Details on transfer payment programs under $5 million

NRCan pays 50% of the operating costs of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board. The province pays the other 50%. This is done pursuant to section 28 of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act. The funds are drawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Cost recovery regulations put in place in 2016 allow the Board to cost recover up to 100% of eligible costs from industry, which are remitted to the government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia on a 50-50 basis.

This transfer payment program does not have any repayable contributions.

In respect of each fiscal year and pursuant to the Accord Acts, the Board is required to submit a budget request to Governments for approval by the Minister of NRCan and their provincial counterpart. NRCan officials engaged with the Board to understand the budgetary request and consulted with the province.

Additional costs for severances were anticipated and the subsequent submission and approval was obtained with engagement between NRCan officials, the Board and the province.

The purpose of this grant is to fulfill the federal commitment to the operation of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), in order to improve wildland fire management in Canada through interagency cooperation in wildfire prevention, mitigation and operational response.

The objective of this grant is to provide wildland fire management services to CIFFC participating agencies through:

• Gathering, analysing and dissemination of wildland fire management information to ensure a cost effective sharing of resources;
• Actively promoting, developing, refining, standardizing and providing services for the improvement of forest fire management in Canada;
• Sharing equipment, technical personnel and information intended to share risk and defray capital and operating costs related to wildland fire management in an effort to maximize program efficiency from national and provincial/territorial perspectives; and,
• Facilitating national wildland fire prevention and mitigation initiatives.

In 2023-2024, CIFFC achieved the objectives of the grant program.

During the 2023 fire season, CIFFC produced 120 Daily Situation Reports/National Preparedness Level assessments, and processed 378 resource orders, and mobilized a total of:

• 17,150 100-foot lengths of hose
• 46 aircrafts
• 809 pumps
• 7,311 personnel, including 5,372 Sustained Action firefighters, 281 Initial Attack firefighters, and 1,658 overhead personnel
• 5,566 international personnel

Going into the 2023 operating season, CIFFC had six international agreements established. New agreements were established with an additional seven countries in 2023.

In 2023-2024, CIFFC also developed and approved the 2024-27 Strategic Plan, which fosters the continuous improvement of fire management and prevention efforts through the activities of its Board of Directors, Management Committee, four main Committees and their associated Working Groups.

The installation of sensors in key-targeted areas will provide a basic earthquake early warning infrastructure and will permit monitoring of federal-critical infrastructure.

Funding will be made through Grants & Contributions to provinces, territories and municipalities in areas of high seismic hazard in order to strengthen the robustness of the national earthquake early warning system.

Contribution payments are non-repayable.

In 2023-24, funding for this program was disbursed to four recipients to establish extended network sensor stations.

Further funding was provided to perform Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) research to improve the public perception of earthquakes, research better EEW performance at the edges of EEW sensor networks, and to improve the understanding of Canada’s earthquake catalogue.

Finally, funding was also provided to the BC Emergency Management and Climate Readiness Ministry to perform public engagement around EEW in BC.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

A joint audit and evaluation of Disaster Risk Reduction is planned for completion by October 2025.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

A joint audit and evaluation of Disaster Risk Reduction is planned for completion by October 2025.

The Enabling SMR Program launched in February 2023. The application process was completed in fall 2023. Due diligence and Contribution Agreement negotiations are underway, with one Contribution Agreement signed in 2023-24. Projects are expected to start in 2024-25.

In parallel, NRCan and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) completed the Expression of Interest and Peer review processes, respectively, in 2023-24 to co-fund SMR research projects at Canadian universities. Results were shared by NSERC in winter 2024. The NSERC-NRCan partnership is supporting 15 research projects.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

Evaluation of Enabling Responsible Small Modular Reactor Deployment is planned for completion by March 2027.

The program engaged applicants throughout the application process, including through written communication, information sessions, and status update calls. It continues to engage with applicants through the due diligence phase and Contribution Agreement negotiations.

