Natural Resources Canada 2025-26 Departmental plan

In 2025-26, the Department will continue to provide expert advice to support the management of Canada’s natural resources. The Department also collaborates with Indigenous Peoples and other stakeholders to advance its scientific knowledge and capacity.

Geospatial Data

The Canadian Geodetic Survey (CGS) provides the foundational spatial reference needed for all applications that require precise positioning, including boundary determination, accurate water levels determination, precision agriculture, construction, mining and navigation. The CGS is undergoing a major update in 2025-2026 to modernize and ensure compatibility of national spatial reference systems across North America.

Similarly, NRCan’s satellite stations track and receive data in near real-time for mapping, weather, surveillance, and other purposes. In 2025-26 and beyond, the Department will invest in the ground segment, including the installation of new antennas, upgrades, and improvements to the Earth Observation Data Management System related to data processing, access and storage.

NRCan also provides world-class research to Canadians through GEO.ca, Open Maps, the Open Science and Data Platform (OSDP) and other websites. The Department will collaborate with Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, and other departments and agencies to expand the OSDP for access to thousands of publications, maps, and other information to monitor the status of our changing lands, water, and infrastructure. Additionally, with the GeoAI pipeline now fully operational, 1 million square kilometres of timely, high-quality foundational data will be accessible at no cost through the Open Data portal, enhancing data-driven decision-making. Under the National Elevation Data Strategy, High-Resolution Digital Elevation Data and Mosaic are updated biannually, making new data and 3-D building footprints available for land use planning in 2025-26 and the future.

Geospatial data will also be advanced through the Canadian Geomatics Accord and the Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program. The Department will collaborate to plan and co-fund high-resolution elevation and imagery datasets to inform land-use planning and climate adaptation decisions, ensuring better flood protection for Canadians. Similarly, NRCan will also continue work in Geoscience through its Geoscience for mineral and Northern development program as well as its Geoscience for land management program and Geoscience for climate and disaster resilience program. The Department, through the Geological Survey of Canada will also focus on minerals, transition to clean, renewable and reliable energy, support for infrastructure and supply chain management, climate change geoscience adaptation and sovereignty. The research will align with community priorities, contributing to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

In Canada’s north, the Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP) will continue to enable research and operations in the Arctic. In 2025-26, the PCSP will provide services to its clients, including academic researchers, federal and territorial governments, Indigenous groups and international researchers, contributing to increased knowledge of the Canadian landmass, the impacts of climate change, economic and social development, and the exercise of sovereignty in these areas.

Work to transition the National Air Photo Library to a virtual library will continue in 2025-26. This involves extensive digitization of its collection of aerial photographs dating back to the 1920s, which help understand changes in Canada’s land and water over time, supporting climate change science and emergency management.

Indigenous Land Management

The Department is committed to advancing reconciliation and will continue making photos of historical residential school sites freely available to Indigenous communities. It will also continue working on official geographical place names, including names that are approved in multiple Indigenous languages, collected from federal, provincial and territorial naming authorities. These official place names remain foundational to Canada’s Basemap, which supports both official languages and authoritative administrative boundaries.

The Department’s Surveyor General Branch will begin the process of modernizing the Canada Lands Surveys Act and focus efforts on finalizing the modernization of the Canada Lands Survey System. This initiative includes expanding the successful growth of First Nations Land Management and supporting the establishment of a First Nation Land Governance Registry, along with a new organization dedicated to its management.

The Gwich’in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement, a five-year land survey program in the Northwest Territories, will enter year five in 2025. The Surveyor General Branch will work with the Gwich’in Department of Lands and the Gwich’in Tribal Council to implement Canada’s obligations under the treaty to complete surveys and demarcate Gwich’in lands. The Branch will also support work on upcoming Comprehensive Land Claim Agreements (CLCA) by developing land survey programs as necessary.

Boundary Definitions

Canada is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Law Of the Sea (UNCLOS) treaty to define the extent of Canada’s continental shelves and file submissions with the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (Article 76). In 2025-26, the Department will undertake a new survey in the central Arctic Ocean to begin mapping the full length of Alpha Ridge and Mendeleev Rise. Scientists from Canada will work with colleagues from Denmark, Germany, Sweden and the United States. The data acquired will be used to validate Canada’s outer limits and support the revision of Canada’s Arctic Ocean submission to the United Nations.

Similarly, an effective Canada-United States boundary is essential for the security of Canadians and the preservation of Canada’s sovereignty. The Canadian Section of the International Boundary Commission, in co-operation with its United States counterpart, will continue work on preserving and maintaining a clear and visible boundary between Canada and the United States. These projects will include field surveys, maintenance, vegetation management (vista clearing), as well as inspections along various sections of the international boundary.

Geoscience Initiatives

Critical minerals will remain crucial in the transition to a low carbon economy. For this reason, the Department will continue running scientific partnerships and programs that mitigate the risks of key mineral exploration. The Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data initiative, implemented in collaboration with provinces and territories through the Pan-Canadian Geoscience Strategy, will boost stakeholder confidence and accelerate responsible exploration and development of critical minerals in Canada through the development of integrated datasets, knowledge, and predictive models. The Targeted Geoscience Initiative will also support the development of next-generation geological models, tools and knowledge and the training of new geoscientists in the industry. The Critical Minerals Mapping Initiative (CMMI) will continue to develop a comprehensive database of critical minerals that will be bolstered by collaboration with international partners to inform stakeholders of critical mineral opportunities grounded in environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles. CMMI will also advance understanding of known resources, determine geologic controls on critical mineral distribution for deposits currently producing by-products, identify potential new sources of supply, and promote critical mineral discovery.

