Details on transfer payment programs over $5 million

19 contribution agreements were finalized, representing $1.38 million committed for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

As all projects started in late 2024-25, initial activities focused on internal team building, project planning, relationship building and engagement with partnering communities. This resulted in:

• The recruitment and onboarding of 22 highly qualified professionals who will support wildfire research and knowledge production and mobilization activities over the course of the project;
• The development and implementation of 5 knowledge products and 5 knowledge mobilization activities, which included publications, papers, workshops and presentations with more being prepared for next fiscal year; and
• Demonstration site planning for field work in the upcoming fiscal year. This includes equipment procurement, licensing and other preparation activities.

No evaluations in 2024-25.

An evaluation of the Wildfire Risk Management is planned for completion by March 2027.

A national call for applications was open for 8 weeks and closed on May 14, 2024. 80 applications received were for contribution funding under this program.

Following an internal and external review process using standardized assessment and evaluation tools 20, contribution applications were selected for development based on alignment with program objectives.

Project proposal reviews and agreement negotiations were the primary focus of engagement activities during the year.

The 2 Billion Trees program has continued to make significant contributions towards the Government of Canada’s goal of planting two billion incremental trees.

In 2024-25, the 2 Billion Trees program signed multiple amendments and new contribution agreements that represented plans to plant an additional 434 million trees. As of March 31, 2025, the program has agreements committed or under negotiation to plant 988 million trees, representing approximately $2 billion in funding.

Funded organizations reported the planting of an additional 66.9 million trees in 2024, representing 240 distinct tree species at more than 3,400 sites across 10 provinces. Projects funded through the program have included capacity building; support for species at risk, including woodland caribou; creation and restoration of forest ecosystems on lands damaged by wildfire, pests, and other disturbances; increased carbon capture; and the creation of parks and greenspaces in and around cities toward the building of climate-resilient communities. In 2024-25, 24% of all projects that received funding were urban, and 32% were Indigenous led.^{Footnote 1}

2BT launched an ongoing call for proposals in December 2022, focusing on long-term agreements, including with Indigenous governments and organizations, municipalities, and for-profit and non-profit organizations. In 2024-25, the program provided funding to 46 projects led by 43 Indigenous organizations with over $61.8 million in grants and contributions funding.

No evaluations in 2024-25.

Horizontal Evaluation of Natural Climate Solutions Fund (including 2 Billion Trees) is planned for completion by March 2026.

Efforts to directly engage with program recipients and potential applicants to better understand their needs and interest in the program continued throughout 2024-25, in addition to communication with the public and media to inform on the program’s progress. Engagement activity highlights for 2024-25 include:

• Continued improvements to the online application portal used by applicants to submit their applications, and by program officials to manage projects and collect data. To this end, adjustments were made to improve user experience based on internal and external feedback including for proponents to submit their annual report through the portal;
• Ongoing announcements of funded projects in coordination with recipients continued to be a key focus for proponents to further highlight their projects publicly;
• Ongoing distinctions-based Indigenous Funding Stream (IFS) with allocations to First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Unaffiliated/Cross-Distinctions groups, to ensure funding delivery reflects diverse Indigenous cultures and priorities, while also contributing to Indigenous leadership on climate change;
• Annual updates to the 2 Billion Trees webpages to inform on program progress by providing updated statistics;
• Quarterly distribution of the 2BT Newsletter to share resources that can help support proponents’ projects, inform of deadlines for project proposals to be evaluated and of adjustments made to guide for applicants;
• Conference attendance by 2BT program officials, including the hosting of a 2BT booth, to engage with potential applicants and external groups (e.g., regional development agencies) and build awareness of the program; and
• Site visits to more than 10 2BT-funded projects to further develop relationships with recipients and qualitatively assess the progress of their projects.

• Electricity Resources
• Energy Innovation and Clean Technology
• Forest Sector Competitiveness

The program will reduce reliance on diesel and fossil fuels in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities by deploying and demonstrating renewable energy projects, encouraging energy efficiency and building skills and capacity.

Contribution payments made under this program are non-repayable.

As of March 31, 2025, the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program has supported 229 projects. Specifically, 65 projects were funded under the Bioheat stream, 14 under Deployment, 35 under Demonstration, and 69 under Capacity Building. The CERRC program also provided funds to 39 projects under the Indigenous Off-Diesel Initiative (IODI), and 7 projects under Indigenous Services Canada’s Strategic Partnership Initiative (SPI) program. Projects selected for the IODI and SPI programs were based on alignment of program objectives and Indigenous partnerships goals.

In 2024-25, CERRC funded the Arctic Remote Energy Network Academy to provide training, mentorship and networking opportunities to Arctic community energy champions, developing their knowledge and skills to pursue clean energy opportunities in their communities and regions.

The Lhu’ààn Mân N’tsi Project is an Indigenous-led demonstration of wind power and battery storage by the Kluane First Nation in Yukon Territory. The project leverages energy storage to increase the use of wind power generation, displacing over 300 thousand litres of diesel annually (52% of the diesel power plant’s prior fuel use) and generating economic benefits for local residents while supporting local energy security.

Budget 2021 established the Clean Fuels Fund (CFF) with $1.5 billion investment over 5 years to support the build out of new clean fuel production capacity, establish biomass supply chains, and develop enabling codes and standards. The program was set to expire on March 31, 2026.

Budget 2024 announced the retooling of the Clean Fuels Fund and its extension to March 31, 2030, with a total funding of $375.8 million. A continuous intake call for proposals was launched in February 2025 to de-risk capital investments that expand Canada’s clean fuel production capacity and to address gaps and misalignment in codes, standards and regulations. Like the original intake, CFF 2.0 also has a dedicated requirements for Indigenous-led clean fuel production projects.

Non-repayable contributions are available under the program for feasibility studies, basic engineering studies and detailed front-end engineering studies for new clean fuel facilities, facility expansions or facility conversions.

Non-repayable contributions are also available to address gaps and misalignment in codes, standards and regulations related to the production, distribution and end-use of clean fuels. This support ensures that as new technologies evolve and enter the market, they can do so reliably, efficiently and effectively while ensuring they are compatible across jurisdictions.

The Clean Fuels Fund provides the private sector with cost-shared, conditionally repayable contributions to support the build out of new or retrofit or expand existing, clean fuel production facilities in Canada.

As of March 31, 2025, the program has 60 contributions agreements worth $440 million in progress or complete. A second intake was launched in February 2025 to provide further support to the clean fuels sector.