For the NSERC-NRCan partnership projects, NRCan is a funding partner and is therefore engaged with the lead researchers at the universities. NRCan has participated in project kick-off meetings organized by the universities. In addition to NRCan’s role as a funding partner, Canmet Materials is engaging with several recipients to provide technical guidance and expertise.

The variance of $4,369,501 between Planned Spending and Actual Spending is a result of an approved reprofile shifting funding of $2,154,751 to future years, planned cash management within the Department repositioning $1,114,750 in planned spending to future years, and a transfer of $1,000,000 to NSERC for the NSERC-NRCan partnership as planned in 2023-24.

With the program application process completed in 2023-24, projects and related spending is anticipated to begin in 2024-25, in line with the movement of funding to future years.

There are two streams of funding under the program.

• Regional modelling: selected Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP) Contribution Projects will advance regional flood modelling science and help fill gaps in flood hazard information coverage across Canada. These projects may include all research, developmental and operationalization activities undertaken by a proponent that are intended to result in advancing the above-mentioned objectives. Projects that are aiming to increase organizational efficiency in the application of these models, and to engage on the applicability for land use planning and regulatory purpose will also be considered.
• Traditional Knowledge: The purpose of the FHIMP Traditional Knowledge Stream Contributions funding is to increase the uptake, validity, and relevance of flood hazard mapping in Indigenous communities, as well as to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between Indigenous and scientific practices related to flood mapping.
• The contribution fund will support the development of tools to support communities, traditional knowledge studies, and rights-based engagement processes.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

An evaluation of the Core Geospatial Data and Innovative Geospatial Solutions is planned for completion in December 2028.

GeoConnections is an ongoing program leading the evolution of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) with standards-based technologies and operational policies for data sharing and integration to address key economic, social and environmental priorities.

GeoConnections is co-funding the development of innovative adoption and further development of the CGDI with eligible recipients by using Non-Repayable Contributions.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

Evaluation of the Core Geospatial Data and Innovative Geospatial Solutions is planned for completion in December 2028.

GeoConnections engaged with potential receipts through the Announcement of Opportunity with an official web posting on the GeoConnections’ website, as well as an email distribution of the Announcement. All queries were answered through the generic mailbox or through virtual meetings.

At the final Project closeout meetings, GeoConnections also encourages proponents to provide feedback on the program and its processes.

Ongoing (TGI)

March 31, 2027 (GEM-GeoNorth)

March 31, 2027 (CMGD and CMMI)

• Geoscience for Sustainable Development of Natural Resources
• Geological Knowledge for Canada’s Onshore and Offshore Land

This transfer payment program covers four Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) geoscience programs:

• Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI)
• Geo-Mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM-GeoNorth)
• Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data (CMGD)
• Critical Minerals Mapping Initiative (CMMI).

The objective of the collaborative federal TGI geoscience program is to provide the Canadian mineral industry with the next generation of geoscience knowledge, innovative techniques and predictive models, which will result in more effective targeting of buried mineral deposits.

The objective of the GEM-GeoNorth Program is to help unlock the full mineral potential of Canada’s North and promote responsible land development in the region. GEM-GeoNorth works with partners and users across Canada to develop new geoscience knowledge, tools and educational opportunities focusing on mineral potential, climate-resiliency, and sustainable land-use.

The Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data (CMGD) initiative aims to strengthen Canadian critical mineral supply chains. By combining modern geoscience knowledge with Environmental, Societal and Governance (ESG) data, the program will support Canadian industries reliant on critical minerals and informed decision-making related to resource development and investment.

The Critical Mineral Mapping Initiative (CMMI) is an international, multidisciplinary geoscience research undertaking of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) in collaboration with Geoscience Australia (GA) and United States Geological Survey (USGS). CMMI aims to develop a better understanding of known critical mineral resources, determine geologic controls on critical mineral distribution for deposits currently producing by-products, identify new sources of supply through critical mineral potential mapping, and promote critical mineral discoveries in all three countries.