Furthermore, the Environmental Geoscience Program will develop geoscience knowledge, datasets, methods and tools to support environmental assessments and evidence-based responsible decision-making for terrestrial environmental stewardship. The results will also help advance ESG and address government priorities such as the horizontal initiative on impact assessment and regulatory processes, critical minerals, energy transition, unconventional resources, climate change, reconciliation with Indigenous communities, the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, the renewal of the Canada Water Act (led by the Canada Water Agency), and the emerging National Freshwater Science Agenda.

As part of the National Research Council’s Quantum Research and Development Initiative, the Geological Survey of Canada will use cutting-edge quantum geophysical sensors to improve targeting of buried mineral deposits and other geophysical anomalies. This research, done in collaboration with Defense Research and Development Canada, will further refine best-practice acquisition and processing regimes for quantum sensor arrays mounted on uncrewed aerial vehicles. Outcomes will advance applications in both mineral exploration and surveillance efforts, while strengthening Canada’s quantum-ready talent pool. The GeoEnergy Program will continue to focus geoscience research on new and emerging geoenergy resources and geological storage reservoirs in the subsurface. The specific research focus areas include characterization and monitoring of geological reservoirs for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), characterization of geological reservoirs for hydrogen storage, and understanding the potential for natural hydrogen and geothermal energy sources present in the geological environment. Providing foundational and accessible geoscience information within these research themes will help decrease risks associated with the exploration and development of clean, renewable energy sources, supporting the Government of Canada’s goals of reaching net-zero by 2050.

The Marine Geoscience program including the Marine conservation Targets, Marine renewables, and Marine Geoscience for Marine Spatial Planning will advance the science that informs the sustainable use of marine resources and highlight any potential hazards to their development. Through a robust analysis of seafloor geology and sediment transport processes, the research will provide key information to stakeholders in resource extraction, marine renewable energy development, and in the designation of marine protected areas.

Undoubtedly, the impacts of climate change are exacerbating disasters in Canada and worldwide. Protecting Canadians from natural and human-made hazards and mitigating their effects is a shared responsibility, involving all levels of government, civil society, academia and Indigenous peoples. As such, the Department will provide exhaustive data to a range of stakeholders on hazards. NRCan will contribute to national codes and standards through Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy and the Climate Science 2050 synthesis. The Department will support land use planning decisions, Canada’s commitments under the United Nations Sendai Framework (Priority 1 – Understanding Risk) and action on Sustainable Development Goals (Sustainable Cities and Communities; Climate Action).

Monitoring Hazards and Explosives

NRCan’s Geological Survey of Canada will continue to refine knowledge and maps—where, when, and how geohazards (including earthquakes, submarine and terrestrial landslides, tsunamis, volcanoes, and coastal hazards) occur across Canada. It will also develop techniques to effectively monitor and better understand landslides and volcanoes; monitor, map and predictively model changes in permafrost, glaciers, coastal erosion and sea-level, to support climate adaptation decisions and a systems-based approach to climate change; explore a whole-of-system understanding of dynamic environments, from mountain top to seafloor, to support resilient decision-making in a changing climate; and provide advice on the potential impacts of natural hazards in Canada through open and easily accessible data.

In 2025-26, the Canadian Hazards Information Service will also continue to provide authoritative 24/7 information on earthquake occurrence based on a national seismic sensor networks, as well as earthquake early warnings for the public and critical infrastructure operators, and earthquake hazard models to support the National Building Code of Canada. The service will continue to provide forecasts and alerts for extreme space weather events to critical infrastructure and contribute to hazard notifications for tsunamis and volcanic eruptions. Further, the Department will provide 24/7 on-call operational capabilities to detect radioactive materials in the environment, ensuring Canada’s technical obligations are met under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, including the provision of specialized technical support on matters of nuclear detection.

NRCan’s Emergency Geomatics Service transforms satellite data into geo-intelligence products that are shared with federal, provincial and territorial partners, so emergency responders can make informed decisions about responding to natural disasters. The service is provided on a best effort basis and relies primarily on the RADARSAT Constellation Mission imagery to produce and distribute its flood and ice jam maps to government operations centres and the public. This vital service will continue in 2025-26.

In 2021, the Explosives, Regulatory and Business Services Branch (ERBSB) launched a review of the Explosives Regulations, 2013, with the goal of modernizing safety and security regulatory requirements to keep pace with an evolving explosives sector and to improve service delivery efficiency. To address the results of that review, ERBSB is bringing forward two omnibus amendments packages. The first package came into force in May 2024. The second package of proposed amendments will continue to be advanced through formal consultations with the aim of coming into force in 2025-26.

ERBSB has also launched a project to modernize its current explosives licensing management system to ensure a more connected, reliable and interactive system for stakeholders, partners, as well as its inspectors. The goal is to complete the overhaul and launch a modernized system in 2025-26. ERBSB will also continue to advance other key modernization initiatives to improve explosives safety and security, such as enhancing stakeholder outreach through education and awareness campaigns to increase compliance with the explosives regime and establishing a data analytics capacity to better identify emerging risks and trends. The results of these initiatives will be measured to determine their impact on inspection results and accidents and initiatives starting in 2025-26.

