2022-23 Departmental Plan - Operating Context

Consisting of energy, minerals and metals, and renewable forest products from coast to coast to coast, Canada’s natural resources continue to serve as a source of clean jobs, prosperity and opportunity for all Canadians.  

With a strong base in science and research, in 2022-2023, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) will carry on leading and encouraging the sustainable development and use of Canada’s natural resources through evidence-based policy, programs and world-class innovative research, through domestic and international engagements and in collaboration with Indigenous peoples. The Department will work on bolder climate action, going further faster, with more innovation and green jobs; capping and cutting oil and gas sector emissions while accelerating the path to a 100 per cent net-zero electricity system by 2035; eliminating fossil fuel subsidies; supporting federal partners in mandating the sale of zero-emissions vehicles; and increasing the price on pollution.

Nature-based solutions, climate change adaptation and support strategies for resource communities will remain central to NRCan’s efforts at mitigating the effects of climate change in 2022-23 and beyond. Driving energy efficiency in Canadian homes, buildings, and industries; growing the clean fuel market locally and globally; supporting clean transportation networks nationwide; making the energy and mineral sub sectors net-zero emitters of greenhouse gases and environmentally friendly; transitioning to a circular economy and strengthening Canada’s bioeconomy will remain areas of focus for the Department in 2022-23 and for years to come.

As the natural resources sector continues to show strong signs of recovering from the impact of COVID-19, NRCan will support this recovery by providing innovative services to the sector, retooling its business processes and strategic direction to mitigate any lingering effects of COVID-19 on businesses and communities that are dependent on the natural resources sector for their livelihood.

Carrying on from previous years, NRCan will continue to pursue equity, diversity, and inclusion amongst its workforce as core themes in its operations in 2022-23. In this regard, the Department will integrate practices and principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into NRCan policies, programs and procedures and will assist natural resource sector partners with inclusive growth and net-zero transition. Additionally, the Department will strengthen the use and application of Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) tools to its internal and external business practices, which also mean reviewing and modifying past and ongoing activities with a GBA Plus lens.