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Horizontal Initiatives

General information

General information
Name of horizontal initiative Major Projects Management Office Initiative (MPMOI)
Lead department Natural Resources Canada (NRCan)
Federal partner organizations
  • Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA)
  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)
  • Transport Canada (TC)
  • Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)
  • Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)
Start date of the horizontal initiative

Original funding allocation start/end date: 2007-12
First renewal allocation start/end date: 2012-15
Second renewal allocation start date: April 1, 2015.

End date of the horizontal initiative March 31, 2020
Description of the horizontal initiative

Established in 2007 to improve the performance of the review process for major natural resource projects, the MPMOI is a horizontal initiative across 12 federal departments and agencies. The Initiative was renewed in 2015 for $135 million over five years to ensure: that Canada remains a competitive and attractive location to invest; high environmental standards are upheld; and meaningful Indigenous consultations are conducted. The Major Projects Deputy Ministers' Committee serves as the governance body for the implementation of the Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Resource Projects.

Governance structures

The Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Resource Projects establishes the governance framework for federal departments and agencies to facilitate the effective, coordinated and concurrent discharge of their statutory duties, functions and obligations related to the regulation of major resource projects. It encourages them to work together to identify areas where the federal regulatory system can be improved, and to drive system-wide improvements to the accountability, transparency, timeliness and predictability of the federal regulatory system for major resource projects.

The Minister of Natural Resources is the lead minister for the MPMOI. He works with his counterparts to report to Cabinet on improvements to the federal review process and reports to Parliament and the public through NRCan’s Annual Report.

The Major Projects Deputy Ministers' Committee governs the Initiative, providing direction to resolve project and policy matters in keeping with the Cabinet Directive. Members include Deputy Minister level representatives from: NRCan (Chair), DFO, ECCC, CIRNA, ISC, CEAA, Transport Canada, Health Canada, Justice, Privy Council Office, Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, and the National Energy Board (NEB).

Interdepartmental working groups of MPMOI partners at the Assistant Deputy Minister and working levels meet regularly to advance the coherent delivery of the MPMO mandate.

Total federal funding allocated (from start to end date) (dollars) $135,000,000 (for current renewal period)
Total federal planned spending to date – inception to March 31, 2018(dollars) $306,682,594
Total federal actual spending to date – inception to March 31, 2018 (dollars) $278,093,167
Date of last renewal of the horizontal initiative April 01, 2015
Total federal funding allocated at the last renewal and source of funding (dollars) $135,000,000 – Supplementary Estimates
Additional federal funding received after the last renewal (dollars) Not applicable
Total planned spending since the last renewal to March 31, 2018 $81,000,000
Total actual spending since the last renewal $73,481,269
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation NRCan is currently leading an evaluation, scheduled for completion in 2019.
Planning highlights

In February 2018, the government introduced proposed legislation (Bills C-68 and C-69) that would amend key sections of the Fisheries and Navigation Protection Acts and repeal and replace the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 and National Energy Board Act. In June 2018, both Bills passed in the House of Commons with amendments and have been sent to the Senate to be studied by Committee. The Bills propose changes to the legislation that is the cornerstone of the MPMOI.

Focus of activity for this year will be to continue to engage Canadian and Indigenous Peoples on proposed legislative, regulatory and policy reforms and prepare for implementation of the proposed new system, as well as beginning work to review horizontal governance mechanisms, including the Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory Review System for Major Projects.

In addition, there are approximately 90 projects that will continue to be reviewed under the current system, and the MPMOI will continue to ensure their effective coordination and concurrent discharge of statutory duties, functions and obligations related to the regulation of major resource projects.

Contact information

Erin O’Brien, Director General, Policy
Major Projects Management Office
Natural Resources Canada
580 Booth Street, 12th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A0E4

Horizontal initiative framework: departmental funding by theme (dollars) Horizontal initiative: Major Projects Management Office Initiative (MPMOI)

Shared outcomes: Improved performance of the federal review process for major resource projects in support of sustainable resource development in Canada, and regulatory decisions that hold the confidence of Canadians.

