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During fiscal year 2007-2008 Human Resources and Social Development Canada was involved in the following horizontal initiatives. Unless otherwise mentioned in the list, Human Resources and Social Development Canada acts as the lead department for these initiatives.
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Name of Horizontal Initiative: Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership Program | |||||||
Name of Lead Department: Human Resources and Social Development Canada |
Lead Department Program Activity: Labour Market |
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Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: October 3, 2003 |
End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 31, 2012 |
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Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): $199.5M | |||||||
Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding 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 $105 million for 2007-2012. The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership is targeted at developing the skills of Canada's Aboriginal workforce, promoting maximum employment for Aboriginal people on major economic developments across Canada and providing lasting benefits for Aboriginal communities, families and individuals. The Aboriginal Skills and Employment Partnership program is an opportunity driven initiative that is implemented through formalized partnerships between the private sector and Aboriginal communities (and others such as the province and training institutions). The partnerships are responsible for jointly developing and managing comprehensive, multi-year skills
development plans that will ensure long-term highly skilled sustainable employment as a result of the projects. The comprehensive Aboriginal training-to-employment plan covers a broad continuum ranging from basic skills, literacy and academic upgrading, through job-specific training and apprenticeships to retention counselling and other on-the-job supports. The plan must
have a commitment from the employers to provide at least 50 long-term (sustainable) jobs for Aboriginal people. The partnership must also make a significant financial contribution to the training plan and must develop a governance model that will manage and oversee the project. |
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Shared Outcome(s) :
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Governance Structure(s):
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$ Million | |||||||
Federal Partners |
Federal Partner Program Activity |
Names of Programs for Federal Partners |
Total Allocation (from start to end date) |
Planned Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Actual Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Expected Results for 2007-2008 |
Results Achieved in 2007-2008 |
Human Resources and Social Development Canada | PA 1 | a. Aboriginal Skills Employment Partnership |
$190.0M (program and operating) |
$20.8M (program and operating) |
$17.5M (program and operating) |
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National Resources Canada | PA 1 | a. ASEP - New Brunswick Project | $0.4M | $0.0M | $0.1M | n/a | n/a |
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada | PA 2 | (a) ASEP Manitoba Hydro Northern | $3.3M | $0.0M | $0.0M | ||
(b) Nunavut Fisheries Training | $0.3M | $0.0M | $0.0M | ||||
(c) Mine Training Society | $5.5M | $0.0M | $0.9M | ||||
Total $199.5M |
Total $20.8M |
Total $18.5M |
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Comment(s) on Variance(s) :
Variance due to delays in project proposals start dates which will occur next fiscal year |
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Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners (if applicable):
n/a |
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Contact Information: Keith Conn, Director General, Aboriginal Affairs (819-997-8551) Skills and Employment Branch keith.conn@hrsdc-rhdsc.gc.ca Place du Portage, Phase IV 140 Promenade du Portage Gatineau, Quebec |
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Youth Employment Strategy | |||||||
Name of Lead Department: Human Resources and Social Development Canada |
Lead Department Program Activity: Labour Market |
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Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: April 1, 2003 |
End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: Ongoing |
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Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): On-going Funding | |||||||
Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
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. |
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Shared Outcome(s) :
The shared outcomes of partners for the common key results are:
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Governance Structure(s):
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. |
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$ Million | |||||||
Federal Partners |
Federal Partner Program Activity |
Names of Programs for Federal Partners |
Total Allocation (from start to end date) |
Planned Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Actual Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Expected Results for 2007-2008 |
Results Achieved in 2007-2008 |
1. Human Resources and Social Development Canada and Service Canada | PA 1 | a. Career Focus | On-going | 13.0 | 11.6* |
HRSDC - Sectoral Career Focus
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HRSDC - Sectoral Career Focus
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Service Canada
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Service Canada
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b. Skills Link | 167.5 | 141.0* |
HRSD with Service Canada
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PA 2 | c. Summer Work Experience | 54.2 | 107.4* | HRSD with Service Canada No targets set (program under review as part of government's commitment to on-going program expense review) |
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2. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada | PA 1 | a. Career Focus | 1.1 | 0.8 | Targets are not set by HRSDC for other Government departments |
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3. Canadian Food Inspection Agency | PA 1 | a. Career Focus | 0.1 | 0.1 |
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4. Canadian International Development Agency | PA 1 | a. Career Focus | 6.4 | 5.5 |
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5. Canadian Heritage | PA 1 | a. Career Focus | 0.9 | 0.9 |
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b. Summer Work Experience | 9.8 | 7.2 |
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6. Environment Canada | PA 1 | a. Career Focus | 3.3 | 1.6 |
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7. Industry Canada | PA 1 | a. Career Focus | 9.8 | 8.1 |
(CFS-TWEP)
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b. Summer Work Experience | 10.0 | 5.5 |
(CAP YI - Summer)
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8. National Research Council | PA 1 | a. Career Focus | 5.4 | 5.0 |
