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Table 3 - Horizontal Initiatives
1. Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnerships
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnerships
Name of lead department(s): Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Lead department program activity: Skills and Employment
Start date of the Horizontal Initiative: October 3, 2003
End date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 31, 2012
Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): $292.0 million
Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership focuses on developing the skills of Canada's Aboriginal workforce, promoting maximum employment for Aboriginal people on major economic developments across the country 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 provincial governments 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 (at least 50% of the total cost) to the training plan and must develop a governance model that will manage and oversee the project.
" As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan the Government of Canada increased funding for the program by an additional $100 million over three years. "
For more information, please visit: http://www8.hrsdc.gc.ca
Shared outcome(s):
Long term sustainable employment for Aboriginal people on major economic developments.
Governance structure(s):
Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership is a national, centrally managed program. It promotes the maximum employment of Aboriginal people through a collaborative partnership approach. Employment to training plans under the Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership projects are implemented through formalized partnerships consisting of Aboriginal organizations the private sector, provincial governments and others as appropriate.
Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership partnerships receive direct support through a multi-year contribution agreement negotiated by HRSDC based on a human resources development plan. Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership proponents are responsible for interim and final financial and performance reports.
Planning Highlights:
| Federal Partners | Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) | Names of Programs for Federal Partners | Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) | Planned Spending for 2010-2011 |
Expected Results for 2010-2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources and Skills Development Canada | Skills and Employment | Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnerships | $292.0M | $99.4M | Aboriginal clients served : 2,200-2,600 Interventions completed : 3,300-3,900 Clients returned to employment following an ASEP intervention : 1,600-1,800 |
| Indian and Northern Affairs Canada | ASEP | TBD Spending will be reported in the DPR | HRSDC does not set expected results for other federal departments | ||
| Natural Resources Canada | ASEP | TBD Spending will be reported in the DPR | |||
| Total $ | $292.0M | $99.4M | |||
Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):
Not Applicable
Contact information:
Catherine Adam
Director General
Aboriginal Affairs Directorate
(819) 997-8551
Catherine.adam@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Place du Portage, Phase IV
140 Promenade du Portage Gatineau, Québec
2. Youth Employment Strategy
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Youth Employment Strategy
Name of lead department(s): Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Lead department program activity: Skills and Employment
Start date of the Horizontal Initiative: April 1, 2003
End date of the Horizontal Initiative: Ongoing
Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): Ongoing
Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
Through the Youth Employment Strategy, the Government of Canada is working to provide young Canadians with both valuable work experience and earnings to help support their further education. 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 Skills Development, along with 10 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.
Canada's Economic Action Plan increased funding by $10 million in 2009 and is again providing an additional $10 million in 2010 for Canada Summer Jobs. This is part of the overall Government of Canada strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world.
For more information, please visit: http://www.youth.gc.ca.
Shared outcome(s):
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
Governance structure(s):
The Youth Employment Strategy has in place horizontal Results-based Management and Accountability Framework that represents a commitment among the eleven participating federal departments to undertake ongoing collection of common performance management data to ensure effective overall performance management of the program.
Oversight of the Youth Employment Strategy horizontal initiative is provided through a collaborative committee structure. Human Resources and Skills Development Canada is responsible for facilitating coordination among the departments and agencies funding Youth Employment Strategy activities. As lead of this horizontal initiative, HRSDC chairs and is responsible for the coordination and management of Youth Employment Strategy Interdepartmental Operations Committee and the Youth Employment Strategy Evaluation Sub-Committee. HRSDC is ultimately accountable for attaining the expected results for Youth Employment Strategy and has the ultimate decision making authority for issues related to the overall policy, design and implementation of Youth Employment Strategy.
