits completed for the reference period.

From 1964 to 1995, the Canada Student Loans Program operated a Guaranteed Loan regime with Canadian banks. This transfer payment tracks claims submitted by financial institutions related to the remaining Guaranteed Loan Portfolio.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

The amounts equal claims for payment on Guaranteed loans held by Financial Institutions for Interest Relief, Debt Reduction in Repayment, In-Study Subsidy and Permanent Disabilities benefits minus the recoveries made by Canada Revenue Agency Collections against returned loan amounts.

The variance between planned spending and actual spending can be explained by the fact that the actual spending is presented net of recoveries on claims while the planned spending represents the forecasted expenditure of claim payments

Not Applicable since this transfer payment is for accounting purposes (see Description).

No Audits completed for reference period.

The Canada Education Savings Program encourages Canadians to use Registered Education Savings Plans to save for a child's post-secondary education. It offers matching funds of 20-40 cents on the dollar invested in an RESP, depending on income levels. It also administers the Alberta Centennial Education Savings Grant on behalf of the Province of Alberta and the Education Savings Community Outreach Initiative.

Further information regarding the Canada Education Savings Grant can be found at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/learning/education_savings/public/cesg.shtml

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

In 2007, 215,343 (about 192,240 in 2006) beneficiaries used $1.3 billion ($1.07 billion in 2006) of their Registered Education Savings Plan savings to fund their post-secondary education.

As of December 2007, 37% of children under 18 years of age had received a Canada Education Savings Grant with the highest participation rate (42%) found in Alberta. Families are also saving for their children's post-secondary education at a younger age - since 1998, the average age at which children receive their first Canada Education Savings Grant has dropped from 8 years of age to 4.2 by December 31, 2007. Since its inception in 1998, $3.8 billion in Canada Education Savings Grant have been paid to 3.2 million children under the age of 18. As of December 2007, there were $23.5 billion in Registered Education Savings Plan assets.

Thus the Canada Education Savings Grant has helped to increase the financial capacity of families to attend and participate in post-secondary education. Having more skilled and knowledgeable Canadians who are able to fully participate in the workforce and society will result in enhanced Canadian productivity and participation in the economy and society.

The variance is mainly due to changes announced in the 2007 budget that increased the maximum annual contribution qualifying for the 20 per cent basic Canada Education Savings Grant from $400 to $500 as well as the Department's efforts to publicize the program.

In April 2003, a formative evaluation of the Canada Education Savings Grant was completed to assess the relevance, design and delivery, and early impacts of the program. Among its positive findings were: (a) the program had a positive impact on the savings behaviour of Canadian families for their children's post-secondary education; and (b) administrative data systems, developed in coordination with promoters' systems, provided secure, quick and efficient delivery of grants.

Some of the areas in need of improvement were: (a) the lack of awareness of the program among non-subscribers; and (b) the need for clarification of the roles and responsibilities of the promoters and partners. For more information see, http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/cs/sp/hrsdc/edd/reports/2003-002509/SP-AH-200-04-03E.pdf

A formative evaluation of the new Canada Education Savings Grant and the new Canada Learning Bond was delayed from 2006-2007 and is now scheduled to be completed in 2008-2009.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audits completed for reference period.

The Canada Learning Bond was introduced to encourage low-income families to open Registered Education Savings Plans and save for their children's post-secondary education. The Government of Canada will put $500 into a child's Registered Education Savings Plan in the first year, and $100 more in each of the following years if:

1. the child was born after December 31st, 2003; and
2. the family receives the National Child Benefit Supplement.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

As of December 31, 2007, 11.8% of eligible children have received a Canada Learning Bond (up from 5.8% in 2006). Since its inception, over $50 million in Canada Learning Bond payments have been made to over 75,000 children. Despite the fact that personal savings are not required, 95% of families who received the Canada Learning Bond in 2007 also saved (94% in 2006). The contributions made to a Registered Education Savings Plan by all Canada Learning Bond beneficiaries rose dramatically to nearly $67 million in 2007 from $23.5 million in 2006, and the average amount contributed was $1,095 ($932 in 2006).

By increasing families' financial capacity to attend post-secondary education, the Canada Learning Bond contributes to access to learning. Having more skilled and knowledgeable Canadians who are able to fully participate in the workplace and society will result in enhanced Canadian productivity and participation in the economy and society.

The variance is mainly due to the Department's efforts to publicize the program to the Canada Learning Bond's target population.

A formative evaluation of the Canada Education Savings Grant and the new Canada Learning Bond was delayed from 2006-2007 and is now scheduled to be completed in 2008-2009.

A summative evaluation of the Canada Learning Bond is planned for 2010-2011.

No Audits completed for reference period.

The Social Development Partnerships Program provides grants and contributions funding to non-profit organizations working to meet the social development needs of persons with disabilities, children and their families, and other vulnerable or excluded populations in Canada.

Enhanced income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities.

In 2007-2008, 59 projects across Canada were approved. Funded projects generated knowledge on emerging social issues; disseminated information and knowledge and increased public awareness; established and maintained sustainable partnerships; and increased public dialogue and consultations.

Variance of $2.9 million mainly due to; re-profiles of funds to future years, administrative delays in issuing Call for Proposals, delayed start dates for new projects and lapsed funding by project recipients.

Summative Evaluation will be completed in Fall 2008.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

Internal Audit Services Branch conducted an Early Implementation Review of the Understanding the Early Years (UEY) Initiative in 2006-2007. It was approved by Management Audit and Evaluation Committee on October 2007.
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/audit/2007/sp_796_07_07e/page00.shtml

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is a monthly benefit paid to residents of Canada who receive a basic, full or partial Old Age Security pension and who have little or no other income. The GIS benefit is a non-taxable benefit.

Enhanced income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities.

For fiscal year 2007-2008, the number of recipients averaged 1.6 million per month. Benefits were indexed in July and October to reflect changes in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

To maximize the GIS benefits retained by low-income seniors who choose to work, Budget 2008 replaced the current $500 maximum GIS earnings exemption with an annual earnings exemption of $3,500, which represents the average earnings of working GIS recipients.

The number of beneficiaries decreased from 1,634,112 to 1,591,623 accounting for a decrease of $921.7 million. The number of GIS recipients constantly fluctuates from year to year based on a number of factors, including fluctuations in a client's income, the death of the client, or a change in the client's residence status.

This decrease is offset by an increase in the average monthly rate from $378.03 to $387.80 resulting in an increase of $915.4 million.

This resulted in an overall decrease of GIS expenditures of $6.3 million from the planned estimates.

Summative evaluations of Guaranteed Income Supplement Take-up Measures and of Guaranteed Income Supplement Outreach are planned to be completed in Summer 2009.

When published the evaluation report will be posted at the following address:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

The goal of the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities is to improve the employment situation of Canadians with disabilities, by enhancing their employability, increasing the employment opportunities available to them, and building on their existing knowledge base.

Enhanced income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities.

Reporting under the Agreements includes selected societal indicators (employment income, educational attainment and employment rate of working age people with disabilities) as well as the number of participants in various programs and services, number of participants completing a program or service where there is a specific start and end point to the intervention, and number of participants who obtained or were maintained in employment where the program or service supports this activity. The 2007-2008 Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities results are released annually by the provinces on December 3 (International Day of Person with Disabilities) of each year and are therefore not yet available for inclusion at this time.