Wildfire Mitigation and Pest Management

Under the Emergency Management Strategy, and the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative, NRCan enhances whole-of-society collaboration and governance, to strengthen resilience to wildfires, and improve the understanding of disaster risks. The Department also mobilizes the operational application of wildfire management knowledge, including Indigenous knowledge, both internationally and domestically, thereby increasing disaster prevention and mitigation, and enhancing disaster response capacity and coordination, while fostering innovative forest management capabilities and approaches.

NRCan also contributes to wildfire resilience through the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate program. The Department strengthens capabilities and response efforts by training community-based firefighters, particularly in Indigenous communities, and provides provincial and territorial governments with funding for additional wildland fire firefighting equipment.

Furthermore, the Department leads and invests in scientific research that provides knowledge and tools enhancing prevention, control and mitigation of pests and diseases in natural, rural, and urban forests, and their spread through international trade. In collaboration with provincial governments, the forest industry and academia in Atlantic Canada, NRCan will continue the implementation of Phase III of the Spruce Budworm Early Intervention Strategy to preserve ecological services provided by forests, quality jobs, and economic vitality for forest-reliant communities in the region.

Our climate is changing rapidly and evidence of this is visible year-round through various impacts, including heatwaves, coastal erosion, invasive forest pests, forest fires and floods. In 2025-26, NRCan will provide essential science and knowledge products to support adaptation and resilience measures under the National Adaptation Strategy. Within the Strategy, NRCan’s Climate Change Adaptation Program increases climate change resiliency in natural resources sectors and communities through initiatives that enhance knowledge on the economics of adaptation and climate risk, build the capacity and skills needed in a changing climate, and increase access to tools and resources. NRCan’s Climate Resilient Coastal Communities Program provides regional, systems-based adaptation and climate resilience solutions for coastal communities and businesses. The Program addresses regional disparities in adaptation, provides access to adaptation resources for Indigenous, northern, and remote communities, and develops guidance on developing short and long-term actions that are aligned and regionally integrated to reduce costs and offer co-benefits. NRCan’s Forest Climate Change Program provides adaptation and mitigation solutions through expertise, tools and collaboration with Canadian forest sector and communities. The Program addresses foundational gaps in Canada’s forest carbon analysis tools, provides adaptation research to monitor tree growth and forest productivity, and analyzes climate change impacts towards tree regeneration.

Similarly, in 2025-26, the Department will continue to assess which sustainable forest management activities and harvested wood products achieve maximum reductions in GHG emissions to achieve a low carbon economy, supporting Canada’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Research on the effects of earth surface processes, such as coastal erosion and permafrost degradation, will also continue to create timely, evidence-based adaptation measures and reduce the risks of maladaptation as outlined by the UN Climate Change Report. This information is made available to key stakeholders--provincial, territorial and municipal governments, other federal organizations, industry--to inform critical decisions.

Clean Technology

Transitioning to a sustainable low carbon future requires leadership, investments, and leveraging innovation and new technologies. NRCan advances world-class RD&D of new clean energy technologies and solutions through initiatives such as the Energy Innovation Program; the Program of Energy Research and Development; the Carbon Management suite of activities; Energy Efficient Buildings Research, Development and Demonstrations; and the Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program. In 2025-26, through targeted grants and contributions and in collaboration with federal CanmetENERGY laboratories and key stakeholders, NRCan will support energy RD&D focused on carbon management, clean and sustainable fuels, electricity, batteries, smart grids, transportation, buildings, methane and industry. These efforts will accelerate energy systems transformation and ultimately help to reduce GHG emissions. NRCan will also continue to play an international leadership role working through Mission Innovation and the International Energy Agency to accelerate energy RD&D globally.

NRCan will also work with federal partners and stakeholders to support a coordinated approach to clean technology innovation and investment in Canada’s natural resources sector by providing technical guidance to Finance Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency on a suite of Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits aimed at attracting investment, and supporting innovation and the creation of sustainable jobs. The suite of major economic investment tax credits is expected to provide $93B in support to projects that will accelerate Canada's transition towards net zero, such as carbon capture, clean hydrogen, renewable energy, and energy storage. These measures are a key pillar in supporting the growth of Canada's clean economy. Along with Canada Revenue Agency which administers the tax system, NRCan plays an important legislated role with respect to ITC administration in the domain to scientific and engineering maters of eligibility.

The Department will also continue to assist Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) in the implementation of the Strategic Innovation Fund Net-Zero Accelerator Initiative, which supports large-scale investments in key industrial sectors across the country to ensure that Canada remains competitive in a net-zero economy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

The Clean Growth Hub (CGH), a horizontal initiative co-led by NRCan and ISED (in partnership with 16 other federal departments and agencies) will continue to serve as the federal focal point for clean technology, ensuring that innovators and adopters are better equipped to make decisions related to clean technology innovation and deployment, and economic growth. The CGH will provide tailored services to clients, including underrepresented groups, and aim to address emerging clean technology needs such as leveraging government procurement, facilitating stronger connections with clean technology adopters, strengthening understanding of unique regional needs, and using generative AI to enhance productivity.

Further, the Department will co-deliver with ISED the Clean Technology Data Strategy to provide robust data and analysis to track the economic, environmental, and social contributions of the cleantech sector. This will inform both public and private sector policy and program development to support economic growth and innovation across Canada's clean technology landscape.

Through green mining innovation, the Department will assist the mining industry in adopting new technologies to meet the challenges of accessing, extracting, and transforming Canada’s mineral resource potential into useful products in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. NRCan’s R&D will promote stakeholder outreach and engagement platforms to expand the knowledge base of new green technologies and transformative mining technologies and practices; provide decision makers with access to evidence-based scientific knowledge to inform policies, regulations, codes and standards; and develop new green and transformative mining related technologies for advancement towards pre-commercialization.

Innovative Approaches to Data Development

For informed decision-making, the Department will continue to use innovative approaches to advance Earth Observation, Spatial Data Infrastructures, and geospatial data development. This work supports government priorities, including climate change and emergency preparedness. It assesses the impacts of drought, coastal erosion and wetland changes, particularly in the Arctic.

In 2025-26, through innovative geospatial technology, the Department will facilitate dissemination of key science outputs to stakeholders and the public. Specifically, the AI Data Pipeline, which automatically extracts and maps roads, forested areas, buildings, and surface water will generate new geospatial products and analysis-ready data for sound decisions. The Department is also exploring quantum computing to enhance AI data extraction technology. Work will continue on the implementation of the Earth Observation for Cumulative Effects activity, now progressing to Phase 2, enabling the development of status and trends data describing environmental variables, trends data in regional assessments and geospatial data in impact assessment. Further, the GeoConnections program will continue driving the evolution of Spatial Data Infrastructures with standards-based technologies, partnerships, and governance to support climate change monitoring, flood hazard identification, and other data initiatives dissemination as open data through portals like DataCube, GEO.ca, and the OSDP.

The Fibre Solutions Program will continue to advance R&D, technology and scientific development to support sustainable forest management and increase the resiliency of the forests. Targeted innovative research and development to support sustainable forest management with the objective to increase the resiliency of forests will continue. In 2025-26, work will continue on timber and fibre traceability and wood identification methods; studies and trials on tree regeneration, vegetation, and stand density management to maintain and increase forest productivity under global change; high-resolution projections of trees and stands using new technologies for increasing precision; and tools to advance the digital transformation of the forest sector and support the emerging bioeconomy.

Energy Efficiency

Improving energy efficiency is a shared responsibility, requiring all levels of government, external stakeholders, and the public taking coordinated actions. In 2025-26, NRCan’s Energy Efficiency Program plans to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy demand, address affordability for Canadian households, improve competitiveness for industries, and support climate goals. Canada’s Energy Efficiency Act provides the basis for making and enforcing regulations concerning efficiency standards and labelling for energy consuming products, as well as for collecting data on energy use. Modernizing the Act will enable it to continue playing a pivotal role in driving energy efficient improvements in a complex virtual marketplace, while improving system effectiveness and accountabilities, and reducing administrative costs. Also, planned amendments to the Energy Efficiency Regulations will update or add energy efficiency standards, testing standards or labels for selected energy-using products. ENERGY STAR Canada will continue to create targets for energy savings through program and certification of products, homes, buildings and industrial facilities.

The Codes Acceleration Fund will promote the adoption and implementation of the highest feasible energy performance tiers of the national model energy codes or other high performance building codes. The program provides funding supports to provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and other national and non-governmental organizations. The Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative will provide funding to help building owners undertake deep retrofits in commercial, institutional and mid- or high-rise multi-unit residential buildings in Canada. The Department will also provide expert advice, enabling services, and other resources to federal organizations to help them achieve energy efficiency and GHG emissions reduction targets under the Greening Government Strategy. Industrial energy efficiency programming, including the Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program, will offer energy efficiency and energy management solutions which improve industrial sector energy performance, and contribute to Canada’s competitiveness, economic and climate change goals.

Decarbonizing transportation and Clean Fuel

The 2024 Fall Economic Statement affirmed that biofuels represent a valuable economic opportunity for Canada and acknowledged the government’s awareness of the emerging competitiveness challenges facing the sector from production incentives available to US producers. It was also announced that the government will be ready to deliver on the Budget 2024 commitment to disburse up to $500 million per year from the Clean Fuel Regulations proceeds fund in support of biofuels production as the stringency of the Clean Fuel Regulations increases and contributions from regulated parties accelerate. NRCan will continue to provide support in undertaking this initiative.

The Department will also continue to advance the strategic priorities identified in the Hydrogen Strategy Progress Report. This includes working with the CRA to administer the Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit, specifically receiving and assessing applications; finalizing the bilateral funding window with Germany to advance hydrogen trade; working with stakeholders to advance domestic opportunities for low-carbon hydrogen production and use, by advancing development of hydrogen hubs and corridors; and, supporting the development of clean fuels codes and standards, including to fill gaps for clean hydrogen production, delivery and storage, and end-use in Canada, and acting on recommendations in the Canadian hydrogen codes and standards roadmap.

Finally, the Department will work to support federal/provincial trilateral working groups by monitoring international ammonia markets and subsidy programs, engaging with industry stakeholders, and analyzing information to assess Canada’s competitiveness in the global emerging low carbon ammonia market.

Clean Electricity

To drive progress towards a net-zero electricity grid by 2050, the Department will continue to play a key role in supporting the expanded use of non-emitting electricity, both as a proportion of electricity use, and as a source of energy for other sectors, such as industrial, heating, and transportation. The dual challenge of decarbonizing Canada’s grids and building more generating capacity, and the opportunities that it presents, were laid out in Canada’s first Clean Electricity Strategy, released in 2024. The Strategy brought together a suite of Government-wide initiatives and measures that are driving progress toward a net-zero grid, including NRCan-led initiatives. In 2025-2026, the Department will continue implementing the Strategy’s action items.

