Table of Contents
- Contribution to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act) (Statutory)
- Grants in support of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (voted)
- Contributions in support of Wildland Fire Resilience (voted)
- Contributions in support of the Emerging Renewable Power Program (voted)
- Contributions in support of Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping (voted)
- Contributions in support of the Forest Research Institute Initiative (voted)
- Contributions in support of the GeoConnections Program (voted)
- Grants and Contributions in support of Geoscience (voted)
- Grants in support of Improving Diversity in the Canadian Forest Sector Workforce under the program entitled Forest Innovation Program (voted)
- Contributions in support of Indigenous Engagement on Mapping Community Wildfire Risk (voted)
- Grants and Contributions in support of Indigenous Economic Development (voted)
- Contributions in support of Indigenous participation in dialogues (voted)
- Grants in support of Innovative Solutions Canada (voted)
- Assessed Contributions to the International Tropical Timber Organization (voted)
- Grants in support of the Offshore Wind Predevelopment Program (voted)
- Grants in support of Outreach and Engagement (voted)
- Contributions in support of Research (voted)
- Grants in Supporting and Mobilizing Indigenous Fire Knowledge (voted)
| Start date | 1986 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | Ongoing |
| Type of transfer payment | Contributions |
| Type of appropriation | Statutory: Contribution to the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board (Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act) |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | Not applicable |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Access to new and priority markets for Canada’s natural resources is enhanced |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Statutory Offshore Payments |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | 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. |
| Expected results | NRCan’s share of the Offshore Board operating budgets is made in four quarterly payments throughout the course of each fiscal year. |
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable – Statutory payments are excluded from evaluation. |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable – Statutory payments are excluded from evaluation. |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | Not applicable – Statutory payments are excluded from evaluation. |
| General targeted recipient groups | Joint federal-provincial board (independent regulator) |
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | 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 his provincial counterpart. NRCan officials engage with the Board to understand the budgetary request and also consults with the province. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $2,956,000 | $4,156,000 | $4,156,000 | $4,156,000 |
| Total program | $2,956,000 | $4,156,000 | $4,156,000 | $4,156,000 |
| Start date | July 5, 2024 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | March 31, 2026 |
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2022 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Communities and officials have the tools to safeguard Canadians from natural hazards and explosives |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Wildfire Risk Management |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | 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:
|
| Expected results | The expected results include:
|
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable, new program. |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2025-26 |
| General targeted recipient groups | One recipient: Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) |
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | The Canadian Forest Service holds regular calls and meetings with CIFFC staff and its various boards and committees. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Start date | May 30, 2019 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | March 31, 2034 |
| Type of transfer payment | Contributions |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2019-20 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Communities and industries are adapting to climate change |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Wildfire Risk Management |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The purpose of the program is to:
|
| Expected results | Increase focus on whole-of-society disaster prevention and mitigation activities. Result 1: Canadian communities assess their risk with respect to natural disasters and establish and execute risk reduction action plans. Indicator: Number of communities with completed natural disaster risk assessments and action plans, by disaster type. Result 2: Enhanced nationally integrated systems in place to deliver a coordinated deployment of resources in response to natural disasters. Indicator: Number of agencies with completed technical assessments for implementation of systems interoperability improvements between agencies involved in natural disaster response in Canada, by disaster type. Result 3: Canadians have access to reliable, current, and comprehensive information, supporting whole-of-society awareness and action regarding natural disasters. Indicator: Number of new information, outreach or coordination products, services or functions developed, by disaster type. |
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable, new program. |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2024-25 |
| General targeted recipient groups |
|
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | In 2025-26, NRCan will continue to engage national partners on wildland fire resilience (i.e., federal-provincial-territorial partners, Indigenous and municipal leaders, and the private sector). Recipients and prospective applicants will be engaged on an ongoing basis through various existing multi-stakeholder forums such as the:
|
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $200,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $200,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Start date | April 1, 2018 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | March 31, 2026 |
| Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2018-19 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada’s natural resources are sustainable |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Electricity Resources |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | This Program will help expand the portfolio of renewable energy technologies available to reduce emissions in Canada’s electricity sector and provide job opportunities along the entire length of their supply chains. The Emerging Renewable Power Program funding is conditionally repayable should the project generate a profit post-commissioning. |
| Expected results | The DEEP geothermal project in Saskatchewan will have completed drilling all wells in 2026 and have their facility constructed and ready for commissioning in 2027. The expected project results include:
|
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable, new program. |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable. |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2024-25 |
| General targeted recipient groups |
|
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | Departmental officials have contacted industry organizations, spoken to individual developers upon request, and have attended industry events. In addition, the Department has contacted provincial government representatives, both at the working and management level to solicit general feedback or verify project acceptance and priority alignment. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $4,963,085 | $4,008,180 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $4,963,085 | $4,008,180 | $0 | $0 |
| Start date | June 8, 2023 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | March 31, 2028 |
| Type of transfer payment | Contributions |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2023-24 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Communities and officials have the tools to safeguard Canadians from natural hazards and explosives |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Core Geospatial Data |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | There are two streams of funding under the program.
