Horizontal Initiatives

On this page

• Youth Employment and Skills Strategy
  • General information
  • Performance information
• Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative
  • General information
  • Performance information

Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

General information

Name of horizontal initiative: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS)

Lead department: Employment and Social Development Canada

Federal partner organizations: Agriculture and Agri-food Canada; Global Affairs Canada; Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Canadian Heritage; Environment and Climate Change Canada; Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada; Indigenous Services Canada; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada; National Research Council; Natural Resources Canada; Parks Canada

Start date of the horizontal initiative: April 1, 2003

End date of the horizontal initiative: ongoing

Description of the horizontal initiative: the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, helps youth aged 15 to 30 to make a successful transition into the labour market. It particularly focuses on those facing barriers to employment as well as youth under-represented in the labour market, by helping them get the information supports and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to ensure success. The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy is a horizontal initiative led by Employment and Social Development Canada and delivered in collaboration with 11 other federal departments, agencies and crown corporations. It includes the Canada Summer Jobs program, which is delivered solely by Employment and Social Development Canada. Most of the strategy programs are delivered via contribution agreements and support national and regional projects via contribution agreements

Governance structures:

• the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy has integrated a new strengthened governance structure. This structure will facilitate better coordination between the 12 participating federal organizations, stakeholders and youth
• the 12 participating federal departments, agencies and crown corporations have committed to collect common performance management information on an ongoing basis. This will ensure effective management of the program
• Employment and Social Development Canada is responsible for the leadership, coordination and management of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Interdepartmental Committees

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars): $9,760.89 million

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars): $10,144.99 million

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars): $9,470.82 million

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative: May 30, 2019

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal, and source of funding (dollars): $675.53 million

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars): $2,130.38 million

Total planned spending since the last renewal (dollars): $2,068.46 million

Total actual spending since the last renewal (dollars): $3,000.02 million

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: the Horizontal Evaluation of the Strategy is planned to be completed in late 2024 to 2025

Shared outcome of federal partner departments: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

Performance indicator(s):

• number of youth served
• percentage of youth employed / self-employed^{Footnote 1}
• percentage of youth returned to school^{Footnote 2}
• percentage of youth served from each of the following groups who are facing barriers to employment:
  • Indigenous youth
  • visible minority youth
  • youth with a disability
  • youth living in official language minority communities
  • youth living in rural and remote areas
  • women

Note: youth living in rural and remote areas and youth living in official language minority communities' (OLMC) data will be collected by the following departments: ESDC (through the YESS Program), National Research Council, and Canadian Heritage (Youth living in OLMCs indicator only)

Target(s): specific targets for each participating partner are included in the performance table below.

Performance highlights:

• the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy's programs served a total of 93,330 youth and provided them with supports such as skills development, training, paid work experiences and wrap around supports
• 18,803 youth were served through the horizontal Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) programs. For the department's YESS Program, 55% were employed and 18% had returned to school following their participation to the program
• the Canada Summer Jobs Program offered job opportunities to 74,527 youth out of which 69% were employed and 56% had returned to school following their participation to the program

Contact information:
Lori Brooks, Director General
Youth and Skills Innovation Directorate
Skills and Employment Branch

Email: lori.brooks@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Place du Portage, Phase IV
140 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau QC

Performance information

Federal organization: Employment and Social Development Canada

Link to the department's program inventory: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $3,167.070 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $142,890,898

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $209,219,084

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employments or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: 4,000
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 18,803

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: 50%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 55%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: 10%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 18%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target:
  • Indigenous: 20%
  • visible minority: 36%
  • youth with a disability: 20%
  • youth living in rural and remote areas : not available^{Footnote 3}
  • youth living in official minority language communities: not available^{Footnote 3}
  • women: not available^{Footnote 3}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result:
  • Indigenous: 14%
  • visible minority: 39%
  • youth with a disability: 21%
  • youth living in rural and remote areas: not available^{Footnote 3}
  • youth living in official language minority communities: not available^{Footnote 3}
  • women: 43%

Federal organization: Employment and Social Development Canada

Link to the department's program inventory: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Horizontal initiative activity: Canada Summer Jobs

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $3,552.500 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $322,801,131