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.
| Federal Partners | Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) | Names of Programs for Federal Partners | Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) | Planned Spending for 2010-2011 |
Expected Results for 2010-2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (with Service Canada) | Skills and Employment | Career Focus | Ongoing | $13.0M | Projected Range of Results For POB-Service Canada Clients Served: 370 Employed or Self-Employed: 220 Return to School: 37 Contribution Agreements: 150 Funds Leveraged: 4M$-6M$ For Sector Council Clients Served: 350 Employed or Self-Employed: 309 Return to School: 35 Contribution Agreements: 163 Funds Leveraged: TBD |
| Skills Link | Ongoing | $149.4M | Service Canada Clients Served: 15,500 Employed or Self-Employed: 1,860 Contribution Agreements: 955 Funds Leveraged: 50M$-65M$ |
||
| Summer Work Experience (Canada Summer Jobs) | Ongoing | $111.6M | Clients Served: not available Employed or Self-Employed: not available Return to School: not available Contribution Agreements: not available Funds Leveraged: TBD |
||
| Agriculture and Agri-food Canada | Career Focus | Ongoing | $1.1M | ||
| Canadian International Development Agency | Career Focus | Ongoing | $7.3M | ||
| Canadian Heritage | Career Focus | Ongoing | $0.9M | ||
| Summer Work Experience | Ongoing | $7.8M | |||
| Environment Canada | Career Focus | Ongoing | $3.3M | ||
| Industry Canada | Career Focus | Ongoing | $9.8M | ||
| Summer Work Experience | Ongoing | $7.4M | |||
| National Research Council | Career Focus | Ongoing | $25.4M | ||
| Natural Resources Canada | Career Focus | Ongoing | $0.6M | ||
| Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation | Skills Link | Ongoing | $1.0M | ||
| Indian and Northern Affairs Canada | Skills Link | Ongoing | $16.0M | ||
| Summer Work Experience | Ongoing | $8.0M | |||
| Parks Canada | Summer Work Experience | Ongoing | $2.0M | ||
| Total Career Focus | $61.4M | ||||
| Total Skills Link | $166.4M | ||||
| Total Summer Work Experience | $136.8M | ||||
| Total Youth Employment Strategy | $364.6M | ||||
Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):
Not Applicable
Contact information:
John Atherton, Director General
Active Employment Measures
Skills and Employment Branch
(819) 994-6916
john.atherton@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Place du Portage, Phase IV
140 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, Québec
3. Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Name of lead department(s): Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Lead department program activity: Skills and Employment
Start date of the Horizontal Initiative: June 13, 2007
End date of the Horizontal Initiative: Ongoing
Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): Ongoing
Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
" The Temporary Foreign Worker program enables Canadian employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis to meet immediate skills and labour needs when Canadians are not available, subject to employers and workers meeting specified criteria. The program is jointly managed by CIC and HRSDC ". The Temporary Foreign Worker Program includes program streams such as the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program and the Live-in-Caregiver Program, the Pilot Project for Occupations Requiring Lower Levels of Formal Training, and the Arranged Employment Opinion program.
In the province of Quebec, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is administered through a partnership with the Government of Quebec.
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is funded from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/workplaceskills/foreign_workers/index.shtml
Shared outcome(s):
- To enhance Canadian productivity and participation through efficient and inclusive labour markets and internationally competitive workplaces;
- To respond to regional, occupational, and sectoral skills and labour demands;
- To protect employment opportunities for Canadians; and
- Ensure that temporary foreign workers have the same rights and protections as Canadians.
Governance structure(s):
- Human Resources and Skills Development Canada is responsible for providing a Labour Market Opinion to Citizenship and Immigration Canada and employers indicating if the employment of the temporary foreign worker is likely to have a positive, negative or neutral impact on the labour market in Canada.
- Service Canada delivers the program regionally for Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and processes Labour Market Opinion applications to support the work permit application process.
- Citizenship and Immigration Canada is responsible for assessing work permit applications and issuing work permits to workers.