Departmental funding by theme – Total Planned Spending, Current Renewal Period
(April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2020)
Name of theme Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Review, Decision Making and Post-Approval Follow-Up and Compliance Monitoring Indigenous Consultation Internal Services
Theme outcomes

Timely EA and regulatory decisions for major projects

Federal roles and responsibilities for major project reviews are clear and predictable

Improved performance of the federal review process for major resource projects in support of sustainable resource development in Canada, and regulatory decisions that hold the confidence of Canadians

Integrated and robust advice supports improvements to the major project review process

Integrated and robust advice supports improvements to the major project review process

Indigenous consultation activities for major projects are fulfilled in a consistent, adequate and meaningful manner, and meet the Crown's legal duty to consult Not applicable
CEAA $37,605,248 $2,989,207
Fisheries and Oceans Canada $26,436,064 $6,558,190 $2,005,746
NRCan $19,068,524 $1,337,021
Transport Canada $11,779,020 $2,750,420 $2,970,560
Environment and Climate Change Canada $8,871,831 $2,463,524 $1,164,645
CIRNAC and ISC $4,672,895 $3,641,105 $686,000
TOTAL $108,433,582 $15,413,239 $11,153,179

Planning information

Horizontal initiative overview
Name of horizontal initiative Total federal funding allocated since the last renewalFootnote * (dollars) 2019-20 Planned spending (dollars) Horizontal initiative shared outcome(s) Performance indicator(s) Target(s) Date to achieve target
Major Projects Management Office $135,000,000 $27,000,000
Theme 1 details
Name of theme Total federal theme funding allocated since the last renewalFootnote * (dollars) 2019–20 Federal theme planned spending (dollars) Theme outcomes Theme performance indicator(s) Theme targets Date to achieve theme target
Environmental Assessment/Regulatory Review, Decision Making and Post-Approval Follow-Up and Compliance Monitoring $108,433,582 $21,739,790 ER1: Timely EA and regulatory decisions for major projects P1.1 :Percentage of major project EAs that meet legislated timelines (CEAA, NEB, CNSC reviews) T1.1: 100% of major project EAs meet legislated timelines (CEAA, NEB, CNSC reviews) Annual
P1.2: Percentage of major project regulatory permitting processes that meet their service standards or regulated timelines T1.2: 90% of major project EAs meet service standards; and 100% meet regulated timelines Annual
ER2: Federal roles and responsibilities for major project reviews are clear and predictable P2: Percentage of major project reviews for which the MPMOI has set out clear and predictable federal roles and responsibilities T2: MPMOI has set out clear and predictable federal roles and responsibilities for 100% of major project reviews. Annual
ER3: Improved performance of the federal review process for major resource projects in support of sustainable resource development in Canada, and regulatory decisions that hold the confidence of Canadians P3: Percentage of resource development project decisions on target as per timelines T3: 100% of major resource projects EA and regulatory decisions involving multiple federal departments/agencies are completed within the legislated timelines Annual
ER4: Integrated and robust advice supports improvements to the major project review process P4: MPMO DMs are satisfied or very satisfied with how advice is advanced on horizontal issues T4: 70% of MPMO DMs are satisfied or very satisfied with how advice is advanced on horizontal issues Annual
ER5: High quality EAs P5.1 Proportion of relevant federal departments providing information/knowledge/advice to CEAA for standard EAs T5.1: 100%of relevant federal departments provide information/ knowledge/advice to CEAA for standard EAs Annual
P5.2: Proportion of relevant federal departments participating in CEAA Review Panel/NEB/CNSC public hearings. T5.2: 100% relevant federal departments participate in CEAA Review Panel/NEB/CNSC public hearings. Annual
P5.3: Percentage of projects undergoing follow-up and monitoring for which CEAA received a report during the reporting period that indicated that the mitigation measures set out in the EA decision statement would effectively address the environmental effects of the project T5.3: 90% of projects undergoing follow-up and monitoring for which CEAA received a report during the reporting period that indicated that mitigation measures set out in the EA decision statement would effectively address the environmental effects of the project. Annual
P5.4: Percentage of projects where adaptive management measures undertaken by the proponent and reported to CEAA led to effectively addressing the environmental effects of the project T5.4: 90% of projects where adaptive management measures undertaken by the proponent and reported to CEAA led to effectively addressing the environmental effects of the project. Annual
Theme 1 Horizontal Initiative Activities
Federal Departments Link to the department’s Program Inventory (dollars) Horizontal initiative activity (activities) Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewalFootnote * (dollars) 2019–20 Planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)
CEAA P1a. Environmental Assessment Delivery Determining whether an EA is required, undertaking analysis of potential impacts of a designated project on the environment and Indigenous rights and treaty rights, undertaking Indigenous consultations, preparing EA decision statements, and compliance and enforcement $34,042,953 $6,756,692
P1b. Environmental Assessment Policy Supporting development of horizontal policies or procedures and developing and implementing ongoing improvements to the EA process for major projects $3,562,295 $712,459