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9. Natural Resources Canada | PA 1 | a. Career Focus | 0.6 | 0.6 |
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10. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation | PA 1 | a. Skills Link | 1.0 | 1.0 |
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11. Indian and Northern Affairs Canada | PA 1 | a. Skills Link | 14.0 | 15.4 |
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b. Summer Work Experience | 10.0 | 9.8 |
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12. Parks Canada | PA 1 | a. Summer Work Experience | 2.0 | 2.0 |
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Total On-going |
Total 309.1 |
Total 323.5 |
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Comment(s) on Variance(s) : Actual spending was higher than planned spending due to funding received by HRSDC through the 2007-2008 Supplementary Estimates (A) for the Canada Summer Jobs program in the Summer Work Experience YES stream, offset by delays in implementation of Skills Link and Career Focus projects as well as the inability of some employers funded under the Canada Summer Jobs to fill all the positions for which they were approved for funding and because some students left their jobs early. |
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Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners (if applicable): n/a |
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Contact Information:
John Atherton, |
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*Note - HRSDC's actual spending in 2007-2008 includes estimated operating resources of $23.9 million. |
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Canada Student Loans Program | |||||||
Name of Lead Department: Human Resources and Social Development Canada |
Lead Department Program Activity: Learning |
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Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: August 1, 1964 |
End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: Ongoing |
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Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): Ongoing |
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Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
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 |
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Shared Outcome(s):
Maintain the Government's commitment to accessible post-secondary education by:
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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 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:
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:
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. |
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$ Million | |||||||
Federal Partners |
Federal Partner Program Activity |
Names of Programs for Federal Partners | Total Allocation (from start to end date) |
Planned Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Actual Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Expected Results for 2007-2008 |
Results Achieved in 2007-2008 |
1. | Human Resources Social Development Canada Public Works and Government Services Canada Canada Revenue Agency |
N/A | Ongoing statutory funding |
790.4 Loans Disbursed under the Canada Student Financial Assistance Act $2.0B |
572.2 |
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Total | Total 790.4 |
Total 572.2 |
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Comments on Variance(s) :
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. |
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Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners (if applicable): | |||||||
Contact Information:
Barbara Glover |
Approved by:
David MacDonald |
Date Approved: | |||||
For information regarding your loan or loan repayment, please visit: http://osap.gov.on.ca/eng/not_secure/general.htm#NSLSC or http://www.canlearn.ca |
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a Please note that the number is estimated as loans are awarded based on client eligibility and demonstrated need. b Please note that the number is estimated as grants are awarded based on client eligibility and demonstrated need. |
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Homelessness Partnering Strategy | |||||||
Name of Lead Department: Human Resources and Social Development Canada |
Lead Department Program Activity: Housing and Homelessness |
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Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: April 1, 2007 |
End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 31, 2009 |
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Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): $269.6M over two years which include $6M for Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative and is administrated by Public Works and Government Services Canada. |
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Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
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:
For more information, please visit the Homelessness Partnering Strategy website: http://www.homelessness.gc.caBackground 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. |
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Shared Outcome(s):
Enhanced income security, access to opportunities and well-being for individuals, families and communities. |
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Governance Structure(s):
The Homelessness Partnering Strategy community-based stream - the Homelessness Partnership Initiative - is delivered via two models:
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. |
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$ Million | |||||||
Federal Partners |
Federal Partner Program Activity |
Names of Programs for Federal Partners |
Total Allocation (from start to end date) |
Planned Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Actual Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Expected Results for 2007-2008 |
Results Achieved in 2007-2008 |
1. Human Resources and Social Development | a. Homelessness Partnership Initiative | 259.9 | 129.9 | 87.6 |
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b. Homelessness Accountability Network | 3.7 | 1.9 | 1.0 |
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2. Public Works and Government Services Canada | a. Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative | [Surplus Federal Real Property for Homelessness Initiative - funding is administered by Public Works and Government Services Canada] | N/A | N/A |
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Total 263.6 |
Total 131.8 |
Total 88.6 |
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Comments on Variance(s) : The variance between the Planned and Actual Spending of $43.2M has been partially re-profiled in 2008-2009 ARLU ($17.5M). The remaining will be requested for re-profile in Supplementary Estimates (B) to ensure that funds will be available for proposals that are developed for activities to prevent and reduce homelessness. |