Through NRCan’s support of Standards Development Organizations (SDOs) between 2021 and March 31, 2025: 97 publications have been completed. Published documents include standards, codes, technical specifications, and amendments. In addition, nine research reports were also completed with several specific to hydrogen production, delivery and end-use. The Canadian Hydrogen Codes and Standards Roadmap has also been released, and it highlights existing gaps in codes and standards along the hydrogen value chain, the priorities of Canadian stakeholders, and proposed actions to address gaps in the short- and medium-term.

No audits in 2024-25.

Joint Audit and Evaluation of Clen Fuels Fund is planned for completion by December 2025.

No evaluations in 2024-25.

Joint Audit and Evaluation of Clen Fuels Fund is planned for completion by December 2025.

To ensure that the retooled Clean Fuels Fund program best meets stakeholder needs, five engagement sessions were held in September 2024 to gather feedback on program redesign.

To identify the most critical codes and standards for the hydrogen value chain, NRCan co-chaired a Codes and Standards Working Group to engage and implement the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada.

No evaluations in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Climate Change Adaptation Program is planned for completion by June 2027.

• Canada’s natural resources are sustainable
• Access to new and priority markets for Canada’s natural resources is enhanced
• Enhanced competitiveness of Canada’s natural resource sectors

The purpose of the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund (CMIF) is to support the development of clean energy and transportation infrastructure that will enable the development and expansion of priority critical minerals projects in Canada.

The primary program objectives of the CMIF are to:

• enable the production and expansion of priority critical minerals resources in Canada, and drive economic growth by addressing gaps in clean energy and transportation infrastructure;
• drive emission reductions in operations that produce critical minerals by increasing access to and integration of renewable and non-emitting energy sources and existing electrical grids; and
• advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples by supporting Indigenous partnerships, participation, and benefits from infrastructure projects that enable critical minerals development.

The CMIF offers conditionally repayable and non-repayable contributions. Conditionally repayable contributions are offered where the recipient is a for-profit, non-Indigenous organization that applies with a shovel-ready project intended to allow profit generation. Other contributions would be non-repayable.

The CMIF also includes Indigenous Grants, which provide non-repayable funding to support Indigenous engagement, capacity building, and knowledge gathering and sharing related to eligible critical minerals infrastructure projects.

As of March 3, 2025, the CMIF has announced the conditional approval of up $303 million in contributions funding for 31 projects. This funding will help to advance critical minerals enabling infrastructure projects towards a shovel ready state or to complete construction. Some of the conditionally approved projects were jointly announced with collaborative funding from provinces, territories, or international partners. The CMIF will report on results once funded projects are more advanced.

In addition, the CMIF Indigenous Grants stream announced $1.5M to support 18 projects. In 2024-25, eight of these agreements were active, representing an investment of $327,305.

No evaluations in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund is planned for completion by June 2028.

Program officials engaged with stakeholders, Indigenous partners, potential applicants, and program recipients in various fora to support program design, delivery and evaluation. Examples of these activities include:

• Announcing and publishing detailed information about the Indigenous Grants first call for proposals and CMIF contribution’s second call for proposals, including associated documentation (e.g., news releases, program information webpage, online applicant guide, etc.);
• Hosting five webinars to build awareness and clarify application requirements for grants and contributions, reaching 350+ potential applicants, stakeholders, and partners;
• Responding to public inquiries through the CMIF Contributions and Indigenous Grants email inboxes, where program officials answered inquiries and arranged meetings, and gathered lessons learned regarding the program’s first call for proposals;
• Engaging with various stakeholder and partner organizations on an ad hoc basis through 50+ meetings;
• Attending and/or presenting at conferences such as the Toronto Energy and Mines Summit, the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada Convention, AME Roundup, the Assembly of First Nations’ (AFN) Annual General Assembly, and the AFN National Natural Resources Forum to facilitate discussions on applications;
• Working with colleagues in the National Indigenous Organization Liaison Unit (Nòkwewashk) to advance two proposals from the Metis National Council through the CMIF Grants intake process; and
• Leveraging other engagement fora, such as but not limited to the Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence, the Regional Energy and Resource Tables, and the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan.

The CMIF call for proposals closed on February 29, 2024. Project assessments, conditional approvals, due diligence and contribution agreements negotiations unfolded in the following months. Only a minority of advanced projects have been in a position to initiate expenditures this fiscal year. Incurred expenses for projects retained as part of the first CMIF call for proposals are mostly beginning in fiscal year 2025-26.

The first call for proposals of the CMIF Indigenous Grants stream opened March 5, 2024 and closed December 31, 2024. For this call, a continuous intake approach was adopted to expedite the roll-out of funding as applications would be received. However, most applications were submitted very near the end of the CFP window. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, all available CMIF grant funding is expected to be allocated.

The Strategic Interties Predevelopment Program (SIPP) is intended to advance interprovincial electricity transmission infrastructure projects including the Atlantic Loop and the Prairie link. Funding is provided to help proponents complete project predevelopment work including for example: engineering assessments, community engagement, and environmental and regulatory studies.

Contributions made under SIPP are non-repayable.

In 2024-25, there have been nine new contribution agreements signed under EPP, funding predevelopment work to help accelerate clean electricity infrastructure projects. These projects include predevelopment for:

• Interprovincial transmission in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick;
• Information technology system upgrades to support Alberta’s restructured energy market;
• Pumped hydro energy storage in Alberta;
• Refurbishment of a large-scale hydroelectric site in New Brunswick, and
• Nuclear generation projects in Ontario, Alberta, and New Brunswick.

Beyond the completion of select studies and related knowledge creation for utilities, EPP has no targets or expected results before FY 2026-27, given the long-term nature of its program objectives (i.e., physical construction of large-scale non-emitting clean electricity infrastructure projects).

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.

Under the Green Infrastructure (GI) stream of the Investing in Canada Plan, which supports the Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, NRCan is investing in the demonstration and deployment of clean energy infrastructure through several programs: Smart Grids, Energy Efficient Buildings, Emerging Renewable Power, and Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities.

The Emerging Renewable Power Program funding is conditionally repayable should the project yield a return on investment above and beyond the total project costs less the federal contribution.

The six projects funded through the Emerging Renewable Power Program (ERPP) support three emerging renewable technologies: geothermal, in-stream tidal and bifacial solar. As such, the program is helping expand the portfolio of commercially viable renewable energy sources in Canada. The projects being supported are located across multiple jurisdictions, supporting the development of new regulatory processes and pathways. In addition, 9 studies and assessments have been funded under the program and the bifacial solar project was successfully commissioned.

In 2024-25, the Tu Deh-Kah geothermal project in British Columbia continued work into an expanded resource assessment phase after findings from the first phase of testing and analysis.

