Operating Context

Canada’s natural resources, consisting of energy, minerals and metals, and renewable forest products serve as a source of jobs, prosperity and clean growth for all Canadians.

With a strong base in science and research, in 2024-25, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) will focus on leading and encouraging the sustainable development and use of Canada’s natural resources through evidence-based policy, programs and world-class innovative research, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, and through domestic and international engagements.

Nature-based solutions and climate change adaptation support measures for communities to proactively counter the effects of natural and human induced hazards will remain central to the Department’s efforts at mitigating the effects of climate change in 2024-25 and beyond.

In pursuit of Canada’s net zero emissions by 2050, the Department will work with provinces and territories to identify and accelerate opportunities to transform traditional resource industries and advance emerging ones sustainably. Through innovative programs and strategic investments, NRCan will work with Canadians to decarbonize electricity systems; adopt clean energy and make our homes and industries energy efficient; drive innovation in clean energy projects; support the development of critical minerals and the battery ecosystem; grow clean fuel production and increase the availability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure on highways and within municipalities.

All of this will be accomplished though engagements with domestic and international partners that will improve market access and competitiveness of natural resources, including energy and mineral security.

NRCan will continue to integrate practices and principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility into its policies, programs, and workplace, including the strengthened use and application of Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus).