Planned results: what we want to achieve this year and beyond
Programs
Program 1.1: Market Access and Diversification
Description
Canada’s natural resource sectors face two key barriers to market access and diversification: 1) trade and policy barriers, and 2) lack of awareness of Canada’s natural resource products and public confidence. The objectives of this Program are to break down those barriers and support the development and expansion of markets for Canadian natural resource products by making information available to Canadians, supporting negotiations to reduce trade barriers, and ensuring that regulations are up to date. This helps maintain natural resource sectors’ access to existing markets and increases their access to new market segments.
Planning Highlights
IMPROVED RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Supporting a renewed relationship with Canada’s Indigenous peoples is a key priority for the Government of Canada. NRCan is expanding on-the-ground engagement with Indigenous peoples by co-developing Indigenous advisory and monitoring committees for recently approved energy infrastructure projects (e.g. Pacific Northwest Liquefied Natural Gas, Line 3 Replacement Project, TransMountain Expansion Pipeline project). This initiative is the first of its kind and will offer significant guidance, lessons learned, and insights that are likely to inform future approaches to supporting Indigenous participation in environmental monitoring of major resource development initiatives.
Previous engagement has shown that environmental stewardship and monitoring of resource development is a top priority for Indigenous peoples. The Major Projects Management Office–West will also continue its work with federal departments to identify concrete actions that address Indigenous priorities and interests.
Funding for MPMO-West is scheduled to sunset on March 31, 2018, and any Government decisions to renew this funding will be reflected in future documents.
The Market Access and Diversification Program delivers a range of policy and outreach activities to support Canada in maintaining its access to existing markets, to develop and expand to new and emerging markets, and to support the transition to a low-carbon economy while maintaining a competitive energy sector. This Program is also home to mandate letter commitments relating to the Canadian Energy Strategy, renewal of relationships with Indigenous peoples and the modernization of the NEB.
In November 2016, the Government announced decisions on major oil and pipelines to improve Canada’s access to export markets. The Government also continues to move ahead with its comprehensive review of environmental and regulatory processes.
In 2016-17, the Government established the NEB Modernization Expert Panel to undertake an engagement process with stakeholders and to make recommendations to the Minister of Natural Resources by May 15, 2017. Its mandate involves a review of the Board’s structure, role and mandate pursuant to the National Energy Board Act.
INCREASED AND DIVERSIFIED INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT
As a trading nation where natural resources account for roughly half of Canada’s total merchandise exports ($231 billion in 2015), bilateral and multilateral engagement activities are a central vehicle to NRCan’s activities. In 2017-18 the department will focus on:
- Diversifying markets for higher-value Canadian wood products by expanding Canada’s presence in emerging and existing international markets including China, Japan, South Korea and India;
- Collaborate with GAC, provinces, territories and industry to develop new and durable solutions to the softwood lumber dispute with the US;
- Encouraging market access for the Canadian nuclear supply chain in key markets such as China and India;
- Develop civil nuclear cooperation MOUs with key international partners to enhance bilateral collaboration on nuclear energy as a clean technology;
- Strengthening clean technology exports through targeted export missions and market intelligence, support for export financing and marketing, and by leveraging Canada’s Trade Commissioner Services;
- Promoting market development and commercial partnerships through bilateral engagement with foreign governments, regulators, businesses and laboratories;
- Advancing Canada’s clean energy and climate change mitigation goals through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the North American Leaders Summit, and the Clean Energy Ministerial process; and
- Advancing international support for energy security, clean energy deployment, and energy efficiency as foundational elements of the transition to a global low-carbon economy, through multilateral engagement in the G7, G20, the International Energy Agency and the Clean Energy Ministerial.
The review addresses: governance and structure; mandate and future opportunities; decision-making roles, including on major projects; compliance, enforcement, and ongoing monitoring; engagement with Indigenous peoples; and, public participation. In 2017-18, NRCan will engage with Indigenous peoples, interested stakeholders, provinces and territories as well as the public to consider the expert panel’s recommendations and to develop potential legislative and/or policy changes to modernize the NEB.
When completed, the modernization of the NEB is expected to improve Canada’s profile as a stable supplier of energy to diverse markets and restore public confidence in the review process for federally regulated energy projects
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2013–14 Actual results |
2014–15 Actual results |
2015–16 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural resource sectors have increased access to existing markets | Natural resource sectors have access to existing markets as defined by exports of energy products, mineral and metal products and forest products | Meet or exceed a rolling ten-year baseline average of Canada's share of the United States and global imports | March 31 2018 | 25.6% (U.S.) (target 24.3%) 4.4% (global imports) (target 4.9%) |
27.3% (U.S.) (target 24.4%) 4.7% (global imports) (target 4.8%) |
26.6% (U.S.) (target 24.5%) 4.7% (global imports (target 4.7%) |
| Natural resource sectors have increased access to new market segments | Natural resource sectors have access to new market segments as defined by exports of energy products, mineral and metal products and forest products | Meet or exceed a rolling ten-year baseline average of Canada's share of China’s and India's imports | March 31 2018 | 1.5% (China) (target 1.4%) 0.5% (India) (target 0.5%) |
1.3% (China) (target 1.4%) 0.5% (India) (target 0.5%) |
1.5% (China) (target 1.5%) 0.7% (India) (target 0.5%) |
Estimates are based on the most recent data available at the time the report was developed. For some indicators, estimates for previous years have been revised based on the latest information.
