Details on transfer payment programs under $5 million

NRCan pays 50% of the operating costs of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator. The province pays the other 50%. This is done pursuant to section 28 of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act. The funds are drawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Cost recovery regulations put in place in 2016 allow the Board to cost recover up to 100% of eligible costs from industry, which are remitted to the government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia on a 50-50 basis.

This transfer payment program does not have any repayable contributions.

Amendments to the Accord Acts came into effect in January 2025 so the name of the offshore regulator and Act have been updated.

In respect of each fiscal year and pursuant to the Accord Acts, the Regulator is required to submit a budget request to Governments for approval by the Minister of NRCan and their provincial counterpart. NRCan officials engaged with the Regulator to understand the budgetary request and consulted with the province.

Additional costs for the operating budget were anticipated and the subsequent submission and approval was obtained with engagement between NRCan officials, the Regulator and the province.

To improve wildland fire management in Canada through interagency cooperation in wildfire prevention, mitigation and operational response. The objective is to provide wildland fire management services to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) participating agencies through:

• Gathering, analyzing and dissemination wildland fire management information to ensure a cost- effective sharing of resources;
• Promoting, developing, refining, standardizing and providing services for the improvement of forest fire management in Canada;
• Sharing equipment, technical personnel and information intended to share risk and defray capital and operating costs related to wildland fire management to maximize program efficiency from national and provincial/territorial perspectives; and,
• Facilitating national wildland fire prevention and mitigation initiatives.

In 2024-2025, CIFFC achieved the objectives of the program.

During the 2024 fire season, CIFFC produced Daily Situation Reports/National Preparedness Level assessments from May through mid-September.

The Proponent mobilized international personnel from countries across the globe including: Australia, Costa Rica, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.

The personnel mobilized included:

• 2,113 personnel including: 600+ international firefighting resources, 1500+ domestic resources, as well as exporting 100+ personnel to the United States in October 2024 and January 2025.

Equipment mobilizations included:

• 21 Skimmer Airtankers
• 2 land-based air tankers
• 10 birddog aircraft
• 18,000 lengths of hose and
• 252 pumps.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

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

As part of the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative, the purpose of the program is to create a Centre of Excellence for Wildland Fire Innovation and Resilience that will support greater collaboration of wildland fire management in Canada and internationally through innovation, knowledge exchange and supporting Indigenous fire stewardship.

NRCan provides funding to support the Centre of Excellence for Wildland Fire Innovation and Resilience to create a venue for wildland fire knowledge mobilization and innovation.

There are no repayable contributions under these programs.

In 2024-25, one contribution agreement was finalized, representing a total multi-year value of $11.7M, with $79k committed for 2024-25.

The project focused on establishing a board of directors, internal team building and engagement with other organizations. This resulted in 20 organizations being engaged in the project.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

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

NRCan launched a directed Call for Applications on July 27, 2024, that was open for 8 weeks and closed on August 22, 2024. An internal and external committee comprised of program officials and wildfire experts assessed and evaluated the applications.

In November 2024, NRCan informed all applicants of the Call for Applications results. In February 2025, NRCan finalized a contribution agreement with the successful applicant.

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

To advance the decommissioning of legacy uranium mine and mill tailings in the Province of Saskatchewan according to current regulatory standards and provide financial contributions to the Government of Saskatchewan for it to undertake decommissioning activities at the Gunnar uranium mine site. **

This program does not contain any repayable contributions.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

No evaluation is currently planned for this program given its low materiality. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning exercise.

Yearly meetings are held between NRCan and Saskatchewan Ministry of the Economy officials to discuss progress on the project.

NRCan reviewed Saskatchewan’s annual reports for the Project and met with Saskatchewan once during 2024-25 to discuss progress on the Project, as required under the 2006 MOA.

The installation of sensors in key-targeted areas will provide a basic earthquake early warning infrastructure and will permit monitoring of federal-critical infrastructure.

Funding will be made through Grants & Contributions to provinces, territories and municipalities in areas of high seismic hazard to strengthen the robustness of the national earthquake early warning system.

Contribution payments are non-repayable.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

An evaluation is not currently planned for this program given its low materiality. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning exercise.

There are two streams of funding under the program.

Regional modelling:

• Selected Flood Hazard Identification and Mapping Program (FHIMP) Contribution Projects will advance regional flood modelling science and help fill gaps in flood hazard information coverage across Canada. These projects may include all research, developmental and operationalization activities undertaken by a proponent that are intended to result in advancing the above-mentioned objectives. Projects that are aiming to increase organizational efficiency in the application of these models, and to engage on the applicability for land use planning and regulatory purpose will also be considered.