The DEEP geothermal project in Saskatchewan continued their private equity financing effort to fund the construction of the project.

The Alberta No 1 geothermal project contribution agreement expired. Two tidal projects supported by the program have faced significant regulatory barriers to deployment with one project having declared bankruptcy last year and the second having dissolved the contribution agreement though mutual consent.

Evaluation of the Smart Grid Program (SGP) and the Emerging Renewable Power Program (ERPP) was completed in February 2025.

The evaluation found that the SGP and ERPP are relevant and will continue to be relevant as Canada works towards its climate change targets. For the most part, the programs are being delivered efficiently. While these two programs have achieved meaningful progress and achievement of many of their intended short- and medium-term outcomes, there are areas of improvement and lessons learned to ensure that the SGP and ERPP, along with similar programs, continue to make the utmost progress towards medium-term outcomes and long-term outcomes.

Three recommendations were issued.

To support provinces and territories to develop and deploy SMRs as part of their decarbonization and economic development plans, in 2024-25, the Enabling Small Modular Reactors program successfully allocated $28.6 million to 15 projects, including one Indigenous-led project. Proponents are regionally distributed, with proponents based in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. In 2024-25, NRCan contributions have enabled collaborations between nuclear industry stakeholders in Canada and are advancing knowledge and understanding of SMR waste and SMR manufacturing and fuel supply chains.

In addition, the National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and NRCan are co-funding the 15 research projects through NSERC’s Alliance grants program. The research projects will benefit from a total of $8.7 million in funding from NSERC, and $4 million in funding from NRCan, over four years. Launched in February 2023, this partnership between NSERC and NRCan supports the goals of the 2022 Federal Budget to position Canada as a clean energy leader, and of Canada’s Small Modular Reactor Action Plan released by NRCan in December of 2020. These projects will help address issues ranging from developing SMR waste management solutions to facilitating supply chain development for SMR manufacturing.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

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

2017-18 (Innovation and Clean Growth in the Natural Resource Sectors Terms and Conditions)

2022-23 (Terms and Conditions for Grants and Contributions in support of Energy Efficiency)

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

• Energy Efficiency
• Energy Innovation and Clean Technology

The objectives of the program are to:

• increase the energy efficiency of consumer and commercial products;
• enhance commercial, institutional and residential building sector performance;
• encourage the implementation of cleaner and more energy efficient technologies and practices in the industrial sector;
• support low carbon options for the on-road transportation sector; and
• accelerate the development of cost-effective energy efficient technologies, design and construction.

Contribution payments made under this program are non-repayable.

Energy Efficiency Program:

• Supported energy code adoption and implementation of jurisdictions through the Codes Acceleration Fund (CAF): funded 32 projects, and reviewed 38 new proposals;
• Deep Retrofit Accelerator Initiative (DRAI) funded 13 major projects, and reviewed 63 new proposals for capacity-building projects covering diverse buildings, organizations, and regions across Canada;
• Industrial energy efficiency programming, which includes the recently launched Green Industrial Facilities and Manufacturing Program (GIFMP), has disbursed $14 million since 2017 and committed $92 million in cost-shared financial assistance.
• Advanced the Toward Net Zero Homes and Communities (TNZHC) program by tackling adoption barriers, supporting higher-tier codes, and promoting home energy labelling—mainly in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities; 40 funded agreements including 17 with Indigenous partners and the first three Inuit projects funded in 2024–25;
• Accelerated uptake of ISO 50001-based energy management systems with almost 13 facilities recognized through 50001 Ready Canada;
• ENERGY STAR for Industry (ESI) workstreams- over 50 facilities pledged to cut energy intensity 10% in 5 years.
• Added 5,900 buildings to ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager (ESPM), now totaling 53,000+ buildings—covering over 52% of the commercial and industrial sector; and
• Expanded the EnerGuide Rating System (ERS) database to 4.2 million evaluations covering 2.3 million homes —14% of Canada’s housing and small buildings stock.

Energy Efficient Buildings Research, Development and Demonstration (RD&D) Program:

NRCan is investing $42.3 million to fund projects that will accelerate the development and adoption of net-zero-energy-ready codes and cleaner technologies to promote highly energy-efficient building design and construction practices, provide cost-effective building solutions, and validate their applications with real-world demonstrations. As of 2024-25, the program has supported 22 RD&D projects. Projects have been successful in leveraging investments, with an average of $3.20 in contributor funding for every $1 of NRCan funding. Projects supported by this program include:

• Through a FEED study, the Province of Manitoba validated the cost-effectiveness of undertaking a deep energy retrofit of an aging school, Gordon Bell High School, in downtown Winnipeg, MB. The retrofit is now underway, and the results will also be used to develop a framework to guide deep energy retrofits of schools and other buildings within the province and across Canada.
• Following a FEED study, Morguard is carrying out a deep retrofit of the JET Building to demonstrate the viability of deep energy retrofits on a large office building of a type that is commonly found throughout Canada.

Greener Neighbourhoods Pilot Program (GNPP):

The GNPP includes two funding calls that closed in 2023. The first call is supporting Market Development Teams (MDTs). Sixteen proposals were received; six were selected and have signed funding agreements. The second call provides up to $10 million per project to fund demonstrations of whole-building deep energy retrofits in multiple community housing neighbourhoods. Twenty-six applications were received; four were selected for funding. The call identified more high-quality proposals than could be funded under the GNPP; some of these proposals were therefore referred for funding consideration under other federal programs such as NRCan’s Energy Innovation Program.

No evaluations in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Energy Efficiency Program is planned for completion by March 2026.

Energy Efficiency Program:

The Energy Efficiency Program continued to work closely with Indigenous organizations, provinces and territories, municipalities, crown corporations, real estate sector, finance sector, utilities, industry associations and research groups. Engagement built trust with stakeholders and helped NRCan understand their needs to better support them.

NRCan hosted and attended workshops and webinars via the Canadian Industry Partnership for Energy Conservation (CIPEC). The NRCan-led Retrofit Accelerator Network (RAN) provided a coordination forum for information exchange and collaboration.

There were targeted outreach activities, thematic roundtables, engagement sessions and award recognition nominations. ENERGY STAR for Products continued targeted marketing and promotion campaigns to improve brand recognition through social media reach, campaigns and awards.

Energy Efficient Buildings RD&D Program and GNPP:

The Energy Efficient Buildings RD&D Program and GNPP continued engaging with federal partners; industry; associations; provinces and territories; and research and policy groups to help inform the program. Notable examples include via forums and events such as Retrofit Canada Annual conference, the Building Decarbonization Alliance, the Canadian Homes Builders Association Net Zero Forums, and accelerated collaboration with the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation. In addition, the Local Energy Efficiency partnership (LEEP) initiative continued to engage industry stakeholders through its successful technology challenges, workshops and innovation exchanges.

Energy Efficiency Program:

The variance is primarily due to delays in signing some contribution agreements and implementing some projects across several new programs.

Energy Efficient Buildings RD&D Program and GNPP:

The spending variance is due to some delays in projects securing co-funding and reaching final investment decisions, and the use of a more conservative phased approach to building construction that moved planned expenditures to the latter years of the programs.

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

The Energy Innovation Program (EIP) advances clean energy technologies that will help Canada maintain a competitive, reliable, and affordable energy system while transitioning to a low-carbon economy. It supports energy research, development & demonstration (RD&D) projects and other science-related activities by investing in a wide range of Canadian businesses, utilities, Indigenous communities, and other organizations that are working to develop innovative clean energy technologies, scale up and integrate existing technologies, and support the clean energy ecosystem by sharing information and knowledge.

The EIP contributes to the development of new cleantech products and services for Canadians. It helps de-risk and improve cost and performance of existing technologies, accelerates the readiness of pre-commercial technologies, and enables energy system transformation.

Contributions under this program are non-repayable since the activities and benefits from the contributions are pre-commercial.

In 2024-25, the EIP supported 138 external projects, including 89 new grant or contribution agreements signed that year, focusing on areas such as smart grids, national energy systems modelling, methane measurement and mitigation, and decarbonization of on-road transportation.

Projects funded through the EIP were successful in encouraging investments, leveraging an average of $2.10 in contributor funds for every $1 of NRCan’s funding, well exceeding the leveraging target ratio of 1:1. Given that results from RD&D projects often do not accrue until after projects are completed, EIP projects report on results for at least five years post-project funding. EIP projects have made advances in technology and research, with proponents filing for 86 patents or other intellectual property; influencing 26 codes and standards, which can often effect large-scale change; and producing over 300 scientific publications, technical reports, datasets, models, tools, and other knowledge products. Additionally, EIP projects supported over 1,000 direct and indirect job-years and are on track for meeting 2030 GHG reduction targets, achieving 2.7 Mt of direct GHG reductions in 2024-25.

Four new funding calls were launched in 2024-25 under the EIP. All the calls were oversubscribed, with proponents requesting nine times the available funds, demonstrating a critical need for investment in these areas. The funding calls aim to accelerate innovation in areas such as renewable energy, mining decarbonization, clean fuels and national energy systems modelling.

No evaluations in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Energy Innovation and Clean Technology Program is planned for completion by March 2026.

The purpose of the program is to:

• Enhance whole-of-society collaboration and governance to strengthen resilience.
• Enhance disaster response capacity and coordination and foster the development of new capabilities to increase capacity to prepare for and respond to wildfires.

NRCan provides funding to support:

• Stream 1 – Equipment Fund: Strengthening capacities and capabilities in fire management across Canada by improving prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response.
• Stream 2 – Training Fund: Increasing, by 1,000, the number of and access to trained firefighters and specialized fire management personnel, particularly in Indigenous communities that are at highest risk to wildland fires.

There are no repayable contributions under this program.

Stream 1 - Equipment Fund:

There were 12 multi-year agreements active with provinces and territories. NRCan’s incremental investment in equipment was over $42 million. These investments were used to procure new specialized wildfire equipment or to repair, refurbish and refit existing equipment.

Most of the items procured have either been mobilized or are planned for mobilization for the upcoming fire season. Jurisdictions have made their equipment available to others through national exchange agreements.

Stream 2 – Training Fund:

In 2024-25, a total of 20 new agreements were active, which includes 18 with or for Indigenous recipients.

These 20 agreements resulted in the training of 112 community-based firefighters to a Type I, II, or III; and the training of 83 Indigenous participants in various types of community-based wildfire knowledge and protection training. Additionally, the International Association of Fire Fighters delivered specialized training on urban interface wildfires to 421 structural firefighters.

Of the community-based projects that reported, 96% of the participants were Indigenous, 69% were youth, and 25% were women.

No evaluations in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Wildfire Risk Management program is planned for completion by March 2027.

The Training Fund finalized the proposal assessment process from the national call for proposals that was launched in the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

In total,147 applications were received and 27 were selected for further development.

Cooperative relationships were strengthened with other government departments, provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, and stakeholders to move integrated action on emerging adaptation priorities and projects.

NRCan regularly connected with recipients to monitor progress on the achievement or program objectives, while consistently receiving proponent feedback on program delivery and engagement and adapts its strategies to meeting emerging needs.

Under the Forest Innovation Program (FIP), 3 new projects were signed, and multiple research initiatives were funded via FPInnovations, representing over $22.7 million in funding. These projects will help to facilitate the development of new bio-based products and technologies to improve the sustainability and economic productivity of Canada’s forest sector. This includes projects such as:

• $3.3 million to accelerate the production of bio-based products and minimize the risks associated with product development through validation, process optimization, experimental trials, and other activities in collaboration with commercial partners and provinces;
• $1.25 million to support the minimization of the forest sector's environmental footprint, including through low/zero emission transportation, improved effluent treatment capacity within pulp mills, and end-of-life management of waste streams from forest products; and
• $1.4 million to provide evidence, tools, processes, and products to help expand the market and regulatory acceptance of wood in construction and to ensure that the regulations governing use of wood are fair, evidence-based, and responsive to new information.

FIP also provided $300,000 to NSERC to support forest-sector based scholarships targeting students from underrepresented groups.

Through the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC), five projects were completed in 2024-25 (UBC #2, WPAC, Wikwemikong, Tesera, and UNB #2). All projects were great successes, and all milestones, deliverables and expected results have been realized, including, but not limited to, peer-reviewed publications, work presentations in conferences, lab and field tours, development of reporting templates, pilot testing, training delivery, creation of new workflows and models, project reports, white papers and technical documents, creation of online platforms and social medias, engagement with stakeholders and communities, and webinars.

No evaluations in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Forest Sector Competitiveness Program is planned to be approved by October 2025.

In 2024-25, all CWFC contribution recipients delivered the deliverables they were supposed to. However, it is important to note that the Program was able to provide $314,000 in additional funding, divided among 5 recipients who had submitted requests during our informal bi-annual check-ins to meet new needs that arose during the course of the projects. These additional funds generated more deliverables, all of which were also completed.

In 2024-25, the CWFC also organized Scientific Showcases, where all the recipients of the contributions program came to present their project and the progress made after the first year and half of the program. Another such event will be held in May 2026, at the end of the program, at which they will all present the final results of their projects.