DFO 2.2 Fisheries Protection Program Providing information or knowledge on fish, fish habitat, and aquatic species at risk in support of EAs, applying regulatory review and permitting processes under the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act, supporting development of horizontal policies and procedures and ensuring departmental implementation of ongoing improvements to the review process for major projects $26,436,064 $5,264,420
NRCan 3.7 Major Projects Management Office Initiative Providing a single window for proponents and overarching management of major project reviews and providing horizontal leadership across the federal government to advance improvements to the major project review process $19,068,524 $3,932,642
TC M30 Environmental Stewardship of Transportation Providing information or knowledge on transportation-related environmental impacts during the EA process $6,920,099 $1,384,020
P23 Navigation Protection Program Providing information or knowledge on impacts to navigable waters during the EA and regulatory permitting processes and developing and implementing ongoing improvements to the review process for major projects $4,858,921 $971,784
ECCC Habitat Conservation and Protection Providing expertise on wildlife and habitat during the EA and regulatory permitting processes $2,442,362 $488,472
Hydrological Services Providing expertise on hydrologic, water quantity and hydraulic impacts during the EA process $531,142 $106,228
Environmental Assessment Providing information or knowledge on environmental impacts during the EA process and developing and implementing ongoing improvements to the review process for major projects $2,128,549 $425,709
Climate Change Adaptation Providing information or knowledge on hydrological and climate change impacts during the EA process $531,142 $106,228
Substances and Waste Management Providing information or knowledge on mining and processing during the EA and regulatory permitting processes $2,545,149 $509,029
Clean Growth and Climate Change Providing support on climate modeling and GHG gas emissions during the EA process $693,487 $138,697
CIRNAC and ISC Petroleum and Minerals Providing information or knowledge on land management and Indigenous title and consultation in the North during the EA process and developing and implementing ongoing improvements to the review process for major projects $1,607,852 $323,853
Strategic Partnerships Implementing ongoing improvements to the review process for major projects $872,034 $188,261
Land and Economic Development Services Providing information or knowledge on land management and Indigenous title and consultation during the EA process and developing and implementing ongoing improvements to the review process for major projects $2,193,009 $431,296
Theme 2 details
Name of theme Total federal theme funding allocated since the last renewalFootnote * (dollars) 2019–20 Federal theme planned spending (dollars) Theme outcomes Theme performance indicator(s) Theme targets Date to achieve theme target
Indigenous Consultation $15,413,239 $3,092,334 Indigenous consultation activities for major projects are fulfilled in a consistent, adequate and meaningful manner, and meet the Crown's legal duty to consult Percentage of major project reviews that have an Aboriginal consultation work plan 100% of major project reviews with a Crown consultation component that have an Indigenous consultation work plan. Annual
Percentage of major project reviews for which DOJ, when requested, assesses the legal risk arising as a result of federal consultation efforts as low to medium 100% of major project reviews for which DOJ, when requested, assesses the legal risk arising as a result of federal consultation efforts as low to medium.
Percentage of legal challenges to major project reviews (including Aboriginal consultation) where the Crown is not successful Decreasing trend of legal challenges to major project reviews (including Indigenous consultation) where the Crown is not successful
Theme 2 Horizontal Initiative Activities
Federal Departments Link to the department’s Program Inventory Horizontal initiative activity (activities) Total federal funding allocated to each horizontal initiative activity since the last renewalFootnote * (dollars) 2019–20 Planned spending for each horizontal initiative activity (dollars)
DFO Fisheries Protection Program Supporting consultations during EAs and undertaking consultations in relation to regulatory decisions under the Fisheries Act and Species at Risk Act to meet duty to consult obligations $6,558,190 $1,311,638
TC M40 Indigenous Partnerships and Engagement Supporting consultations during EAs to meet duty to consult obligations $2,750,420 $550,084
ECCC Environmental Assessment Supporting consultations during EAs and undertaking consultations in relation to regulatory decisions under the Fisheries Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, the Species at Risk Act and the International River Improvements Act to meet duty to consult obligations $2,463,524 $492,708
CIRNAC and ISC 3.2.1 Lands and Economic Development Services Note: This sub-program area may be subject to change in the future Providing early engagement and developing partnerships in the project development stage and prior to a major project reviews, and analyzing economic development opportunities respecting major projects $1,462,443 $297,682
4.3.1 Petroleum and Minerals Providing early engagement and developing partnerships in the project development stage and prior to a major project reviews, and analyzing economic development opportunities respecting major projects $921,294 $185,375
1.2.3 Consultation and Accommodation Providing information, analysis, training and guidance on issues to facilitate a whole-of-government approach to consultations $1,257,368 $254,847
Total spending, all themes
Total federal funding allocated since the last renewalFootnote * (dollars) 2019–20 Total federal planned spending (dollars)
Theme 1 $108,433,582 $21,739,790
Theme 2 $15,413,239 $3,092,334
Internal Services $11,153,179 $2,167,876
Total, all themes $135,000,000 $27,000,000

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