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge:

• The purpose of the FHIMP Indigenous Traditional Knowledge Stream (ITK) Contributions funding is to increase the uptake, validity, and relevance of flood hazard mapping in Indigenous communities, as well as to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between Indigenous and scientific practices related to flood mapping.

The contribution fund will support the development of tools to support communities, traditional knowledge studies, and rights-based engagement processes.

Performance measurement under both FHIMP streams is guided by the approved terms and conditions. The indicators under them are:

• Percentage of higher-risk areas covered by new flood hazard maps produced in accordance with scientific guidance and made available to Canadians
• Number of flood map/studies that integrate traditional knowledge.

The expected results for the Indigenous Traditional Knowledge stream are to enhance flood resilience in Indigenous communities by combining Indigenous Traditional Knowledge with Western science to create flood hazard datasets, develop culturally relevant policy tools, and foster knowledge transfer.

The expected results from the regional modelling stream will leverage advanced techniques, including AI, machine learning, and innovative flood modeling, to create accurate and accessible flood hazard maps that enhance decision-making tools for various stakeholders and establish new standards for flood risk assessment and mapping accuracy across diverse regions.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of the Core Geospatial Data and Innovative Geospatial Solutions is planned for completion in December 2028.

FHIMP has had direct engagement with recipients based on feedback from varied avenues as well as ongoing engagement with provincial and territorial partners.

The program has also engaged with potential recipients through Announcements of Opportunities with an official web posting on the FHIMP’s website as well as an email distribution.

All queries are answered through the generic FHIMP Contribution Agreements mailbox or through virtual meetings with potential Proponents.

At the final Project closeout meetings, FHIMP encourages Proponents to give feedback on the program and its processes to identify efficiencies and alleviate challenges. Recipients provide final project reports and output materials for FHIMP to share broadly.

FHIMP has feedback mechanisms for each phase of the application process (intake, evaluation, agreement development, project execution and close-out) that enables refinement of the program’s processes. There are no major differences from actual versus planned activities.

The objective of this program is to generate new knowledge through research and development to enable Canadian forest operators and wood product manufacturers to maintain and improve market access and reduce energy consumption and improve on environmental performance.

The program will also bring new and existing knowledge on issues of domestic and international codes and standards relating to wood products, their manufacture and use.

This program will be delivered through non-repayable contribution agreements.

In 2024-25, the Forest Research Institute Initiative achieved the following results:

• Enhanced the quantification of carbon performance and climate change mitigation potential of the Canadian forest sector via innovative tools and models;
• Supported the development and maintenance of national and international wood product codes and standards, and phytosanitary requirements; and
• Customized modeling of different forest management strategies to the needs of different regions and evaluation of their potential to adapt to new trends.
• Further developed a project aimed at investigating pathways for GHG reduction in Canadian lime kilns.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

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

GeoConnections is an ongoing innovation program with the mandate and responsibility to lead the evolution of the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) with standards-based technologies and operational policies for data sharing and integration to address key economic, social and environmental priorities.

Through regular Calls for Proposals, GeoConnections co-funds the modernization of the CGDI with eligible recipients.

CGDI is the collection of geospatial data, and the standards, policies, applications, and governance that facilitate its access, use, integration, and preservation.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of the Core Geospatial Data and Innovative Geospatial Solutions is planned for completion in December 2028.

GeoConnections engaged with potential receipts through the Announcement of Opportunity with an official web posting on the GeoConnections’ website as well as an email distribution of the Announcement.

All queries were answered through the generic GeoConnections Contribution Agreements mailbox or through virtual meetings with Proponents where consistent information was provided.

At the final Project closeout meetings, GeoConnections encourages Proponents to give feedback on the program and its processes to identify efficiencies and alleviate challenges for the Proponents.

• Geoscience for Sustainable Development of Natural Resources (TGI & CMGD)
• Geological Knowledge for Canada’s Onshore and Offshore Land (GEM-GeoNorth)

This transfer payment program covers four Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) geoscience programs:

• Targeted Geoscience Initiative (TGI)
• Geo-Mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM-GeoNorth)
• Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data (CMGD)
• Critical Minerals Mapping Initiative (CMMI).

The objective of the collaborative federal TGI geoscience program is to provide the Canadian mineral industry with the next generation of geoscience knowledge, innovative techniques and predictive models, which will result in more effective targeting of buried mineral deposits.