For FIP’s bioeconomy support through the forest innovation stream, program officials met with the principal recipients, including FPInnovations, on a regular basis to monitor progress on their workplan. Other funding recipients were determined based on established sector priorities/needs and engaged directly.

The Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) Program is aimed at supporting the use of low carbon, non-traditional wood construction materials and building systems to de-risk and accelerate domestic market penetration and support Canada’s efforts to decarbonize the built environment, while transitioning to a more wood-inclusive construction industry.

The Program provides non-repayable contributions of up to 100% of a project’s eligible costs for the demonstration of innovative engineered wood products and systems. The funding is intended to catalyze a long-term transformational change in which more intensive use of wood becomes a commonly considered option in all construction projects, with broader benefits being realized including GHG emission reductions and economic growth.

Under the Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) Program, 24 new projects were signed representing $17.3 million in funding which will lead to a total investment of $720.6 million in new innovative building demonstrations, wood education initiatives, and codes and standards reform. These projects will support innovative wood-based building solutions including prefabrication and retrofits, as well as capacity building through education and training initiatives and improved codes and standards for wood construction

In addition, the program funded new projects under its Accelerating Construction Transformation (ACT) stream, which funds building capacity, wood education, and building codes & standards activities. These new ACT projects aim to support national barriers to wood construction such as insurance, workforce shortage, true cost accounting, restrictive building codes, and housing supply issues.

GCWood also continued to update the State of Mass Timber Interactive Map, which now contains information on 855 mass timber buildings and 19 manufacturing facilities. This tool has been well received by industry, governments, and other stakeholders, domestically and abroad.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Forest Sector Competitiveness Program is planned to be approved by October 2025.

Program applicants are supported through the establishment of a dedicated program website (nrcan.gc.ca/gcwood), which includes access to program guides, eligibility requirements, project announcements, and program administration details. The program also has a dedicated in-box to respond to inquiries (gcwood-cvbois@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca). Applications and recipients are managed through a Client Relations Management (CRM) tool.

GCWood established a Program Advisory Board (PAB) to provide advice and guidance on identifying Advancing Construction Transformation stream applicants the program should solicit to invite to submit EOIs. The PAB is comprised of invited representatives from the public and private sector with various backgrounds and specialized expertise from across Canada. The program likewise takes unsolicited Expressions of Interest under the Advancing Construction stream.

Selected program recipients are further engaged through regular contact with program administrators to monitor project progress and report against set objectives.

Stream 1 - Fleet Assessments and Retrofits (Grants): Stream 1 has received over 850 grant applications from Canadian fleets. The grants support third-party energy assessments and truck/trailer equipment retrofits to lower fuel consumption, operating costs, and emissions.

Stream 2 - Contribution Agreements: Stream 2 held its second call for proposals in spring 2025, receiving 53 applications, representing $79.2 million in NRCan funding. These applications are currently being evaluated, with funding decisions anticipated to be made in Fall 2025.

This call for proposals supports three project types: repowering existing MHDVs, purchase of low-carbon alternative fuel vehicles, and implementation of logistical best practices.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

An Evaluation of the Green Freight Program is planned for completion by April 2027.

Help Canadians make their homes more energy efficient, reduce energy use, and support Canadian environmental objectives while making homes more comfortable and more affordable to maintain, as well as creating good, middle-class jobs in their communities.

The Canada Greener Homes Grant (CGHG) offered grants up to $5,000 for energy-efficient home improvements, plus up to $600 for EnerGuide evaluations. Intake closed in February 2024.

The Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program, enhanced in Fall 2023, helped low- to median-income homeowners transition from oil heating to electric heat pumps through offering upfront grants up to $15,000 in co-delivery jurisdictions where the province or territory has committed to match the last $5,000 in federal funding.

This transfer payment program does not have any repayable contributions.

As of July 2025, $1.77 billion in grants have been issued to 396,732 households under the CGHG. The program supports Indigenous participation through community-scale retrofits, with 38 agreements worth $42.3M signed as of July 2025.

As of July 2025, 46,014 applications have been received. 22,147 applicants received grants with $235 million issued and over 20K heat pumps have been installed under OHPA. Co-delivery agreements are in place with British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick and Yukon (as of end of 2024-25) and Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia (as of July 2025).

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Energy Efficiency Program is planned for completion by March 2026.

NRCan worked closely with Indigenous governments and representatives, provinces and territories to continue or initiate co-delivery of CGHG and/or OHPA to drive Canada’s low-carbon economy transformation.

The program continued ongoing engagement with National Indigenous equity partners on the approach to program delivery ensures these programs continue to meet community needs. Five agreements with Indigenous governments were signed to retrofit up to 783 homes.

Ongoing engagement through the Canada Greener Homes Initiative Web Portal provides customer support, engaging directly with homeowners to follow up on complex or technical questions.

The Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC) supports Indigenous Nations and communities impacted by the Trans Mountain Expansion Pipeline Project (TMX) and the Line 3 Replacement Project (Line 3). Its purpose is to ensure Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and priorities are reflected in the following areas:

• Capacity Enhancement: Strengthening the ability of Indigenous groups to participate effectively in the IAMC, enabling advice to the Government of Canada and federal regulators on environmental, safety, and socio-economic issues related to the projects.
• Monitoring and Oversight: Facilitating Indigenous monitoring and oversight throughout the projects’ lifecycle.
• Community Engagement: Organizing events such as regional and Line Wide Gatherings, workshops and training to share progress and invite input to the IAMCs priorities.

This transfer payment program has non-repayable contributions.

In 2024-2025, the IAMCs for the TMX Project and Line 3 Project delivered $10.5 million through contribution agreements for more collaboration, engagement, communication and oversight of the projects that involved Indigenous partners, the regulators, proponents and federal partners. The IAMCs provide a forum to collaborate and share advice and recommendations on the projects with decision-makers.

The IAMC-TMX delivered $7.4 million through a single contribution agreement in 2024-25. This funding resulted in increased community capacity to participate in the project, through 170 participation funding agreements with Indigenous Caucus members, subcommittee members, Elders, and community representatives. Funding also supported greater Indigenous inclusion in project monitoring and oversight, original research on the socio-economic impacts of project construction, and community training on Indigenous monitoring and emergency management workshops.

The Line 3 IAMC received $2.52 million in 2024-25 through one contribution agreement. This funding resulted in support for Indigenous participation and building capacity; reviewing the Terms of Reference and engaging Nations on an expanded scope; delivering engagement and training events; enhancing the Indigenous Monitoring Program including training activities; supporting co-development on the renewal process; and implementing recommendations from the Management Response Action Plan.