The $3.7 million is earmarked for Territorial funding. Although the Multilateral Framework for the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities reflects federal-provincial-territorial consensus, it was not formally endorsed by the territories. The territories have confirmed their support for the principles and direction of the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities but have not signed agreements. They will continue to provide labour market programs for people with disabilities, and will participate in the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities in the future if outstanding fiscal arrangement issues are resolved. This situation does not represent a change for the territories, which did not participate in Employability Assistance for People with Disabilities initiative, the predecessor to Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities.

A demonstration evaluation of the Manitoba Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities is planned to be completed in Fall 2008. A demonstration evaluation of the Nova Scotia Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities is planned for 2008-2009.

When published the evaluation report will be posted at the following address:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audits completed for reference period.

This program supports local projects across Canada that help seniors participate in social activities, pursue an active life and contribute to their communities.

The specific objectives are:

• harness the skills, experience and wisdom of seniors to help themselves and their community;
• reduce the risk of social isolation of seniors;
• strengthen social foundations at the community level and invest in social wellbeing;
• ensure all seniors are able to benefit from, and contribute to, the quality of life in their community through social participation and lifelong active living.

Enhanced income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities.

In 2007-2008, the Community Participation and Leadership component of the New Horizons for Senior Program contributed $16.5M in total funding for 917 projects across Canada. These projects reached approximately 91,700 participants.

In addition, the new Capital Assistance component of the Program contributed $9.6M in total funding for 854 projects across Canada to upgrade non-profit organizations' facilities or equipment used for existing seniors' programs and activities.

Variance of $6.6 million mainly due to the expansion of NHSP (two new components named Capital assistance and elder abuse and fraud awareness) announced in Budget 2007.

Formative evaluation is planned to be completed in Fall 2008.
Summative evaluation is planned for 2009-2010

When published the evaluation report will be posted at the following address:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audits completed for reference period.

The Old Age Security pension is a monthly benefit available, if applied for, to most Canadians 65 years of age or over. Old Age Security residence and legal status requirements must also be met in order to qualify. An applicant's employment history is not a factor in determining eligibility, nor does the applicant need to be retired. Old Age Security pensioners pay federal and provincial income tax. (Higher income pensioners also repay part or all of their benefit through the tax system).

Enhanced income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities.

The Old Age Security pension continued to provide the first level of income support for seniors. In 2007-2008, 4.4 million seniors received the basic pension. Benefits were indexed in July and October to reflect increases in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

Just under $1 billion in benefit repayment was recovered from higher-income OAS recipients through the OAS Recovery Tax. This resulted in an increase in benefit expenditures of approximately $47 million over the planned estimates.

There was also an increase in the estimated average number of monthly of beneficiaries from 4,382,379 to 4,390,353 which accounts for an increase of $46.0 million in benefit expenditure.

This was offset by a reduction in the average monthly rate for the OAS basic pension $477.35 to $474.39, which accounted for a decrease of $156.0 million from the planned estimates. This decrease was due to a greater proportion of partial pensions linked to persons with less than 40 years of residence in Canada.

In total, these factors contributed to an overall reduction in OAS pension expenditures of approximately $63.2 million from the planned estimates for 2007-2008.

Summative evaluation of Old Age Security Program is planned to be completed in Fall 2010.

When published the evaluation will be posted on the following website:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

A Review of the Old Age Security Process is underway and will be completed in 2008.

The Opportunities Fund Program is designed to assist people with disabilities overcome the barriers they may face as they enter the labour market. People with disabilities who are unemployed and not normally eligible for Employment Insurance Part II Employment Programs can apply for assistance under the Opportunities Fund as can organizations or individuals who want project funding to help eligible people with disabilities find and maintain jobs.

Enhanced income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities.

The Opportunities Fund Program assists unemployed Canadians with disabilities to prepare for, find and maintain employment. The goal is that people with disabilities obtain employment or self employment, and have the skills necessary to maintain that new employment. To this end, effective and innovative activities were supported, such as encouraging employers to provide individuals with work opportunities and experience or address barriers to an individual's labour market participation. In 2007-08, 4300 clients were served by the program. Of these,

• 1500 (35%) gained employment;
• 2630 (61%) enhanced their employability; and
• 140 (3%) returned to school.

The remaining clients continue to work with service providers on their return-to-work action plans; others were referred to a more appropriate resource, and some drop out for health reasons.

The variance is mainly due to the accumulation of unspent funds from over 900 agreements

A summative evaluation of the Opportunity Fund for Persons with Disabilities is planned to be completed in Fall 2008.

When published it will be posted on the following website:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No audits planned.

No Audits completed for reference period.

The Allowance may be paid to the spouse or common-law partner of an Old Age Security pensioner, or to a survivor. To qualify, an applicant must be between the ages of 60 and 64 and must have lived in Canada for at least 10 years after turning 18. An applicant must also have been a Canadian citizen or a legal resident of Canada on the day preceding the application's approval. To qualify, the combined yearly income of the couple, or the annual income of the survivor, cannot exceed certain limits which are established quarterly. The Old Age Security and Guaranteed Income Supplement benefits are not included in their combined yearly income. The Allowance is a non-taxable benefit.

Enhanced income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities.

In 2007-2008, almost 94,000 persons received an Allowance or an Allowance for the Survivor benefit. Benefits were indexed in July and October to reflect changes in the cost of living as measured by the Consumer Price Index.

The number of Allowance recipients decreased from 102,563 to 93,593. Like the GIS, the number of Allowance recipients constantly fluctuates from year to year based on a number of factors, including fluctuations in a client's income, the death of the client, or a change in the client's residence status. This resulted in a decrease of $50.2 million from the planned estimate.

The average forecast monthly rate has increased from $449.32 to $461.37 resulting in an increase of $15.4 million.

This resulted in an overall decrease of Allowance expenditures of $34.8 million from the planned estimates.

A summative evaluation of the Allowances is planned for 2010-2011.

When published it will be posted on the following website:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No audits completed for reference period.

Effective July 2006 families are receiving up to $1,200 per year for each child under six, taxable in the hands of the lower-income spouse. Payments are being made directly to families so that they can choose the child care that is best for their children and their family's needs. The Universal Child Care Benefit is provided in addition to existing federal programs such as the Canada Child Tax Benefit, the National Child Benefit Supplement and the Child Care Expense Deduction and will not affect the benefits families receive under these programs. Further information can be found at www.universalchildcare.ca.

Enhanced income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities

As of March 2008: 99.2% of eligible families with children under six years of age received the Universal Child Care Benefit, which enables them to choose the child care that is best for their children and their family's needs.

The variance is due to a slight increase in the projected number of recipients and a slight increase in take up rates.

A formative evaluation of the Universal Child Care Benefit is planned to be completed in Fall 2009.

When published it will be available at the following website:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audits completed for reference period.

Provides grants and contributions to not-for-profit organizations, individuals, municipal governments, Band and tribal councils and other Aboriginal organizations, public health and educational institutions, Régies régionales, for-profit enterprises, research organizations and research institutes to carry out research on homelessness to help communities better understand and more effectively prevent and reduce homelessness.

Enhanced income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities.

• Increased investments in supportive and transitional housing and services, and strategic investments according to community plans by leading the National Homelessness Initiative Phase II Community Plan Assessment, producing assessment documents, and providing training and support to communities. The Homelessness Partnering Secretariat also produced Community Planning documents for the Homelessness Partnering Strategy 2007-2009 and provided training and support to communities to prepare community priorities.
• Broadened and enhanced engagement of partners by creating a framework for Horizontal Pilot Projects which enabled the development of a number of projects such as the collaboration with Justice Canada and Health Canada to provide transitional housing to Drug Treatment Court participants in Toronto and Vancouver. As well, through bilateral negotiations, dialogue with every province and territory was enhanced; more specifically, the Canada-Québec Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding with Ontario were signed.
• Increased knowledge and better informed policy, decision making and coordination of services by hosting a National Forum in January 2008, delivering six national telephone forums, and documenting a business case for Private Sector Engagement. Research linkages between Homelessness and other Human Resources Social Development Canada research areas such as communities, families, children, youths, seniors, inclusion and poverty were also heightened by participating in HRSDC Policy Research Coordinating Group meetings. The Homelessness Knowledge Development Program Call for Proposals was also launched and, as a result, 28 recommended projects were approved in principle in February 2008.