Through the Smart Renewables Electrification Pathways Program, the Department will invest approximately $4.5 billion through fiscal year 2035 to support the deployment of electricity infrastructure projects, including wind, solar, storage, transmission, and grid modernization that will help to grow the grid in a sustainable, affordable and reliable manner. The Department will continue to implement emerging renewable energy projects (geothermal) approved through the Emerging Renewable Power Program.

NRCan also supports collaboration between the Governments of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia to advance the transition to net-zero electricity, including identifying necessary investments. This includes working with federal partners and provinces on moving forward with the first phase of the modified Atlantic Loop. Furthermore, NRCan will continue managing the $250 million Electricity Predevelopment Program to support predevelopment activities associated with clean electricity.

Work with Indigenous, Rural and Remote Communities

The Government of Canada supports Indigenous, rural, and remote communities in reducing diesel and other fossil fuel consumption for heat and power by implementing clean energy alternatives. As outlined in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, the Department continues to deliver the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program to support projects through community-driven clean energy solutions, creating sustainable jobs and economic development opportunities. Access to the CERRC program is being implemented through Wah-ila-toos, a ‘no-wrong-door’ approach to accessing federal funding for capacity building and clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities, which includes programming from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Indigenous Services Canada and other federal departments.

Through the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI), NRCan supports Indigenous-led, community-driven projects that focus on local capacity building, clean energy planning and developing clean energy projects. In 2025-26, the Department will continue to support the 24 Energy Champions from IODI’s first and second cohorts.

Offshore Renewable Energy

NRCan is advancing several initiatives to create the enabling conditions for an offshore renewable energy industry in Canada. On May 30, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-49, which amends the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act and Canada-Newfound and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act (the Accord Acts) to expand the mandate of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board and the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board to include regulation of offshore renewable energy projects. Bill C-49 received Royal Assent on October 3rd, 2024; amendments came into force for the Canada-Nova Scotia area in January 2025, and are expected later in 2025 for the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador area.

The Canada Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations (CORER) came into force on December 16, 2024, and will form the basis of future regulations under the amended Accord Acts.

The Department is advancing the Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations, under Part 5 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act and Part 3 of the Accord Acts, to develop modern safety and environmental protection regulations that will apply to exploration, construction, operation and decommissioning activities related to renewable energy projects and power lines in Canada’s offshore areas. Regulations are targeted for prepublication in Canada Gazette I in 2025.

Other efforts include considering recommendations from the Regional Assessment for Offshore Wind in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, and implementing the Offshore Wind Predevelopment Program to conduct science-based activities, including collecting marine data and supporting a detailed power system modeling effort to help capitalize on Canada’s offshore wind potential off the coasts of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Nuclear Energy and Radioactive Waste Management

To make clean power available and ensure Canada’s reaches its climate and economic growth objectives, the Department is working in collaboration with industry, interested provinces and territories to deploy nuclear energy as a potential tool for emissions reduction within Canada and abroad. The evolution of the former SMR Leadership Table, now known as the Nuclear Energy Leadership Table (NELT), reflects the integral role that both small- and large-scale nuclear reactors will play in supporting Canada’s clean energy mix. NRCan will continue its role as co-chair of the NELT and continue to work with interested provinces and territories, utilities, Indigenous Partners, industry, innovators, laboratories, academia, and civil society to advance nuclear energy priorities in Canada.

The Department is implementing various initiatives to support and strengthen the nuclear energy sector. As such, NRCan is providing up to $29.6 million dollars over four years under the Enabling SMR Program to fund R&D to address waste generated from SMRs and to develop Canadian supply chains for SMR manufacturing and fuel supply. Furthermore, the Department partnered with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council to fund research on SMRs at Canadian universities, as well as Finance Canada to inform the inclusion of nuclear energy in Canada’s Green Bond Framework and the existing suite of investment tax credits to support investments in nuclear electricity generation, nuclear power supply chains, and nuclear fuel production. NRCan has also provided funding to support the advancement of new nuclear projects domestically and abroad that have demonstrable benefits to the Canadian nuclear supply chain and energy security. Announced in the 2024 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada also intends to backstop up to $500 million in enriched nuclear fuel purchase contracts from the U.S. or other allied countries to bolster supply chain resiliency.

Furthermore, NRCan will closely support the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to advance the Government of Canada’s commitment for a ‘one project, one review’ of certain nuclear energy projects and collaborate with these regulatory bodies on the three-year target for nuclear projects announced in Budget 2024. NRCan will also work closely with federal partners, including Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, to implement the Federal Nuclear Science and Technology Work Plan.

NRCan will continue broadening its international collaboration efforts in 2025-26. These include efforts to develop and secure reliable North American nuclear fuel supply chains and build broader partnerships with longstanding allies and partners. Both efforts will help to ensure access to low enriched uranium, including High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium for reactors such as SMRs. NRCan will continue advancing work under the Joint Statement with the Department of Energy in the United States and the civil nuclear fuel security statement signed between five nuclear leaders of the G7 (Canada, France, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States). The building of these partnerships and securing reliable fuel supply will support western countries transition away from Russian-supplied nuclear fuel.

Building on priorities set out in the Policy for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning, the Department will continue to work with waste owners to oversee their implementation of the Integrated Strategy for Radioactive Waste and ensure they are fulfilling their responsibilities with respect to openness and transparency, protection of the environment, and early and ongoing engagement.