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $340,785,024

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: 24,000
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 74,527

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: 20%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 69%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: 80%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 56%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target:
  • Indigenous: 7.5%
  • visible minority: 17%
  • youth with a disability: 3%
  • women: 60%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result:
  • Indigenous: 8%
  • visible minority: 24%
  • youth with a disability: 4%
  • women: 62%

Federal organization: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Link to the department's program inventory: Sector Engagement and Development

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $60.668 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $13,468,233

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $12,748,092

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: 64
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 1,140

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: 28%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 41.90%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: 30%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 29.46%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target:
  • rural: 60%
  • Indigenous: 12%
  • visible minority: approximately 8%
  • youth with a disability: 3%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result:
  • rural: 59.21%
  • Indigenous: 9.91%
  • visible minority: 5.44%
  • youth with a disability: 12.54%

Federal organization: Canadian Heritage

Link to the department's program inventory: Young Canada Works Initiative

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $175.030 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $16,612,249

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $16,334,671

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: 930
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 1,939

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: not applicable^{Footnote 4}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: not applicable^{Footnote 4}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: not applicable^{Footnote 4}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: not applicable^{Footnote 4}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target:
  • Young Canada Works - Official Languages:
    • Indigenous: 5%
    • visible minority: 35%
    • youth with a disability: 5%
    • youth living in official language minority communities: 50%
  • Young Canada Works - Preservation and Access to Heritage:
    • Indigenous: 7%
    • visible minority: 15%
    • youth with a disability: 8%
    • youth living in official language minority communities: 10%
    • women: 65%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result:
  • Young Canada Works - Official Languages:
    • Indigenous: 3.86%
    • visible minority: 21.64%
    • youth with a disability: 8.19%
    • youth living in official language minority communities: 51.47%
  • Young Canada Works - Preservation and Access to Heritage:
    • Indigenous: 5.18%
    • visible minority: 16.31%
    • youth with a disability: 13.61%
    • youth living in official language minority communities: 6.26%
    • women: 69.87%

Federal organization: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Link to the department's program inventory: Housing Internship for Indigenous Youth

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $40.095 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $4,700,000

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $5,070,852

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: 58
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 355

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: 20%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 31%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: 10%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 20%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target: Indigenous - 100%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: Indigenous - 100%

Federal organization: Environment and Climate Change Canada

Link to the department's program inventory: Science Horizons Internship Program

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $112.601 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $18,612,249

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $18,490,180

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: 97
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 650

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: 80%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: not available^{Footnote 5}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: 6%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: not available^{Footnote 5}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target:
  • Indigenous: 2.1%
  • visible minority: 20%
  • youth with a disability: 2.1%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result:
  • Indigenous: 4%
  • visible minority: 25.50%
  • youth with a disability: 7.2%

Federal organization: Global Affairs Canada

Link to the department's program inventory: International Youth Internship Program

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $155.000 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $6,400,000

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $6,308,257

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: not available^{Footnote 6}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: not available^{Footnote 6}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: not available^{Footnote 6}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: not available^{Footnote 6}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: not available^{Footnote 6}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: not available^{Footnote 6}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target:
  • Indigenous: not available^{Footnote 6}
  • visible minority: not available^{Footnote 6}
  • youth with a disability: not available^{Footnote 6}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result:
  • Indigenous: not available^{Footnote 6}
  • visible minority: not available^{Footnote 6}
  • youth with a disability: not available^{Footnote 6}

Federal organization: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada^{Footnote 7}

Link to the department's program inventory: Settlement Program

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $16.8 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): not applicable^{Footnote 8}

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $0^{Footnote 8}

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: 4,000
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 4,651

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: 75%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 78%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: not applicable^{Footnote 9}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: not applicable^{Footnote 9}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target: 100%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 100%

Federal organization: Indigenous Services Canada

Link to the department's program inventory: First Nations and Inuit Youth Employment Strategy

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $709.758 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $87,558,762

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $86,658,026

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: 3,931
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 3,747^{Footnote 10}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: 29%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 22.7%^{Footnote 10}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: 31%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 4.1%^{Footnote 10}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target: Indigenous - 100%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: Indigenous - 100%^{Footnote 10}