| 2017–18 Main Estimates |
2017–18 Planned spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2019–20 Planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60,190,597 | 60,190,597 | 35,202,474 | 27,967,075 |
3Under this program, the Expanding Market Opportunities program is scheduled to sunset on March 31 2018, and any government decision to renew the funding will reflected in future documents. The Federal Infrastructure Initiative, which funded improvements to Government infrastructure such as laboratories, ends March 31 2018.
| 2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents |
2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| 267 | 242 | 235 |
Program 1.2: Innovation for New Products and Processes
Description
Optimizing the use of Canada's natural resources and the processes by which they are developed would improve the productivity and competitiveness of natural resource sectors. The objective of this Program is to maximize productivity and competitiveness by encouraging the adoption of new technologies and processes and the development of new products. These objectives are achieved by conducting and supporting research and development and by delivering frameworks and policies for, and demonstrations of, new applications, technologies, processes, and products.
Planning Highlights
In 2017-18, the Innovation for New Products and Processes Program will be focused on developing a federal-provincial-territorial forest bioeconomy framework, advancing technologies to improve efficiency and productivity in mining (including rare earth elements and chromite), and supporting earth observation.
For Canada’s forest sector, innovation is integral to meeting the challenges of its cyclical and structural changes, and those related to climate change. There is consensus amongst federal, provincial and territorial governments that the development of a forest bioeconomy is an approach that offers the potential for economic growth in a clean and sustainable manner. In September 2016, the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) committed to the development of a National Forest Bioeconomy Framework, to be tabled at the next CCFM in the fall of 2017. The Framework will identify issues, preconditions for success, and options for federal, provincial, and territorial governments to guide the development of regional and national strategies. It will also identify specific actions to create favourable conditions such as a regulatory structure that encourages investment and development of standards that take into account Canada’s natural resource advantages.
In 2017-18, NRCan will support the development of a more innovative and diversified range of forest products that are critical to sustaining economic competitiveness of the sector. Through its programs geared toward forest sector innovation, the Department will continue to support research, development, testing and commercialization of technologies, processes and products that enhance the competitiveness of Canada’s forest sector, specifically non-traditional, higher-value products.
NRCan will also advance its research on cleaner and more efficient extraction and production of rare earth elements (REE) and chromite. REE are key components to many new clean technologies that underpin the global transition to a lower carbon economy – such as energy efficient lighting, hybrid vehicles, rechargeable batteries, wind turbines, radar systems, catalytic converters, metal alloys that resist corrosion. The program will deliver process efficiencies; economic and market analyses to inform technology gaps; laboratory and pilot-scale testing facilities; technical reports and publications; highly qualified personnel (HQP); and new processes. As a result, Canada will be better positioned to develop a strategic market for REE and to develop chromite deposits.
The Department will continue development and demonstration of technologies to increase productivity in mining operations, including techniques to break rocks without explosives, saving considerable time and money for mining operations; engineering rock bolts (for stabilizing rock excavations) with sensors to monitor rock bolt integrity; and advancing the development of a facility to cost-effectively test ground support systems.
In 2017-18, NRCan will develop new science and technology to support the readiness of the Government’s 2018 launch of the RADARSAT Constellation Missionxi. This mission includes provision of earth observation satellites that will provide daily coverage of Canada’s landmass and surrounding waters, supporting efforts in maritime surveillance, disaster management and ecosystem monitoring.
The Department will develop innovative geospatial processes, technologies and standards to help shorten investment cycles and reduce cost barriers to small and medium sized firms and will support cutting-edge developments (e.g. Smart Cities initiatives, the Internet of Things), and new platforms for aerial, space and ground-based sensor development.
NRCan will also continue its on-going work to position Canada as a global destination for geospatial (location-based) mapping, to maximize the competitiveness of Canada’s natural resource, geomatics (e.g. remote sensing, computer mapping, geographic information systems and global positioning), and information technology sectors.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2013–14 Actual results |
2014–15 Actual results |
2015–16 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural resource sectors increase production of new products and processes | Number of new products and processes resulting from NRCan information | 2 per year | March 31, 2018 | Achieved | 2 | 2 |
| R&D expenditures in natural resource sectors, specifically total intramural R&D expenditures in energy, mining and forest sectors | Meet or exceed a rolling ten-year baseline average of Canada's total intramural R&D expenditures in energy, mining and forestry sectors | March 31, 2018 | 15.7% (based on 9 years of annual data available) (target 14.5%) | 12.4% (target 14.2%) | 13.2% (target 14.3%) | |
| Methodologies, policies, strategies, plans and standards are collaboratively used by governments and private sector organizations in the development of new innovative and value-added geospatial applications | Number of formally adopted methodologies, policies, strategies, plans and standards generated from collaborative activities and participation | 5 | March 31, 2018 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2013-14 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2014-15 | 5 |
Estimates are based on the most recent data available at the time the report was developed. For some indicators, estimates for previous years have been revised based on the latest information.
| 2017–18 Main Estimates |
2017–18 Planned spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2019–20 Planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 109,154,844 | 109,154,844 | 39,171,754 | 37,607,582 |
| 2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents |
2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| 289 | 255 | 252 |
4Under this program, the Forest Innovation Program and the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation Program are scheduled to end March 31, 2018, and any government decision to renew this funding would be reflected in future documents. The Federal Infrastructure Initiative, which funded improvements to government infrastructure such as labs ends March 31, 2018.