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Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners (if applicable): | |||||||
Contact Information:
Jim Young |
Approved by:
Bayla Kolk |
Date Approved: |
Name of Horizontal Initiative: National Child Benefit | |||||||
Name of Lead Department: Human Resources and Social Development Canada |
Lead Department Program Activity: Children and Families |
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Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: 1998 |
End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: Ongoing |
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Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): Statutory |
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Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):
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. |
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Shared Outcome(s):
The National Child Benefit initiative has three goals:
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 |
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Governance Structure(s):
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:
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. |
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$ Million | |||||||
Federal Partners |
Federal Partner Program Activity2 |
Names of Programs for Federal Partners |
Total Allocation (from start to end date) |
Planned Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Actual Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Expected Results for 2007-2008 |
Results Achieved in 2007-2008 |
1. | 1. Canada Revenue Agency | a. National Child Benefit Supplement | Ongoing | $3.5 billion | Not available | Continued progress on the goals of the National Child Benefit initiative, as described in "Shared Outcomes", above. | Not available |
Comment(s) on Variance(s) : N/A |
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Results to be Achieved by Non-federal Partners (if applicable): |
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Contact Information: Carole Vallerand Assistant Director Economic Security Strategic Policy and Research Phone (613) 957-9865 |
Approved by: Shawn Tupper Director General, Social Policy Development 613-957-4707 |
Date Approved: | |||||
Notes : 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 Social 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. |
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Multilateral Framework on Early Learning And Child Care | |||||||
Name of Lead Department: Human Resources and Social Development Canada |
Lead Department Program Activity: Children and Families |
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Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 2003 |
End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: Ongoing |
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Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): $350 million in 2007-2008 |
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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, 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 |
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Shared Outcome(s):
The objectives of the initiative, as outlined in the Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care are:
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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 Social Development Canada and Saskatchewan. |
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$ Million | |||||||
Federal Partners |
Federal Partner Program Activity |
Names of Programs for Federal Partners |
Total Allocation (from start to end date) |
Planned Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Actual Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Expected Results for 2007-2008 |
Results Achieved in 2007-2008 |
Not applicable. The Multilateral Framework on Early Learning and Child Care is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. |
In 2007-2008, the Government of Canada transferred $350M via the Canada Social Transfer to provinces and territories for investment in programs and services related to early learning and child care. 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. |
The Canada Social Transfer is a block transfer to provinces and territories, which does not require them to report to the Government of Canada on the results achieved. | |||||
Total
$350M via the Canada Social Transfer |
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Comment(s) on Variance(s) : N/A |
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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. |
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Contact Information:
Lynne Westlake |
Approved by:
Shawn Tupper |
Date Approved: |
Name of Horizontal Initiative: Early Childhood Development Agreement | |||||||
Name of Lead Department: Human Resources and Social Development Canada |
Lead Department Program Activity: Children and Families |
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Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: September 2000 with funding beginning April 2001 |
End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: Ongoing |
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Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): $500 million for 2007-2008 |
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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. 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. |
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Shared Outcome(s):
The objectives of the initiative, as outlined in the Early Childhood Development Agreement are:
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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 Social Development Canada and Saskatchewan. |
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$ Million | |||||||
Federal Partners |
Federal Partner Program Activity |
Names of Programs for Federal Partners |
Total Allocation (from start to end date) |
Planned Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Actual Spending for 2007- 2008 |
Expected Results for 2007-2008 |
Results Achieved in 2007-2008 |
Not applicable. The Early Childhood Development Agreement is a federal-provincial-territorial initiative | In 2007-2008 the Government of Canada transferred $500M via the Canada Social Transfer, to provinces and territories for investment in programs and services related to early childhood development. | The Canada Social Transfer is a block transfer to provinces and territories, which does not require them to report to the Government of Canada on the results achieved. | |||||
Total
$500M via the Canada Social Transfer |
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Comment(s) on Variance(s) : N/A |
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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:
All participating federal, provincial and territorial governments have committed to three reporting requirements:
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. |
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Contact Information:
Lynne Westlake, |
Approved by:
Shawn Tupper, |
Date Approved: |