Innovation, Experimentation and Evaluation Since 1991
Who we are
The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC) is a non-profit research organization created specifically to develop, field test, and rigorously evaluate new programs.
SRDC's two-part mission is to help policymakers and practitioners identify policies and programs that improve the well-being of all Canadians, with a special concern for the effects on the disadvantaged, and to raise the standards of evidence that are used in assessing these policies.
Why SRDC?
years of experience in running randomized controlled trials and policy experiments
years of experience in developing and testing of behaviour-based interventions
years of extensive experience advising non-profits, foundations, and sector-based organizations
completed projects for various federal and provincial departments, municipalities, and other public and non-profit organizations
Policy Areas
Since 1991, SRDC has developed trusted, evidence-based research, policy development, and program evaluation for a variety of issues facing disadvantaged people in Canada.
Adult Learning
SRDC works with policy makers, stakeholders and practitioners to develop and enhance programs that help adults access education and skills development programs and resources.
Career Development and LMI
SRDC's evidence-based research enables decision-makers to develop training programs and resources for Canadians facing disadvantages to improve their skills to succeed in the labour market.
Community Capacity
SRDC works with diverse communities to develop research and evaluate initiatives that help leaders improve their ability to provide a sense of place, resources, and opportunities for their community members.
Employment
Our research and program evaluation equips employment policymakers and service providers with ways to support Canadians to achieve their employment goals across the life course.
Health
SRDC’s capacity for policy analysis, program evaluation, and performance measurement help pan-Canadian health organizations and others develop effective healthcare solutions and promote population health and wellbeing.
Housing Policy and Homelessness
We undertake a wide range of policy analyses, evaluation, and community-based research to better understand the structural factors exacerbating homelessness and inadequate, unaffordable, or precarious housing and the impact this has on individuals and communities, and to test out creative solutions.
Immigration and Settlement
We work with governments and settlement service providers to identify effective programs and supports essential to the integration of newcomers.
Income Security
Our research enables policy and decision-makers to develop and implement programs and policies with the aim to reduce poverty and improve the economic well-being of vulnerable Canadians.
P-12 Education
Our projects consider the factors necessary for every child to succeed in their learning, supporting decision-makers in identifying and implementing programs that improve student success.
Post-Secondary Education
SRDC is learning what it takes to increase the success rates of high school students and adults navigating transitions into, through, and out of post-secondary education, including university, college, and trades programs.
Social Finance
SRDC works with our partners to develop and assess innovative social finance approaches that address social and economic challenges facing Canadian communities.
Youth Development and Inclusion
SRDC works with community partners and educators to better design, develop, and implement programs that provide young people with positive relationships, confidence and social-emotional skills, ultimately leading to improved well-being, positive education and training opportunities, and employment outcomes.
Our Capabilities
Leader in Policy Research, Innovation, Experimentation, and Evaluation
Our Team
SRDC’s team is a passionate and highly-qualified group of professionals from a diverse range of policy and research backgrounds including economics, psychology, sociology, public policy and administration, geography, and health policy.
Our staff has experience in a vast array of policy and program areas including employment and workforce development, education, poverty and income security, health and well-being, economic integration of immigrants, youth development, and supports for the social and economic inclusion of marginalized and underrepresented groups.
Current Projects
Our work encompasses many areas of expertise and spans multiple policy areas, each having a direct impact on the lives of Canadians. We invite you to explore what we’re working on right now.
We Are Here to Help You: Testing a Proactive Outreach Approach to Settlement Service Delivery
Settling in a new country often involves adapting to a new language and culture, navigating new systems, finding housing and employment, and establishing social…
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Outcomes Data Collection Development for Evaluation of BC Newcomer Services Program and the Safe Haven Program
In April of 2024, the BC Ministry of Municipal Affairs (MUNI) launched two new programs to support primarily temporary residents of BC that do…
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Using Pay-for-Performance to Incentivize Manufacturing SMEs to Promote Active, Continuous Training (Pay-for-Performance IMPACT)
This project examines several key questions related to the effectiveness of a pay-for-performance (PFP) funding model in facilitating and incentivizing small- and medium-sized enterprise…
Read MoreDid you know?
The average career adaptability of women in The Career Pathways for Racialized Newcomer Women program increased between 10.4 and 40.4 %
Right now, innovative Integrated Youth Services projects are reforming mental health services across Canada.
Soft skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and communication help young people obtain jobs and progress in their careers.
