Section I - Overview 2015-2016

Why is this a priority?

Market access for natural resource products and services generates significant benefits to Canadians. With slower-than-anticipated economic growth and increasing domestic supply of oil and gas in the United States together with high demand for natural resources in fast-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region, Canada must focus on expanding and diversifying its markets, for example by supporting the expansion of energy infrastructure, and on positioning itself as a reliable and responsible supplier worldwide.

What are the plans for meeting this priority?

To support this priority, NRCan will focus on promoting Canada as a responsible supplier of natural resource products and services in both existing and emerging markets, including addressing market barriers. Partnerships with industry and other government departments will also be leveraged to contribute to the expansion of markets. NRCan will also continue its involvement in various international fora to exercise its leadership and promote Canada’s natural resource interests.

Market Access and Diversification (Program 1.1)

NRCan will promote Canada globally as a reliable and responsible energy, forest product and mineral resource developer through international bilateral and multilateral engagement, advocacy and communications, by supporting government activities to develop trade and investment markets in the Asia-Pacific region (e.g., China, India, Korea).  In partnership with Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD), NRCan will lead Canada’s contribution to the G7 energy initiatives to respond to regional energy security issues and the G20 energy-related initiatives leading up to Turkey’s G20 Presidency in 2015. NRCan will also build on Canada’s renewed partnership with the United States, as strengthened through the 2014 signing of the Canada-US Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Cooperation on Energy; and trilateral North American cooperation, aimed at building the most competitive and dynamic energy region in the world will be advanced through the Canada-US-Mexico Memorandum of Understanding (also signed in 2014).

Building on NRCan’s efforts to promote Canada’s interests, jobs and the economy, including successful efforts advocating for a more science- and fact-based approach to the European Union’s recently passed Fuel Quality Directive, NRCan will continue to analyze and address market barriers for oil sands, shale gas and alternative fuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas). This will be undertaken by monitoring developments on low-carbon fuel standards in the US and Europe, and by monitoring and developing Canada’s position on shale gas and hydraulic fracturing. NRCan will also continue its policy analysis on market access issues, such as oil and gas pipelines, LNG export facilities, potential for penetration of Canadian oil and gas into new markets, and increased use of Canadian oil and gas to meet domestic energy needs.

In cooperation with domestic partners, NRCan will work to effectively engage communities on the development of energy infrastructure, including implementing the Government’s response to the report of the Special Federal Representative on West Coast Energy Infrastructure. Through its Major Projects Management Office – West, NRCan will coordinate extensive engagement with First Nations to better understand their perspectives on issues related to energy projects, and work with other federal departments to identify concrete actions to address community interests and concerns.

In partnership with forest product associations and provincial governments, NRCan will support market development, market access and acceptance activities in both North American and offshore markets to expand opportunities for the export of Canada’s forest products. The Department will provide financial contributions and science-based information to industry and international partners to support the development and dissemination of information products that promote the environmental reputation of Canada's forest sector in international markets. 

The Department will ensure minerals, metals and mining interests, issues and perspectives are represented and given due consideration in the development of domestic and international trade policies and agreements. NRCan will continue to implement Canada's international obligations under the Kimberley Certification process.

Investment in Natural Resource Sectors (Program 1.3)

NRCan will promote Canadian best practices in responsible mineral resource governance and activities related to the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Energy-Efficient Practices and Lower-Carbon Energy Sources (Program 2.1)

NRCan will advance Canada’s energy and technology interests at environmental and climate-related international fora (e.g., United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the North American Leaders Summit, and the Clean Energy Ministerial process), with the aim of helping to ensure that Canadian objectives are reflected in the outcomes of the discussions.

Building on the accomplishments of the Regulatory Cooperation Council, NRCan will continue to lead Canada’s collaboration with the United States to modernize energy use and efficiency, which could include closer collaboration on harmonized energy efficiency performance standards and labelling. These actions along with other activities led by NRCan in favour of greater energy efficiency will position Canadian companies to be increasingly competitive in a multi-billion global market for energy efficient goods.

Why is this a priority?