Additionally, in November 2024, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) announced selection of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation – Ignace area as the site for Canada’s Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for used nuclear fuel. This decision marks an important step in ensuring the ongoing safe and secure management of used nuclear fuel. As NWMO shift focus to the regulatory review for the DGR, NRCan will continue to provide strong oversight of the NWMO under the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act.

Sustainable Jobs and Climate Change Mitigation

In line with Canada’s energy and climate change policy, the Department leads or co-leads on over 50 measures that support the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which outlines a sector-by-sector path for Canada to reach its emissions reduction target of 40% below 2005 levels by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. These measures include supporting renewable energy and electricity grid modernization ($4.5 billion), energy efficient homes and buildings ($750 million), industrial decarbonization and the Critical Mineral Strategy ($3.8 billion), emissions reductions in the transport sector ($1.08 billion), as well as nature-based solutions to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change while supporting biodiversity.

The Department continues to co-lead, with ECCC, the interdepartmental Climate Plan Implementation committee and will monitor progress and ensure success in achieving Canada’s climate targets. Mechanisms include the ECCC led and NRCan supported Climate Change Mitigation Horizontal Results Framework and the upcoming 2025 ERP Progress Report, which will outline key measures needed across each sector to reach Canada’s 2030 climate target, as well as audits by the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development under the Canadian Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act.

NRCan will also continue to uphold its function as a provider of trusted energy information, developing and refining the relevant knowledge base to support sound policies and decisions. Associated with these efforts, the Department will continue to collaborate with Statistics Canada, ECCC and the Canada Energy Regulator to further expand the Canadian Centre for Energy Information.

In addition, the Department is supporting the energy transition through the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, which received Royal Assent in June 2024. The Act establishes a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from a low-carbon economy. A Sustainable Jobs Secretariat within NRCan, established in accordance with the Act, will proceed into 2025-26 to create the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council and to produce a five-year Sustainable Jobs Action Plan for release by December 31, 2025, in consultation with other government departments.

The Department is working with provinces and territories, including through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables to advance economic priorities in the energy and resource sectors. By collectively identifying and accelerating the most promising opportunities in each region, public dollars and private capital can be strategically maximized to support economic growth, reconciliation, climate outcomes, diversity and equity, and the creation of sustainable jobs.

The Sustainable Forest Management Program will advance the collection, harmonization, management and sharing of forest-related information and produce the annual State of Canada’s Forests report to track progress on sustainability indicators and promote forest ecosystem research to inform the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of forest management practices, including to address climate solutions and biodiversity conservation. Specifically, increased mapping of Canada’s northern forests will enable communities to better prepare for wildfire hazards and support community mitigation measures.

The Cumulative Effects Program also produces tools to help assess the effects of natural resource development in Canada’s forested landmass with a goal to improve the environmental performance of Canada’s non-renewable resource sectors. In 2025-26, near-term priorities include improving understanding of the risks and impacts of cumulative effects on forest ecosystems such as caribou habitat and integrating Indigenous knowledge.

The Department will also continue to advance the 2 Billion Trees Program to contribute to Canada’s GHG and net-zero emissions targets. Other benefits include the restoration of forests for wildlife and biodiversity, improved mental well-being, reduction in urban heat, and increased resilience to wildfires and flooding. 2 Billion Trees Program will continue to fund multi-year tree planting projects with provinces and territories, for profit and non-profit organizations and Indigenous governments and organizations, to work toward the government’s objectives of planting two billion trees.

Energy and Security

Cyber security and climate-related disruptions pose increasing risks to Canada’s energy infrastructure. Strengthening Canada’s energy resilience requires a multifaceted approach—one grounded in collaboration, communication, and coordinated public-private efforts. To bolster infrastructure resilience, the Department advances policies, programs, and initiatives designed to safeguard critical systems. The Department coordinates with the Energy and Utilities Sector Network (EUSN), a public-private forum that partners with national industry associations to improve the energy sector’s resilience. Through the EUSN, members access security tools, regular threat briefings, direct government contacts, and valuable networking opportunities.

Furthermore, the Department integrates energy sector perspectives into national security policies, aligning energy policies with security priorities, and enhancing cross-border cooperation—particularly with the U.S.—to promote sustainable, resilient infrastructure. Initiatives like the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership highlight NRCan’s commitment to shared resilience objectives. As threats grow more complex, NRCan, through Energy Security and Resilience Division (ESRD) provides guidance, resources, and partnerships across government, industry, and academia.

International Investment and Collaboration

The Department works bilaterally and multilaterally with partners to advance an inclusive global transition to net-zero that enables Canada to capitalize on economic opportunities from international trade, while also mitigating risks to energy and economic security. Working with stakeholders, NRCan advances a cooperative model on climate change and clean energy issues to support investment in clean energy projects, foster diverse and resilient supply chains, and nurture innovative solutions. To support economic and energy security, NRCan’s strategic efforts will focus on building Canada’s resilience, and positioning it as a reliable partner in energy and critical minerals supply chains.

NRCan will continue representing Canada in United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change climate technology negotiations, supporting the Climate Technology Centre and Network, and deploying NRCan experts in government-to-government sustainable natural resource management project towards jointly agreed technology and knowledge transfer, and capacity building in developing countries.