All four programs will provide grants to eligible recipients to conduct science that aligns with program outcomes, or to develop capacity-building opportunities for geoscience professionals; in the case of GEM-GeoNorth, part of this funding will be earmarked for Northern educational institutions. GEM-GeoNorth will also disburse grants to Northern and Indigenous organizations to develop opportunities and tools that enable access and use of geoscience knowledge by Indigenous peoples.

Most transfer payments made under this transfer payment program will be grants (TGI & GEM-GeoNorth, CMMI), but contributions (CMGD) may be allocated if NRCan deems it necessary to monitor progress and results, receive an accounting of the use of funds from the Recipient, and have the right to carry out a recipient audit or to request some other type of certification or audit assurance from the Recipient.

Grants and contributions will be non-repayable.

TGI awarded twelve grants in 2023-24 to Canadian universities. These geoscience studies are providing scientific results complementary to on-going, internal program research and support enhanced understanding of the formation of critical and economically important mineral deposits, as well as innovative methods to target them.

GEM-GeoNorth awarded 12 grants in 2023-24. Seven two-year grants were awarded through an open call. Two were awarded to northern academic institutions through a directed call. Dissemination of geoscience information was supported with two grants: the first to support a workshop on geothermal potential for rural and remote communities and a final grant was awarded to support the planning of the International Permafrost Conference hosted in Whitehorse in 2024.

In 2023-24, CMGD launched a call for proposals on the program’s website. The program received 17 contribution proposals from provincial and territorial government agencies, which were reviewed by program management and its science advisory group. Fifteen proposals were submitted to Senior Management, NRCan Communications and the Minister’s office for approval; one agreement was signed in 2023-24, and the remaining are anticipated to be signed in 2024-25.

In 2023-24, CMMI received four grant proposals from academic and not-for-profit organizations. All proposals were reviewed by program management and its scientific advisors. Two of the proposals were approved and awarded to the proponents.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

An evaluation of Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GeoNorth) is planned for completion by March 2026.

For TGI, all communications were done via email and there were no differences between actual and planned activities by the grant recipients.

For GEM-GeoNorth, all communications were done via email. The program had the opportunity to have two grant project presentations given at a community dinner in June 2023 that was hosted in Whitehorse during a meeting with its Advisory Group of Northerners. This was an optimal opportunity as Yukon University was able to showcase a project it developed with GEM-GeoNorth funds. Additionally, results from a geothermal research assessment that GEM-GeoNorth funded were presented.

For CMGD, all communications were done via email. Due to the late execution of the one contribution agreement, the proponent was unable to complete any activities in 2023-24 and lapsed funds; an amendment is in progress to reflect these changes.

For CMMI, all communications were done via email and there were no differences between actual and planned activities by the grant recipients.

The objective of the Global Forest Leadership Program (GloFor) is to advance Canada’s international forest sector leadership. This will be completed through activities that focus on expanding Canada’s international engagement, collaborations and partnerships, as well as expertise.

GloFor will work in conjunction with regional and provincial initiatives and it will leverage collaboration where applicable, this program is intended to be national in scope and will stand on its own. The national perspective is unique and necessary when advancing initiatives on the global stage to ensure a coordinated, collaborative, and effective approach.

GloFor will expand on Canada’s approach to environmental reputation specifically through a more diverse set of international activities, rebalancing all of its investments in support of Canada’s international forest leadership. These efforts will help to position Canada as a world-leader in sustainable forest management and advance Canada’s global forest sector-related priorities, including on climate and the environment.

For the delivery of its transfer payments, GloFor will utilize both grants and non-repayable contributions.

