Item - 2020.EX16.25

The Executive Committee recommends that:

1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to enter into and administer a contract renewal agreement with Employment and Social Development Canada, for the Toronto Youth Jobs Corps program for up to $8,939,959 in Federal subsidy for the period October 5, 2020 to September 29, 2023.
 

2. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to convert one temporary Program Support Analyst position, to a permanent Agency Review Officer, to better meet the program development requirements for the Toronto Youth Job Corps program.

 
3. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to have delegated authority to extend this and future contracts and receive and expend funds as submitted in the application to Employment and Social Development Canada to support the Toronto Youth Job Corps program through the annual budget process.
 

4. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration to enter into agreements with other entities, including purchase of service agreements for the delivery of Toronto Youth Job Corp with the successful proponents of the Request for Proposals process, other federal agencies, community organizations, private entities, or individuals, and to spend federal funding in accordance with the federal program requirements and guidelines.

This report seeks authority to enter into and administer a contract renewal agreement with Employment and Social Development Canada (formerly referred to as Service Canada), for the City-administered Toronto Youth Job Corps program for the 2020-2023 contract period.

The Toronto Youth Job Corps program provides group-based pre-employment support, structured employment training, work experience through job placements and follow up supports for vulnerable youth furthest from labour market. Toronto Youth Job Corps commenced in 1983 and has been reviewed and updated to meet both the changing needs of youth and funding requirements.

For 37 years, the City of Toronto has administered Toronto Youth Job Corp. It is delivered by community agencies selected through an open Request for Proposal. Five agencies have been selected through the 2020 Request for Proposal. This resulting agreement through the Request for Proposals will be valid for five years. 

On July 25, 2019, Social Development, Finance and Administration submitted a contract renewal application with an anticipated start date of April 1, 2020, following the completion date of March 27, 2020 for the 2017-2020 contract period. In mid-February 2020, Employment and Social Development Canada extended the current contract until September 25, 2020.  On March 4, 2020, the City received written confirmation from Employment and Social Development Canada for the City's 2020-2023 application, awaiting negotiation of full details.  Social Development, Finance and Administration has proposed to Employment and Social Development Canada a start date of October 5, 2020.  If accepted, this agreement will run from October 5, 2020 – September 29, 2023.