Program 1.3: Investment in Natural Resource Sectors
Description
Investing in the development of natural resources is costly and risky due to inherent uncertainties in the potential economic viability of natural resource projects. Many factors must be considered when deciding whether to develop a natural resource project. In some cases, limited information may make it difficult for investors and/or companies to assess potential opportunities. The objective of this Program is to encourage investment in the natural resource sectors by increasing industry's knowledge of opportunities, regulations and obligations. This ensures that a more accurate assessment of the expected benefits of an investment can be made and subsequently compared to its costs and risks, thereby allowing for a more comprehensive investment decision. This objective is achieved by providing funding and information on the factors that determine the potential economic viability of natural resource projects.
Planning Highlights
The Investment in Natural Resource Sectors Program covers a range of activities aimed at encouraging investment in the natural resources sectors. In 2017-18, this includes not only advancing the Minister’s mandate letter commitment to support the review of Canada’s environmental assessment process (in coordination with other responsible ministers), but also producing knowledge, data and mapping support industry investment decision-making on exploration opportunities.
Through its leadership role in the MPMO, NRCan will continue to provide horizontal leadership across the federal government, overarching project management, and accountability for major resource projects within the context of the existing federal regulatory review process. NRCan will also continue to implement the Government’s Interim Strategy for pipeline and other major resource project reviews during the broader review of environmental assessment processes, with emphasis placed on carrying out meaningful public engagement and Crown Consultations with Indigenous peoples.
INCREASED AND DIVERSIFIED INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT
Canadian extractives companies operating home and abroad are expected to respect all applicable laws and conduct their activities in a responsible manner. NRCan provides leadership and support to Canadian companies in their efforts by:
- Developing and disseminating tools for industry to support the implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives;
- Promoting transparency by administering the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act, part of a global initiative to increase accountability and combat corruption and misuse of resource revenues; and
- Administering the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act and implementing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme to reduce the risk of conflict diamonds entering the global market and ensuring market access for Canadian rough diamond producers and users.
NRCan has partnered with Statistics Canada to modernize the collection and dissemination of socio-economic data on mineral exploration, deposit appraisal and mine complex development expenditures as well as the value of production. A pilot project began in 2016-17 and will continue through 2017-18 and beyond to identify lessons learned and demonstrate the value-added of such a transformation, with the goal of increasing efficiency and improving program delivery
In 2017-18, NRCan’s Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM)xii program, which focuses on Canada’s Northern region, will produce a new map of the surface geology south of the Ungava Bay in Northern Quebec, an area that has not yet been mapped to modern standards. A new map of the Northern Ellesmere Island in Nunavut will also be produced, providing up-to-date information about how the Arctic Ocean has influenced the type and quantity of petroleum and mineral resources in the region.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2013–14 Actual results |
2014–15 Actual results |
2015–16 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural resource sectors have increased investment | Growth of energy sector capital expenditures (average of past 5 years) compared to growth in overall capital expenditures in Canada (average of past 5 years) | The past 5-year average growth rate of energy sector capital expenditures is equal to or greater than the past 5-year average growth rate in total capital expenditures in Canada | March 31, 2018 | 16.6% compared to average growth rate of 7.2% | 5.7% compared to average growth rate of -3.1% | -1.0% compared to average growth rate of 0.7% |
| Growth of forest sector capital expenditures (average of past 5 years) compared to growth in overall capital expenditures in Canada (average of past 5 years) | The past 5-year average growth rate of forest sector capital expenditures is equal to or greater than the past 5-year average growth rate in total capital expenditures in Canada | March 31, 2018 | 19.3% compared to average growth rate of 7.2% | 15.7% compared to average growth rate of 3.1% | 9.0% compared to average growth rate of 0.7% | |
| Growth of minerals and metals sector capital expenditures (average of past 5 years) compared to growth in overall capital expenditures in Canada (average of past 5 years) | The past 5-year average growth rate of minerals and metals sector capital expenditures is equal to or greater than the past 5-year average growth rate in total capital expenditures in Canada | March 31, 2018 | 16.1% compared to average growth rate of 7.2% | 6.1% compared to average growth rate of 3.1% | -2.6% compared to average growth rate of 0.7% |
Estimates are based on the most recent data available at the time the report was developed. For some indicators, estimates for previous years have been revised based on the latest information.
| 2017–18 Main Estimates |
2017–18 Planned spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2019–20 Planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73,163,653 | 73,163,653 | 67,873,990 | 59,380,256 |
5Under this program, Geo-Mapping for Energy and Minerals and the Targeted Geoscience Initiative are scheduled to end March 31, 2019, and any government decision to renew the funding will be reflected in future documents. The Federal Infrastructure Initiative, which funded improvements to government infrastructure such as laboratories, ends March 31, 2018.
| 2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents |
2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| 395 | 394 | 391 |
Program 1.4: Statutory Programs – Atlantic Offshore
Description
Through this Program, NRCan monitors and facilitates payment disbursal agreements and transfer payments under the Atlantic Offshore Accord Acts. The Program includes the following programs: Canada Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board; Payments to the Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Resource Revenue Fund; Payments to the Nova Scotia Offshore Revenue Account; Nova Scotia Crown Share Adjustment Payment; and Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board.
Planning Highlights
NRCan will process offshore transfer payments to both Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador as required under the Accord Acts, in a timely and accurate manner. Payment obligations are largely driven by oil and gas prices, production levels and anticipated corporate income taxes. Economic modeling forecasts in fall 2016 predict an increase in these obligations.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2013–14 Actual results |
2014–15 Actual results |
2015–16 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory requirements relating to offshore petroleum payments in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador are managed in a timely manner | Percentage of offshore payments processed in a timely manner | 100% | Ongoing | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| 2017–18 Main Estimates |
2017–18 Planned spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2019–20 Planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 408,998,253 | 408,998,253 | 521,471,910 | 612,961,306 |
| 2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents |
2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
Program 2.1: Energy-Efficient Practices and Lower-Carbon Energy Sources
Description
Canada’s energy markets are defined by the decisions of energy consumers and producers. However, there are multiple barriers to the adoption of energy efficient practices and implementation of lower-carbon energy sources, including a lack of awareness of available options and their benefits, insufficient capacity for adoption (e.g., regulatory frameworks, codes and standards), and financial risk. The objective of this Program is to address these barriers by encouraging and enabling energy consumers and producers to adopt cleaner and more energy efficient technologies, products, services and practices. These objectives are achieved through education and outreach activities, targeted incentives, and regulatory interventions that keep pace with technological changes.
Planning Highlights
NRCan’s Energy-Efficient Practices and Lower-Carbon Energy Sources Program delivers on three of the Minister’s mandate letter commitments, including the North American Clean Energy and Environment Agreement, the Canadian Energy Strategy, and the Pan-Canadian Framework for Clean Growth and Climate Change.
In 2017-18, in support of these mandate letter commitments and to advance clean growth and the longer term decarbonisation of the economy, NRCan will undertake a number of key initiatives.
The Department will invest in infrastructure to support the transition to a cleaner transportation system and make low-carbon vehicles more attractive to Canadians. These investments will support the development of new tools to inform consumer vehicle purchasing decisions and to encourage fuel-efficient driving behaviours. Through the Electric Vehicle and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Deployment Initiative, NRCan will also help reduce financial risk to investing in fast-charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and natural gas and hydrogen refueling stations along highly-travelled passenger and freight corridors.
NRCan will improve the energy efficiency of homes and buildings by enhancing the National Energy Code for Buildings to support net-zero energy ready buildings and by adding a new component to the ENERGY Star Portfolio Manager tool for existing buildings that allows property owners to compare their energy use and prompt them to make necessary improvements. The Department will also collaborate with provinces and territories on housing sector programs to improve the energy efficiency of homes through various initiatives (e.g., EnerGuide, ENERGY STAR and R-2000).
The Department will help improve energy efficiency in Canada's industrial sectors by providing energy management tools such as ISO 50001 and the Superior Energy Performance program. NRCan is also launching the ENERGY STAR for Industry program in Canada to help businesses track, analyze, and improve industrial energy; and launching ENERGY STAR for Industry Challenge to raise awareness of the benefits of energy management in industrial operations.
To support the transition towards low-carbon sources in clean electricity NRCan will strengthen dialogue with provinces, territories and utilities, through the Regional Electricity Cooperation and Strategic Infrastructure initiative to find the most promising electricity infrastructure projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Department will continue the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power (ecoERP) program aiming to generate 11.7 TWh (terawatt-hour) of electricity generation from 106 renewable energy projects across Canada (1 TWh supplies electricity for about 84,000 typical Canadian homes for one year).