In 2023-24, the GloFor program provided both grant and contribution funding to support the following work of its recipients:

• 10 International Model Forest Network (IMFN) Climate Finance recipients under the IMFN Climate Scaling-up Nature-Based Leadership Platforms initiative, that was announced at the COP 15 in 2022 to support efforts to scale up forest and landscape restoration, enable inclusive landscape governance and equip the next generation of forest leaders to address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
• 6 IMFN governance recipients to advance international forest leadership through activities that focus on expanding international engagement, collaborations and partnerships, as well as expertise.
• 3 United Nations Agencies (UNECE, UNDP, FAO) towards 5 projects that work towards Canada’s commitment of increasing Canada’s active engagement and contributions to international forest fora and initiatives.1 project with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), to strengthen partnerships with international firefighting agencies, improving future wildfire response and acquiring firefighting gear that is ready to deploy.
• 1 project with Canada Wood Group to decrease potential trade barriers and increase international recognition of sustainable forest products and solutions.
• 1 project with Forest Stewardship Council Investments & Partnerships (FSC I&P) to enhance Canada’s environmental reputation by decreasing trade barriers and increasing international recognition and collaboration on open-source tools to estimate emissions and removals from forests and harvested wood products and developing uncertainty estimates in support of policy.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

An evaluation of the Global Forest Leadership is planned for completion by December 2028.

Overall, the engagement of GloFor applicants and recipients in 2023-24 was high. The GloFor program received 27 proposals for funding through a non-competitive process (directed call for proposal) in the fall of 2023, and 23 projects were chosen to be funded for 2023-24 with the other 4 to be funded in 2024-25.

Program applicants were supported through the proposal process and successful recipients through the agreement and reporting stages. Along with the application for funding, GloFor provided a thorough applicant guidebook for both grants and contributions forms of funding which outlined all of the funding eligibility requirements. A webinar provided in multiple languages for information to the International Model Forest recipients to provided added information on the new GloFor Program and types of projects that it supports.

Global Partnership Initiative Sub-Activity 3.5 only:

• 2029 - 2030

All other Global Partnership Initiative Sub-Activities:

• 2026-27

• Access to new and priority markets for Canada’s natural resources is enhanced;
• Canadians are engaged in the future of the new and inclusive resource economy;
• Enhanced competitiveness of Canada’s natural resource sectors.

The Global Partnership Initiative’s (GPI) objective is to support the overall goal of the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy to increase the supply of responsibly sourced critical minerals and support the development of domestic and global value chains for the green and digital economy.

GPI support seeks to: enhance and promote Canada’s international leadership in critical minerals, including:

• Research and development, including demonstrating Canadian technology abroad;
• Traceability activities; and
• Support for international organizations and commitments that promote responsible resource development, transparency and training/capacity building, including strengthening support to the World Bank Climate Smart Mining Initiative (WB-CSMI), the Energy Resources Governance Initiative (ERGI), the Intergovernmental Forum on Minerals, Metals, Mining, and Sustainable Development (IGF), and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

GPI Terms and Conditions include only non-repayable contributions.

The GPI project achieved its various objectives by launching and participating in:

• Four investment attraction seminars in London, Paris, NYC, Toronto to attract foreign investment, facilitating about 270 Business-to-Business connections;
• Bilateral engagements with the US, Japan, EU, Germany, France, Chile, and Australia to strengthen international collaborations;
• Multilateral events, including the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiatives (EITI), Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), International Miners Ministers Summit, International Energy Agency (IEA), etc.;
• Research collaborations with UK (University of Exeter) on lithium ecotoxicity, and the Centre for Resource Recovery and Recycling (CR3);
• Geoscience activities under the Critical Minerals Mapping Initiative with the US and Australia;
• the Critical Minerals Traceability Project Grants, and support to transparency work at the International Energy Agency (IEA) to enhance transparent supply chains;
• Contributing to the World Bank Climate Smart Mining Initiative; and supporting the University of British Columbia to train mining sector employees, as part of the Energy Resource Governance Initiative to enhance ESG capacity; and
• Canada has been actively involved in the EITI and has successfully delivered on Canada’s legislative commitments under the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA), including updating of the ESTMA Data Portal to enhance transparency in extractive sectors.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

An evaluation is not currently planned for this program given its low materiality. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning exercise.