The responsible development of Canada’s natural resources is critical to our current and future prosperity. Over the next 10 years, planned investments could reach $675 billion in hundreds of major energy, mining and forest sector projects across all regions – spurring jobs, economic growth and significant tax revenue for public expenditures such as health care, education and infrastructure. Seizing this opportunity requires geoscience knowledge, investment, capital, energy and other infrastructure, an efficient and effective regulatory system, and meaningful consultation and engagement with Aboriginal people.

What are the plans for meeting this priority?

Efforts supporting this priority will focus on the provision of expertise as well as continuous improvements to the regulatory process and major project reviews. To realize economic opportunities, NRCan must put in place the necessary conditions to support responsible resource development, including developing geoscience knowledge, attracting investment and capital, and putting the appropriate infrastructure in place. It also requires an efficient and effective regulatory system. Targeted promotion efforts will also be undertaken to attract foreign direct investment and address market access issues.

Market Access and Diversification (Program 1.1)

NRCan will work to further enhance Canada’s world-class safety systems for energy infrastructure, including for pipelines, offshore, and nuclear, and continue to support efforts related to marine and rail. For example, NRCan will continue to play a lead role in implementing the Government’s plan for Responsible Resource Development. It will also build on partnerships with provinces and territories through venues such as the Energy and Mines Ministers Conference and the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers to identify areas for collaboration, oversee deliverables, and work on common messaging and cooperation in international arenas.

NRCan will establish a sound liability, legislative and regulatory regime by: (1) implementing the Energy Safety and Security Act and the Pipeline Safety Act, and developing supporting regulations; (2) developing Occupational Health and Safety regulations; (3) seeking National Energy Board (NEB) guidance on the application of “best available technology” to federally regulated pipelines; and (4) completing the entry into force of the Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act.

The Department will promote offshore oil and gas development through several actions, including finalizing the Canada-Quebec Offshore Accord legislation and updating rules and practices in the Atlantic offshore through the land tenure process.

Innovation for New Products and Processes (Program 1.2)

The Department will participate in the Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development through its funding program, the Strategic Partnerships Initiative, by funding economic development projects related to land reclamation, integrated natural resource development, bioenergy, and tenure modernization.

Investment in Natural Resource Sectors (Program 1.3)

To attract investment in Canada’s natural resources, NRCan will highlight Canada’s positive investment climate. It will generate new geoscience maps and data sets to help industry to determine Canada's mineral and energy resource potential.

The Department will also collaborate with northern stakeholders, such as northern communities and institutions to engage and mobilize northerners and their institutions to maximize benefits for northerners from Geo-Mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) program activities and knowledge, and support evidence-based land use planning in Canada's North. 

Energy-Efficient Practices and Lower-Carbon Energy Sources (Program 2.1)

NRCan will continue to monitor the Federal Loan Guarantee for the Lower Churchill Hydroelectricity Projects.

Responsible Natural Resource Management (Program 2.3)

NRCan will provide geoscience expertise to support environmental assessments under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (2012) and northern legislation and for Mineral and Energy Resource Assessment requirements.

A final technical report evaluating the use of Earth Observation technology in support of improved regulatory monitoring and environmental performance in the Alberta oil sands region will be delivered to provincial and federal regulators, and industry stakeholders.

Protection for Canadians and Natural Resources (Program 3.1)

NRCan will deliver public geoscience, tools, information and knowledge to federal and territorial governments to increase their understanding of changes to the climate and how they impact Northern infrastructure requirements and constraints, such as those imposed by changes to permafrost.

NRCan will conduct inspections on explosives safety and security, and aim to improve compliance as the new, modernized 2013 Explosives Regulations are being implemented.

Landmass Information (Program 3.2)

NRCan will continue to collaborate with the departments of Fisheries and Oceans, and Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development as well as with international partners to acquire and archive scientific data for successful completion of the second survey mission to the Arctic Ocean. 

Internal Services (Program 4.1)

Further to the December 2014 passage of the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act, NRCan will play a leadership role internationally to deter corruption and to enhance transparency and accountability, delivering on the Prime Minister’s commitment to implement mandatory reporting standards for the extractive sector beginning in June 2015.   