NRCan will also continue its work to strengthen alignment with North American governments by proposing alignments in energy efficiency standards for 17 product categories in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Canada will also collaborate with the US and Mexico on a common benchmarking platform for the freight sector (the SmartWay Freight Partnership) and accelerate the adoption of ISO 50001, an innovative energy management system in the industrial sector.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2013–14 Actual results |
2014–15 Actual results |
2015–16 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy consumers and producers adopt environmentally responsible products and practices related to energy use and production | Canada's total annual energy savings due to efficiency (difference between energy use without energy efficiency improvements and energy use with energy efficiency improvements; petajoules (PJ)) | Positive five-year trend in PJ saved |
Ongoing | Achieved –reduced energy use by 409 PJ |
Achieved – reduced energy use by 353 PJ |
Achieved – reduced energy use by 1,613.2 PJ |
| Renewable electricity generation capacity in megawatts (MW) across Canada | Positive five-year trend in renewable electricity capacity (MW), as per 2014 baseline, compared to overall electricity sources | Ongoing | Increase from 6,753 MW in 2007 to 9,261 MW in 2010 |
Increase from 9,261 MW in 2010 to 14,301 MW in 2013 |
Increase from 14,301 MW in 2013 to 17,236 MW in 2014 |
Estimates are based on the most recent data available at the time the report was developed. For some indicators, estimates for previous years have been revised based on the latest information.
| 2017–18 Main Estimates |
2017–18 Planned spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2019–20 Planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 183,461,546 | 183,461,546 | 137,174,523 | 107,117,070 |
6Under this program, ecoERP has a decline in funding over the next 3 years; the Clean Growth and Climate Change and Green Infrastructure are scheduled to end March 31, 2018; and any Government decision to renew this funding would be reflected in future documents. The Federal Infrastructure Initiative, which funded improvements to Government infrastructure such as laboratories, ends March 31, 2018.
| 2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents |
2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| 252 | 162 | 163 |
Program 2.2: Technology Innovation
Description
S&T is key to overcoming challenges confronted by natural resource sectors in pursuing responsible development. Through this Program, NRCan encourages academia, industry and the public sector to research, develop and demonstrate innovative solutions. This objective is achieved through the generation and dissemination of scientific knowledge, and the development and demonstration of new technologies.
Planning Highlights
NRCan’s Technology Innovation Program addresses the Minister’s mandate letter commitment to support innovation and the use of clean technologies in natural resources sectors, and to invest in clean technology producers. The Program also supports the federal government’s commitment to Mission Innovation, a global initiative that aims to accelerate clean energy research and technology development.
In 2017-18, NRCan will pursue the implementation of initiatives announced in Budget 2016 to support early actions on clean energy innovation, which include:
- Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Demonstration Program – Funding for technology demonstration projects that reduce costs and address technical hurdle in order to facilitate the deployment of next-generation electric vehicle charging infrastructure;
- Oil and Gas Clean Technology Program – Investments in demonstration technologies that will reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector; and
- Clean Energy Technology Innovation Program – Funding to support research, development and demonstrations of clean energy technologies with the greatest potential to reduce GHG emissions in Canada.
In addition, the Department will deliver existing programming, such as the Program for Energy Research and Development (PERD), which funds collaborative federal research and development projects that reduce technology development risks inherent in the early stages of the innovation cycle, encourage private sector investment, and inform Canadian codes, standards and policies. In 2017-18, PERD projects will continue to focus on environmental and competitiveness objectives under the three PERD portfolio areas: End Use, Clean Electricity and Renewables, and Fossil Fuels.
Recognizing innovation as a key pathway for competitiveness and environmental leadership in Canada’s natural resource sectors, Budget 2016 also committed $1 billion over four years to support clean technology innovation in the natural resource sectors.
In 2016-17, NRCan consulted Canadians to hear their views about how best to target federal efforts. The conclusions drawn from the consultations include that Canada needs to:
- Develop a shared clean technology vision and purpose, developed with provinces, territories, Indigenous groups, academia and industry;
- Position itself for success beyond 2030 by supporting game-changing breakthrough technologies;
- Strengthen international R&D partnerships to solve complex sustainability issues at the global level;
- Provide easy access to Government of Canada programs for small and medium-sized enterprises; and
- Support clean technology firms in accessing both domestic and international markets.
In 2017-18, NRCan’s CanmetMATERIALS laboratory will conduct R&D on materials for oil and gas pipelines to inform the development of new codes and standards to ensure pipeline safety and integrity. The lab will also present to industry a new advanced material technology to improve design and processing of components for energy efficient vehicles produced in North America.
The Technology Innovation Program will also focus on technology development to reduce the environmental footprint of mining operations, including increasing energy efficiency, reducing GHG emissions, minimizing wastes, and increasing productivity. In 2017-18, the program will demonstrate technologies that can cost-effectively recover metals from mine wastes, and develop technologies to help ecosystem restoration, facility closure, treatment and reuse of water. In addition, it will improve understanding of the biological, chemical and physical factors that influence the fate and toxicity of metals towards the development of a watershed-based approach for cumulative effects assessment.
