SSM Re-competition

Introducing competition through the initial implementation of the Service System Manager (SSM) model brought a range of expertise in designing and delivering employment services to Ontario jobseekers and employers. Continued competition will drive ongoing innovation and continuous improvement to employment service design and delivery, achieving better results for our jobseekers and employers.

Introducing a regular competitive cycle every five years allows for better ministry and SSM planning, more transparency and predictability in IES contracting.

The ministry recognizes the substantial contributions SSMs have made to transforming Ontario’s employment services, including the design and implementation of new services and delivery networks, improving access for social assistance recipients and building important partnerships with local employers and other human service providers.

At the same time, a well-functioning employment services system is contestable and provides opportunities for potential new entrants to demonstrate their capacity and capability to deliver high quality services and outcomes for jobseekers and employers.

In introducing a regular, five-year competitive cycle, the ministry is striking a balance between allowing SSMs sufficient time to establish IES operations and to successfully contribute to its outcomes with the need to ensure the system remains contestable and accessible to potential new entrants.

Specific dates related to the five-year pre-qualification period are being finalized and will be shared when available.

Specific dates related to RFQ release are being finalized and will be shared when available.

Yes. Consortia will still be eligible for the RFQ. Consortia who successfully pre-qualify through the RFQ will be eligible to participate in subsequent CFPs.

Additional information regarding the CFPs will be made available in late 2026-27.

Over the past several years, the ministry has engaged with clients, service providers and other stakeholders in the employment and human services sectors to understand how IES is meeting their needs.

Concurrently, the ministry has considered IES performance data and, with IES fully implemented across Ontario as of March 2025, has observed the entire system in operation.

Based on findings from these analyses, the ministry has determined changes are needed to strengthen service access and outcomes, sufficiently resource the system, and better align performance expectations to government priorities. An opportunity exists to integrate IES policy changes into the next round of Transfer Payment Agreements negotiated following conclusion of the CFPs.