No audit in 2024-25.

Audit of Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees is planned for completion in March 2026.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees is planned for completion by March 2028.

NRCan and the Indigenous Caucuses engaged recipients to ensure compliance with the requirements of the contribution agreements.

There are no funding agreements directly with individual Nations, rather funds are managed to support Indigenous participation (e.g. Honorarium and travel expenses) and the completion of the Committees’ codeveloped workplans which include training opportunities and annual gatherings of impacted Nations.

The Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships (INRP) program supports the federal government’s commitment to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples by increasing the economic participation of Indigenous communities and organizations in the development of natural resource projects that support the transition to a clean energy future.

The 2022-23 to 2026-27 INRP program has an annual budget of $16 million ($80 million over five years). At least $25 million of the $80 million is to support projects that align with the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy (CCMS).

This transfer payment program includes non-repayable contributions.

The INRP program fully expended its 2024-25 $16 million allocation, however, as there were more eligible CCMS-related proposals received than available funding, $3.3 million was loaned to the program from the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund to support these projects. Total expenditures for 2024-25 were $19.3 million, across 11 new contribution agreements.

As of March 31, 2025, the INRP program has committed $69.8 million for 51 projects, of which $21.2 million is dedicated to 14 CCMS-related projects.

No audit in 2024-25.

A Joint Audit and Evaluation of Advancing Reconciliation is in progress and planned for completion by December 2025.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

A Joint Audit and Evaluation of Advancing Reconciliation is in progress and planned for completion by December 2025.

Evaluation of Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships is planned for completion by June 2026.

INRP program officials continued to support the application process by clarifying proposal eligibility and assessment criteria when and where required by applicants, and supported recipients in meeting their respective financial accountability requirements as needed.

Ahead of the funding renewal process of the INRP program, program officials also engaged with recipients through a voluntary survey and onsite community visits to obtain their feedback and input on how the program can better meet communities’ and organizations’ specific capacity development needs and priorities to further increase their economic participation in, and benefit from, natural resource projects.

Recipients confirmed that building capacity is essential for their meaningful participation in natural resource-related matters and projects. This includes investing in community members; support for developing in-house expertise in financial, legal and other technical analysis; and enabling informed decision-making on whether proposed projects are aligned with their economic and social interests.

Recipients also emphasized the need for ongoing capacity development funding at levels commensurate with the nature and pace of natural resource development projects.

Recipient input is informing strategic program planning to accelerate the participation of Indigenous peoples in advancing and benefitting from natural resource development projects.

Under the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) Program, 20 new projects were signed representing $48.5 million in funding, which will lead to a total investment of $330.9 million in innovation. These projects aim to promote the diversification of the forest sector towards value-added forest products.

Other IFIT projects included investments in the development of innovative wood-based biomaterials, as well as the development of advanced wood building products and systems. These projects are delivered through the program's Capital Investments and Studies stream.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Forest Sector Competitiveness is planned for completion by October 2025.

Program applicants are supported through the dedicated program website, which includes access to program guides, eligibility requirements, and project announcements, as well as program administration contact details (nrcan.ifit-itif.rncan@canada.ca). Applications and recipients are managed through a Client Relations Management (CRM) tool.

Selected program recipients are further engaged through regular communication with program administrators, based on Centre of Expertise in Grants and Contributions standards prior to signing Contribution agreements, and to monitor progress on the achievement of program objectives.

Statutory: Payments to the Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Resource Revenue Fund

(Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act)

The Minister of Natural Resources is responsible under section 214 of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Atlantic Accord Implementation Act to make payments to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador equivalent to the revenue amounts received by Canada in relation to offshore oil and gas activities in the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador offshore. The federal Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Resource Revenue Fund Regulations prescribe the time and manner for making the transfer payments. The funds are drawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

This transfer payment program does not have any repayable contributions.

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

The amount of money transferred to Newfoundland and Labrador is largely based on royalties from offshore oil production and is subject to change. Royalty amounts vary year-to-year as a result of fluctuations in crude oil prices, exchange rates, changes in production levels, the timing of sales, and Corporate Income Tax (CIT) collected.

Payments during this fiscal year also included some forfeitures related to exploration licences.

• Natural resource sectors are innovative
• Clean technologies and energy efficiency enhance economic performance
• Canada’s natural resources are sustainable

The program funds research to support the oil spill response community and decision-makers, by increasing knowledge of the effects and efficacy of response technologies and techniques in offshore, offshore platform, near-shore, and onshore pipeline oil spill scenarios.

The objective is to improve Canada's oil spill preparedness and response by collaborating and developing a network with leading researchers, both domestically and internationally.

As of 2024-25, the Multi-Partner Research Initiative (MPRI) has fully committed $20.3 million in contribution funding (2022–2027), supporting the implementation and monitoring of 27 collaborative projects. This includes 7 Indigenous-led or focused projects that are contributing to improved spill response and recovery, reinforcing the importance of inclusive, knowledge-driven collaboration. These projects advance oil spill science, preparedness, and response capabilities, including research on clean and conventional fuels and spill behavior across marine, freshwater, and coastal environments.

To date, MPRI has produced 26 scientific publications, surpassing its goal of 20, with more expected before the program concludes.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Energy Innovation and Clean Technology program is planned for completion by March 2026.

• Encourage and accelerate innovation in the natural resources sectors;
• Assist in the protection of our natural resources, encourage and develop new and more efficient techniques and technology for sustainable development of our natural resources; and
• Provide for a better understanding and knowledge of our natural resources.

Contributions are not repayable as they are for projects whose primary aim is fundamental research, research and development, demonstration and other pre-commercial activities.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning exercise, in accordance with section 42.1 of the FAA and the TB Policy on Results.

In 2024-2025, there were 11 active agreements, 10 of which with provinces and territories and 1 with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre.

Through the program, results were achieved through the 11 agreements, including:

• Enhancement to FireSmart programming activities through the development or ongoing refinement of 28 products. These activities focus on updating and creating new training programs, improving communications and technology, and developing accessible program toolkits for use by provinces and territories;
• FireSmart train the trainer sessions held in 3 jurisdictions involving 75 participants from across jurisdictions;
• Improved awareness in FireSmart programming through increases in mobile app users, wildfire preparedness day applications and communities recognized under the neighbourhood recognition program;
• Recruited 17 dedicated wildfire practitioners in jurisdictions across the country who are focused on FireSmart coordination, wildfire mitigation, field liaison work and education and outreach;
• Hired employees to work towards establishing or bolstering 10 jurisdictional inclusive governance structures;
• Over 150 awareness and outreach activities completed through educational events held by provinces and territories;
• Completed 75 local level wildfire prevention and mitigation initiatives in 52 communities informed by previously established community safety plans. Another 118 similar initiatives are in progress or nearing completion. These projects focused on several FireSmart disciplines, including:
  • 905 events completed related to community education, awareness, training, legislation and planning;
  • 618 hectares of vegetation treated through vegetation management projects; and
  • 212 participants cross-trained or involved with interagency cooperation.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Wildfire Risk Management Program is planned for completion by March 2027.