This program also supports the Federal Nuclear Science & Technology Program (FNST), which advances nuclear research in support of core federal mandates, including clean energy, health, and non-proliferation. Launched in September 2015, the federal government has committed $76 million to the FNST program annually for a period of ten years. The program is designed to fund work at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) in support of federal roles, responsibilities and priorities in collaboration with 13 federal departments and agencies, while maintaining necessary capabilities and expertise at CNL. The program work plan is divided into five research themes: Health Effects of Radiation; Security, Non-Proliferation and Counter-Terrorism; Preparedness and Emergency Response; Nuclear Technology; and Waste Management.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2013–14 Actual results |
2014–15 Actual results |
2015–16 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stakeholders invest in S&T to address environmental challenges | Dollar value of stakeholder investments in S&T to address environmental challenges | 5% increase over the average of the previous 5 year period | March 31, 2018 | Achieved | 11% | 11% |
Estimates are based on the most recent data available at the time the report was developed. For some indicators, estimates for previous years have been revised based on the latest information.
| 2017–18 Main Estimates |
2017–18 Planned spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2019–20 Planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 219,965,182 | 219,965,182 | 81,401,428 | 77,567,268 |
7Under this program, Clean Growth and Climate Change and Green Infrastructure are scheduled to end March 31, 2018, and any Government decision to renew this funding would be reflected in future documents. The Federal Infrastructure Initiative, which funded improvements to Government infrastructure such as laboratories, ends March 31, 2018.
| 2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents |
2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| 646 | 539 | 541 |
Program 2.3: Responsible Natural Resource Management
Description
Greater knowledge of environmental risks and environmentally responsible practices help prevent and reduce the environmental impacts of past, present and future natural resource development. The objectives of this Program are to enable government departments, regulatory bodies and industry to assess these impacts, and to develop, monitor and maintain resources responsibly. These objectives are achieved through the provision of assessments and knowledge rooted in sound science.
Planning Highlights
In 2017-18, a key priority under the Responsible Natural Resource Management Program will be to improve the understanding and mitigation of the cumulative effects of natural resource development.
To this end, NRCan will provide new ‘big data’ tools for analyzing earth observation data to detect changes in land and water. This information will help Canadians and natural resource companies to better understand the impacts of resource development over time and will support environmental assessment processes.
The Department will also conduct scientific studies on earthquakes induced by shale gas development to provide guidance to provincial and territorial energy regulators and carry out a pilot project to evaluate groundwater volume using modelling techniques and earth observation technology. The results will be made available to other departments and levels of government, planners and land-use professionals through the Groundwater Information Network.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2013–14 Actual results |
2014–15 Actual results |
2015–16 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public and private sectors establish practices to mitigate the environmental impacts to natural resources | Number of public and private sector new or updated policies, regulations or other decision-making tools completed annually | 3 per year | March 31, 2018 | Achieved | 4 | 4 |
| 2017–18 Main Estimates |
2017–18 Planned spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2019–20 Planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27,437,623 | 27,437,623 | 27,055,064 | 26,119,409 |
| 2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents |
2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| 186 | 184 | 185 |
Program 3.1: Protection for Canadians and Natural Resources
Description
Natural resource development and changes in the environment pose risks to human, natural resource and infrastructure health. The objective of this Program is to enable other government departments, communities, and the private sector to manage these risks and to ensure the appropriate capacity is in place. NRCan achieves this objective by providing regulation, knowledge, tools and services and by fulfilling legislated responsibilities.
Planning Highlights
Text version
Canada's Climate Change Adaptation Platform
Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Platform brings together key groups from twelve federal government departments, all the Provincial and Territorial governments, and national organizations and associations to collaborate on adaptation priorities.
This catalyzes engagement, and improves communication, experience sharing, collaboration, knowledge generation, inspiration and innovation.
The result is four distinct outputs: targeted sector assessments; tailored decision-support tools; best practices and guidelines; and, economic analyses.
These outputs collectively lead to a common understanding of issues, barriers, and solutions, as well as increased awareness, capacity, competitiveness and action.
In turn, these outcomes feed back into the adaptation platform.
In 2017-18, to support the Government’s broader climate change agenda, the Protection for Canadians and Natural Resources Program will focus efforts on climate change adaptation across natural resources sectors and regions.
The Department will co-host the meeting of Canada’s Adaptation Platformxiii with the Disaster Risk Reduction Roundtable in Halifax in November 2017, fostering cross-disciplinary relationships and improving the integration of climate change adaptation into disaster risk reduction activities.
NRCan will also develop and share knowledge and toolsxiv, provide science information, and build capacity to enhance the resilience of communities and infrastructure to the impacts of climate change, particularly on Canada’s north and coasts. This knowledge will help Canadians identify and prioritize activities to better adapt to a changing climate.
EFFECTIVE ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
As part of its climate change adaptation work, in 2017-18, NRCan will initiate the next national assessment of climate change impacts and launch a call for proposals for projects to support resiliency and adaptation.
This work will help communities across Canada to improve their understanding of the impacts of climate change on their local surroundings, thus enabling more informed planning and decision-making around adaptation and climate resilience.
In addition, NRCan will continue to conduct scientific studies to support marine safety as part of the Oceans Protection Planxv. In 2017-18, NRCan will generate maps of the seafloor to provide increased knowledge of natural hazards that could affect port facilities, tanker safety and oil-spill prevention on the B.C. Coast. The Department will also develop flood plain maps for Canada, in partnership with Public Safety Canada and emergency responders, to inform emergency response plans and decisions on land use.