The objective of the GEM-GeoNorth Program is to help unlock the full mineral potential of Canada’s North and promote responsible land development in the region. GEM-GeoNorth works with partners and users across Canada to develop new geoscience knowledge, tools and educational opportunities focusing on mineral potential, climate-resiliency, and sustainable land-use.

The Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data (CMGD) initiative aims to strengthen Canadian critical mineral supply chains. By combining modern geoscience knowledge with Environmental, Societal and Governance (ESG) data, the program will support Canadian industries reliant on critical minerals and informed decision-making related to resource development and investment.

The Critical Mineral Mapping Initiative (CMMI) is an international, multidisciplinary geoscience research undertaking of the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) in collaboration with Geoscience Australia (GA) and United States Geological Survey (USGS). CMMI aims to develop a better understanding of known critical mineral resources, determine geologic controls on critical mineral distribution for deposits currently producing by-products, identify new sources of supply through critical mineral potential mapping, and promote critical mineral discoveries in all three countries.

All four programs will provide grants to eligible recipients to conduct science that aligns with program outcomes, or to develop capacity-building opportunities for geoscience professionals; in the case of GEM-GeoNorth, part of this funding will be earmarked for Northern educational institutions. GEM-GeoNorth will also disburse grants to Northern and Indigenous organizations to develop opportunities and tools that enable access and use of geoscience knowledge by Indigenous peoples.

Most transfer payments made under this transfer payment program will be grants (TGI & GEM-GeoNorth, CMMI), but contributions (CMGD) may be allocated if NRCan deems it necessary to monitor progress and results, receive an accounting of the use of funds from the Recipient, and have the right to carry out a recipient audit or to request some other type of certification or audit assurance from the Recipient.

Grants and contributions will be non-repayable.

TGI awarded thirteen grants in 2024-25 to 12 Canadian universities and one not-for-profit research organization totalling $500K. These geoscience studies are providing scientific results complementary to on-going, internal program research and support enhanced understanding of the formation of critical and economically important mineral deposits, as well as innovative methods to target them. TGI also launched a call for proposals on the program’s website. The program received 23 proposals, all of which were reviewed by program management and its science advisory group. Eight proposals were submitted to Senior Management, NRCan Communications and the Minister’s office for approval, all of which were signed in early 2025.

GEM-GeoNorth awarded two grants to Northern academic institutions in 2024-25. In addition, the program provided the second year of support to six other previously awarded grants. Altogether, this represented an investment of $713,500 to support grants that build geoscience capacity and uptake of GEM-GeoNorth research in the North.

In 2024-25, CMGD awarded $2.5M in contribution funding to 6 provincial and territorial governments and agencies through 13 agreements. CMGD also launched a second call for proposals on the program’s website. The program received 11 contribution proposals which were reviewed by program management and its science advisory group. Eight proposals were submitted to Senior Management, NRCan Communications and the Minister’s office for approval, 4 agreements were signed in 2024-25, and the remaining will be signed in 2025-26.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GeoNorth) is planned for completion by March 2027.

For TGI, all communications were done via email and there were no differences between actual and planned activities by the grant recipients.

All recipients of GEM-GeoNorth grants were consulted primarily via email. When immediate responses were required, communication took place via phone call between the proponent and the primary GEM-GeoNorth grant contact.

For CMGD, all communications were done via email. One contribution agreement remains under negotiation and as a result the proponent was unable to complete any activities in 2024-25 and lapsed funds. Another two proponents withdrew their proposals due to an inability to secure sufficient in-kind funding. One agreement was amended to reflect changes in spending between fiscal years.

GEM-GeoNorth had one grant that was withdrawn and the funds returned to the Government of Canada due to a lack of capacity on the part of the receiving organization to carry out the proposed project. This resulted in $42,087 being lapsed.

The CMGD initiative lapsed $519,239 in FY2024-25 as result of to two proponents withdrawing their proposals from the first competition due to an inability to secure sufficient in-kind funding (proponents must contribute >25% of the total project cost) and one agreement remains under negotiation.

In 2024-25, the GloFor program provided both grant and contribution funding to support the following work of its recipients:

• 16 International Model Forest Network (IMFN) Climate Finance recipients under the IMFN Climate Scaling-up Nature-Based Leadership Platforms initiative were announced at the COP 15 in 2022 to support efforts to scale up forest and landscape restoration, enable inclusive landscape governance and equip the next generation of forest leaders to address the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss;
• Seven IMFN Governance recipients to advance international forest leadership through activities that focus on expanding international engagement, collaborations and partnerships, as well as expertise;
• Five projects with four United Nations Agencies (DESA, UNECE, UNDP, FAO) to advance Canada’s commitment of increasing Canada’s active engagement and contributions to international forest fora and initiatives;
• One project with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), to strengthen partnerships with international firefighting agencies, improving future wildfire response and acquiring firefighting gear that is ready to deploy;
• One project with Canada Wood Group to decrease potential trade barriers and increase international recognition of sustainable forest products and solutions;
• One project with the Wood Pellet Association of Canada to advance international standards for wood pellets;
• One project with the International Tropical Timber Organization to support work on biodiversity-related guidelines as part of the collaboration with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and conducting statistical capacity building workshops in producer member countries; and
• One project with Forest Stewardship Council Investments & Partnerships to enhance Canada’s environmental reputation by decreasing trade barriers and increasing international recognition and collaboration on open-source tools to estimate emissions and removals from forests and harvested wood products and developing uncertainty estimates in support of policy.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

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

Overall, the engagement of GloFor applicants and recipients in 2024-25 was high. Many funded projects stemmed from the continued support of multi-year agreements. 99.6% of GloFor G&C funds were allocated through either grant or contribution agreements.

Program applicants and funding were supported through the proposal process and successful recipients through the agreement and reporting stages. Along with the application for funding, GloFor provided a thorough applicant guidebook for both grants and contributions forms of funding which outlined all the funding eligibility requirements.

Global Partnership Initiative Sub-Activity 3.5 only:

• March 31, 2030

All other Global Partnership Initiative Sub-Activities:

• March 31, 2027

• Access to new and priority markets for Canada’s natural resources is enhanced;
• Canadians are engaged in the future of the new and inclusive resource economy;
• Enhanced competitiveness of Canada’s natural resource sectors.

The Global Partnership Initiative (GPI) supports, enhances and promotes Canada’s international leadership in critical minerals by driving global environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, working effectively with Canada’s allies. GPI comprises of several components under three main activities: Market development and investment attraction; international Research and Development (R&D); and enhancing and promoting Canada’s international leadership.

GPI Terms and Conditions include only non-repayable contributions.

In 2024-25, NRCan has announced investments in 12 grants and contributions projects for a total of $17.21 million. The GPI project achieved its various objectives by launching and participating in:

• Two investment attraction seminars in Brussels and Toronto to attract foreign investment, facilitating 45 Business-to-Business connections between Canadian critical mineral project proponents and potential investors;
• Bilateral engagements with the US, Japan, EU, Germany, France, Chile, and Australia to strengthen international collaborations;
• Multilateral events, including the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiatives (EITI), Mineral Security Partnership (MSP), International Miners Ministers Summit, International Energy Agency (IEA), etc.;
• Research collaborations with UK (University of Exeter) on lithium ecotoxicity, and the Centre for Resource Recovery and Recycling (CR3);
• Geoscience activities under the Critical Minerals Mapping Initiative with the US and Australia;
• the Critical Minerals Traceability Project Grants, and support to transparency work at the International Energy Agency (IEA) to enhance transparent supply chains;
• Contributing to the World Bank Climate Smart Mining Initiative; and supporting the University of British Columbia to train mining sector employees, as part of the Energy Resource Governance Initiative to enhance ESG capacity;
• Delivering on Canada’s legislative commitments under the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA); and
• Supporting critical mineral projects in Canada in collaboration with other countries/international partners. In FY2024-2025, GPI provided co-funding to Fortune Minerals alongside the U.S. Defense Production Act (DPA) Title III program.

No evaluations in 2024-25.

An evaluation is not currently planned for this program given its low materiality. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning exercise.

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 GPI calls for proposals, including associated documentation (e.g., news releases, program information webpage, online applicant guide, etc.);
• Using the GPI program mailbox as a means for applicants to submit expressions of interest, applications, inquiries, and report on results;
• Provide 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 stakeholder 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.

Natural Resource Canada’s (NRCan) Forest Innovation Program (FIP) transfers funding to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) to deliver the Canadian Forest Sector Workforce Diversity Supplement.

The objectives of this grant, which supplements the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA), Canada Graduate Scholarships – Masters (CGS M), Postgraduate Scholarships – Doctoral (PGS D), and Canada Graduate Scholarships – Doctoral (CGS D), are to:

• Provide research opportunities in natural sciences and engineering to highly qualified individuals in areas of relevance to Natural Resources Canada – Canadian Forest Service.
• Address the diversity gap in the forest sector workforce with research and training opportunities for students from underrepresented groups to encourage undergraduate and graduate students to pursue studies and careers in fields related to the Canadian forest sector.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

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

NRCan and NSERC work together to ensure that funding is awarded to eligible recipients within the scope of this supplement.