Federal organization: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Link to the department's program inventory: Digital Skills for Youth

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $97.336 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $0

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $5,762,657

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: not available^{Footnote 11}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 318

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: not available^{Footnote 11}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 65.1%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: 0%^{Footnote 12}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: not applicable^{Footnote 12}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target:
  • Indigenous: not available^{Footnote 11}
  • visible minority: not available^{Footnote 11}
  • youth with a disability: not available^{Footnote 11}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result:
  • Indigenous: 3.8%
  • visible minority: 32.1%
  • youth with a disability: 11.9%

Federal organization: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Link to the department's program inventory: Computers for Schools Intern Program

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $230.2 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $10,740,616

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $4,562,905

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: 118
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 208

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: 15%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 26.7%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: 10%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 22.8%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target:
  • Indigenous: 5%
  • visible minority: 25%
  • youth with a disability: 3.5%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result:
  • Indigenous: 2.9%
  • visible minority: 43.3%
  • youth with a disability: 10.1%

Federal organization: National Research Council

Link to the department's program inventory: Youth Employment Program

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $194.673 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $22,673,000

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $22,669,651

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: 166
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 649

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: 75%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 87%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: 0%^{Footnote 13}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: not applicable^{Footnote 13}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target: 60% of interns belong to at least one of the following employment equity categories:
  • Indigenous youth: 1%
  • visible minority: 15%
  • youth with a disability: 1%
  • youth living in rural and remote areas: 2%
  • youth living in official language minority communities: 2%
  • women 50%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result:
  • Indigenous youth: 2%
  • visible minority: 25%
  • youth with a disability: 6%
  • youth living in rural and remote areas: 5%
  • youth living in official language minority communities: 7%
  • women 47%

Federal organization: Natural Resources Canada

Link to the department's program inventory: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $76.100 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $15,600,000

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $15,497,659

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: 25
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 653

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: 70%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 86%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: 5%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 5%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target: 60% of interns belong to at least one of the following employment equity categories:
  • women
  • Indigenous
  • youth with a disability
  • visible minority
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result:
  • women: 52%
  • Indigenous: 34%
  • youth with a disability: 10%
  • visible minority: 31%

Federal organization: Parks Canada

Link to the department's program inventory: Young Canada Works

Horizontal initiative activity: Youth Employment and Skills Strategy Program

Total federal allocation since the last renewal (dollars): $81.740 million

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars): $14,941,773

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars): $16,500,052

2023 to 2024 expected results: youth have access to programs that allow them to acquire the skills, learning experiences, and opportunities they need to find and maintain employment or return to school

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: number of youth served

• target: 118
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 1,461

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth employed/self-employed

• target: 100%
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: 27.3%

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth returned to school

• target: 0%^{Footnote 14}
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result: not applicable^{Footnote 14}

2023 to 2024 performance indicator: percentage of youth served who are facing barriers to employment

• target: 45% self-identify as being part of one of the following employment equity categories:
  • Indigenous
  • visible minority
  • youth with a disability
• date to achieve target: March 31, 2024
• actual result:
  • Indigenous: 25.2%
  • visible minority: 14.6%
  • youth with a disability: 11.8%

Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative

General information

Name of horizontal initiative: Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative

Lead department: Employment and Social Development Canada

Federal partner organizations: Indigenous Services Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

Start date of the horizontal initiative: September 2018

End date of the horizontal initiative: Ongoing

Description of the horizontal initiative:

• the Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (IELCC) Transformation Initiative supports the implementation of the co-developed Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Framework. This framework reflects the unique cultures and priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children across Canada. The initiative enables greater control in IELCC through a new partnership model to facilitate Indigenous-led decision making and advance national and regional priorities
• the IELCC Transformation Initiative provides for investments in a wide range of programs and services including Aboriginal Head Start and Child Care programming. This initiative enhances early childhood development and school readiness for Indigenous children regardless of where they live
• Employment and Social Development Canada is the federal lead department guiding this horizontal initiative, with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) as key federal partners

Governance structures:

• Oversight of this horizontal initiative is provided through a collaborative structure that includes:
  • the Assistant Deputy Minister Interdepartmental Steering Committee (ADMISC). The ADMISC is chaired by the Senior Assistant Deputy Minister of Income Security and Social Development Branch, in Employment and Social Development Canada. It is composed of Assistant Deputy Ministers from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), Indigenous Services Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Treasury Board Secretariat, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada. The Assistant Deputy Minister Interdepartmental Steering Committee is responsible for the broad management of the Initiative
  • the Director General Interdepartmental Committee (DGIC), which is composed of Director Generals and working-level officials from federal partner organizations. It oversees the implementation of the IELCC Transformation Initiative, supported by the IELCC Secretariat housed in ESDC. The DGIC reports directly to the ADMISC for strategic guidance
  • the Federal Working Group on Reporting which coordinates work to co-develop results frameworks for the initiative with Indigenous partners and is part of the governance structure set out for the horizontal initiative
• ad-hoc working groups are established to advance joint priorities and/or co-development activities with IELCC Partnership Tables and other federal partner departments on topical themes
• the implementation of the IELCC Transformation Initiative is also supported by national and regional Partnership Tables with First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments and their representatives, to facilitate Indigenous-led planning, priority setting, and decision-making. The interests of urban and northern Indigenous communities will continue to be represented in collaboration with the National Aboriginal Head Start Council

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars): $5,653,028,211 over ten years with $767 million ongoing^{Footnote 15}

Total federal planned spending to date (dollars): $2,957,141,751^{Footnote 16}

Total federal actual spending to date (dollars): $2,467,466,517

Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative: not applicable

Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal, and source of funding (dollars): not applicable

Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars): not applicable

Total planned spending since the last renewal (dollars): not applicable

Total actual spending since the last renewal (dollars): not applicable

Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation: during the 2023 to 2024 fiscal year, activities were carried out towards the finalization of the first formative evaluation of the IELCC Transformation Initiative which included engagement activities with Indigenous partners. The evaluation was completed in July 2024 and will be published in Fall 2024. A second summative evaluation, co-developed in collaboration with Indigenous partners, is planned for completion in 2027 to 2028

Shared outcome of federal partner departments:

• increase Indigenous influence and control over Indigenous ELCC programs and services
• support Indigenous early learning and child care priorities, including those in urban and northern communities
• strengthen foundational supports for Indigenous ELCC
• enhance horizontal coordination of federal programs and investments

Performance highlights:

• together with our federal partners, Indigenous Services Canada (ISC), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) and Crown-Indigenous Relation and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), we continued to respond to the direction of Indigenous leaders to advance their early learning and child care priorities. A significant portion of Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) funding was provided to bolster over 900 existing Aboriginal Head Start and Day Care sites, in addition to new sites established in Métis communities
• federal partners continued to advance funding in support of over 950 projects for repairs and renovations, addressing immediate health and safety needs of existing sites. For example, the Bloodvein First Nation Daycare in Manitoba was provided approximately $800,000 to repair their preschool room to meet licensing standards and to purchase an accessible vehicle for Indigenous children with disabilities. This period also marked the first year of funding for major infrastructure investments announced in the 2021 Budget, with $441 million to be allocated, over 4 years, to build new Indigenous ELCC centres or replace sites that have outlived their useful life. This year planning funds were allocated to assist Indigenous governments in developing ELCC capital policies, prioritization frameworks and project proposals. Additionally, PHAC made significant progress with the National Aboriginal Head Start Association of Canada in co-development of a Long-term Capital Plan that will guide infrastructure investments for the Aboriginal Head Start in Urban and Northern Communities program. Fiscal year 2023 to 2024 saw Indigenous partners make significant progress in establishing long-term funding decisions for Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care investments. Métis partners agreed on a new 5-year funding approach, while Inuit partners set a 10-year allocation formula. First Nations partners are developing a funding model and considering options that align with their ELCC needs and priorities. These decisions reflect the emerging governance and technical capacity in this sector and will enable the development of multi-year strategies and workplans, streamlined administration and timely advancement of funding in the coming years
• the department continued to collaborate with Indigenous partners toward the completion of the formative evaluation of the federal design, delivery and the implementation of the Indigenous ELCC Transformation Initiative. The evaluation will be published in the 2024 to 2025 fiscal year
• as well, the department completed a third call for proposals for Quality Improvement Projects that promote best practices or innovative models in Indigenous ELCC programs and services. The department received a substantial amount of interest throughout the country, with 101 applicants seeking approximately $119M in funding. Ultimately, 38 projects totalling $48.3M were approved