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy ($22.8 million), this amount is to be re-profiled to 2008-2009 to ensure that funds will be available for proposals that are developed for activities to prevent and reduce homelessness.

A Summative Evaluation of the National Homelessness Initiative was completed in 2007-2008. When published, it will be available at the following website:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/publications/index.shtml

A Summative Evaluation of the Homelessness Partnering Strategy is planned to be completed in Fall 2008. When published, it will be available at the following website:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

No Audits completed for reference period.

• Peter Gzowski Foundation for Literacy
• Canadian Council on Learning
• The Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation

The purpose of this foundation is to provide one-time funding and a vehicle for corporations and private citizens, who supported Peter Gzowski's work on literacy, to make donations in his name.

Enhance Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

• national coordination of the Peter Gzowski Invitational Golf Tournaments for Literacy which raise funds to support literacy initiatives;
• literacy activities which support the raising of funds and public awareness for literacy at the local level; and
• literacy activities that support the promotion of literacy and leverage funds for literacy throughout Canada.

To support and promote evidence-based decision making in all areas of lifelong learning by regularly informing Canadians about Canada's progress on learning outcomes, and encouraging knowledge exchange among learning partners.

Enhance Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

In support of its mandate to promote knowledge exchange and inform Canadians on learning issues and outcomes, the Canadian Council on Learning in 2007/08 accomplished the following:

Informing Canadians

• Released its second State of Learning Report, encompassing chapters on learning in early childhood, secondary and post-secondary school, through adulthood, in the workplace and for Aboriginal Peoples, with a special feature on literacy.
• Published an extensive survey of Canadian Attitudes Towards Learning (SCAL).
• Issued a report on Health Literacy in Canada, relying on data from the International Adult Literacy and Skills Survey (IALSS)
• Released the second edition of the internationally recognized pan-Canadian Composite Learning Index (CLI), which tracks progress in learning at the community and national levels.
• Published a report on Redefining How Success is Measured in First Nations, Inuit and Metis Learning that proposes three holistic lifelong learning models for these groups.
• Released the second issue of their comprehensive report on the Post Secondary Education (PSE) sector.
• Increased the accessibility of information on learning through innovative use of new media technologies, such as a regular electronic publication, Lessons in Learning, as well as an e-bulletin (The Learning Link), serving a rapidly growing audience as measured by internet traffic and document downloads from the Canadian Council on Learning website.

Knowledge Mobilization and Exchange

• Supported the five national Knowledge Centres, which brings together leading academics, practitioners and stakeholders to engage in knowledge exchange and dissemination of exemplary practices in the following areas: Aboriginal Learning, Adult Learning, Early Childhood Learning; Health and Learning; and Work and Learning.
• Sponsored national and provincial knowledge exchange initiatives (symposia, conferences, roundtables, workshops) on key learning issues.
• Maintained the on-line peer-reviewed journal: Journal of Applied Research on Learning (JARL). [ URL: http://www.ccl-cca.ca/CCL/Reports/Journal/Journal.htm ]
• Fostered the development of knowledge on learning through its adjudication and support of research projects, the establishment of a research-in-residence program, the release of State-of-the-Field Reviews identifying effective practices, gaps and strategies in each field of learning, and publication of a catalogue of provincial/territorial data on learning as a resource for research.

N/A

The summative evaluation of the Canadian Council on Learning is planned to be completed in Fall 2008.

When published the report will be posted at:
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/publications_resources/evaluation/index.shtml

The Budget Implementation Act, 1998, provides for the creation of the Canada Millennium Scholarship foundation. The Act establishes that the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development is responsible for tabling the Foundation's annual report before Parliament and provides for the $2.5 billion endowment made to the Foundation in 1998. As announced in Budget 2008, the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation will not be renewed after its mandate expires in 2010.

The endowment is managed in accordance with the Funding Agreement between the Foundation and the Government of Canada, as represented by the Ministers of Finance and Human Resources and Social Development.

The objective of the foundation is to increase access to post-secondary education so that Canadians can acquire the skills needed to participate in a changing economy and society by granting scholarships to students who are in financial need and who demonstrate merit.

Enhanced Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets, competitive workplaces and access to learning.

• Awarded 101,165 bursaries averaging $3,000 to post-secondary students based on financial need.
• In 2007, 3,135 millennium excellence entrance and national in-course excellence awards were awarded, valued at $4,000 or $5,000, depending on the type of award.
• Continued implementation of program improvements recommended as a result of the Foundation's mid-term review. In 2007, some 28,431 access bursaries were awarded with a cumulative value of $48.2 million.
• Research program into the determinants of access to higher education and the effect of current student financial assistance programs on students' behaviour - completed the following in 2007:
  • Continuation of Millennium Research Series and other publications (12 publications issued in 2007);
  • Implementation of six Millennium Pilot Projects (longitudinal research projects on means to improve access and persistence) including one new project agreed to in 2007.

Note: Results and figures are based on the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation's fiscal year which runs from January 1 to December 31.

The variance between (A) and (B) is a result of carryovers in annual allocations to the bursary program in specific provinces, which were produced as a result of student withdrawals from full-time studies or other terms and conditions of payment not being met. This results in a cash rollover from the previous year's to future years' allocation. 2007-2008 spending was above planned spending because unspent funds from previous years were reallocated.

Interim first year results of the evaluation of the Canada Student Loans Program indicate that there are interactions with other Postsecondary education programs that are not well understood. In particular, under certain circumstances, every dollar paid out by the Millennium Foundation, or saved using an registered Education savings plan, results in a one dollar reduction in the student loan. Thus, the net-impact of these programs (or that of the CSLP) is reduced due to their interaction with CSLP.

The Foundation's annual audit has been conducted in the first quarter of 2007-2008, and program reviews and audits of granting processes will be conducted in three provinces.

The Office of the Auditor General conducted an audit of the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation and of the Canada Student Loans Program. They found that the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation's bursary programs are well managed and that the Foundation has the necessary controls in place to ensure that eligibility for bursaries is assessed correctly and that payments are issued in the right amounts to the right people. They also found that the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation obtains reasonable assurance that the provinces and territories are fulfilling their responsibilities in delivering the programs. Furthermore, the Canada Millennium Scholarship Foundation was found to collect adequate information to report its achievements against objectives and meet its obligation to report the results of its activities to Parliament.

URL to Auditor General
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/aud_ch_oag_200705_2_e_17477.html

URL to Treasury Board Evaluation of Foundations:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/report/orp/2007/ef-fe/ef-fe_e.asp

http://www.millenniumscholarships.ca

http://www.millenniumscholarships.ca/en/aboutus/AnnualReport.asp

• Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership Program
• Youth Employment Strategy
• Canada Student Loans Program
• Homelessness Partnering Strategy
• National Child Benefit
• Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care
• Early Childhood Development Agreement

The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program was initially an $85 million initiative beginning in 2003 to 2009. Budget 2007 expanded and extended the program through an additional investment of $105 million for 2007-2012. The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership is targeted at developing the skills of Canada's Aboriginal workforce, promoting maximum employment for Aboriginal people on major economic developments across Canada and providing lasting benefits for Aboriginal communities, families and individuals.