A shortlist of recommended candidates is identified by NSERC based on the keywords that appear in candidates’ proposals (the keywords, pre-determined by NRCan, are those likely to be found in the proposals that match the research areas of interest). NSERC shares information about the shortlisted projects with NRCan, who verifies that the proposed research does fall within the areas of relevance to the supplement.

Once NSERC has completed the selection process, and subject to the availability of funds, NSERC makes offers to the supplement recipients via a Notice of Results. Once the flagged candidates have accepted the offer, NSERC awards the supplements to the successful candidates, on behalf of NRCan.

The objective of the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI) is to support Indigenous-identified priorities in economic development, forest stewardship, and knowledge and science development. The IFI provides financial support to inclusive, Indigenous-led activities in the forest sector, such as:

• gathering, developing, using, and protecting Indigenous knowledge and science;
• Indigenous leadership and participation in forest stewardship; and
• the identification, consideration, and pursuit of economic development opportunities.

The IFI supports several Government of Canada priorities, including advancing reconciliation and enhancing economic outcomes in Indigenous communities.

At a departmental level, the program directly supports the Minister of Natural Resources’ mandated commitments to support forest sector competitiveness, advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and the Department’s Program Activity 1.2 – Innovation for new products and processes and Sub-Program 1.2.2 – Forest sector innovation.

The program has a budget allocation of $13 million over 3 years for grants and contributions, which started in 2023-24.

At the close of the 2024-25 fiscal year, a total of 31 new IFI grant and contribution agreements were signed, totalling approximately $8 million.

Of these, the IFI signed 10 grant agreements. These projects were focused on the gathering, management, and use of Indigenous knowledge and resources to lead or engage with government and industry on forest policy development and sustainable forest management planning. In addition, 21 new IFI contribution agreements were signed.

These projects were focused on the following areas:

No evaluation in 2024-25.

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

When the IFI was renewed in 2023 (until March 31, 2026), the Canadian Forestry Service took the opportunity to expand the program’s scope to fund project activities beyond economic development. Since 2023, the IFI program has featured an additional added focus on Indigenous forest stewardship and Indigenous knowledge activities.

To inform renewal, the IFI contracted an Indigenous consultancy firm to engage Indigenous organizations and communities to explore Indigenous forest sector priorities, strengths of the IFI, and opportunities for future improvements to the program.

Insight on how the IFI can better align with forestry priorities and meet the expectations of Indigenous recipients required external discussions across First Nations, Inuit and Metis distinctions throughout Canada. Representatives from across all Indigenous distinctions were invited to take part in 2 pre-briefing sessions which determined the composition of the 8 formal dialogue sessions and additional bilateral meetings with partners.

Types of Participants:

• Indigenous Businesses: ~25%
• Band or Tribal Council: ~25%
• Indigenous Communities: ~20%
• Indigenous Organizations: ~15%
• Industry: ~10%
• Other: ~5%

During the engagement sessions, Indigenous participants validated that the IFI now funds the full range of their forest sector priorities.

The purpose is to facilitate the participation of Indigenous Peoples to determine opportunities to engage in data collection activities in their territories and to begin conversations to ensure that data and information collected are useful to northern and Indigenous communities and enterprises.

This transfer payment program does not have any repayable contributions.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Sustainable Forest Management Program is planned for completion in April 2029.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) engages with Indigenous Peoples in dialogues on issues related to its mandate. The contributions are intended to facilitate Indigenous participation in dialogues.

Ministerial Arrangements

The primary focus for 2024-25 was on engagements with Indigenous groups to seek their interest in the regulatory development process and to help inform the development of the proposed Indigenous Ministerial Arrangements Regulations (IMARs).

Sections 77 and 78 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CERA) provides the possibility of having Indigenous ministerial arrangements between the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Indigenous governing bodies. If the proposed regulations are developed, and arrangements are reached, these arrangements could enable Indigenous governing bodies to exercise powers, duties or functions with respect to matters regulated under the CERA.

Regional Energy and Resource Tables

The primary focus for 2024-25 was on dialogues with Indigenous groups in different regions of the country to identify opportunities and shared priorities regarding energy and resource development in their respective regions.

These dialogues were in support of the Regional Energy and Resource Tables, a collaborative process with the federal government, provincial/territorial governments, and Indigenous groups that aimed to collectively identify and advance many of Canada’s most promising low-carbon opportunities in the energy and resource sectors.

National Indigenous Organisations

The contributions are intended to facilitate Indigenous participation in dialogues and support capacity building amongst the NIOs.

This transfer payment program does not have any repayable contributions.