|
| Expected results | Performance measurement under both FHIMP streams is guided by the approved terms and conditions. The indicators under the approved terms and conditions were as follows:
The expected results from the regional modelling stream will leverage advanced techniques, including AI, machine learning, and innovative flood modeling, to create accurate and accessible flood hazard maps that enhance decision-making tools for various stakeholders, inform climate-resilient planning, and establish new standards for flood risk assessment and mapping accuracy across diverse regions. |
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable, new program |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2027-28 |
| General targeted recipient groups |
|
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | FHIMP has had direct engagement with recipients based on feedback from the Technical Working Group on Flood Mapping, attendance at various governance tables (including technical committees with colleagues from Public Safety Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada), as well as ongoing engagement with provincial and territorial partners. The program has also engaged with potential recipients through Announcements of Opportunities with an official web posting on the FHIMP’s website as well as an email distribution of the Announcements. All queries are answered through the generic FHIMP Contribution Agreements mailbox or through virtual meetings with potential Proponents. At the final Project closeout meetings, FHIMP encourages Proponents to give feedback on the program and its processes to identify efficiencies and alleviate challenges for the Proponent. Recipients provide final project reports and output materials for FHIMP to share broadly. FHIMP will develop official feedback mechanisms for each phase of the TPP application process (intake, evaluation, agreement development, project execution and close-out) that will enable further refinement of the program’s processes. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $1,220,175 | $1,450,000 | $1,750,000 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $1,220,175 | $1,450,000 | $1,750,000 | $0 |
| Start date | May 30, 2005 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | Ongoing |
| Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2005-06 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canadians are engaged in the future of the new and inclusive resource economy |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Forest Sector Competitiveness |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The objective of this program is to generate new knowledge through common-good, publicly accessible research and development to support whole of industry progression. This will enable Canadian forest operators and wood product manufacturers to maintain and improve market access, reduce energy consumption and improve on environmental performance through carbon management. This program will be delivered through non-repayable contribution agreements. |
| Expected results | The Forest Research Institute Initiative is delivered through the Forest Innovation Program, as such, expected results are shared. The forest sector is innovative and contributes to Canada’s economic development. Performance indicator: number of standards developed or being developed as a result of FIP partnership or funding. |
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | 2019-20 |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Continuation |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2024-25 |
| General targeted recipient groups | A not-for profit research organization, FPInnovations is the target recipient to deliver common-good, publicly accessible research and development to support the Canadian forest sector. |
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | FPInnovations leads on the development of an annual work plan which contains information on core research area themes with Canadian partners and members from academia, industry and various levels of government. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $2,368,000 | $2,368,000 | $2,368,000 | $2,368,000 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $2,368,000 | $2,368,000 | $2,368,000 | $2,368,000 |
| Start date | April 1, 2010 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | Ongoing |
| Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2010-11 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Natural resource sectors are innovative |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Innovative Geospatial Solutions |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | GeoConnections is an ongoing Program with the mandate and responsibility to lead the modernization of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI). The Program promotes standards development and implementation and leverages leading edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to foster an enabling, inclusive and agile environment for governments, Indigenous nations, academia, the private sector and non-profit organizations. GeoConnections is co-funding the development of innovative adoption and further development of the CGDI with eligible recipients by using non-repayable contributions. |
| Expected results | The mandate of the GeoConnections program is that Canada has an effective geospatial foundation, the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI), which enables the sharing and use of geospatial information about Canada's lands, peoples and natural resources to support economic, social and environmental priorities. Now in its ongoing phase, the program’s role is to maintain and modernize the CGDI. For fiscal years 2025-2027, the GeoConnections Program will focus its funding on the development and deployment of advanced innovative and standards-based solutions that modernize the CGDI. Preference will be given to projects developing or integrating emerging technologies, projects that are scalable across the CGDI, and those that address Indigenous geospatial considerations. Funding will also be available for projects that will enable the future use or integration of emerging technologies in geospatial solutions. Expected results are innovative geospatial solutions that enable discovery, access, sharing, and operational use of location data and other information to deliver on Canada’s key priorities, notably Indigenous reconciliation, inclusivity, innovation, disaster risk management and climate change resilience. |