- Each Department is responsible for the design and management of those elements of the program under its Minister's responsibility.
| Federal Partners | Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) | Names of Programs for Federal Partners | Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) | Planned Spending for 2010-2011 |
Expected Results for 2010-2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources and Skills Development Canada | Skills and Employment and Internal Services program activities | Temporary Foreign Worker Program | Ongoing | $35.9M | Program enhancements, including those in proposed regulatory changes, to strengthen worker protection, enhance program integrity and respond to the recommendations of the Auditor General of Canada, will be implemented:
|
| Citizenship and Immigration Canada | Temporary Resident Program | Temporary Foreign Worker Program | Ongoing | $35.1M | Program enhancements, including those in proposed regulatory changes, to strengthen worker protection, enhance program integrity, and respond to the recommendations of the Auditor General of Canada, will be implemented:
|
| Total $ | Ongoing | $71.0M | |||
Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):
Not applicable
Contact information:
Andrew Kenyon, Director General
Temporary Foreign Workers
Skills and Employment Branch
(819) 994-1021
andrew.kenyon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Place du Portage, Phase IV
140 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, Quebec
NOTE: The June 2007 start date represents the latest authorities for the Temporary Foreign Worker program. The above planned spending figures are for Citizenship and Immigration Canada and HRSDC only. Figures exclude planned spending for other government departments such as DFAIT and PWSGC and therefore do not represent the full Government of Canada costs for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
4. Canada Student Loans Program
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Canada Student Loans Program
Name of lead department(s): Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)
Lead department program activity: Learning
Start date of the Horizontal Initiative: September, 1964
End date of the Horizontal Initiative: Ongoing
Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): Ongoing
Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
The Canada Student Loans Program lowers financial barriers to post-secondary education by providing loans to students with a demonstrated financial need. This helps increase their opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills.
Information for Canadians about saving, planning and paying for post-secondary studies and specific information for Canada Student Loans Program clients (including information about learning opportunity selection, financial planning, and how to apply for, maintain and repay student loans and the new Student Grants and Repayment Assistance the program offers) can be accessed at: www.canlearn.ca.
Shared outcome(s):
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; and
- ensuring a more manageable debt burden for borrowers
Governance structure(s):
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 Skills Development Canada, Service Canada, Canada Revenue Agency, participating provinces and the Yukon Territory, a Service Provider, financial institutions 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 relations with third-party agents is the primary responsibility of the Canada Student Loans Program. Program activities include, for example, defining the operational and financial processes for the delivery of the program by the service providers, investigation of escalated cases by the Client Relations office and control and monitoring by the Comptroller's Office.
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 grants based on federal criteria;
- assess students' financial needs based on federal criteria;
- issue loan certificates;
- administer and deliver grants; and
- designate educational institutions that students may attend with assistance from the Canada Student Loans Program.
While the Canada Student Loans Program provides guidance and direction on how the Program is to be delivered, the Service Provider assumes responsibility for the administration of the loans once the loan agreement is signed and submitted for processing. Responsibilities of the Service Provider include:
- verifying loan agreements;
- managing the in-study interest-free period;
- negotiating and handling loan repayment; and
- managing debt management activities, advising and counselling borrowers on their debt management options.
Public Works and Government Services Canada is responsible for disbursing loans and grants 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. Delinquent direct financed loans are returned to government after the Service Provider has attempted collection for a set period of time and the borrower has either not made payments on their loan or is unwilling to repay. In the past, private collection agencies under contract with Canada Revenue Agency were used for collection activities. Starting in September 2009, Canada Revenue Agency has stopped using private collection agencies and is providing collection activities in house.
Planning Highlights :
Planning highlights for the Canada Student Loans Program in 2010-2011 include:
- Ensuring the sustained delivery of core services to help Canadians access post-secondary education;
- Implementing mandated program initiatives to improve post-secondary related services and programs, including the implementation of the new Service Delivery Vision. (The new Service Delivery Vision will expand online services and enable students to manage their loans online from application through repayment.);
- Reviewing and enhancing client service delivery in support of post-secondary education;
- Continuing to implement initiatives to enhance management excellence and accountability, such as continuing to support Public Service Renewal; and
- Developing and advancing policy options in support of post-secondary education awareness and participation.