Contact information:

Cheri Reddin, Director General
Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Secretariat
Income Security and Social Development Branch
Employment and Social Development Canada

Cell: 613-617-1852

Email: Cheri.reddin@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Performance information

Horizontal Initiative Overview

Name of horizontal initiative: Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative

Link to program inventory:

• core responsibility: Social Development.
• program: Indigenous Early Learning and Child Care Transformation Initiative

Total new funding allocated (dollars): $5,653,028,211 over ten years with $767 million ongoing^{Footnote 17}

2023 to 2024 planned spending (dollars)

• $737,102,301^{Footnote 18} (new)
• $136,140,805^{Footnote 19} (legacy)

2023 to 2024 actual spending (dollars)

• $715,917,357 (new)
• $112,557,928 (legacy)

2023 to 2024 performance indicators:

• number of national partnership tables established
• other performance indicators to be co-developed with Indigenous partners

2023 to 2024 targets:

• 3 partnership table
• other targets to be co-developed with Indigenous partners

Date to achieve targets: 3 national partnership tables, in addition to a number of regional and bilateral relationships have been established as of March 2024

2023 to 2024 actual results: 3 National Partnership Tables are now established and active, representing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis

Horizontal Initiative Total Spending by Allocations

Allocations: First Nations Envelope

• Total new funding 10-year (dollars)^{Footnote 20}: $3,428,769,972
• 2023 to 2024 planned spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars)^{Footnote 21}: $522,709,446
• 2023 to 2024 actual spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars): $496,921,435
• 2023 to 2024 expected results: Indigenous partners have greater influence over IELCC programming
• 2023 to 2024 performance indicators:
  • number of national partnership tables established
  • other targets to be co-developed with Indigenous partners
• 2023 to 2024 targets:
  • 3 partnership tables
  • distinctions based results frameworks that include performance indicators are to be co-developed with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation partners by March 2025
• 2023 to 2024 actual results:
  • 3 National Partnership Tables are now established and active, representing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis

Allocations: Inuit Envelope

• Total new funding 10-year (dollars)^{Footnote 20}: $326,180,727
• 2023 to 2024 planned spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars)^{Footnote 21}: $47,097,662
• 2023 to 2024 actual spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars): $48,574,946
• 2023 to 2024 expected results: Indigenous partners have greater influence over IELCC programming
• 2023 to 2024 performance indicators:
  • number of national partnership tables established
  • other targets to be co-developed with Indigenous partners
• 2023 to 2024 targets:
  • 3 partnership tables
  • distinctions based results frameworks that include performance indicators are to be co-developed with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation partners by March 2025
• 2023 to 2024 actual results:
  • 3 National Partnership Tables are now established and active, representing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis

Allocations: Métis Envelope

• Total new funding 10-year (dollars)^{Footnote 20}: $1,175,493,316
• 2023 to 2024 planned spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars)^{Footnote 21}: $136,171,854
• 2023 to 2024 actual spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars): $135,970,688
• 2023 to 2024 expected results: Indigenous partners have greater influence over IELCC programming
• 2023 to 2024 performance indicators:
  • number of national partnership tables established
  • other targets to be co-developed with Indigenous partners
• 2023 to 2024 targets:
  • 3 partnership tables
  • distinctions based results frameworks that include performance indicators are to be co-developed with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation partners by March 2025
• 2023 to 2024 actual results: 3 National Partnership Tables are now established and active, representing First Nations, Inuit, and Métis

Allocations: Quality Improvement Projects

• Total new funding 10-year (dollars)^{Footnote 20}: $94,480,000
• 2023 to 2024 planned spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars)^{Footnote 21}: $16,000,000
• 2023 to 2024 actual spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars): $10,945,615
• 2023 to 2024 expected results: strengthen foundational supports for Indigenous ELCC
• 2023 to 2024 performance indicators: not available. To be co-developed with Indigenous partners
• 2023 to 2024 targets: not available. To be co-developed with Indigenous partners
• 2023 to 2024 actual results: not available. Performance indicators and targets to be co-developed with Indigenous partners by March 2025