In 2017-18, NRCan will also work collaboratively with provinces and territories to continue implementation of the Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy, with a focus on enhanced wildland fire risk assessment, advancements in fire response, and risk reduction. This initiative will include efforts to better understand the impacts of climate change on wildland fire activity, to improve information available for fire management agencies and first responders, as well as to develop science-based solutions that help reduce wildland fire risk for forest-based communities.
NRCan will finalize four years of experiments assessing the viability of early interventions against the spruce budworm. It will support communities coping with the impact of the emerald ash borer through strategies to slow the spread and reduce the impact, in addition to providing tools to better detect new alien species. It will also continue research efforts to understand mountain pine beetle dispersal in Western Canada, which informs interprovincial efforts to slow its spread.
In 2017-18, NRCan will be launching the Single Window Initiative for its Explosives Licence Management System, which will phase-out the current paper-based records system and provide convenience for stakeholders as they will be able to apply and pay for licences, permits, and certificates on-line.
GREATER SAFETY AND SECURITY
FOR CANADIANS
NRCan science provides the basis for critical monitoring systems that provide warnings of hazards and information products to help responders address emergencies such as floods, earthquakes and forest fires which can threaten our communities and critical infrastructure (e.g. electricity distribution and telecommunications). In particular, NRCan’s 2017-18 priorities include:
- Supporting the Oceans Protection Plan, by promoting marine safety through increased knowledge of seafloor hazards; and
- Advancing the Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy in cooperation with provinces and territories.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2013–14 Actual results |
2014–15 Actual results |
2015–16 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governments, communities and the private sector manage risks or opportunities to natural resources, infrastructure, and human health | Number of risk assessments (climate change, geohazards, other), policies, regulations, plans, standards (codes) or guidelines developed using NRCan information or services | 5 per year | March 31, 2018 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2013-14 | 10 | 8 |
| Number of active collaborations with the public and private sector that manage risks or opportunities to human population, natural resources and infrastructure health | 6 collaboration agreements | March 31, 2018 | 3 | 6 | 6 |
| 2017–18 Main Estimates |
2017–18 Planned spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2019–20 Planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70,418,079 | 70,418,079 | 59,079,852 | 58,383,883 |
8Under this program, the Federal Infrastructure Initiative, which funded improvements to Government infrastructure such as laboratories, ends March 31, 2018.
| 2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents |
2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| 414 | 404 | 403 |
Program 3.2: Landmass Information
Description
Public, academic and private sectors as well as Canadians rely on up-to-date, comprehensive and accessible landmass information to make sound socio-economic and environmental decisions. This Program provides open access to Canada’s fundamental geomatics framework and information system, including accurate three-dimensional positioning, high-resolution satellite imagery and other remote sensing products, legal (boundary) surveys, mapping and other analysis applications. In addition, it delivers logistics support in the North and regulatory oversight for a robust property system framework on Canada Lands.
Planning Highlights
IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS WITH
INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Supporting a renewed relationship with Canada’s Indigenous people is a priority for the Government of Canada.
NRCan provides boundary certainty related to land rights on First Nation reserves and territorial lands through its system for delivering and administering legal property and jurisdictional boundary surveys.
This work supports self-government and economic self-determination for Indigenous peoples and provides foundational knowledge for land administration, including improving housing and infrastructure, as well as supporting community aspirations for land use.
Maps and Global Positioning System (GPS) are tools that citizens, businesses, and governments use every day. NRCan provides the measurement science and technology for GPS tools (from smartphones to assessing earthquake hazards) and online maps to fit with three-dimensional reference gridxvi (latitude, longitude and height) used on Canada’s landmass and offshore. In 2017-18, the Landmass Information program will be developing a national strategy to respond to the demand from GPS users for increased precision.
The Department continues to increase the speed, accuracy, and precision of information from its satellite infrastructure to provide several layers of information for online maps to illustrate features such as infrastructure, geography, place names, ice and shorelines, and natural resources. NRCan is also responsible for gathering advanced geological imagery of Canada’s territory, including what is underground or under water, such as the rock bed, permafrost, seafloor, and the limits of the continental shelf.
The Department works collaboratively with Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, and other federal government departments. Public authorities use NRCan’s online maps for land-use planning and assessing potential environmental impacts. Online maps are also critical for first responders to help their hazard mitigation and emergency planning and response, as well for the Armed Forces to support their operations. Over time, NRCan mapping data collected over time can also be used to analyze the impact of climate change or natural resource development on land and water. NRCan’s mapping information is also important to energy and mining investors so they can target their exploration activities. They also support Canada’s claim over the natural resources of the seabed and subsoil of its extended continental shelf that would otherwise be considered to be in international waters.
NRCan will expand publicly accessible landmass information through the GeoBasexvii and Open Mapsxviii platforms and will continue to ensure that Canadians have access to accurate and authoritative satellite imagery, survey and mapping data. NRCan’s landmass information and data are used by governments, private companies and Canadians to make informed decisions about sustainable land use and development.