| Federal Partners | Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) | Names of Programs for Federal Partners | Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) | Planned Spending for 2010-2011 |
Expected Results for 2010-2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HRSDC | Learning | Canada Student Loan Program | $1179.2M Loans disbursed under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act: $2.0B |
$1270.7M Loans disbursed under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act: $2.0B |
Estimated number of Canadians to benefit from loans and non repayable in study interest subsidies received (in the 2009 Loan Year beginning August 1, 2009) through the Canada Student Loans Program: 492,000 |
| Estimated number of Canadians to benefit from the Canada Student Grant Program (in the 2009 Loan Year beginning August 1, 2009): 250,000 | |||||
| Total | $1179.2M | $1270.7M | |||
Expected results :
Continued promotion of access (both participation and completion) to post-secondary education by removing financial and information barriers
Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable) :
Not Applicable
Contact information :
Barbara Glover, Director General
Canada Student Loans Directorate
200 Montcalm Street
Gatineau, Quebec
Canada
K1A 0J9
(819) 997-1094
barbara.glover@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca
5. National Child Benefit
Name of Horizontal Initiative: National Child Benefit Program Initiative
Name of lead department(s): Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Lead department program activity: Income Security
Start date of the Horizontal Initiative: 1998
End date of the Horizontal Initiative: Ongoing
Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): Statutory
Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
Through the Federal/Provincial/Territorial (F/P/T) National Child Benefit initiative, the Government of Canada is working with provincial and territorial governments1 to provide income support, as well as benefits and services, for low-income families with children. The initiative also includes a First Nations component.
Shared outcome(s):
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 benefits, programs and services provided as a result of the National Child Benefit initiative. 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: 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.
In 2009-2010, total annual federal support delivered through the Canada Child Tax Benefit, including the National Child Benefit Supplement, is projected to reach $9.96B, including a projected $3.69B through the National Child Benefit Supplement.
Provincial and territorial and First Nations Spending:
Under the National Child Benefit initiative, 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 $873.9M 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 $58.0M 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 initiative.
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 cut-offs. 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 initiative:
- 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 (1988-1999, 1999-2000, 2000-2001). The evaluation compiled evidence from a number of studies and showed that the National Child Benefit initiative 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: www.nationalchildbenefit.ca.
Governance structure(s):
The National Child Benefit initiative 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 initiative 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, eight 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 initiative, 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 Skills Development Canada is responsible for policy development with respect to the National Child Benefit initiative, and the Minister of Human Resources and Skills 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 initiative, provinces, territories and First Nations provide benefits and services that further the goals of the initiative. The initiative 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 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 Nation communities participate in the National Child Benefit and implement their own programs.
| Federal Partners | Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) | Names of Programs for Federal Partners | Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) | Planned Spending for 2010-2011 |
Expected Results for 2010-2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Revenue Agency2 | Administers the National Child Benefit Supplement and delivers income benefits directly to low income families | a. National Child Benefit Supplement | Ongoing | $3.79B (projected) | Continued progress on the goals of the National Child Benefit initiative, as described in the "Shared Outcomes", above. |
| Total $ | N/A | $3.79B | |||
Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):
Not Applicable
Contact information:
François Weldon, A/Director General
Social Policy Directorate
Strategic Policy and Research Branch
HRSDC
(819) 994-3184
1 The Government of Quebec has stated that it agrees with the basic principles of the National Child
Benefit. Quebec chose not to participate in the initiative because it wanted to assume control over income support for
children in Quebec; however, it has adopted a similar approach to the National Child Benefit. Throughout this text,
references to joint federal, provincial and territorial positions do not include Quebec.
2 While Human Resources and Skills Development Canada is responsible for policy development with respect
to the National Child Benefit initiative, the Canada Child Tax Benefit (including the National Child Benefit Supplement)
is a tax measure, and is administered by Canada Revenue Agency. In addition, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and
Citizenship and Immigration Canada have roles in reinvestments and investments.
6. Homelessness Partnering Strategy
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Homelessness Partnering Strategy
Name of lead department(s): Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Lead department program activity: Social Development
Start date of the Horizontal Initiative: April 1, 2009
End date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 31, 2011
Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): $269.6M over two years
Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy 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 of becoming homeless. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy is designed to provide supports to 61 designated communities and some small, rural and Aboriginal communities to develop community-based measures that assist homeless individuals and families move toward self-sufficiency, thereby contributing to society and the economy. Although the responsibility for homelessness programs falls under Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, most Homelessness Partnering Strategy program components are delivered by regional staff, now part of Service Canada.
