Operating Context for the 2020-21 Departmental Results Report

Consisting of energy, minerals and metals, renewable forest products from coast to coast to coast, Canada’s natural resources served as a source of good jobs, prosperity and innovation for all Canadians to help transition to a low carbon economy while promoting competitiveness and bolstering sustainable resource investments on the global market.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) has a strong base in science and research and the Department has been key to advancing the Government’s economic and sustainable development agendas. In 2020-21, the natural resources sector faced ongoing challenges that were exacerbated by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including ongoing price fluctuations across the sector, changing demand and supply patterns, regulatory changes, unfair trade practices from abroad, and the evolving and clear threat of climate change. Through the pandemic, NRCan continued to provide services while retooling its business processes, programs and strategic directions to mitigate the unexpected impacts on its operations. Strengthening efforts to engage with all partners and stakeholders, the Department designed and developed new programs and support mechanisms to assist workers and businesses in the natural resources sector.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion remained central to NRCan’s operations in 2020-21. As such, the Department strengthened the application of Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) tools — as well as new Quality of Life indicators — to its activities. Adopting the principle from 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Department continued to review and modify past policies and programs with a GBA Plus lens.

The renewed emphasis, both locally and globally, on sustainable development practices and sound environmental stewardship, the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and adaptation to the impacts of climate change were themes that shaped the Department’s activities in 2020-21. As a result, and in collaboration with federal partners, the Department supported robust research and funded activities aimed at enabling world-leading technologies that help decarbonize industry, reduce pollution and strengthen resilience to climate change impacts. The Department supported nature-based solutions to our climate crisis, such as its plan to plant 2 billion trees over the next decade, and worked to develop the circular bioeconomy.

Within this operating context, NRCan delivered on five priorities derived from its core responsibilities, mandates and ministerial commitments, namely:

• Accelerating the adoption of clean technology and supporting the transition to a low-carbon future;
• Improving market access and competitiveness in Canada’s resource sectors;
• Supporting resource communities and workers in the transition to a low carbon economy;
• Advancing reconciliation, building relationships, and sharing economic benefits with Indigenous peoples; and
• Protecting Canadians from the impacts of natural and human-induced hazards.