Through the Polar Continental Shelf Programxix, NRCan will provide assistance and coordinate logistics support for scientific research in the Arctic region and contribute to the exercise of Canada's sovereignty.
| Expected results | Performance indicators | Target | Date to achieve target | 2013–14 Actual results |
2014–15 Actual results |
2015–16 Actual results |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stakeholders discover and access geospatial assets to inform decision-making, reporting, operations and research | Satisfaction with discoverability and access to geospatial assets | Improvement over previous reporting period on satisfaction with overall discovery and access | March 31, 2018 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2013-14 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2014-15 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2015-16 |
| Public, private sector and academia use accurate, Government of Canada geo-information for decision-making | Evidence identifying that Canada Lands Survey System activities are meeting stakeholder needs (rating scale out of 10) | 8 | March 31, 2018 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2013-14 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2014-15 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2015-16 |
| Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP) clients receive cost-effective logistics support needed to conduct field work safely in Canada’s Arctic and Sub-arctic regions | Level of client satisfaction with mix, quality and cost of support received | 85% of clients are either satisfied or very satisfied | March 31, 2018 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2013-14 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2014-15 | 90% |
| Governments and other program stakeholders can access a suite of up-to-date, comprehensive geospatial assets | Percentage of landmass foundational data collections with renewed coverage | 15% of all data collections are updated or newly produced | March 31, 2018 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2013-14 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2014-15 | Performance indicator did not exist in 2015-16 |
| 2017–18 Main Estimates |
2017–18 Planned spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2019–20 Planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 49,150,177 | 49,150,177 | 45,914,237 | 46,185,753 |
| 2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents |
2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| 386 | 378 | 377 |
Information on NRCan’s lower-level programs is available on NRCan’s website and in the TBS InfoBase.xx
Internal Services
Description
Internal Services are those groups of related activities and resources that the federal government considers to be services in support of programs and/or required to meet corporate obligations of an organization. Internal Services refers to the activities and resources of the 10 distinct service categories that support Program delivery in the organization, regardless of the Internal Services delivery model in a department. The 10 service categories are: Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Materiel Services; and Acquisition Services.
Planning Highlights
NRCan’s Internal Services will continue efforts undertaken in 2016-17 to support the Department in advancing the Minister’s mandate letter commitments and Government of Canada priorities, including in the following areas.
Open Government and Public Engagement
As part of its Open Government agenda, NRCan is transitioning to a ‘digital first’ model for communications and engagement in order to reach all Canadians on issues that matter most to them. Prioritizing digital allows for a wider variety of social media tools to reach more audiences, measure uptake and continuously improve, respond and engage the general public in meaningful policy conversations.
Supporting the dissemination of scientific information through the Open Government agenda, NRCan is working with federal partners including AAFC, DFO, ECCC, National Research Council Health Canada, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada to advance the award-winningxxi Federal Science Library (FSL). In 2016-17, the FSL was launched as single point of access to library holdings of its federal partners (including 80,000 maps and 520,000 photographs from NRCan collections); in 2017-18, these collections will be made available to the public. From the FSL web site and in library catalogues throughout the world, NRCan publications and materials will be available to view and download online from a central repository.
Results and Delivery
As part of its implementation of TB’s Policy on Results, NRCan will complete the development of its new Departmental Results Framework (DRF) that sets out a department’s core responsibilities, expected results and related performance indicators. To support these efforts, in 2017-18 NRCan will roll out the necessary changes to financial, IM and IT systems. The Department will also use its new Performance Measurement and Evaluation Committee to oversee and provide guidance to the ongoing implementation of the new DRF.
To facilitate higher quality planning and reporting on the delivery of results under the new DRF and on mandate letter commitments, the Department will also make improvements to its data infrastructure, and introduce mechanisms to advance and measure efforts towards experimentation with new approaches to existing problems.
Workforce and Workplace
NRCan aspires to foster a culture where mental health and wellness are supported in all aspects of the workplace through training, communication and engagement. In 2017-18, the Department will develop a multi-year strategy and action plan on mental health and wellness in the workplace, which will target reduced stigma around mental health issues and increased support mechanisms, and include key elements of the National Standard on Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.
NRCan will leverage streamlined staffing processes and improvements to classification services to support business leads. Progress will continue on managing talent and succession planning, particularly with regard to leadership and the scientific community, with a focus on Employment Equity groups. NRCan will continue to actively monitor pay related issues, and provide support to alleviate their impact on employees.
IM/IT Modernization
To support its innovative clean technology and climate change science agenda, NRCan will be improving its capacity in scientific computing.
NRCan also continues to support the Government-wide IT Transformation agenda. In 2017-18, this will include working closely with Shared Services Canada to continue the consolidation and modernization of data centres, including those that provide 24/7 access to data that support emergency services. This work also includes system-wide updates to improve NRCan’s cybersecurity resilience.
| 2017–18 Main Estimates |
2017–18 Planned spending |
2018–19 Planned spending |
2019–20 Planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|
| 138,006,496 | 138,006,496 | 113,341,893 | 112,293,536 |
| 2017–18 Planned full-time equivalents |
2018–19 Planned full-time equivalents |
2019–20 Planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|
| 922 | 882 | 888 |
9The Federal Infrastructure Initiative, which funded improvements to Government infrastructure such as laboratories, ends March 31, 2018.
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