The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program is an opportunity driven initiative that is implemented through formalized partnerships between the private sector and Aboriginal communities (and others such as the province and training institutions). The partnerships are responsible for jointly developing and managing comprehensive, multi-year skills development plans that will ensure long-term highly skilled sustainable employment as a result of the projects. The comprehensive Aboriginal training-to-employment plan covers a broad continuum ranging from basic skills, literacy and academic upgrading, through job-specific training and apprenticeships to retention counselling and other on-the-job supports. The plan must have a commitment from the employers to provide at least 50 long-term (sustainable) jobs for Aboriginal people. The partnership must also make a significant financial contribution to the training plan and must develop a governance model that will manage and oversee the project.
http://srv119.services.gc.ca/AHRDSInternet/general/public/asep/asep_e.asp

• Long term sustainable employment for Aboriginal people on major economic developments.

• Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership is a national, centrally managed program. It promotes the maximum employment of Aboriginal people through a collaborative approach.
• The implementation of the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership projects requires the participation of Aboriginal organizations the private sector, provincial governments and others as appropriate and may involve collaboration with regional Service Canada officials. Formalized incorporations are formed to develop and manage training to employment plans to ensure that Aboriginal people are trained for the targeted long-term jobs.
• Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership proponents receive direct support through a multi-year contribution agreement negotiated by Human Resources Social Development Canada based on a human resources development plan. Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership proponents are responsible for interim and final financial and performance reports.

(program and operating)

(program and operating)

(program and operating)

• 1,750 Aboriginal clients served
• 1,000 interventions completed
• 340 clients returned to employment following ASEP intervention

• 1,439 Aboriginal clients served
• 2,395 interventions completed
• 570 clients returned to employment following ASEP intervention

Variance due to delays in project proposals start dates which will occur next fiscal year

n/a

The Youth Employment Strategy supports Canadian youth as they move into the world of work. The Strategy plays a role in developing Canada's workforce by providing young Canadians with access to programs and services to help them gain the skills, knowledge, career information and work experience they need to find and maintain employment and make a successful transition into the labour force.

The Youth Employment Strategy is designed to respond to labour market challenges facing youth, aged 15 to 30. The Strategy has three program streams: Skills Link, Career Focus and Summer Work Experience, which includes the Canada Summer Jobs initiative. Skills Link provides youth-at-risk with opportunities to develop skills they need to find work or return to school. Career Focus helps post-secondary graduates find work in their area of specialization. Summer Work Experience helps secondary and post-secondary graduates acquire career-related skills and financing for their education through summer jobs.

The Government of Canada's support to young Canadians is a shared responsibility and a partnership effort among many departments and organizations. Human Resources and Social Development, along with 11 other federal government departments, work cooperatively with other levels of government, Aboriginal organizations, educational institutions, and private sector, not-for-profit and voluntary sector organizations to deliver Youth Employment Strategy initiatives.
http://www.youth.gc.ca/index.jsp

The shared outcomes of partners for the common key results are:

• Number of youth served
• Number of youth employed / self-employed
• Number of youth returning to school

The Youth Employment Strategy has in place an umbrella Results-based Management and Accountability Framework (RMAF) that represents a commitment among the twelve participating federal departments to undertake ongoing collection of common performance management data to ensure effective overall performance management of the program.

As lead department, Human Resources and Social Development Canada with Service Canada chairs and is responsible for the coordination and management of an Interdepartmental Operations Committee that is responsible for reporting on the implementation of the Youth Employment Strategy. The Evaluation Steering Committee is another Youth Employment Strategy interdepartmental committee. There is also a Communications Sub-Committee reporting to the Operations Committee.

Youth Employment Strategy initiatives are delivered nationally, regionally and locally using a variety of funding instruments, such as contribution agreements and some direct delivery methods. Transfer payments are provided primarily by participating departments through contribution agreements and service delivery agreements in support of participants' remuneration and overhead costs. Youth Protocols for joint planning mechanisms have been signed with Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Manitoba.

• Clients Served: 454
• Employed or Self-Employed: 90% or 408
• Return to School: 10% or 45
• Contribution Agreements: 14
• Funds Leveraged: $10.8M

• Clients Served: 879
• Employed or Self-Employed: 371
• Return to School: 12

• Clients Served: 400-600
• Employed or Self-Employed: 300 - 375
• Return to School:10-30
• Contribution Agreements: 80 - 110
• Funds Leveraged: $2-4 M

• Clients Served: 530
• Employed or Self-Employed: 356
• Return to School: 25
• Contribution Agreements: 80
• Funds Leveraged: $2,102,480

• Clients Served: 14,000-16,000
• Employed or Self-Employed: 5,950- 6,250
• Return to School: 1,250-1,350
• Contribution Agreements: 1,100-1,300
• Funds Leveraged: $65-80M

• Clients Served: 14,763
• Employed or Self-Employed: 6,448
• Return to School: 1,359
• Contribution Agreements: 960
• Funds Leveraged: $31,702,264

• Clients Served: 41,571
• Employed or Self-Employed: n/a
• Return to School: 41,571

• Clients Served: 126
• Employed or Self-Employed: 118
• Return to School: 8

• Clients Served: 3
• Employed or Self-Employed: 3

• Clients Served: 576
• Employed or Self-Employed: 131
• Return to School: 25

• Clients Served: 86
• Employed or Self-Employed: 23
• Return to School: 4

• Clients Served: 1,865
• Return to School: 911

• Clients Served: 156
• Employed or Self-Employed: 133
• Return to School: 8

• Clients Served: 257
• Employed or Self-Employed: 39
• Return to School: 15

• Clients Served: 838

• Clients Served: 394
• Return to School: 394

• Clients Served: 391
• Return to School: 391

• Clients Served: 331

• Clients Served: 79
• Employed or Self-Employed: 63
• Return to School: 16

• Clients Served: 101
• Employed or Self-Employed: 19
• Return to School: 10

• Clients Served: 11,332
• Employed or Self-Employed: 38
• Return to School: 150

• Clients Served: 18,697
• Employed or Self-Employed: n/a
• Return to School: 6,195

• Clients Served: 280
• Return to School: 280

John Atherton,
Director General,
Active Employment Measures
(819) 994-6916
Skills and Employment Branch
john.atherton@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca

Place du Portage, Phase IV
140 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, Quebec

The purpose of the Canada Student Loans Program is to promote accessibility to post-secondary education for individuals with demonstrated financial need by lowering financial barriers through the provision of loans and grants and to ensure Canadians have an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to participate in the workplace and community. Since 1964, the Canada Student Loans Program has assisted millions of students in their pursuit of post-secondary education.

In August of 2000, the Canada Student Loans Program shifted from the risk-shared financing arrangements that had been in place with financial institutions between 1995 and 2000 to a direct student loan financing regime. This meant that the Program had to redesign the delivery mechanism in order to directly finance student loans and two private sector service providers were engaged in 2001 to administer the loans. Effective March 2008, the contract for loan administration was awarded to a single selected service provider.

Information for the public on saving, planning and paying for post-secondary studies and specific information for Canada Student Loans Program clients (including information on learning opportunity selection, financial planning, and how to apply for, maintain and repay student loans) can be accessed at: http://www.canlearn.ca

Maintain the Government's commitment to accessible post-secondary education by:

• lowering financial barriers to post-secondary education through the provision of financial assistance to eligible Canadians
• ensuring a more manageable debt burden for borrowers.