Ministerial Arrangements

They key outcome for IMARs Phase 2, Engagement and Regulatory Design, is to determine the extent to which Indigenous governing bodies want to be involved in the regulatory development process and to gather input on the overall considerations to help inform the development of proposed regulations. In 2024-25, key milestones for IMARs included:

• Published a National Engagement Strategy to detail a five-phased approach to the regulatory development process for IMARs and how NRCan will engage with Indigenous groups to seek their views on the proposed regulations.
• Administered 40 Contribution Agreements to Indigenous groups valued at approximately $1,168,861 out of a total Vote 10 budget of $1,382,875. The variance is due to some applicant groups declining their funding offers after NRCan had issued funding decisions. In these instances, decisions were made later in the fiscal year, prompting applicants to decline due to uncertainty about completing Work Plans before year-end.
• Held 31 engagement sessions with interest and/or participation from 107 Indigenous groups. A total of 22 written submissions have been received with 8 more submissions expected.
• Drafted 14 Meeting Reports and shared with Indigenous groups to capture key input, themes and participant questions following any large regional or community-hosted IMARs engagement sessions. A final What We Heard Report 2024-25 is expected to be published in 2025-26.
• A policy discussion document was initiated that will be finalized and utilized in 2025–26 to support ongoing engagement with Indigenous groups and to gather more detailed input to inform the development of the proposed regulations.

Regional Energy and Resource Tables

The key outcome for Regional Energy and Resource Tables was to enable the meaningful participation of Indigenous groups across the country in these dialogues. In 2024-25, key milestones included:

• Indigenous participation in the 10 established Regional Tables, including BC, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Yukon.
• Indigenous perspectives, priorities, and knowledge included in the four published Collaboration Frameworks (British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island).
• Key actions and priorities for Indigenous groups identified in the BC One Year Progress Report.
• The administration of 24 contribution agreements to Indigenous groups representing over 300 Indigenous communities across the country, valued at $2.9 million.
• More than 70 dialogues including 15 in-person sessions, held with Indigenous groups to identify opportunities and shared priorities for energy and resources development.
• Forty-five engagement sessions with potential applicants were held in 10 provinces and territories; twenty-four applications were received.
• Linkages to other NRCan sectors and programs were made with 20 Indigenous groups.

Meeting reports were drafted and shared with Indigenous groups to capture key input, themes and participant questions following dialogues.

National Indigenous Organisations

• A new Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Contribution Agreement valued at $100,000 was signed - supporting capacity building for the Economic Development team within the AFN.
• A new Métis National Council (MNC) Contribution Agreement valued at $150,000 was signed - supporting capacity building within MNC.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Cumulative Effects Program is planned for completion by March 2027.

Ministerial Arrangements

As part of the National Engagement Strategy for IMARs, the stated Engagement objective for Phase 2 was to hold 30-50 engagement sessions over the entirety of Phase 2. In 2024-25, IMARs held 31 engagement sessions with Indigenous groups, representing 107 Indigenous communities, including:

• 9 NRCan-hosted regional engagement sessions;
• 5 virtual ‘IMARs 101’ sessions;
• 4 community-hosted engagement sessions;
• 7 community-hosted information sessions;
• 1 information session at the AFN Natural Resources Forum;
• 5 engagement sessions with Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees for Line 3 and the Trans Mountain Expansion and Existing Pipeline /Canada Energy Regulator Indigenous Advisory Committee.

The timeline for Phase 2 has been extended until the end of FY 2025-26, adding an additional year to continue engaging with interested Indigenous groups to gather detailed input that will inform the development of proposed regulations.

Regional Energy and Resource Tables

• Forty-five engagement sessions with potential applicants were held in 10 provinces and territories; twenty-four applications representing over 300 Indigenous communities were received. Engagement sessions included:
  • Forty bilateral engagement sessions held both virtually and in-person
  • Five presentations and information sessions to larger groups were held both virtually and in-person.

National Indigenous Organisations

NRCan’s National Indigenous Organization Liaison (NIOL) team has led the engagements for the Contribution Agreements listed above and provided recipients with funding details, through its one-window approach via bi-weekly meetings and email correspondence to ensure compliance with the requirements of the contribution agreements and to support access to funding in a timely manner.

Most of the variance between planned and actual spending stems from the fact that funding for the Regional Energy and Resource Tables was received in-year and was not forecasted in planned spending. Additional details are below.