Why is this a priority?

Innovation is critical to both resource sector competitiveness and improved environmental performance, contributing to increased productivity, lower costs, value-added and new products, and helping to meet environmental standards and regulations.

What are the plans for meeting this priority?

Commitments supporting this priority will focus on research, development and demonstration projects within government as well as in partnership with industry, academia, and other government departments to foster innovation in the natural resource sectors.

Market Access and Diversification (Program 1.1)

NRCan will finalize the implementation of a Government-owned, Contractor-operated model for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s (AECL’s) Nuclear Laboratories.

Innovation for New Products and Processes (Program 1.2)

Research, development and demonstration projects are key to showcasing innovation and reducing business risk.

NRCan will support the forest sector’s efforts to expand opportunities in bioenergy, bio-products and next-generation building materials, and to add more value to its products. NRCan will work with the Forest Products Association of Canada and FPInnovations to develop and gain acceptance of the Forest Industry Innovation Framework, to catalyze and align forest sector innovation through the innovation system. Through the Forest Innovation Program and the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation Program, the department will continue to provide support for the research, development, testing and commercialization of technologies, processes, and products that enhance the competitiveness of Canada's forest sector.

NRCan will continue to work through the Federal Committee on Geomatics and Earth Observation to implement the Federal Geospatial Platform to ensure that the way the Government shares, uses and manages its location-based information is more efficient and effective for existing and new users.

Energy-Efficient Practices and Lower-Carbon Energy Sources (Program 2.1)

The Department will bolster industry capacity to produce renewable forms of energy by supporting the production of up to 15.7 terawatt-hours of clean electricity through its ecoENERGY for Renewable Power and Wind Power Production Incentive programs and by supporting Canada's alternative fuel production capacity for renewable alternatives to gasoline and diesel through its ecoENERGY for Biofuels program.

Through its ecoENERGY Efficiency program, NRCan will deliver energy efficiency programing that saves Canadian consumers and businesses 36-44 petajoules of energy and $1 billion per year in 2016, which is equivalent to the energy required by 330,000 to 410,000 households over one year (excluding transportation requirements). NRCan also aims to help Canadian businesses reduce their energy costs; improve industrial productivity and competitiveness; support energy market diversification with the promotion of products, services, and technologies; and build public confidence by improving environmental performance and reducing wasteful energy use. NRCan will facilitate the registration of 9,000 buildings in the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager Benchmarking tool; provide energy management workshop training to 1,550 industrial and building participants and provide training for 5,200 transportation professionals; facilitate the registration of 15,000 vehicles in the SmartWay Transport Partnership; and support 5 new companies to undertake the ISO50001 energy management standard.

Technology Innovation (Program 2.2)

To further support environmental performance, NRCan will implement clean energy technology projects with industry, academia and other government departments and agencies to research, develop and demonstrate innovative solutions to environmental challenges in the energy sector. This includes research activities that support the responsible development and use of energy resources in areas such as clean electricity and renewables, fossil fuels, and energy use.

Through the ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative, the Department will manage contribution agreements in energy research and development and demonstrations.

The Department will present to industry one advanced material technology to be identified for implementation in the design or processing components of energy efficient vehicles produced in North America.

NRCan will support responsible resource management by demonstrating key environmental technologies for green mining to industry and other stakeholders.

The department will improve the security of supply of medical isotopes by investing in the development of alternative technologies through the Isotope Technology Acceleration Program (ITAP), in support of the Government of Canada's medical isotope strategy to diversify sources of supply, minimize radioactive waste and eliminate the use of highly enriched uranium in the production of medical isotopes. 

Why is this a priority?

NRCan has an important role in preparing for and managing threats and emergencies associated with natural and man-made hazards, including earthquakes, forest fires and industrial incidents; as well as to manage radioactive waste. Furthermore, NRCan plays a key role in providing up-to-date information on our natural resources and landmass through Open Government, a whole-of-government initiative to ensure Canadians have easy access to the right information, in the right format, in a timely manner.