The Government of Canada has entered into Integration Agreements with four provinces (Ontario, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador) in order to create a "one-student-one-loan" service approach. These four integrated provinces accounted for over 60% of the Canada Student Loans Program borrowers.

The administration of the current Program is the product of a co-operative effort between Human Resources and Social Development Canada, Service Canada, Canada Revenue Agency, participating provinces and the Yukon Territory, one Service Provider and Public Works and Government Services Canada. These agents are responsible for conducting one or more activities during the loan lifecycle. Program documents and communications tools are typically prepared with the input and approval of both federal and participating provincial and territorial governments. Quebec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut do not participate in the Canada Student Loans Program. These jurisdictions receive an alternative payment to assist in the cost of delivering a similar student financial assistance program.

Effective management of the Program and of relations with third-party agents is the primary responsibility of the Canada Student Loans Program. Program activities include, for example, client relations for escalated cases and comptrollership.

The application and needs assessment for the Program is delivered by provincial student assistance offices, which also administer provincial aid. The participating provinces and the Yukon Territory:

• determine individual eligibility for loans and Canada Access Grants based on federal criteria;
• assess students' financial needs based on federal criteria;
• issue loan certificates;
• administer and deliver Canada Study Grants; and
• designate educational institutions that students may attend with Canada Student Loans Program assistance.

While the Canada Student Loans Program provides the guidance and direction on how the Program is to be delivered, the Service Provider assumes responsibility for managing the loans once the loan agreement is signed and submitted for processing. Service Provider's responsibilities include:

• verifying loan agreements;
• managing the in-study interest-free period;
• negotiating and handling loan repayment; and
• debt management, including counselling borrowers on debt management options, receiving and assessing applications, and managing the loans.

Public Works and Government Services Canada is responsible for disbursing loans from files previously approved by Canada Student Loan Program to the borrowers and to Educational Institutions, for any funds directed to pay for tuition.

Canada Revenue Agency Non-Tax Collection Services is the agent responsible for debt collection. Delinquent guaranteed and risk-shared loans become debts to the Crown when the Government of Canada buys back the debt from financial institutions. Canada Revenue Agency Non-Tax Collection Directorate becomes responsible for directly financed loans after the Service Provider has attempted collection of a set period of time and the borrower has either not made payments on their loan or is unwilling to repay. These activities may also be conducted by private collection agencies under contract to Canada Revenue Agency. These private collection agencies must abide by Canada Revenue Agency collection guidelines when carrying out the recovery of Crown debts.

Loans Disbursed under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act $2.0B

• Estimated number of Canadians to benefit from the Canada Student Loans Program (includes loans, grants and non-repayable in-study interest subsidies): 455,000 ^a
• Estimated number of Canadians to benefit from Canada Study Grants and Canada Access Grants: 80,000 ^b

• Actual number of Canadians to benefit from the Canada Student Loans Program (includes loans, grants and non-repayable in-study interest subsidies): 460,000
• Actual number of Canadians to benefit from Canada Study Grants and Canada Access Grants: 93,277

The bulk of the variance ($218.2M) is due to higher then expected Interest Revenues on Direct Loan ($107.1M), Bad Debt Expense adjustment ($48.8M) due to a combinations of change in the methodology of calculating the expense by the Office of the Chief Actuary and accelerated repayment, as well as a major decrease in the alternative payments ($58.7M) resulting from a decrease in defaulted loans. Moreover, other variances, for a total of ($3.6M) are the combination of minor variances related to other components of the program.

Barbara Glover
Director General
Canada Student Loans Program
(819) 994-2377

David MacDonald
Assistant Deputy Minister
Learning
(613) 957-7444

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy (which replaced the National Homelessness Initiative) makes strategic investments in community priorities and includes a planning process that encourages cooperation between governments, agencies and community-based organizations to find local solutions for homeless people and those at-risk. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy is designed to provide supports to 61 designated communities and some small, rural, northern and Aboriginal communities to develop community-based measures that assist homeless individuals and families move toward self-sufficiency.

Under the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, the Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative is more flexible to allow land exchanges. Community groups can exchange, under certain conditions, a federal property received under the Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative for another similar, and more suitable, property. In addition, the control period has been extended to 15 years (from five under the National Homelessness Initiative) to ensure long-term, lasting benefits to the recipients and the communities. Both enhancements were contained in the new Terms and Conditions for the program.

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy continued to:

• help communities build on their successes and focus on interventions to help prevent and break the cycle of homelessness;
• achieve results for Canadians by focusing on attaining self-sufficiency and not just temporary measures;
• require that federal money be targeted more at the development of transitional and supportive housing and at improving programs that help homeless people become self-sufficient such as skills training, health and substance abuse treatment;
• enhance the partnership approach with provinces and territories, communities and the private and voluntary sectors to strengthen capacity and build sustainability;
• carry out research to foster a better understanding of homelessness as well as collect and disseminate best practices to assist in designing the most effective responses.

For more information, please visit the Homelessness Partnering Strategy website:

Background

In December 1999, the Government of Canada launched the National Homelessness Initiative, a three-year initiative with a budget allocation of $753 million to develop new programs and to enhance existing programs to address the issue of homelessness in Canada. In February 2003, the Government extended the National Homelessness Initiative for an additional three years with a budget allocation of $405 million. In November 2005, the Government announced a one-year extension (2006-2007) of the National Homelessness Initiative with a budget allocation of $134.8 million to sustain communities through investments in successful homelessness initiatives. On December 19, 2006, the Government announced the new Homelessness Partnering Strategy which took effect on April 1, 2007 and continues until March 31, 2009 with a budget allocation of $269.6 million.

Enhanced income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities.

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy community-based stream - the Homelessness Partnership Initiative - is delivered via two models:

• community entity model: Under this model, the Community Advisory Board recommends projects to the community entity (an incorporated organization) which is the decision-making body responsible for approving project proposals and determining the eligibility of projects. Human Resources Social Development Canada is responsible for managing the contribution agreement and all related activities. The community, in consultation with Service Canada, has designated responsibility for program delivery to a specific local organization; and
• shared delivery model: Under this model, the Community Advisory Body reviews project proposals and makes recommendations to HRSDC which manages the contribution agreement and all related activities. Both Service Canada and the community work in partnership to support funding priorities, resulting in a joint selection and decision-making process. The Minister approves the project proposals.

In Quebec, unlike other provinces and territories, the Homelessness Partnership Initiative is delivered under a formal Canada-Quebec agreement, in collaboration with the Province of Quebec. Under this model, the Québec Agences de la santé et des services sociaux are responsible for the community planning process as well as the selection and recommendation of projects. These "Agences" are the delivery arm of the Quebec Health and Social Services Department, much like Service Canada is to HRSDC. A Joint Management Committee, composed of federal and provincial representatives, reviews each project and recommends successful projects for approval by the Government of Canada.

The Homelessness Partnering Strategy recognizes that the prevention and reduction of homelessness requires collaboration among all levels of government, particularly the federal and provincial and territorial governments. Provinces and territories will be invited to enter into bilateral agreements with the federal government. The Canada-Quebec Agreement serves as a model that will be adapted for other jurisdictions. Partnering agreements will offer provinces and territories the opportunity to participate in community planning and priority-setting at the outset. Agreements will support the alignment of federal, provincial and territorial investments to enhance linkages between social services and housing and address the operational sustainability of community projects. This partnering approach will ensure that all of the necessary tools and supports are in place for homeless people to secure housing and supports that effectively meet their needs and for those at-risk of homelessness to attain housing stability.

The Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative is a Homelessness Partnering Strategy program co-managed by Public Works and Government Services Canada and Human Resources and Social Development Canada, with advice and support from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

• Homelessness Partnership Initiative communities will be required to demonstrate cost matching with other partners.
• Increased availability and access, for homeless people, to a range of services and facilities along the continuum (i.e., emergency, transitional and supportive housing).

• The ratio of total HPI funding investments versus funding by types of partners for each province and territory has not only continued but increased for the 2007-2008 fiscal year.
• Under the HPI, investments in transitional, supportive and longer-term housing facilities and services continued.

• Increased knowledge (e.g., best practices, research findings) exchanged among community service providers, researchers, and all levels of government working on issues of homelessness

• Hosted the HPS National Forum and delivered six national telephone forums.
• A Call for Proposals resulted in 28 Homelessness Knowledge Development Program projects being approved in principle.
• Interdepartmental knowledge and research exchange between HPS and other HRSDC research was enhanced through participating in four HRSDC Policy Research Coordination Groups.

• Enhanced capacity of communities to provide facilities to homeless individuals and families

• Completed the transfer of 8 properties initiated in previous years.

Jim Young
Director of Corporate Affairs and Accountability
Homelessness Partnering Secretariat
Telephone: (819) 956-6857

Bayla Kolk
Associate Assistant Deputy Minister
Income Security and Social Development Branch

The National Child Benefit¹ contributes to a larger federal, provincial and territorial strategy, the National Children's Agenda, designed to help Canadian children.

Through the National Child Benefit, the Government of Canada is working with provincial and territorial governments to provide income support, as well as benefits and services, for low-income families with children. The initiative also includes a First Nations component.

The National Child Benefit initiative has three goals:

• Help prevent and reduce the depth of child poverty;
• Promote attachment to the labour market by ensuring that families will always be better off as a result of working; and
• Reduce overlap and duplication by harmonizing program objectives and benefits and simplifying administration.
• Annual National Child Benefit Progress Reports include information on the level of spending by all jurisdictions. There is a data collection process to which all participating jurisdictions contribute in order to present comparable information on National Child Benefit initiatives. The data submitted by each jurisdiction is reviewed jointly to ensure consistency in reporting. To obtain the most recent Progress Report or for further information, please visit the federal, provincial and territorial National Child Benefit website: http:\\www.nationalchildbenefit.ca.

  Federal Spending:

  The Government of Canada contributes to the National Child Benefit initiative through a supplement to its Canada Child Tax Benefit. In addition to the base benefit of the Canada Child Tax Benefit, which is targeted to both low- and middle-income families, the National Child Benefit Supplement provides extra income support to low-income families with children. Federal spending on the Canada Child Tax Benefit is tracked by the Canada Revenue Agency, which is responsible for the delivery of the National Child Benefit Supplement.

  The federal government provided $3.5 billion through the National Child Benefit Supplement in 2006-2007. By 2007-2008, total annual federal support delivered through the Canada Child Tax Benefit system, including the National Child Benefit Supplement, is projected to reach $9.5 billion, including a projected $3.7 billion through the National Child Benefit Supplement.

  Provincial and territorial and First Nations Spending:

  Under the National Child Benefit, provinces, territories and First Nations provide benefits and services that further the goals of the initiative. The National Child Benefit Progress Report: 2006, reports that in 2005-2006, provinces, territories, and First Nations spent $873.9 million in programs and services in key areas such as child/day care initiatives, child benefits and earned income supplements, early childhood services and children-at-risk services, supplementary health benefits, and youth initiatives. This includes First Nations reinvestments in programs and services which are estimated to be $58.0 million in 2005-2006.

  Indicators and Impacts:

• The National Child Benefit Progress Report: 2006 includes an analysis of both societal level indicators, which measure areas such as low income and labour force attachment and do not infer that any changes are the result of the initiative, and direct outcome indicators, which measure only those changes that are directly attributed to the National Child Benefit. With respect to societal level indicators, the report shows that the proportion of families with children living in low income has declined significantly since the mid-1900s, decreasing from 17.6 percent in 1996 to 11.6 percent in 2004, based on Statistics Canada's post-tax low-income cutoffs. During this period, the number of children living in low income decreased from 1,304,000 in 1996 to 877,300 in 2004, a decrease of approximately 426,700 children. Further, the report estimates that in 2004, as a direct result of the National Child Benefit:
• 125,000 children in 59,000 families were prevented from living in low income, a reduction of 12.1 percent. This means that in 2004, there were 12.1 percent fewer families with children living in low income than there would have been without the National Child Benefit.
  - These families saw their average disposable income increase by an estimated $2,400, or 9.3 percent.
• For those families with children who remained in low income, the National Child Benefit improved their disposable income by an average of $1,600 (9.1 percent). This means that the low-income gap (the additional amount of income needed by low-income families to reach the low-income line) was reduced by 18.5 percent in 2004.

In addition, in June 2005, federal, provincial and territorial governments released a synthesis report of a comprehensive evaluation of the first three years of the National Child Benefit initiative (1998-99, 1999-00, 2000-01). The evaluation compiled evidence from a number of studies and showed that the National Child Benefit is meeting its goals. In addition, a process to launch further evaluation has begun.

For a complete discussion of indicators, please see Chapters 5 and 6 of the National Child Benefit Progress Report: 2006. For a discussion of evaluation results, please see the Evaluation of the National Child Benefit Initiative: Synthesis Report. These reports are available free of charge on the National Child Benefit website, at: http:\\www.nationalchildbenefit.ca

The National Child Benefit Governance and Accountability Framework outlines the key characteristics of the federal, provincial and territorial partnership: cooperation, openness, flexibility, evolution and accountability. As a co-operative effort among governments, the National Child Benefit combines the strengths of a national program with the flexibility of provincial and territorial initiatives designed to meet the specific needs and conditions within each jurisdiction.

With respect to accountability, under the Governance and Accountability Framework, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services have committed to sharing data on reinvestment initiatives and reviewing results and outcomes achieved in order to identify best practices. Federal, provincial and territorial governments have also agreed to report annually to the public with a primary focus on performance of the initiative. To date, six annual progress reports have been published, as well as a synthesis report on a comprehensive evaluation of the first three years of the initiative.

The Federal Role:

Under the National Child Benefit, the Government of Canada provides additional income support to low-income families with children via the National Child Benefit Supplement component of the Canada Child Tax Benefit. Canada Revenue Agency delivers these benefits to families.

Human Resources and Social Development Canada is responsible for policy development with respect to the National Child Benefit initiative, and the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development represents the Government of Canada in this federal/provincial/territorial initiative.

The Canada Child Tax Benefit (including the National Child Benefit Supplement) is a tax measure, and is administered by Canada Revenue Agency.

Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and Citizenship and Immigration Canada have roles in reinvestments and investments.

The Provincial and Territorial Role:

Under the National Child Benefit, provinces, territories and First Nations provide benefits and services that further the goals of the initiative. The National Child Benefit is designed so that provinces, territories and First Nations have the flexibility to develop and deliver programs and services that best meet the needs and priorities of their communities. As part of this flexibility, provinces and territories may adjust social assistance or child benefit payments by the full or partial amount of the National Child Benefit Supplement. This approach has resulted in families on social assistance being no worse off in terms of their level of benefits, while providing additional funds for new or enhanced provincial and territorial programs benefiting low-income families with children.

It is important to note that, as the National Child Benefit initiative has matured, the majority of provinces and territories no longer recover increases to the National Child Benefit Supplement. This means that the vast majority of children living in low-income families, including those on social assistance, are currently receiving some or all of the National Child Benefit Supplement.

