Operating Context: 2022-23 Departmental Results Report

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

In 2022-23, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) was focused on the economic transformation of natural resources sectors to support the Government of Canada’s climate objectives while promoting the country’s competitive and sustainable advantage. This was done by taking a lead role in relation to science and research, developing evidence-based policies, delivering innovative programs, and supporting clean growth through strategic investments. The Department made significant progress in relation to critical minerals, hydrogen, electric vehicles, sustainable jobs, low-carbon buildings, small modular reactors and other clean technologies.

NRCan supported the transition to a net-zero future by 2050 through key strategic partnerships including advancing relationships with Indigenous peoples and working in collaboration with other federal and provincial/territorial counterparts as well as with international partners.

Climate change adaptation, emergency preparedness and nature-based solutions such as flood mapping and wildfire risk management remained central to NRCan’s efforts to addressing climate change. Driving energy efficiency in Canadian homes, buildings, and industries; growing the clean fuel market locally and globally; supporting clean transportation networks nationwide; helping the energy and mineral subsectors become net-zero emitters of greenhouse gases; transitioning to a circular economy; and strengthening Canada’s bioeconomy comprised other areas of focus for the department in 2022-23.

NRCan continued 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).