Program officials communicate with applicants and proponents consistently under the normal administrative requirements of the program.

Program officials have also engaged with industry and proponents (through presentations and impromptu meet and greets) at various mining related conferences.

The purpose is:

• To facilitate the participation of Indigenous Peoples to determine opportunities to engage in data collection activities in their territories;
• To begin conversations to ensure that data and information collected are useful to northern and Indigenous communities and enterprises.

This transfer payment program does not have any repayable contributions.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

An evaluation of the Sustainable Forest Management Program is planned for completion in April 2029.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) engages with Indigenous Peoples in dialogues on issues related to its mandate. The contributions are intended to facilitate Indigenous participation in dialogues.

The primary focus for 2024-25 will be on consultations relating to the development of regulations under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, for example, the Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations.

This transfer payment program does not have any repayable contributions.

NRCan supported the following organizations under the Indigenous Participation in Dialogues Program:

• A new Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Contribution Agreement was signed. The recipients are seeking to terminate the Contribution Agreement as they were unable to use the funding before end of fiscal;
• A new Métis National Council (MNC) Contribution Agreement was signed, supporting capacity building within Métis National Council;
• An existing Métis National Council (MNC) Contribution Agreement was amended to further increase value (in order to support National Benefits Sharing Framework & Access to Capital engagements).

No evaluation in 2023-24.

Evaluation of Cumulative Effects Program is planned for completion by March 2027.

• Natural resource sectors are innovative
• Clean technologies and energy efficiencies enhance economic performance
• Canada’s natural resources are sustainable
• Enhanced competitiveness of Canada’s natural resource sectors

• Support the scale up of Canadian small businesses through early-stage, pre-commercial Research and Development.
• Develop a domestic market for early-stage, pre-commercial innovations.
• Facilitate the subsequent testing and validation of prototypes, as well as prepare a pathway to commercialization and purchase of novel new products by government and non-government customers.
• Fund the development and commercialization of new technology to address specific problems identified by the funding department.
• Foster greater industry-research collaboration through the release of challenges for solutions that address key Government of Canada priorities.

This Program does not include repayable contributions.

In 2023-2024, NRCan moved forward with two Phase II Grant Agreements related to Advance Cost and Waste Reduction of Tree Planting. NRCan also reviewed two Phase II proposals related to the High-resolution Forest Mapping challenge.

In addition, NRCan continued to monitor phase two projects from the previously launched Development of Next Generation Bio-Based Foam Insulation challenge. These projects are expected to be completed in 2024-25.

On the testing side, NRCan supported 3 testing stream projects. Two of these projects were related to technology innovation that allows geohazard specialists to accurately predict landslide runout and impacts and one proposed a novel technology for smart electrical load management. These projects all involved the support of relevant NRCan technical experts and facilities.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

An evaluation is not currently planned for this program given its low materiality. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning exercise.

2023-24 saw two Challenges (Cost and Waste Reduction of Tree Planting and High-resolution Forest Mapping) entering Phase II. In total 2 proposals for each Challenge were received. Two grant agreements were negotiated with proponents for the Cost and Waste Reduction of Tree Planting Challenge. Two proposals were reviewed for the High-resolution Forest Mapping.

The testing stream application process is managed by Public Service and Procurement Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and National Research Council’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP). ISED runs multiple Testing Stream Calls for Proposals per year. NRCan supports this stream through an Operations and Maintenance transfer to ISED. NRCan is also engaged as a Testing Department through matching and prioritization activities. These activities typically occur over a period of eight weeks.

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In 2023-24 the variance was due to one of the two Tree Planting Challenge Phase II project budget being re-scoped by the Proponent.

Note 1: NRCan does not have “Available Authorities” for this program but an annual target to spend $2.6 million. The program is funded from existing departmental resources. (e.g. the DM reserve)

Note 2: This transfer ($780,000) is an O&M transfer to ISED for the testing stream of the program, ISED (supported by PSPC) then issues contracts to proponents to test their technologies. These projects are selected partnership with NRCan and supported by NRCan technical experts and facilities.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

An evaluation of Forest Sector Competitiveness is planned for completion by April 2025.