Under the National Reinvestment Framework, provincial and territorial governments, along with First Nations, have committed to re-allocating available social assistance funds into benefits and services for children in low-income families that further the goals of the initiative. Jurisdictions have focused reinvestments primarily in five key areas:

• Child Benefits and Earned Income Supplements;
• Child Care;
• Early Childhood Services and Children-at-Risk Services;
• Supplementary Health Benefits;
• Youth Initiatives, and
• Other Benefits and Services.

First Nations Role:

The federal government is responsible for ensuring programs for First Nations children on reserve are comparable to those available to other Canadian children. Under the National Child Benefit, First Nations have the flexibility to reinvest savings from adjustments to social assistance into programs and services tailored to meet the needs and priorities of individual communities. Some 500 First Nations participate in the National Child Benefit and implement their own programs.

In March 2003, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services, reached agreement on a framework for improving access to affordable, quality, provincially and territorially regulated early learning and child care programs and services. Under the Multilateral Framework, the Government of Canada is providing $1.05 billion over five years through the Canada Social Transfer to support provincial and territorial government investments in early learning and child care. This initiative complements the September 2000 Early Childhood Development Agreement.

The objective of this initiative is to further promote early childhood development and support the participation of parents in employment or training by improving access to affordable, quality early learning and child care programs and services.

Early learning and child care programs and services funded through this initiative will primarily provide direct care and early learning for children in settings such as child care centres, family child care homes, preschools, and nursery schools. Types of investments can include capital and operating funding, fee subsidies, wage enhancements, training, professional development and support, quality assurance, and parent information and referral. Programs and services that are part of the formal school system are not included in this initiative.

Governments also committed to transparent public reporting that will give Canadians a clear idea of the progress being made in improving access to affordable, quality early learning and child care programs and services, beginning with a baseline report in November 2003.

Information about the initiative, including the text of the Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care, is available on the federal, provincial and territorial Web portal on early childhood development and early learning and child care at http://www.ecd-elcc.ca

The objectives of the initiative, as outlined in the Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care are:

• to promote early childhood development; and
• to support the participation of parents in employment or training by improving access to affordable, quality early learning and child care programs and services.

The Multilateral Framework for Early Learning and Child Care recognizes that provinces and territories have the primary responsibility for early learning and child care programs and services.

Implementation of the commitments outlined in the Multilateral Framework has been tasked to a Working Group comprised of officials from all jurisdictions (including Québec, which participates as an observer). This Working Group reports to Deputy Ministers Responsible for Social Services, and is jointly chaired by Human Resources and Social Development Canada and Saskatchewan.

All governments agreed that investments in early learning and child care should be incremental, predictable and sustainable over the long term. All governments committed to make incremental investments in regulated early learning and child care.

$350M via the Canada Social Transfer

Provincial and territorial governments have agreed to invest the funding provided in regulated early learning and child care programs for children under the age of six. Early learning and child care programs and services funded through this initiative will primarily provide direct care and early learning for children in settings such as child care centres, family child care homes, preschools, and nursery schools. Investments can include capital and operating funding, fee subsidies, wage enhancements, training, professional development and support, quality assurance, and parent information and referral. Programs and services that are part of the formal school system are not included in this initiative.

Governments also committed to transparent public reporting that will give Canadians a clear idea of the progress being made in improving access to affordable, quality early learning and child care programs and services, beginning with a baseline report in November 2003 and annual reporting in November 2004.

The Government of Quebec supports the general principles expressed in the Early Learning and Child Care Initiative but did not participate in developing the Initiative because it wants to retain sole responsibility for social matters. However, it receives its share of funding granted by the Government of Canada and makes significant investments in programs and services that benefit families and children.

Lynne Westlake
Acting Director
Children's Policy
613-957-4610

Shawn Tupper
Director General
Social Policy Development
613-957-4707

In September 2000, First Ministers reached agreement on the federal, provincial and territorial Early Childhood Development Agreement, to improve and expand early childhood development supports for young children (prenatal to age 6) and for their parents.

The Government of Quebec supports the general principles expressed in the Early Childhood Development Initiative but did not participate in developing the Initiative because it wants to retain sole responsibility for social matters. However, it receives its share of funding granted by the Government of Canada and makes significant investments in programs and services that benefit families and children.

Information about the Agreement, including the text of the First Ministers' communiqué on Early Childhood Development, is available on the federal, provincial and territorial web portal on early childhood development and early learning and child care at http:\\www.ecd-elcc.ca.

The objectives of the initiative, as outlined in the Early Childhood Development Agreement are:

• to promote early childhood development so that, to their fullest potential, children will be physically and emotionally healthy, safe and secure, ready to learn, and socially engaged and responsible; and
• to help children reach their potential and to help families support their children within strong communities.

In the Early Childhood Development Agreement, First Ministers recognized that provinces and territories have the primary responsibility for early childhood development programs and services.

Federal, provincial and territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services and Ministers of Health are responsible for implementation of the commitments in the Agreement. Implementation has been tasked to a Working Group comprised of officials from all jurisdictions (including Quebec, which participates as an observer). The Working Group reports to Deputy Ministers Responsible for Social Services. The Working Group is jointly chaired by Human Resources Social Development Canada and Saskatchewan.

$500M via the Canada Social Transfer

Provincial and territorial governments are investing the funds transferred to them by the Government of Canada in any or all of the following four areas of action outlined in the Early Childhood Development Agreement:

• promoting healthy pregnancy, birth and infancy;
• improving parenting and family supports;
• strengthening early childhood development, learning and care, and;
• strengthening community supports.

All participating federal, provincial and territorial governments have committed to three reporting requirements:

• Each government released a first report on Early Childhood Development programs and expenditures for the 2000-2001 fiscal year, providing a baseline against which new investments can be tracked.
• In fall 2002, governments began annual reporting, using a shared framework with comparable program indicators, to track progress in improving and expanding early childhood development programs and services within the four areas for action.
• In fall 2002, governments began regular reporting on children's well-being, using a common set of outcome indicators.

Within the Government of Canada, responsibility for implementation of the commitments outlined in the Early Childhood Development Agreement is shared jointly between Human Resources and Social Development Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Lynne Westlake,
Acting Director
Children's Policy
613-957-4610

Shawn Tupper,
DG
Social Policy Development
613-957-4707

3.2.1 Support for clean technologies is provided (such as building, transportation, and industrial processes)

Goal 5: Sustainable Development and Use of Natural Resources

5.2.1 Sustainable consumption and production of natural resources is promoted

Decreasing our office equipment energy use

Recycling Initiative

Reduced energy use for building office equipment

Increased volume of recycled materials

Performance measures for the activity are currently being approved

Percentage of planned refits or fit ups of offices that incorporate recycling centres that accept plastics and / or a battery recycling program.