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | 2015-16 |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Continuation |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | No evaluation is currently planned for this program, as it is very low materiality and has been previously evaluated. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning exercise. |
| General targeted recipient groups |
|
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | GeoConnections engages with potential recipients through Announcements of Opportunities with an official web posting on the GeoConnections’ website as well as an email distribution of the Announcements. All queries are answered through the generic GeoConnections Contribution Agreements mailbox or through virtual meetings with potential Proponents. At the final project closeout meetings, GeoConnections encourages proponents to give feedback on the program and its processes to identify efficiencies and alleviate challenges for the proponent. Recipients provide final project reports that GeoConnections may share with interested stakeholders for non-commercial purposes. For projects funded for fiscal year 2024-2025, proponents may have the opportunity to present their work at the 2025 Canadian Council on Geomatics Annual General Meeting. GeoConnections will develop official feedback mechanisms for each phase of the TPP application process (intake, evaluation, agreement development, project execution and close-out) that will enable further refinement of the program’s processes. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $500,000 | $500,000 | $500,000 | $500,000 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $500,000 | $500,000 | $500,000 | $500,000 |
| Start date | September 24, 2020 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | March 31, 2027 |
| Type of transfer payment | Grants and Contributions |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2023-24 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canadians have access to cutting-edge research to inform decisions on the management of natural resources |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory |
|
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | This transfer payment program covers four Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) geoscience programs:
The objective of GEM-GeoNorth 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, this initiative 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. GEM-GeoNorth, TGI and CMMI 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. CMGD will award contribution funding to eligible recipients to enhance access to important data and generate insights on the geological potential of new critical mineral sources in Canada. Grants and contribution payments will be non-repayable. |
| Expected results | In 2025-2026, GEM-GeoNorth will initiate the grant disbursement for new projects stemming from the call for proposals launched in autumn 2024. GEM-GeoNorth funds will be used to primarily support:
A call for 2025-2027 TGI grant proposals was launched in the fall of 2024. In 2025-2026, TGI management will complete execution of the successful grant agreements and disburse funds based on performance indicators defined in the agreements. From April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2027, CMGD will disburse non-repayable contribution funding to successful recipients of the 2023 and 2024 call for proposals who met the performance indicators defined in the agreements. |
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | 2021-22 |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Continuation |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2025-26 |
| General targeted recipient groups | GEM-GeoNorth, TGI and CMMI eligible recipients are:
|
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | GEM-GeoNorth is hosting its final call for grant proposals in the fall of 2024. This call for proposals will support projects from April 2025 to March 2027. An email blast was done to reach numerous Northern contacts. This call was amplified through the GSC X channel. The window for applications has been extended compared to previous years to ensure that the Program reaches its target population. GEM-GeoNorth employees will be promoting the call for proposals at three upcoming northern focused conferences: the Geoscience Forum in Whitehorse, the Geoscience Forum in Yellowknife and ArcticNet in Ottawa. Attendance at these events will help reach the target audience. The request for applications is ongoing. The call for proposals to the CMGD and TGI initiatives are launched on the respective NRCan websites, social media sites and distributed to members of the National Geological Surveys of Canada Committee and academic networks. Proponents request an application package by email and submit completed packages by either email or registered mail. Successful applicants are notified by email and submit semi-annual progress reports to receive grant or contribution funding, as defined in the agreements. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $1,297,000 | $1,297,000 | $1,297,000 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $2,562,514 | $3,500,000 | $2,500,000 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $3,859,514 | $4,797,000 | $3,797,000 | $0 |
| Start date | April 1, 2020 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | March 31, 2026 |
| Type of transfer payment | Grants |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2023-24 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Enhanced competitiveness of Canada’s natural resource sector |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Forest Sector Competitiveness |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | Natural Resource Canada’s (NRCan) Forest Innovation Program (FIP) transfers funding to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to deliver the Canadian Forest Sector Workforce Diversity Supplement. The objectives of this grant, which supplements the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards as well as Canada Graduate Scholarships (Master’s, Doctoral and Postgraduate), are to:
|
| Expected results | Increased opportunities for historically under-represented groups to participate in the Canadian forest sector. Performance indicator: Number of forest-sector based scholarships awarded to individuals from targeted underrepresented groups (women, Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities) This will encourage these students to pursue studies and careers in fields related to the Canadian forest sector, especially in historically underrepresented groups. |
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable, new program. |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2024-25 |
| General targeted recipient groups |
|