Ministerial Arrangements

In FY 2024-25, IMARs administered 40 Contribution Agreements to Indigenous groups valued at approximately $1,168,861 out of a total Vote 10 budget of $1,382,857. The variance can be attributed to certain applicant groups declining their funding offers following the issuance of funding decisions by NRCan. In these instances, decisions were rendered later in the fiscal year, resulting in applicant concerns regarding the feasibility of completing Work Plans prior to year-end, and ultimately leading to the withdrawal of participation. A decision to decline funding in 2024-25 will not impact the ability of those groups to re-apply in 2025-26 nor the way in which NRCan assesses applications received from these groups. These groups will be notified and encouraged to reapply when the application period for 2025-26 IMARs participant funding opens.

Regional Energy and Resource Tables

In FY 2024-25, the Regional Energy and Resource Tables administered 24 contribution agreements to Indigenous groups, valued at just over $2.9 million out of a projected total Vote 10 budget of $3.3 million. The variance can be attributed to several factors including the applicants’ ability/capacity to complete applications and activities within fiscal year.

National Indigenous Organisations

No variance occurred between planned and actual spending ($250,000) with respect to National Indigenous Organizations.

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

• Support the scale up of Canadian small businesses through early-stage, pre-commercial Research and Development;
• Develop a domestic market for early-stage, pre-commercial innovations;
• Facilitate the subsequent testing and validation of prototypes, as well as prepare a pathway to commercialization and purchase of novel new products by government and non-government customers;
• Fund the development and commercialization of new technology to address specific problems identified by the funding department; and
• Foster greater industry-research collaboration through the release of challenges for solutions that address key Government of Canada priorities.

This Program does not include repayable contributions.

In 2024-2025, NRCan moved forward with two Phase II Grant Agreements related to High Resolution Forest Mapping. In total, two Phase II proposals were received and associated grant agreements were negotiated and signed with proponents

In addition, NRCan continued to monitor phase two projects from the previously launched Development of Next Generation Bio-Based Foam Insulation challenge and Reducing the Cost of Tree Planting Challenge. These projects are expected to be completed in 2025-26.

On the testing side, NRCan supported 1 testing stream project. The project was related to technology innovation that allows the production of thermal energy of heat via a concentrated solar collector.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

An evaluation is not currently planned for this program given its low materiality. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning exercise.

In 2024-25 the variance is due to the program ending March 31, 2025, and allocation of funds to a Testing Stream project.

Note 1: The program is funded via existing departmental reference level.

Note 2: This transfer ($538,588.27) is an O&M transfer to ISED for the testing stream of the program, ISED (supported by PSPC) then issues contracts to proponents to test their technologies. These projects are selected partnership with NRCan and supported by NRCan technical experts and facilities.

The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) is an international organization that provides a unique framework for cooperation between tropical timber producers and consumers. It promotes the sustainable management and conservation of tropical forests and the expansion and diversification of international trade in tropical timber from sustainably managed and legally harvested forests.

As a member of the International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA) Canada helps meet global commitments related to halting and reversing deforestation and forest degradation in tropical countries, enhancing its environmental reputation, and contributing to efforts to combat illegal and unsustainable logging. This will support Canada's key international priorities related to climate change, biodiversity loss and respond to the global food crisis.

On May 2, 2023, Cabinet approved the “Authority to Accede to the International Tropical Timber Agreement (ITTA) Memorandum and granted authority to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to seek an Order in Council to accede to the ITTA, the legal framework for the ITTO.

Payment of mandatory assessed contributions to ITTO is a requirement of Members pursuant to the International Tropical Timber Agreement, which states that expenses necessary for the administration of the ITTA shall be met by annual contributions paid by members.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

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

The Minister of Natural Resources is responsible under section 219 of the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation and Offshore Renewable Energy Management Act to make payments to the province of Nova Scotia equivalent to the revenue amounts received by Canada in relation to offshore oil and gas activities in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore. The Federal Nova Scotia Offshore Revenue Account 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.

The Offshore Wind Predevelopment Program launched an open call for proposals to eligible applicants for the Indigenous and Coastal Community Grant Funding in 2024-25. A total of 20 applications were received, and 12 grant agreements were signed, fully committing all allocated funds. Of the 12 grant agreements signed, seven were multi-year and five were single year. The program attained its target of ensuring Indigenous groups comprised at least 40% of the successful applicants.

The program will disburse targeted funding in 2025-26 to select applicants from the first call for proposals and anticipates launching a second open call for proposals in 2026-27.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

Evaluation of Electricity Predevelopment Program is planned for completion by March 2027.

The $10 million Oil Spill Response Challenge invests in the rapid development of new oil spill detection and recovery technologies to minimize risks to Canadian aquatic environments in the event of an oil spill. The ultimate outcome of this initiative is to accelerate the development and facilitate deployment of new innovative oil spill response solutions tailored to Canadian conditions and needs.