NRCan engaged bilaterally with the provinces and territories and CIFFC to put into place the contribution agreements. Additionally, NRCan will continue to engage on an ongoing basis through various stakeholder forums such as the:

• Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Board Directors, committees, and technical working groups.
• Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) Wildland Fire Management Working Group.

The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs) provides direct financial support to projects that support the transition towards electrification through the deployment of renewable energy projects capable of providing grid services and transformation of the Canadian electricity grid. The program is also decreasing barriers to participation for those under-represented in the energy sector through its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) requirements. SREPs offers a Capacity Building Stream to support the equitable transition to a cleaner electrical grid, helping communities and organizations acquire the knowledge and tools needed to develop renewable energy and grid modernization projects.

SREPs funding is conditionally repayable for recipients who are for-profit and where a project generates profits within the first five years of operation.

The $1.56 billion in SREPs funds announced in Budgets 2021 and 2022 is fully allocated. SREPs was recapitalized in Budget 2023 for close to $3 billion dollars, bringing total funding to the program to ~$4.5 billion from FY 2021-22 to FY 2035-36.

As of March 31, 2025, the Program had approved 165 deployment and capacity building projects across nine provinces and one territory, including six national capacity-building projects, and over 43 deployment projects with Indigenous ownership. These projects will add over 2,763 MW of new renewable energy generation capacity to the grid, leading to annual GHG emission reductions of 3.1 Mt/year. Projects supported by SREPs will create nearly 10,000 jobs and 100% of applicants have included an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Plan. Altogether, the total cost of these projects is $7.4 billion.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways is planned for completion by March 2026.

During initial program design, Departmental officials invited industry organizations, governments, academia, Indigenous organizations, and other potential proponents including private developers, electricity system operators, and utilities to information sessions on the program. Following program launch, the Department contacted these groups to notify them, and contacted provincial government representatives, both at the working and management level to solicit general feedback.

Program advisors regularly meet with provincial/territorial representatives in targeted provinces to ensure linkages between federal and provincial support for SREPs projects.

Indigenous applicants are invited to submit Expressions of Interest, allowing SREPs to gauge the supports needed for Indigenous Led Clean Energy projects.

Phase III of the Early Intervention Strategy (EIS) for Spruce Budworm (SBW) is a research program investigating a new pest management approach in response to the ongoing significant economic and ecological risks of a spruce budworm (SBW) outbreak to Atlantic Canada’s forest sector and forest health. The initiative will implement and validate a novel forest pest management approach supported by science knowledge and tools to address forest pest issues that could have significant negative impacts on Canadian forest values and resources.

This approach will be available to forest managers across Canada for application to any impeding outbreaks of SBW to mitigate risks to forest resources or other related values.

The Phase III program includes a suite of integrated research activities and operational insecticide applications to validate the EIS’s scientific foundation, enhance its efficacy for any emerging outbreaks of SBW, and protect the region’s forests.

The Program is based on a 50:50 federal to provincial and industry cost-sharing requirement. There are no repayable contributions.

Over 95,000 hectares of forest were treated in New Brunswick (NB) and Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) in 2024-25 to continue protecting jobs in the forest sector, supporting the economy, and preserving forests at risk. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island did not conduct EIS treatment programs in 2024-25.

In addition, a large suite of research was initiated by Natural Resources Canada in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec to improve the knowledge and tools to address current and future SBW outbreaks. The suite of research projects that began in 2023-24 under the EIS Small Scale Research program continued in 2024-25 and are on track to be completed by 2026.

To date, only low levels of SBW damage have been observed throughout NB. In NL, there is tree mortality observed due to SBW. In NB and NL, there has been no impact on wood supply.

Expected Results: EIS treatments keep SBW populations below outbreak threshold

Performance Indicator: Percentage of forest areas selected for treatment where spruce budworm populations remain below outbreak threshold.

In NB, 53% of forests within the 2024 EIS treatment areas remain below outbreak threshold (note this area represents only 8 sampling plots that came back with SBW populations above the outbreak threshold in NB; SBW populations remain low throughout the province). In NL, 31% of forests within the 2024 EIS treatment areas remain below outbreak threshold.

Expected Results: Protection from defoliation of Atlantic Canada’s forests at risk of a SBW outbreak.

Performance Indicator: Level (%) of defoliation from spruce budworm observed in treated areas of Atlantic Canada at risk of a spruce budworm outbreak

In NB, only 2% of the treated area showed any signs of defoliation, with the majority having only trace to light defoliation (1-30% needle loss); only one hectare had moderate defoliation (31-70% needle loss). In NL, 3% of the 2024 treatment area had moderate defoliation (31-70% needle loss) and 12% had severe defoliation (71-100% needle loss), with some mortality.

Expected Result: Increased availability and access to scientific knowledge and advice pertaining to forest pests, in particular SBW, and related risks.

Performance Indicator: Number of publications pertaining to spruce budworm and related risks from NRCan or supported by NRCan contribution funding.

In 2024-25, there were 19 publications pertaining to spruce budworm and related risks from NRCan or supported by NRCan contribution funding.

Performance Indicator: Number of presentations on EIS scientific projects made to stakeholders, including advisory committees, advisory boards and conferences involving the sharing of knowledge and information on forest pests and related risks, in particular SBW, to governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations.

In 2024-25, there were 56 presentations delivered on EIS scientific projects.

Performance Indicator: Decision makers integrate scientific knowledge and information in risk management decisions pertaining to spruce budworm early intervention strategy.

In 2024-25, there were 217 citations of scientific and technical products by NRCan or supported by NRCan contribution funding on SBW and the EIS in the public domain published during the Phase 3 program.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Pest Risk Management Program is planned for completion by October 2027.

The Strategic Interties Predevelopment Program (SIPP) is intended to advance interprovincial electricity transmission infrastructure projects including the Atlantic Loop and the Prairie link. Funding is provided to help proponents complete project predevelopment work including for example: engineering assessments, community engagement, and environmental and regulatory studies.

Contributions made under SIPP are non-repayable.