Funding provided by way of this Transfer Payment Program is intended to support the participation of Indigenous peoples on the development of access to capital measures, and support enhanced capacity for Indigenous groups to engage in research and analysis activities to provide advice on shaping a National Benefits Sharing Framework (NBSF) and Access to Capital funding.

This transfer payment program does not have any repayable contributions.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

No evaluation is currently planned for this program given its low materiality. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning exercise.

The variance between planned spending and actuals is due to the timing of when funding was received. A Treasury Board Submission was required to access funding; however, it was still in the development phase when planned spending was finalized and as a result, the anticipated funding was not reflected.

The National Benefits-Sharing Framework funding was originally anticipated to be directed towards contribution agreements with each National Indigenous Organization (NIO) (i.e., AFN, MNC, ITK). However funding was not required to the extent envisioned to facilitate engagement of NIOs within the NBSF engagement process.

Statutory authority.

Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act

The Minister of Natural Resources is responsible under section 219 of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act to make payments to the province of Nova Scotia equivalent to the revenue amounts received by Canada in relation to offshore oil and gas activities in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore. The Federal Nova Scotia Offshore Revenue Account Regulations prescribe the time and manner for making the transfer payments. The funds are drawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

This transfer payment program does not have any repayable contributions.

100% of the payments to Nova Scotia were processed on time and in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Offshore gas production ended in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore in 2018. The amount of money transferred to Nova Scotia is subject to change based on provincial audits and re-assessments on past production royalties.

The $10M Oil Spill Response Challenge will invest in the rapid development of new oil spill detection and recovery technologies to minimize risks to Canadian aquatic environments in the event of an oil spill. The ultimate outcome of this initiative will be to accelerate the development and facilitate deployment of new innovative oil spill response solutions tailored to Canadian conditions and needs.

The Oil Spill Response Challenge is using an innovative prize-based challenge approach that:

• Includes significant stakeholder engagement for joint problem framing and informing of the Challenge design elements to ensure a successful launch and implementation.
• Improves pace and paths to commercialization of new oil spill response technologies.

Grants and contribution payments made under this program are non-repayable.

NRCan continued supporting the 10 Challenge semi-finalists by disbursing the remaining installment of funding for Stage 2 of the program. At the end of Stage 2 and based on a rigorous evaluation process, five finalists were selected to continue to Stage 3 of the program. The finalists are each receiving up to $1 million in support of continued prototype scale-up and early-stage demonstration.

The five finalist projects are continuing to advance cutting-edge solutions for early detection of oil spills, containment and quick deployment and recovery. Currently, three of the finalist projects are being led by Canadian universities and two by private sector organizations.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

An evaluation of Energy Innovation and Clean Technology Program is planned for completion by December 2024.

Support the competitiveness of Canada’s natural resource sectors, improve energy efficiency in Canada and support the organizations associated with the research, development, management and promotion of activities that contribute to departmental objectives.

The objectives of the Outreach and Engagement terms and conditions are to:

• Encourage and accelerate innovation via the dissemination of information;
• Maintain a sustainable and responsible development of Canada’s natural resources via participation into engagement activities; and
• Share best practices at home and abroad on clean, sustainable, efficient technologies and practises related to natural resources.
• Assist in the protection of our natural resources from pests, fire, and other hazards.

The Outreach and Engagement terms and conditions provides a mechanism to further program objectives. The funding disbursed through the outreach and engagement activities will be considered in the context of evaluations of the programs to which the funded projects align. Performance and results information collected from the recipient will serve the purpose of evaluating the program
and will therefore relate to the program’s outcomes and results.