What are the plans for meeting this priority?

Key commitments that will support this priority will focus on interdepartmental emergency management, nuclear waste management, climate change adaptation and the dissemination of expertise to support the management of land boundaries and natural hazards (e.g., earthquakes, forest pests).

Responsible Natural Resource Management (Program 2.3)

To support nuclear waste management, the Department will complete the commissioning and continue operations of the new water treatment plants at the new Port Hope and Port Granby facilities and start construction for the new Long-Term Waste Management Facility for the Port Granby Project. The Department also expects to tender and issue a contract for construction of the Port Granby Long-Term Waste Management Facility.

Through the Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program, NRCan will complete activities to support the transition of nuclear decommissioning and waste management responsibilities at the Nuclear Laboratories to the Government-owned, Contractor-operated management model.

Protection for Canadians and Natural Resources (Program 3.1)

NRCan will maintain the safety of the public and infrastructure by certifying, to a national standard, individual inspectors performing non-destructive testing (NDT).

The Department will advance the National Forest Pest Strategy of the Forest Pest Working Group of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers by updating strategic S&T priorities for the next 5 years, NRCan will also contribute science to help slow the eastward spread of Mountain Pine Beetle and advance early intervention strategies for emerging outbreaks of spruce budworm in eastern Canada.In partnership with provincial and territorial governments, NRCan will develop and disseminate knowledge on a range of forest-related issues including, climate adaptation and wildland fires.

NRCan will collaborate in the interdepartmental Tsunami Notification Networking Group and in the multi-stakeholder Early Warning System Initiative to ensure that geohazards expertise, tools and resources (including seismic hazard models and methodologies, plate boundary-based research, post-event rupture mechanism assessment, and risk assessment tools) are made available to stakeholders.

Landmass Information (Program 3.2)

In support of Canada’s coordinated efforts to respond to emergencies, NRCan will provide to emergency management organizations mapping products and services showing the extent of flooding in near real time; this information will be derived from geoprocessing of Radarsat-2 and ancillary information.

Why is this a priority?

NRCan strives to serve Canadians in the most effective and efficient manner possible, ensuring value for money and delivering results. To support a well-managed, high-performing department and to deliver internal services more efficiently, NRCan is transforming its business processes and use of technology.

What are the plans for meeting this priority?

NRCan will identify opportunities for the integration of requirements from Treasury Board’s Open Government Directive – which aims to maximize the availability of government information and data –into NRCan’s existing science and technology policies and reporting.          

The Department will continue to deliver its Science Promotion Strategy, which aims to demonstrate the impact and benefit to Canadians of NRCan’s science and research, and helps to increase the S&T literacy of Canadians. NRCan will expand the reach of its science by using partnerships and new media tools to deliver information on its science and research activities.

NRCan will assess its specific computing needs to support science, and will work to improve capabilities in partnership with Shared Services Canada, by leveraging high-performance computing infrastructure.

The Department will document and track NRCan’s Signature S&T projects, including the introduction of a performance measurement framework to better assess and convey the relevance, quality and impact of the Department’s S&T expertise. 

NRCan will continue to champion the Blueprint 2020 vision through a broad range of initiatives aimed at advancing a whole-of-government approach and a modern, networked, responsive Public Service.

NRCan will also continue to implement the Government of Canada’s Web Renewal Initiative in accordance with direction from the Treasury Board Secretariat.

As the department continues to implement key government-wide initiatives such as the Performance Management program for employees and GCDOCS, it will focus its first full year post implementation on change management and improving performance.

The Department will also analyze re-accommodation options for program activities currently housed at the Booth Street Complex, as well as Earth Materials Collections housed at Tunney's pasture.

The Department will revisit its building emergency procedures, and enhance physical security to better protect its employees and assets.

NRCan will review and implement a new IT governance structure to ensure the protection and security of the Department’s IT assets against a rapidly evolving cyber threat environment. NRCan will enhance its cyber security technologies, working closely with Shared Services Canada and other partners.