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

3.3.1 Emissions are reduced

Carpooling Initiative

Vanier-Portage Shuttle Bus Service

Eco-driving Initiative

Increased carpooling

Increased sustainable vehicle usage awareness among staff

Performance measures for the activity are currently being approved

Performance measures for the activity are currently being approved

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

5.3.1 Environmentally sustainable use of natural resources is promoted

E-Waste Initiative

Sustainable Procurement Initiative

Regional Offices Phonebook Reduction Initiative

Increased procurement with E-Waste clause

Increased departmental purchases of 'green' or sustainable products or services

Reduced acquisition of paper materials by moving to online directories

Performance measures for the activity are currently being approved

Performance measures for the activity are currently being approved

Performance measures for the activity are currently being approved

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

5.3.1 Environmentally sustainable use of natural resources is promoted

Simplification of Program Delivery Document Requirements

Paper Reduction Initiative

Decreased service delivery processing requirements

Reduced quantity of paper is used for printing

Number of Service Canada Internet visits (servicecanada.gc.ca)

% of Employment Insurance applications received via internet

% of Records of Employment received via internet

% of EI claimant reports received via internet

% of Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security/Employment Insurance benefits paid via direct deposit

% of CPP basic online retirement application

% increase/decrease of Tax Information Slips on-line viewed on-line (TISO)

% increase/decrease of Statement of Contribution View viewed on-line (SOCV)*

% increase/decrease of View Update Personal Information (VUPI)* accessed on-line

# of electronic tools for In Person staff to gather information from claimants accessible on Intranet (checklists)

% of EI applications received via internet

% of Records of Employment received via internet

% of EI claimant reports received via internet

% of CPP/OAS/EI benefits paid via direct deposit

% of CPP basic online retirement application received via internet

Performance measures for the activity are currently being approved

6,174,137 (As of March 1, 2008)

96.1% out of 653,774 EI applications received (As of March 1, 2008)

37.1% out of 742,362 Record of Employment received (As of March 1, 2008)

47.3% out of 5,101,095 EI claimant reports received (As of March 1, 2008)

85.7% out of 30,697,300 benefits paid (As of March 1, 2008

26.89% out of 57,763 basic CPP retirement applications (As of March 1, 2008)

28.8% increase from 22,867 initial (As of March 1, 2008

20.5% increase from 24,922 visits the previous year (As of March 1, 2008

22.4% increase from 4,120 visits the previous year (As of March 1, 2008)

51 (As of December 1, 2007

96.1% out of 653,774 EI applications received (As of March 1, 2008)

37.1% out of 742,362 ROE received (As of March 1, 2008

47.3% out of 5,101,095 EI claimant reports received (As of March 1, 2008)

85.7% out of 30,697,300 benefits paid (As of March 1, 2008)

26.89% out of 57,763 basic CPP retirement applications (As of March 1, 2008)

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

4.1.1 Communities are well positioned to advance sustainable social development

4.3.2 Risks to human and ecosystem health from harmful substances are reduced (including cleanup of federal contaminated sites)

Goal 5: Sustainable Development and Use of Natural Resources

5.3.1 Environmentally sustainable use of natural resources is promoted

Strengthening Environmental Assessment Function

Encouraging Staff Volunteerism in Local Communities

Facilitating Recycling in Service Canada Centres

Funding proposals are pre-screened

Increased number of volunteering activities by employees

Increased volume of recycled materials in Service Canada Centres

% of applications processed by phone compared to total applications

% of direct deposits compared to total payments

Performance measures for the activity are currently being approved

Performance measures for the activity are currently being approved

Percentage of planned refits or fit ups of Service Canada Centres that incorporate recycling centres

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

Reporting will begin in Fall 2008

4.1.1 Communities are well positioned to advance sustainable social development

4.2.1 Communities are well positioned to adapt and to maintain or generate sustainable economic activities

4.3.2 Risks to human and ecosystem health from harmful substances are reduced (including cleanup of federal contaminated sites)

Building Environmental Aboriginal Human Resources Growth Phase 1 Project

Contaminated Sites Labour Market Study Supply Side

Knowledge - Develop the pilot website - "Indicators of Well-being in Canada"

People -Supporting Signature Projects with the Pan-Canadian Innovations Initiative:

British Columbia Reclamation and Prospecting Teams project

New Brunswick Partners Building Futures project

Preliminary findings of the project are reported

Key "Indicators of Well-being in Canada" are made available for policy, program and service delivery improvement

Participants gain skills and have a positive perception of the mineral exploration, mining, and environmental protection sectors as a source of employment

Assisting and encouraging participating women formerly on Social Assistance to continue apprenticeship training in order to obtain employment as skilled journey-persons in non traditional trades

To date, 16 organizations have been licensed as trainers and at this time 12 are active

There have been 351 students registered in the program and 29 are currently in class

24 course offerings have been completed, 2 are ongoing and 3 are scheduled for upcoming delivery

Three new curriculum are being developed : Environmental Site Assessment Assistant- scheduled for the first delivery in April 2007; II Water and Waste Water small Systems- in development and Local Environmental Coordinator- scheduled For September 2007 completion

The research report was submitted in March 2008

Information was shared at a workshop held in Yellowknife in February 2008, attended by employers, AHRDA holders, government representatives and other stakeholders

Launch and pilot testing of site within Human Resources Social Development Canada (January 2007) Release of site to other government departments (April 2007) Release of website to the general public (January 10, 2008)

Planned activities
On-going periodic updates of indicators; development of new indicators; release of Special Reports on the website

Completion of training with the first cohort

50 participants from the first cohort completed the training

40% of the participants have industry related employment

8% of participants have found resource related employment

10% of participants employed in other sectors

16% of participants returned to school

Second cohort scheduled to start in May of 2008 (50 participants)

First and Second intakes of the project are now complete. No new participants will enter the program

19 participants are still in the program from the first intake, 19 from the second

Partners Building Futures had maintained its original purpose of introducing women on Social Assistance to the advantages of post-secondary training environment and the developing an attachment to the labour force

Project is still operating in 3 locations: Saint John, Fredericton and Moncton

7 individuals are currently employed, including 3 who have entered an apprenticeship agreement with an employer

Amendment underway to decommit $111,365. The new total contribution amount on the part of HRSDC will be $2,128,847

6.1.1 Sustainable Development Strategy commitments are integrated into the key planning and reporting processes of departments and agencies

6.1.2 Clear and effective governance mechanisms to integrate sustainable development in decision making, e.g., SEA

Development of an Action Plan to implement the Sustainable Development Strategy

Development of a internal Communication Plan

Organizing lectures and other awareness activities in the Department

Delivery of Sustainable Development Leadership training course modules for policy analysts in partnership with Canada School of Public Service and Health Canada

Conducting Training Sessions with Administrative Assistants for green procurement

Reporting results to the Parliament

Action Plan is developed with milestones and timelines for the deliverables in the Strategy

Employees of the Department learn about various aspects of the Strategy

Increased levels of awareness is created among the employees

Sustainable development training modules for policy analysts are developed to start the training process

Increased awareness is created among administrative staff for green procurement

Through departmental reporting processes, results are reported to the Parliament

A status report including next steps was presented at senior management committees

An internal communication plan was initiated with a completion date in 2008-2009

Awareness campaigns and information booths during Environment Week and Earth Day were established.

An SDS network was created, which includes activity leads, individuals who support sustainable development activities and representatives from the Corporate Planning units. The SDS network is a prime way to provide broad functional support. For instance, at the Departmental Planners Workshop in March 2008, the lead responsible for sustainable development for the Quebec region shared information and animated a discussion about best practices, achievements, upcoming initiatives, and other sustainable development related issues of interest across the departmental planning community.

The creation of the Sustainable Development Course: Turning Principles into Practice, to which HRSDC contributed, and now delivered by the Canada School of Public Service, is regularly promoted through internal communications to attract policy analysts, program managers and planners to take the training.

Finally, performance information is collected on a regular basis to monitor progress against SDS commitments. The current SDS performance information is based on a results chain that links its short-term activities and outputs with long-term outcomes and establishes clear linkages between the Department's sustainable development vision, government-wide sustainable development priorities and departmental priorities, planned activities, and short, medium and long-term outcomes. As of March 31, a status report on Signature Projects and Green Operations was completed and will be presented at an upcoming Executive Management Committee by the Department's Champions.

Activities related to Green Operations are monitored on a quarterly basis. The Service Canada Corporate Reporting Scorecard provides year over year indicators related to sustainable development activities and provides the foundation for reporting.