The Oil Spill Response Challenge is using an innovative prize-based challenge approach that:

• Includes significant stakeholder engagement for joint problem framing and informing of the Challenge design elements to ensure a successful launch and implementation; and
• Improves pace and paths to commercialization of new oil spill response technologies.

Grants and contribution payments made under this program are non-repayable.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

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

• Encourage and accelerate innovation via the dissemination of information;
• Maintain a sustainable and responsible development of Canada’s natural resources via participation into engagement activities;
• Share best practices at home and abroad on clean, sustainable, efficient technologies and practises related to natural resources; and,
• Assist in the protection of our natural resources from pests, fire, and other hazards.

The Outreach and Engagement terms and conditions provides a mechanism to further program objectives. The funding disbursed through the outreach and engagement activities will be considered in the context of evaluations of the programs to which the funded projects align.

Performance and results information collected from the recipient will serve the purpose of evaluating the program
and will therefore relate to the program’s outcomes and results.

Actual results achieved are 100% of users have reported that the Outreach and Engagement Terms and Conditions were accessible, and 93% of users have reported that this mechanism met their needs.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

No evaluation is not currently planned for this program given its low materiality. The program will continue to be considered in NRCan’s annual departmental evaluation planning exercise.

As part of the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative, the purpose and objective of this grant is to support the development and exchange of knowledge, tools and resources by and for Indigenous communities and to support capacity building to increase the use of cultural practices and Indigenous knowledge as a fire risk management tool.

There are no repayable contributions under this program.

Ten multi-year grant agreements were finalized representing a total value of $3.9 million, of which $1 million was committed for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

Projects focused on internal team building, project planning and engagement with partnering communities.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

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

A national call for applications was open for 8 weeks and closed on May 14, 2024. 25 grant applications were received for funding under this program.

Following an internal and external review process using standardized assessment and evaluation tools 10 grant 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 purpose of the program is to financially support capacity building for eligible groups and organizations, either alone or to supplement other financial support. The program provides non-repayable contributions and solicits proposals through directed or targeted calls.

The objectives of the Program are to:

• Strengthen and build the capacity of organizations to better serve and support the jobs of today and the future, on the path to a net-zero economy.
• Expand the understanding and awareness regarding the implications, opportunities, career pathways and available supports on the path to a net-zero economy.

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.

The purpose of the program is to:

• Provide federal science leadership for the collaborative implementation of the Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy, enabling research related to national wildfire risk assessment and analysis to provide information that is grounded in science, strengthening decision-making;
• Enhance whole-of-society collaboration and governance to strengthen resilience;
• Increase focus on whole-of-society disaster prevention and mitigation activities to:
  • Increase the resiliency of Canadian communities to the risks and impacts of natural disasters;
  • Undertake and implement risk reduction analyses and actions;
  • Ensure that wildfire response agencies are integrated with each other to implement an effective wildland fire response program; and
  • Increase the wildfire knowledge of agencies, communities and individuals to create a culture of wildfire safety and to empower the public to understand risk.

There are no repayable contributions under this program.

Program objectives were met in 2024-2025, with a total of 6 active multi and single year agreements. A total of 29 reports and products of various kinds were produced including 14 science reports, project reports and tools and 15 information, outreach, and coordination products.

Four agreements were with Indigenous organizations or were Indigenous-focused.

Three new agreements were established with the International Association of Wildland Firefighters, the province of Nova Scotia and the Centre for Northern Conservation.

Through the products generated by this transfer payment program:

• Indigenous capacity in understanding of risk and of cultural burning knowledge systems has been increased;
• Systemic barriers to Indigenous participation in fire management are better understood;
• Scientific knowledge and awareness of wildfire risk and emergency response have been enhanced, including forest management and social and operational considerations for evacuations; and
• Real-time operational forecasts and research to improve understanding and predictability of fire weather and wildfire smoke has been improved.

No evaluation in 2024-25.

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

NRCan engaged national partners on wildland fire resilience (i.e., federal-provincial-territorial partners, Indigenous and municipal leaders, and the private sector).
Recipients and prospective applicants were engaged through various existing multi-stakeholder forums such as the:

• Canadian Council of Forest Ministers Wildland Fire Management Working Group;
• Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre Board of Directors, committees, and technical working groups; and
• CFS Wildfire program Indigenous Engagement officers and consultation networks.

Recipients of multi-year agreements initiated prior to 2024-25 were engaged through regular reporting activities.