SIPP’s funding is fully committed, supporting predevelopment projects that would improve regional transmission in Atlantic Canada. No new contributions agreements were signed during fiscal year 2024-25.

SIPP has exceeded its targeted number of contribution agreements, with four contribution agreements in total. The program is projected to exceed its targets for studies/assessments/reports, community engagements, and environmental reviews, with final results to be confirmed via projects’ final reports.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Electricity Predevelopment is planned for completion by October 2026.

Terms and Conditions in Support of Innovation and Clean Growth in the Natural Resource Sectors, effective 2022-23 (Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration (CMRDD) wave 1)

Terms and Conditions for Grants and Contributions for Critical Minerals Innovation and Global Partnerships, effective 2023-24 (CMRDD wave 2)

Successful projects are expected to advance the commercial adoption of critical mineral processing operations and technologies, building strong and resilient value chains. Expected outcomes and results will include improved capital and operating costs; effective production from unconventional sources; development of innovative technologies to process minerals; reduced energy and carbon intensity; and improved resource optimization and waste reduction through circular economy principles.

Under wave 1 of the CMRDD program’s contribution stream (Budget 2021), in 2024-25, final technical reports were received for three projects (all advanced to TRL 7 or above) and two additional projects were concluded.

Under wave 2 of the CMRDD program’s contribution stream (Budget 2022), in 2024-25, NRCan announced $58.8 million in investments, including 10 demonstration projects and one strategic partnership.

All projects are in progress and on track for completion by March 2027.

No audit in 2024-25.

A joint audit and evaluation of the Green Minning Innovation Program is planned for completion by December 2026.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

A joint audit and evaluation of the Green Minning Innovation Program is planned for completion by December 2026.

Program officials have engaged with stakeholders, Indigenous partners, potential applicants, and program recipients in various fora to enable and contribute to program design, delivery and evaluation. Examples of these efforts include:

• Announcing and publishing detailed information about the CMRDD calls for proposals, including associated documentation (e.g., news releases, program information webpage, online applicant guide, etc.);
• Using the CMRDD application portal as a means for applicants to submit expressions of interest, applications, inquiries, and report on results;
• Providing information to build awareness and clarify application requirements to potential applicants, stakeholders, and partners;
• Engaging with potential applicants (e.g., answering inquiries, arranging meetings, etc.) and gathering lessons learned through the initiative email inbox;
• Working with applicants to finalize and fulfill conditions and to negotiate contribution agreements;
• Engaging with various stakeholders and partner organizations on an ad hoc basis; and
• Leveraging other engagement fora, such as but not limited to the Critical Minerals Centre of Excellence, the Canadian Minerals and Metals Plan and other government departments.

Since 1997, NRCan has contributed to the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) through the Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP) – Green Jobs, which supports youth between the ages of 15 and 30 to develop the skills and gain the practical experience needed to join the natural resources sector workforce, including energy, forestry, mining, earth sciences and clean technology sectors.

Using a further distribution of funds model, the Program supports youth placements through non-repayable contribution agreements. The initial recipient organizations take responsibility for delivering the funding to employers.

STIP – Green Jobs has evolved over time to support the various government priorities as it relates to skills and employment, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, and investing in the green economy. This program also supports the Minister’s commitment to assist in the development and promotion of Canadian scientific and technological capabilities, and to address labour shortages in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields.

The Science and Technology Internship Program (STIP) - Green Jobs invested $15.6 million and created 653 green jobs and training opportunities for youth ages 15-30 in the natural resources sector, exceeding the target of 480. Employment and training opportunities took place in all provinces and territories.

Results for 2024-25 are^{Footnote 2}:

• 78% of youth were employed/self-employed after participating in the program and 13% returned to school.
• 81% of youth participants were from at least one employment equity group, including:
  • 51% women;
  • 28% Indigenous youth;
  • 27% racialized youth;
  • 14% youth with disabilities;
• 17% participation by youth who live in Northern, rural, and remote communities;
• 79% of placements were in the clean technology sector; and
• 43% of hiring organizations (ultimate recipient) were small and medium-sized enterprises.

Horizontal Evaluation of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy was completed in December 2024.

The evaluation found that while federal partners have taken steps to modernize and expand their programs to better support youth facing employment barriers, challenges remain—particularly related to unstable and short-term funding. The Strategy benefits from strong coordination by ESDC, but partners identified a need for enhanced collaboration and more robust data collection systems. Programs like Canada Summer Jobs and YESSP show positive short-term impacts on youth employment outcomes, especially for certain participant groups, though longer-term effects are still unknown. Overall, youth reported high satisfaction, and federal partners emphasized the value of work placements and support for vulnerable youth, despite some implementation and performance measurement limitations.

No recommendations were issued to NRCan.

Initial Recipients (Delivery Organizations):

• Regular check-ins with delivery organizations to support the delivery of Year 2 of two-year funding agreements.

Ultimate Recipients (Hiring Organizations):

• Website updates
• Targeted emails

Youth:

• Youth engagement at the Leading Change Summit in February 2025 and the SevenGen Summit in Iqaluit in October 2024.
• Post-placement surveys completed by youth participants to gauge the skills acquisition and overall experience.

In support of Canada’s commitment for greater electrification of transportation, the Program supports the deployment of charging infrastructure in underserved areas where Canadians live, work, travel and play (e.g. public places, on-street, in multi-unit residential buildings, at workplaces, and for vehicle fleets.

The Program makes available up to 50% of total project costs incurred during the Eligible Expenditure Period, up to predetermined maximum amounts per technology type. The Eligible Expenditure Period is the period when eligible expenditures will be eligible for reimbursement from the time that a funding agreement is signed by Canada until the Project Completion date stated in the funding agreement or until Program funding authority ends. The maximum funding for Indigenous businesses and communities is up to 75% of total project costs incurred during the Eligible Expenditure Period up to predetermined maximum amounts per type of technology type. The Program has conditionally repayable CAs that are both repayable and non-repayable, depending on the project type, size, and proponent.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure was approved in June 2025.

The project selection criteria for this initiative is informed by ongoing consultations with provinces and territories, as well as experience gained through the delivery of other EV and alternative fuel infrastructure programming.

All provincial/territorial governments are engaged bilaterally to better understand their own programming plans. Provincial/territorial governments are presented with the results of the project selection for their jurisdiction. To streamline the access to government funding for recipients, the Program is collaborating with the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the Provinces of BC, NS and NB to co-fund projects through the ZEVIP intake process.

To support the deployment of smaller infrastructure projects, the Program is working with or has worked with 38 delivery organizations across Canada to redistribute a component of the ZEVIP funding.