Actual results (outcomes) achieved are:

• 100% of users have reported that the Outreach and Engagement Terms and Conditions were accessible.
• 100% of users have reported that this mechanism met their needs.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

An evaluation is not currently planned for this program given its low materiality. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning.

As part of the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative, the Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) program provides contribution funding to support a whole-of-society approach to enhance wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts and expand the adoption of FireSmart™ Canada.

There are no repayable contributions under these programs.

In 2023-2024, there were 5 active agreements, 4 being with provinces and territories.

Through the program, progress was made on various initiatives, including:

• Development of a FireSmart Canada™ Road map outlining the strategic future pathway for the brand.
• The enhancement of FireSmart Canada™ programming activities, including: the development of new and updating of existing training programs; and, improved communications and technology and the development of program toolkits that can be accessed by provinces and territories.
• Increasing jurisdictional capacity of wildland fire prevention and mitigation governance development and implementation within jurisdictions.
• Inclusive governance structures established in two jurisdictions with others being assessed and implemented.

Capacity building and outreach activities to communities through educational events.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

A joint audit and evaluation of Disaster Risk Reduction is planned for completion in October 2025.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

A joint audit and evaluation of Disaster Risk Reduction is planned for completion in October 2025.

NRCan engaged bilaterally with the provinces and territories (PT) as well as the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Inc. (CIFFC), to sign the five contribution agreements and will continue to engage on an ongoing basis through bilateral engagement with CIFFC and PTs, as well as, various multi-stakeholder forums such as the:

• Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Board Directors, committees, and technical working groups

Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) Wildland Fire Management Working Group

The Treasury Board submission for the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative was approved at the end of September 2023. And funding for the RCF program was received in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023-24, resulting in delayed engagement with project proponents.

The program is cost-shared with provinces and territories; for provinces (cost share 50:50) and territories (cost share 75:25). As such, each jurisdiction required time to seek new funding authorities, based on their various internal processes, to enter into contribution agreements with NRCan. This created timing challenges resulting in only four of the participating jurisdictions signing contribution agreements in 2023-2024. The fifth agreement was signed with CIFFC.

The purpose of the program is to:

• Provide federal science leadership for the collaborative implementation of the Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy, enabling research related to national wildfire risk assessment and analysis to provide information that is grounded in science, which makes strengthened decision-making possible.
• Enhance whole-of-society collaboration and governance to strengthen resilience.
• Increase focus on whole-of-society disaster prevention and mitigation activities to:
  • increase the resiliency of Canadian communities to the risks and impacts of natural disasters.
  • undertake and implement risk reduction analyses and actions.
  • ensure that wildfire response agencies are integrated with each other to implement an effective wildland fire response program.
  • increase the wildfire knowledge of agencies, communities and individuals in order to create a culture of wildfire safety and to empower the public to understand risk.

There are no repayable contributions under this program.

Program objectives were met, with a total of four agreements active in 2023-24 including multi-year and single year agreements. A total of 37 reports and products of various kinds were produced including 15 science reports, project reports and tools and 22 information, outreach, and coordination products.

Two agreements were with Indigenous organizations or were Indigenous-focused.

Three new agreements were established with the University of Alberta, the University of British Columbia, and the Métis National Council Secretariat.

Through the products generated by this transfer payment program:

• Indigenous capacity in understanding of risk and of cultural burning knowledge systems has been increased.
• Systemic barriers to Indigenous participation in fire management are better understood.
• Scientific knowledge and awareness of wildfire risk and emergency response have been enhanced, including forest management and social and operational considerations for evacuations.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

A joint audit and evaluation of Disaster Risk Reduction is planned for completion by June 2025.

Not applicable for 2023-24.

A joint audit and evaluation of Disaster Risk Reduction is planned for completion by October 2025.

The variance between the actual and the planned spending is a combination of two factors:

1) Some projects came in under budget due to factors such as procurement issues and staffing challenges, which impacted the ability to disburse funds according to the initially projected timelines.

2) Some projects with an expected start date of 2023-24 were not finalized as intended.