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy works to prevent and reduce homelessness across Canada through:
- investments in transitional and supportive housing through a housing-first approach;
- support to community-based efforts to prevent and reduce homelessness;
- partnerships between the federal government, provinces, and territories; and
- collaboration with other federal departments and agencies.
For more information, please visit the Homelessness Partnering Strategy website:
www.homelessness.gc.ca
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/homelessness/index.shtml
Shared outcome(s):
Income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities.
Governance structure(s):
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy community-based program 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. HRSDC 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, the Homelessness Partnering Strategy stream is delivered under a formal Canada-Quebec Agreement, in collaboration with the Province of Quebec.
The Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) supports the Homelessness Partnering Strategy's national data system on homelessness. Using data collected mainly through shelters, HIFIS provides information on the characteristics of Canada's homeless population. This information contributes to: increased understanding of homelessness in Canada; informed policy development; and improved planning and development of effective measures to prevent and reduce homelessness. HIFIS serves stakeholders across the country, including service providers, researchers and multiple levels of government. In addition, HIFIS provides operational support to shelters and other facilities through free-of-charge software and training support.
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy recognizes that the prevention and reduction of homelessness requires collaboration among all levels of government, particularly the federal and provincial/territorial governments. Provinces and territories are being invited to enter into bilateral agreements with the federal government to support community efforts to address homelessness. The Canada-Quebec agreement serves as a model that will be adapted for other jurisdictions. Partnering agreements offer provinces and territories the opportunity to participate in community planning and priority-setting at the outset. Agreements support the alignment of federal, provincial and territorial investments to enhance linkages between social services and housing as well as to address the operational sustainability of community projects. This partnering approach ensures 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.
Enhanced collaboration with other federal departments and agencies whose policies and programs are linked to homelessness is also essential. Horizontal pilot projects continue to be developed to facilitate a more coordinated approach to homelessness at the federal level, in recognition that homelessness interacts with an array of factors that relate to other federal program and policy areas, including: housing affordability; mental/physical health; labour market vulnerabilities; skills, education and literacy levels; community and personal safety; barriers facing newcomers; issues facing discharged offenders and Aboriginal issues. The key objectives of horizontal pilot projects are to: address common risk factors associated with homelessness and other policy areas; prevent homelessness by addressing its root causes; and reduce the negative outcomes on other policy areas caused by homelessness. These pilot projects test approaches on homelessness, and their results are expected to inform future policy development.
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 Skills Development Canada, with advice and support from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
| Federal Partners | Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) | Names of Programs for Federal Partners | Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) | Planned Spending for 2010-2011 |
Expected Results for 2010-2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources and Skills Development Canada | Social Development | Homelessness Partnership Initiative (HPI) | 219.2M | 126.5M |
|
| Federal Horizontal Projects | 5.2M | 3.0M |
|
||
| Homelessness Knowledge Development | 3.7M | 2.1M |
|
||
| Urban Aboriginal Strategy / Homelessness Partnering Strategy | 35.5M | 20.5M |
|
||
| PWSGC | Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative | 6.0M | 3.0M |
|
|
| Total $ | 269.6M | 155.1M | |||
Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):
Not Applicable
Contact information:
Barbara Lawless, A/Director General
Homelessness Partnering Secretariat
Place du Portage, Phase II
165 Hotel-de-Ville St.
Gatineau QC
(819) 994-4748
barbara. lawless@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca
7. Early Childhood Development Agreement
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Early Childhood Development Agreement
Name of lead department(s): Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)
Start date of the Horizontal Initiative: September 2000 with funding beginning April 2001
End date of the Horizontal Initiative: Ongoing
Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): $530.45 million for 2010-2011
Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
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.
In support of these objectives the Government of Canada transfers $500M/year via the Canada Social Transfer (CST) to provinces and territories. In budget 2007 a 3% escalator was added to CST transfers starting in 2009-2010.
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 www.ecd-elcc.ca.