NRCan created the Ukraine Task Force following Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and its deliberate attacks on Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure. The work of this Taskforce has become key in providing expertise in energy security, trade, and technical assistance. The Taskforce has made a significant contribution to mobilizing domestic interest (private sector and provinces) to support Ukraine, opening the door for private sector and Canadian participation in an emerging market. For the second year in a row, NRCan led a delegation to the Rebuild Ukraine Tradeshow in Warsaw which consisted of 28 companies from across Canada and government representatives from the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario, and Canadian Senators and parliamentarians. Canada’s participation in private sector reconstruction in the region will continue and contribute to the de-russification of global energy systems and supply chains.

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ENERGY TRADE (2023)

Energy exports $199.1 billion representing:

• 28% of total Canadian goods exports
• Oil and gas domestic exports totalled $177 billion of which 95% were to the U.S.
• Exported energy products to 123 countries
• The U.S. accounts for 89% of energy exports by value ($177.3 billion)

Exports to the U.S	% of Canadian exports destined for U.S.	% of Canadian production exported to U.S.	% of U.S. imports coming from Canada	% of U.S. consumption supplied by Canada
Crude oil	97	78	60	24
Natural gas	>99Footnote *	44	>99	9
Electricity	100	10	85	1
Coal	2	2	19	0.1

Internationally, an increasingly complex geopolitical environment will shape NRCan’s ability to bolster domestic energy and mineral security and expand markets for natural resource commodities. Canada and the United States already share highly integrated energy systems and have an opportunity to build similarly secure and reliable critical mineral supply chains to support key sectors across our economies. Simultaneously, the department will engage with other key partners in Europe and Asia to advance the energy transition and diversify markets for, and seek investment into, Canada's energy, metal and mineral, and forest projects. NRCan will leverage Canada’s G7 Presidency in 2025 to advance these themes and strengthen relationships with G7 partners.

Canada will also advance priorities for accelerating the clean energy transition at the G20, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, Mission Innovation, Clean Energy Ministerial, and the International Renewable Energy Agency, to enhance Canada’s profile as a secure and reliable supplier of clean fuels and provide expert advice in the context of federal project reviews, including on oil, gas and refined product markets, competitiveness and economic viability. Furthermore, NRCan will increase its involvement in United-Nation bodies, notably its participation in the United Nations Climate Change Conference and the Conference on Biological Diversity. In addition to advocating for innovation and sustainability in the energy sector, these platforms will also be used to advance people-centred policies, including equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, and the role of Indigenous participation in natural resource sectors.

Efforts to foster opportunities for Canadian companies in the natural resource sectors will continue to be part of all international engagements. The Department will work to build new opportunities for Canadian companies, expand science and technology collaborations, and attract international investment from additional regions, including Europe. For instance, through Canada’s ongoing free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations (for example, the Canada-ASEAN FTA and Canada-Ecuador FTA) and preparations for the 2026 Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement Review, NRCan will ensure alignment with Canada’s broader trade and investment objectives, while balancing commitments to sustainable, inclusive, and secure economic growth.

Building upon past work under the Government of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, NRCan’s international engagements in the region will contribute to strengthening supply chains, advancing business-to-business relationships, and securing investments in priority sectors. NRCan will also advance secure, sustainable, and reliable North American energy systems and material supply chains with the United States and Mexico. These measures are all directed at increasing the global competitiveness of the natural resources sector.

Canada also supports international engagements in critical mineral-related geoscience, research and development, trade and investment, transparency and sustainability initiatives. In meeting its commitment under the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act and the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act, as well as through bilateral collaboration with likeminded partners and participation in multilateral fora such as the International Energy Agency, G7 and Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Canada demonstrates its global leadership role in critical minerals supply chains.

The Department’s pursuit of a globally competitive forest sector will continue in 2025-26 through a suite of programs, comprising the Forest Innovation Program, Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) Program, the Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) Program, the Indigenous Forestry Initiative, the Global Forest Leadership Program as well as increased capacity to know and understand our forests through the Forest Systems Information and Technology initiative. These programs collectively support a resilient and environmentally sustainable forest sector by catalyzing innovation from seed to market, providing continued support for Indigenous projects, improving climate-related knowledge around forests, enhancing the forest sector’s reputation, and expanding the innovative use of wood in construction as a low-carbon-building material. Funding from these programs will also lead to new jobs and maintaining existing jobs in the forest sector, as well as GHG reductions.

Youth and Green Jobs

In support of Canada’s transition to a net-zero future and to ensure young people in Canada are engaged in the new and inclusive resource economy, the Department will continue delivering its Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP) – Green Jobs, as part of the Government’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). STIP – Green Jobs provides funding to employers to create green jobs and training opportunities for youth in the natural resources sector. The program sets ambitious targets to hire from employment equity groups, while also supporting employers in creating safe and inclusive workplaces.

Indigenous Reconciliation

Through the Indigenous Reconciliation and Regulatory Coordination program in 2025-26, NRCan will help advance the competitiveness of Canada’s natural resources by focusing on the following five key components: Regulatory Coordination; Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships; Indigenous Economic Policy; Advancing Reconciliation; and Expertise in Program Delivery.

Regulatory Coordination

Building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships, and improving impact assessments and traditional land use processes will continue to be a priority in regulatory coordination. NRCan will work closely with provinces, Indigenous groups, and proponents to advance major projects through inter-jurisdictional regulatory and permitting efficiencies. Nòkwewashk will also continue to work closely with Indigenous groups to ensure that any federal Crown consultation obligations on major projects are met in a meaningful and coordinated way. Regulatory development activities will focus on the proposed Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations, a key component of advancing economic reconciliation, as they provide for Indigenous governing bodies to participate in the regulatory process for federally regulated energy projects under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act. Building on the outcomes of Phase 2, Engagement and Regulatory Design, NRCan will support the drafting of these proposed regulations.