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | NSERC manages most delivery aspects of this grant, ensuring coordination within NRCan through consultation with staff. Information about the funding is communicated through the NSERC website and engagement will post-secondary institutions. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $300,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $0 | $300,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Start date | April 1, 2022 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | March 31, 2026 |
| Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2021-22 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada’s natural resources are sustainable |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Sustainable Forest Management |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The purpose is:
|
| Expected results | This program will ultimately contribute to the same results and indictors applicable to the broader NRCan Wildfire Resilience program; namely, the provision of rigorously calibrated and validated forest maps and geospatial datasets to practitioners and communities in Canada’s North, enabling them to better understand fire risk and plan mitigation activities. Dialogues seek to share information with, and gather input from, Indigenous groups who may have an interest in or may be affected by policies and options addressed by the policy dialogue. As stated in the Terms and Conditions for Indigenous Participation in Dialogue, results will be measured by all or some of the following:
|
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable, new program. |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2024-25 |
| General targeted recipient groups | Indigenous recipients: The target groups are Indigenous communities in the northern forest mapping area. The program will engage Indigenous Peoples in data collection activities within their territories and initiate discussions on how to ensure the collected data benefits northern and Indigenous communities, including integration with Indigenous community-based ecosystem monitoring. |
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | An Indigenous Liaison will be hired, as part of the funding for Mapping Community Wildfire Risk to work closely with Indigenous Peoples on design and delivery of the contribution program. Past staffing efforts faced challenges, particularly with qualified personnel for northern regions. Therefore, future hiring approaches may be adjusted to better support this initiative if the northern forest mapping program is renewed. More details about engagement of applicants and recipients will be available in the future. Initiatives will be supported by the expertise of existing contribution programs, including the Indigenous Forestry Initiative. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $75,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $0 | $75,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Start date | July 1, 2023 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | March 31, 2027 |
| Type of transfer payment | Grants and Contribution |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2023-24 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canadians are engaged in the future of the new and inclusive resource economy |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Forest Sector Competitiveness |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The purpose of the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) program is to advance Indigenous reconciliation in the forest sector. The objective of the program is to support Indigenous-identified priorities to accelerate Indigenous awareness, influence, inclusion and leadership in the sector. Historically, IFI support focused on Indigenous-led economic development and Indigenous participation in the forest sector economy. The IFI has $1 million in annual funding. In 2023, IFI received a three-year, $16.6 million renewal ($13 million in total investments to proponents) with a refocused mandate to support broader Indigenous forest-sector priorities (e.g., knowledge and science activities, stewardship, engagement, and consultation), in addition to Government of Canada priorities, which include: advancing reconciliation and enhancing economic development outcomes in Indigenous communities. At a departmental level, the program directly supports the Minister of Natural Resources’ mandated commitments to support forest sector competitiveness, advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, and the Department’s Program Activity 1.2 – Innovation for new products and processes and Sub-Program 1.2.2 – Forest sector innovation. This program provides non-repayable grants (new in 2023-24) and contributions. The addition of a grant funding mechanism (piloted at $3 million over three years) will test the demand for capacity support to rights-holding Indigenous collectives to prepare for, and participate in, industry and provincial-led sustainable forest management planning and forest policy development and engage in related fora. Funding for these aspects has been identified as a barrier for some Indigenous groups in implementing their rights with regard to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent. |
| Expected results | The IFI expects to continue to align more closely with Indigenous forest sector priorities through ongoing outreach, knowledge sharing, and collaborative development. As of October 2024, IFI had 56 Contribution Agreements and 38 Grant Agreements under active management. While all IFI contribution funding has been allocated, the program expects to accept additional grant applications to allocate remaining funds. IFI grants are expected to bolster Indigenous preparation and participation in industry and Government-led sustainable forest management planning, forest policy development, and other instances where free, prior, and informed consent is sought for forest sector development. Grants support low-risk, high-impact activities where ongoing federal monitoring is not necessary, due to the certainty of project outcomes. IFI will start reporting on the following performance indicators, approved by TBS in Spring 2024:
|
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable, new program. |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable. |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2024-25 |
| General targeted recipient groups | Targeted recipient groups include:
**Non-Indigenous entities must be validly incorporated or registered in Canada and working with or on behalf of one or more endorsing Indigenous partner organization(s). |
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients |
|