Shared outcome(s):
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.
Governance structure(s):
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 and Skills Development Canada and Saskatchewan.
Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):
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. Government of Canada reports are available at www.socialunion.gc.ca.
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.
Contact information:
François Weldon
Director
Family Policy Division
Telephone: (819) 997-9950
8. Federal Elder Abuse Initiative
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Federal Elder Abuse Initiative
Name of lead department(s): Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Lead department program activity: Social Development
Start date of the Horizontal Initiative: April 1, 2008
End date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 31, 2011
Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): $13,050,000
Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
The overarching objectives of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative are to raise awareness of elder abuse throughout society, particularly among seniors, their families, and key professional groups, and to ensure the availability of appropriate elder abuse-related information, resources and tools.
To address this, federal elder abuse activities are coordinated interdepartmentally and will involve the cooperation and collaboration of the Department of Justice Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police under the leadership of HRSDC.
The centrepiece of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative is a public awareness campaign using various media and in particular, television. Generic information and resource materials for frontline workers (medical and legal, etc.) will be developed to provide key professional groups with the information necessary to identify cases of elder abuse, access the appropriate resources, and take measures to provide assistance to victims.
Shared outcome(s):
- Seniors, their families, the general population and frontline professionals are more aware of elder abuse and what to do to respond to it.
Governance structure(s):
The Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat within HRSDC is the focal point for Government of Canada activities related to seniors.
The Task Force on Elder Abuse within the Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat leads a working group of officials from partner departments/agencies to coordinate the implementation of Government of Canada initiatives to raise awareness and to develop and disseminate tools and supports for frontline workers. Partner departments/agencies retain responsibility for planning, programming and budgeting their own resources to implement their activities.
The working group developed a performance measurement framework, including a logic model, to identify the relationships between departmental/agency activities, outputs, and outcomes, and a suite of performance indicators to measure progress against outputs/outcomes. The working group coordinates reporting and monitors performance and results over the course of the initiative.
The Interdepartmental Committee on Seniors provides senior-level oversight and direction for the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative. The Committee provides a forum to update federal departments on the progress and achievements of the initiative and identifies opportunities to align the initiative with other government initiatives and priorities.
| Federal Partners | Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) | Names of Programs for Federal Partners | Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) | Planned Spending for 2010-2011 |
Expected Results for 2010-2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human Resources and Skills Development Canada | Social Development | $10.2M | $2.5M | 2010-2011 will see partner departments increase awareness about elder abuse through promotion and/or the involvement of key stakeholders on elder abuse. | |
| Department of Justice | 1.4M | 0.3M | |||
| Public Health Agency of Canada | 1.4M | 0.5M | |||
| RCMP | Coming from internal allocations | ||||
| Total $ | 13.0M | 3.3M | |||
Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):
Through a call for proposals process, national associations will be supported to develop information materials about elder abuse for their frontline professionals who regularly come in contact with older Canadians.
Contact information:
Dominique La Salle, Director General
Seniors and Pensions Policy Secretariat
Income Security and Social Development
Place Vanier, Tower B
355 North River Road
Ottawa ON
dominique.lasalle@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca
9. Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Childcare
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care
Name of lead department(s): Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)
Start date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 2003
End date of the Horizontal Initiative: Ongoing
Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): $371.315 million in 2010-2011
Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
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 on Early Learning and Child Care, the Government of Canada provided $1.05 billion over five years (2003-2008) through the Canada Social Transfer (CST) to support provincial and territorial government investments in early learning and child care. In budget 2007 the CST was renewed until 2013-2014 and a 3% escalator was added to CST transfers starting in 2009-2010. The Government of Canada is providing over $1.97 billion over six years (2008-2014).
The objective of this initiative, which complements the September 2000 Early Childhood Development Agreement, 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.
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. Government of Canada reports are available at www.socialunion.gc.ca.
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 www.ecd-elcc.ca.
Shared outcome(s):
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.
Governance structure(s):
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 Skills Development Canada and Saskatchewan.
Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable) :
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.
Contact information:
François Weldon
Director, Family Policy Division
Telephone: (819) 997-9950