Advancing Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships

The Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees (IAMCs) for TMX and Line 3 will continue to advance Indigenous involvement in these major projects by supporting Indigenous monitoring, building Indigenous community capacity in emergency management, and providing advice to government on regulatory issues. Indigenous relationships have been and will be further strengthened through the work of the Indigenous Partnerships Office and the Regional Energy Resource Tables as they work collaboratively to advance reconciliation, incorporate Indigenous perspectives in the transition to net-zero and help remove barriers for Indigenous Nations, communities, businesses, and workers in natural resource and energy development. NRCan will continue to contribute to the advancement of Canada’s international objectives to increase trade and investment in Canada’s natural resource sector by facilitating the participation of Indigenous business leaders in international trade and investment missions to key markets, including Minister-led missions.

Indigenous Economic Policy

Advancing Reconciliation

Using the Pathways to Reconciliation framework as a baseline, NRCan will work towards implementing the resulting Pathways to Reconciliation Action Plan, which was shaped through the contributions of over 400 employees, guidance and direction from NRCan’s Circle of Nations Elders in Residence, executives, and other valued partners. The Pathways to Reconciliation Action Plan will also guide the Department in addressing Government of Canada priorities with respect to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) Action Plan measures, Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, 2SLGBTQIA+ Calls for Justice and the Many Voices One Mind Whole of Government Action Plan.

NRCan also has established a dedicated team to lead the coordination required with Indigenous, federal, provincial, territorial and industry partners to address the MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice on Resource Development (13.1-13.5) from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Within the Department, this will include supporting the IAMC-TMX Circle on MMIWG2S+ and Resource Development and ensuring efforts inform the development of an engagement plan on critical minerals programs and the ongoing implementation of Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy.

Expertise in Program and Service Delivery

The Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships (INRP) is dedicated to building long-term Indigenous capacity that is responsive to the natural resources priorities of Indigenous communities. The program supports Indigenous-led initiatives that strengthen organizational and community capacity essential for participation in natural resource development. In 2025-26, NRCan will focus on streamlining program and service delivery to reduce administrative burden and improve accessibility for Indigenous partners. NRCan aims to enhance an approach to single-window programming and design. The goal is to create more efficient application and funding processes to harmonize terms and conditions across related programs. This approach will ease reporting and application requirements and reduce redundancies, addressing long-standing requests for simplified, cohesive funding pathways. The INRP program will also continue to work with the Indigenous Partnership Office to strengthen Indigenous inclusion in the natural resource sectors across the country through meaningful engagement by building Nation-to-Nation, government-to-government, and Inuit-Crown relationships. The INRP program will direct remaining program investments towards underrepresented Indigenous peoples and regions. Feedback from program participants will inform NRCan’s recommendations for further increasing Indigenous economic participation in natural resource projects beyond 2027, contributing to a cleaner, greener future.

Critical Minerals

Petroleum Resources

To continue supporting safe and environmentally responsible petroleum-related activities, NRCan will work with provinces, regulators, industry, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders. For example, the Department will work with Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and the Offshore Energy Regulators to implement the Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Area Petroleum Operations Framework Regulations, and the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Area Petroleum Operations Framework Regulations, both of which came into force in October 2024.

Further, in 2025-26, the Department will collaborate with ECCC and provide technical advice to support the design of key regulations to reduce emissions from the oil and gas sector including the final oil and gas cap regulations and methane regulations, and will support the development and ongoing review of regulations and policy under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act. This will ensure the long-term effectiveness to maximize safety, security and environmental protection of Canada’s energy sector. NRCan will also provide ongoing support to ECCC on the implementation of the Clean Fuel Regulations.

NRCan will continue to participate in an international working group to develop a certification framework for the measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification of emissions associated with natural gas exports. The Department will also monitor oil and gas infrastructure for potential risks to fuel supply disruptions such as natural events or disasters in accordance with its legislative responsibilities under the Emergency Management Act. NRCan will coordinate the federal response, and interface with industry and provinces on their responses, in the event of a fuel supply disruption. NRCan will continue to represent Canada on International Energy Agency technical committees to ensure collective energy security and participate in oil disruption simulations to ensure preparedness.

Since launching the Net Zero Producers Forum, NRCan continues organizing workshops and meetings to advance net-zero strategies. NRCan will continue to support the Forum’s new Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage Working Group and continue developing the Upstream Methane Abatement Toolbox, to highlight existing and planned methane-abatement policies, resources, and initiatives across the member countries.

NRCan will work with implicated departments and agencies on management issues related to the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, now in service. This includes market analysis and assessment of economic, social, and environmental impacts. In conjunction with other departments including Global Affairs Canada and Justice Canada, NRCan will continue to defend Canada’s interests to keep open the Line 5 pipeline—a critical piece of transboundary infrastructure that delivers essential fuels to Ontario, Quebec and multiple US states in the Great Lakes Region.

On offshore payments, the Department expects 100% of the statutory offshore transfers from petroleum resources and related activities to Newfoundland and Labrador and to Nova Scotia to be processed on time and in accordance with the applicable regulations. NRCan will also ensure that similar reporting and monitoring are in place for collecting and transferring revenues from offshore renewable energy once Bill C-49 is in force.