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $3,333,000 | $3,334,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $4,333,000 | $4,334,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Start date | August 23, 2016 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | Ongoing |
| Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2023-24 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Natural resource sectors are innovative |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Cumulative Effects |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | 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 2025-26 will be on supporting national Indigenous organizations, further engagement related to development of regulations under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CERA), and engagement mechanisms and partnerships with regional-based Indigenous groups/organizations across the country through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables following a distinctions-based approach. This transfer payment program does not have any repayable contributions. |
| Expected results | The expected results for this program focus on engagement of Indigenous groups with the Crown or its representatives in dialogue related to the NRCan mandate. Examples of such dialogue include policy discussions related to modernization of regulations pursuant to the CERA. These terms and conditions also link to NRCan’s Departmental Results Framework core responsibility: Globally Competitive Natural Resource Sectors and Innovative and Sustainable Natural Resource Development. Dialogue seeks to share information with, and gather input from, Indigenous groups who may have an interest in or may be affected by policies and options addressed by the policy dialogue. Results will be measured by:
|
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | No evaluation is currently planned for this program due to its very low materiality. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning exercise. |
| General targeted recipient groups | Eligible Recipients will be:
Eligible recipients may further distribute funding to one or more persons and/or entities to conduct approved project activities. Eligible recipients will have independence in their choice of the persons and/or entities to which they further distribute funding, with minimal guidance from Natural Resources Canada (as set forth in program Terms and Conditions) and will not be acting as an agent of the government in making distributions. The roles and responsibilities of eligible recipients, including compliance with program Terms and Conditions, will be established through a contribution agreement with Natural Resources Canada. |
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | NRCan has engaged through a one-window approach via bi-weekly meetings and email correspondence. These touchpoints ensure compliance with the requirements of the contribution agreements and support access to funding in a timely manner. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $5,632,857 | $1,258,000 | $714,000 | $634,000 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $5,632,857 | $1,258,000 | $714,000 | $634,000 |
| Start date | April 1, 2018 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | Ongoing |
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2018-19 |
| Link to departmental result(s) |
|
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Forest Sector Competitiveness |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program |
|
| Expected results | Tree Planting Innovation: New technologies to reduce cost of seedling production for tree planting programs while at the same time reduce plastic waste related to seedling production. High Resolution Mapping: New technology to enable the production of high-resolution vegetative maps to help fight forest fires. Performance Measures:
|
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | Although there is no mandatory requirement for evaluation under the 2016 Treasury Board Policy on Results, spending under this transfer payment program will be considered within the context of evaluations of the NRCan inventory programs that include the funded projects. |
| General targeted recipient groups | For-profit Canadian small to medium businesses that are incorporated in Canada, with research and development activities. |
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | Innovative Solutions Canada is an initiative designed to engage applicants and recipients on behalf of the Department that issues and funds the challenge. Innovative Solutions Canada is an ISED Program and NRCan is one of 21 participating Departments. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $2,000,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $2,000,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Start date | June 5, 2023 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | March 31, 2026 |
| Type of transfer payment | Assessed Contribution |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2023-2024 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Enhanced competitiveness of Canada’s natural resource sectors |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Forest Sector Competitiveness |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) is an international organization that provides a unique framework for cooperation between tropical timber producers and consumers. It promotes the sustainable management and conservation of tropical forests and the expansion and diversification of international trade in tropical timber from sustainably managed and legally harvested forests. Payment of mandatory assessed contributions to ITTO is a requirement of Members pursuant to the International Tropical Timber Agreement, which states that expenses necessary for the administration of the ITTA shall be met by annual contributions paid by members. This contribution is non-repayable. |
| Expected results | The expected results of the assessed contributions and grant(s) to ITTO are for Canada to help meet commitments related to halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation in tropical countries, to enhance its environmental reputation, and to contribute to efforts to combat illegal and unsustainable logging. These results will support Canada's key international priorities related to climate change, biodiversity loss and response to the global food crisis. |
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable, new program. |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2024-25 |
| General targeted recipient groups |
|