Allocations: Pan-Indigenous Programming

• Total new funding 10-year (dollars)^{Footnote 20}: $173,140,985
• 2023 to 2024 planned spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars)^{Footnote 21}: $47,635,300
• 2023 to 2024 actual spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars): $45,032,372
• 2023 to 2024 expected results: Indigenous children and families have greater access to ELCC programs and services that are holistic, accessible, inclusive, and flexible, and culturally- appropriate
• 2023 to 2024 performance indicators: not available. To be co-developed with Indigenous partners
• 2023 to 2024 targets: not available. To be co-developed with Indigenous partners by March 2025
• 2023 to 2024 actual results: not available. Performance indicators and targets to be co-developed with Indigenous partners by March 2025

Allocations: Repairs and Renovations^{Footnote 22}

• Total new funding 10-year (dollars)^{Footnote 20}: $240,000,000
• 2023 to 2024 planned spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars)^{Footnote 21}: $80,000,000
• 2023 to 2024 actual spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars): $76,072,404
• 2023 to 2024 expected results: Indigenous children and families have greater access to ELCC programs and services that are holistic, accessible, inclusive, and flexible, and culturally- appropriate
• 2023 to 2024 performance indicators: not available. To be determined by Indigenous Partners
• 2023 to 2024 targets: not available. Performance indicators and targets to be co-developed with Indigenous partners by March 2025
• 2023 to 2024 actual results: not available. Performance indicators and targets to be co-developed with Indigenous partners by March 2025

Total:

• Total new funding 10-year (dollars)^{Footnote 20}: $5,438,065,000
• 2023 to 2024 planned spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars)^{Footnote 21}: $851,614,262
• 2023 to 2024 actual spending - total new and legacy/ongoing (dollars): $813,517,460

Horizontal initiative total spending by department

Department: Employment and Social Development Canada

• Total federal theme funding allocated since last renewal (dollars)^{Footnote 23}: $ 3,224,549,182
• 2023 to 2024 total federal planned spending (in dollars):
  • new^{Footnote 24}: $353,665,712
  • legacy^{Footnote 25}: $53,877,224
• 2023 to 2024 total actual spending (in dollars):
  • new: $236,038,274
  • legacy: $50,379,887

Department: Indigenous Services Canada

• Total federal theme funding allocated since last renewal (dollars)^{Footnote 23}: $1,954,156,266
• 2023 to 2024 total federal planned spending (in dollars):
  • new^{Footnote 24}: $336,085,658
  • legacy^{Footnote 25}: $46,497,698
• 2023 to 2024 total actual spending (in dollars):
  • new: $338,465,683
  • legacy: $25,435,583

Department: Public Health Agency of Canada

• Total federal theme funding allocated since last renewal (dollars)^{Footnote 23}: $235,322,763
• 2023 to 2024 total federal planned spending (in dollars):
  • new^{Footnote 24}: $31,074,639
  • legacy^{Footnote 25}: $32,030,568
• 2023 to 2024 total actual spending (in dollars):
  • new: $18,942,396
  • legacy: $31,389,743

Department: Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs

• Total federal theme funding allocated since last renewal (dollars)^{Footnote 23}: $0
• 2023 to 2024 total federal planned spending (in dollars):
  • new^{Footnote 24}: $16,276,293
  • legacy^{Footnote 25}: $4,618,108
• 2023 to 2024 total actual spending (in dollars):
  • new: $122,471,004
  • legacy: $5,352,715

Total all departments:

• Total federal theme funding allocated since last renewal (dollars)^{Footnote 23}: $5,653,028,211
• 2023 to 2024 total federal planned spending (in dollars):
  • new^{Footnote 24}: $737,102,301
  • legacy^{Footnote 25}: $136,140,806
• 2023 to 2024 total actual spending (in dollars):
  • new: $715,917,357
  • legacy: $112,557,928