Through RFQ as well as the Call for Proposal (CFP) process the participating applicants were invited to attend optional information sessions providing key highlights of the Employment Services Transformation and the competitive process. The applicants were able to submit questions after the information sessions. The responses were posted by the ministry to all the applicants… Continue reading Was there an opportunity for prospective applicants to ask questions and provide feedback about the Request for Qualification (RFQ)?
Program: Integrated Employment Services
How are service system managers (SSMs) selected?
SSMs are selected through a two-stage competitive process. The ministry is aiming to attract high performing organizations with the expertise and capacity to oversee the planning, delivery, and design of employment services as SSMs. The two-stage competitive process to select SSMs included: Stage 1: Request for Qualification (RFQ) RFQs are posted and are open to… Continue reading How are service system managers (SSMs) selected?
How did the ministry determine the service areas/catchments?
The ministry developed a framework, supported by data, that considers and includes feedback from stakeholders that was gathered during initial vendor engagement in 2019. The 15 catchment areas for Integrated Employment Services (IES) are aligned with Statistics Canada, however, the ministry modified the Toronto Economic Region catchment area to address the complexity and density of… Continue reading How did the ministry determine the service areas/catchments?
What is the role of the Transformation Secretariat?
The government established a Transformation Secretariat to help achieve the province’s vision for integrated delivery of employment services. The Secretariat leads the selection process and stewardship of the Integrated Employment Services model and ensures strategic alignment across ministries and service system managers, as well as close collaboration with service delivery partners and stakeholders. The Ministry… Continue reading What is the role of the Transformation Secretariat?
Will the ministry provide service providers with a list of items that are eligible for purchase with a gift card?
No, service providers should review the Audit and Accountability Requirements (Schedule “H”) of their transfer payment agreements to determine appropriate program-specific use of financial supports.
What if the full value of a gift card has not been used?
A client with a balance remaining on their gift card must return it to the service provider.
What if a client makes an ineligible purchase with a gift card?
Service providers must attempt to recover the funds for the value of the ineligible purchase pursuant to the wrongdoing clauses in their transfer payment agreements.
What should be done with gift cards that have already been distributed to clients?
Service providers must obtain receipts verifying that gift cards were used to purchase eligible items. All receipts must be retained in the client file.
What should be done with gift cards that have already been purchased in bulk?
These gift cards may be used in exceptional circumstances to address the specific needs of clients who are facing barriers in reaching their employment goals. Service providers must obtain receipts verifying that gift cards were used to purchase eligible items. All receipts must be retained in the client file.
Can gift cards be purchased in bulk in anticipation of client needs?
No, gift cards should only be purchased as needed.