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | There are no initiatives to engage applicants and recipients. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $120,000 | $120,000 | $120,000 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $0 | $120,000 | $120,000 | $120,000 |
| Start date | March 31, 2023 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | March 31, 2028 |
| Type of transfer payment | Grants |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2022-23 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada’s natural resources are sustainable |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Electricity Resources |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The Offshore Wind Predevelopment Program includes grant funding totalling $400,000 over four fiscal years (2023-24 to 2026-27) to support Indigenous and coastal communities in disseminating information on offshore wind development (e.g., hosting internal workshops, meetings, seeking outside expertise, etc.). Indigenous and coastal communities will be eligible to apply to this program on an annual basis and will be able to seek a maximum of $10,000, with a total of $100,000 being disbursed annually to eligible recipients. |
| Expected results | The expected result for this program is $400,000 in grants allocated to target recipient groups by March 31st, 2027. |
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable, new program. |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2024-25 |
| General targeted recipient groups | Targeted recipient groups for the grant funding include:
|
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | Following program launch, officials will invite Indigenous groups, fishing organizations and associations, as well as other interested parties, to apply for grant funding from the Offshore Wind Indigenous and Coastal Communities Grant Funding stream. Officials will share information through email and social media outreach. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $100,000 | $120,000 | $120,000 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $100,000 | $120,000 | $120,000 | $0 |
| Start date | April 13, 2017 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | Ongoing |
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017-18 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | This authority is a mechanism to further existing program objectives and can potentially be linked to all departmental results found in the Departmental Results Framework. |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Various |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The objectives of the Outreach and Engagement terms and conditions is to 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:
|
| Expected results | This authority is a mechanism to further program objectives. The funding disbursed will be considered in the context of aligned program evaluations. 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. The planned results (outcomes) are that:
|
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | Due to its low materiality and being distributed among numerous inventory programs, no evaluation is currently planned for this program. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning exercise. |
| General targeted recipient groups |
|
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients rely directly from those in place within the programs, which make use of this funding mechanism to further program objectives. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $3,784,875 | $3,501,000 | $2,001,000 | $2,001,000 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $3,784,875 | $3,501,000 | $2,001,000 | $2,001,000 |
| Start date | April 13, 2017 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | Ongoing |
| Type of transfer payment | Contribution |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017-18 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | This authority is a mechanism to further existing program objectives and can potentially be linked to all departmental results found in the Departmental Results Framework |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Various |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program |
|
| Expected results | Funding will be disbursed in accordance with project evaluations. The planned results (outcomes) are:
|
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | Due to its low materiality and being distributed among numerous inventory programs, no evaluation is currently planned for this program. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual evaluation planning exercise. |
| General targeted recipient groups |
|
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients rely directly from those in place within the programs, which make use of this funding mechanism to further program objectives. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total contributions | $1,696,568 | $2,180,000 | $2,180,000 | $2,180,000 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $1,696,568 | $2,180,000 | $2,180,000 | $2,180,000 |
| Start date | April 1, 2024 |
|---|---|
| End dateFootnote * | March 31, 2028 |
| Type of transfer payment | Grants |
| Type of appropriation | Estimates |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2023-24 |
| Link to departmental result(s) | Communities and officials have the tools to safeguard Canadians from natural hazards and explosives |
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Wildfire Risk Management |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | As part of the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative, the purpose and objective of this grant is to support the development and exchange of knowledge, tools and resources by and for Indigenous communities and to support capacity building to increase the use of cultural practices and Indigenous knowledge as a fire risk management tool. There are no repayable contributions under this program. |
| Expected results | The expected results are:
|
| Fiscal year of last completed evaluation | Not applicable, new program. |
| Decision following the results of last evaluation | Not applicable. |
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2024-25 |
| General targeted recipient groups |
|
| Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients | In 2025-26, NRCan will have ongoing engagement with recipients to develop and monitor grant agreements with successful applicants selected under the Build and Mobilize Foundational Wildland Fire Knowledge Call for Applications. |
| Type of transfer payment | 2024-25 forecast spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Total contributions | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total program | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |