Natural Resource Canada's 2024-25 Departmental results report

• Description
• Quality of life impacts
• Progress on results
• Details on results
• Key risks
• Resources required to achieve results
• Related government priorities
• Program inventory

Results achieved

NRCan advanced scientific research and data accessibility to support decision-making in natural resource management. The Department delivered geospatial products, supported Indigenous land governance, and contributed to environmental assessments and energy transition research.

Geospatial Data and Mapping

NRCan provided foundational geospatial data to support environmental monitoring, infrastructure planning and mapping, and emergency response. NRCan:

• Delivered 56 map products using near-real-time data feeds and satellite imagery through NRCan’s ground stations to support federal, provincial, and territorial responses to natural disasters, including wildland fires in BC, AB, and YT.
• Released new interactive maps on the Atlas of Canada, including Relief Maps, Drainage Areas, and Landcover.
• Digitized 85% of the National Air Photo Library’s holdings (total collection approximately 5.5million photos from 1920s-1990s). This digital transformation combined with AI techniques allows for change detection over land and water spanning over 100 years. Also, in support of Indigenous communities and researchers, made over 1,000 aerial photos from 1927–1992 available for 59 Indian Residential School sites across nine provinces and territories (PTs).
• Continued mapping Canada’s land, water, and infrastructure, producing foundational open data such as digital elevation models and AI-extracted features like roads, buildings, surface water and forested areas.
• Expanded real-time Global Navigation Satellite Systems data for enhanced spatial monitoring by adding eight new sites (in YT, QC, SK, NL and the NT).

Geoscience and Open Data

NRCan conducted research supporting sustainable development and environmental protection. It also developed tools for better access to science and promoted data transparency and better public access, which supported education, planning and research. NRCan:

• Advanced GeoEnergy research in terrestrial and marine environments on carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), hydrogen storage, naturally occurring hydrogen and geothermal energy to support Canada’s energy transition.
• Responded to the Eagle Mine disaster in the Yukon by publishing 31 peer-reviewed articles and 10 open files through the Environmental Geoscience Program. This rapid response helped assess contamination and inform remediation efforts. The program also developed the national scale groundwater climate model to address cases of groundwater contamination.
• Published over 82,000 datasets available on GEO.ca from 40+ federal, provincial and territorial contributors, and integrated 10,000+ datasets using AI for bilingual access on centralized platforms like the Open Government Portal, and the Open Science and Data Platform (OSDP). NRCan also delivered the Federated Open Data Search, a commitment in the 5th National Action Plan for Open Government. These data deliver on Canada’s commitment to Open Government by enabling transparency and accountability and support early planning, help align project proposals with regulatory expectations, improve transparency, and build trust in the regulatory process.
• Delivered two new releases of the OSDP and promoted its use in key sectors, providing all relevant data for federal impact assessment and regulatory processes through a single window, ensuring transparency, enabling public engagement, and increasing trust in decision-making.
• Provided Canadians with access to over 175,000 publications, maps, data and regulatory records about natural resource development activities across Canada via enhancements to the OSDP, helping to enhance public trust in our regulatory systems and to support better decisions.
• Advanced OSDP commitment to climate change and sustainable development by engaging civil society and government through a multi-stakeholder forum and quarterly reporting from January 2022 to December 2024 as part of the 5th National Action Plan for Open Government.

Arctic Collaboration and Science

In support of Canada’s northern research and sovereignty objectives, significant progress was made across multiple Arctic initiatives.

• The Polar Continental Shelf Program supported 295 Arctic projects, coordinating over 5,123 flight hours across more than 50+ aircrafts, 48,578 meals, and 16,971 overnight stays at the Arctic Logistics Hub in Resolute Bay. This included 192 science initiatives, 19 Department of National Defence collaborations, and 84 equipment-only requests.
• The GEM-GeoNorth Program supported 58 individuals across 14 geoscience projects, conducting 16 field trips with full engagement of Indigenous groups. Grants were awarded to three northern academic institutions, and six additional projects advanced geoscience uptake in the North.
• Led the planning and scientific programming for the 14th Arctic Ocean Workshop in St. John’s, NL, bringing together experts from Canada, Denmark/Greenland, Norway, and the U.S. to address legal and scientific issues related to the extended continental shelf.
• Translated Canada’s Addendum to the Executive Summary of the Arctic Ocean submission to the UN into two Inuktitut dialects, a milestone recognized in the 2024-25 Commissioner of Indigenous Languages Report.

Land Management

This section highlights key initiatives undertaken to advance Indigenous-led land management to strengthen land governance capacity, enhance environmental oversight, and modernize and maintain boundaries.

• Initiated the modernization of the Canada’s Lands Surveys Act, including updating terminology and processes, which supported the establishment of the new First Nation Land Governance Registry.
• Published two tailored guides to help First Nations access and use the Canada Lands Survey System and manage land surveys.
• Delivered 24 land descriptions to First Nations for potential use in land codes; 14 of these were ratified and recorded, advancing Indigenous-led land governance.
• Streamlined the environmental impacts assessment technical review procedures and responded to impact assessment requests for 26 projects at different stages of the impact assessment process.
• Completed eight boundary maintenance projects through the International Boundary Commission and modernized the coordinates of boundary monuments.

Results achieved

NRCan protected Canadians from natural and human-caused hazards through monitoring systems, regulatory oversight, and emergency preparedness. The Department also supported wildfire prevention, nuclear safety, and pest management.

Hazard Monitoring and Emergency Preparedness

NRCan strengthened Canada’s ability to detect and respond to natural hazards by delivering or supporting a series of mapping monitoring initiatives and issuing nationwide alerts and updates. NRCan:

• Issued timely notification for 100% of hazardous natural events nationwide.
• Launched the National Earthquake Early Warning System in BC, successfully issuing two public alerts.
• Provided 24/7 earthquake monitoring and nationwide alerts, along with space weather updates every 15 minutes through the Canadian Hazards Information Service.
• Signed 21 agreements to fund 280+ flood mapping projects and over 1,000 individual flood hazard maps, helping communities plan for and mitigate flood risks.
• Developed Earth Observation Derived Status and Trends data to assess landmass changes and support the Impact Assessment Framework. NRCan collaborated with the Canadian Council on Geomatics to review Canada’s spatial data infrastructure using UN criteria and engaged with geospatial data producers and users.
• Added new capabilities to the nuclear response program and continued to contribute to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty International Monitoring System, meeting or exceeding performance requirements.
• Delivered an end-to-end Government of Canada remote sensing system through the Natural Hazards and Climate Change Geoscience Program to monitor volcanic deformation - the first of its kind in the country. This supports retrofit investments made to protect high risk areas from earthquakes.

Explosives Safety and Regulatory Improvements

Through licensing, inspection and outreach programs, NRCan protected the safety and security of Canadians from the potential dangers of explosives and their restricted components. NRCan:

• Conducted 1,378 inspections and issued 1,792 explosives licences in 2024-25, ensuring compliance with the Explosives Act and the Explosives Regulations, 2013. 84% of inspected sites demonstrated regulatory compliance, surpassing the 70% target. License service standards were also consistently met for how long it takes to issue explosives licenses (30 days for a storage license; 60 days for a manufacturing license).
• Launched a second multi-year regulatory review of the Explosives Regulations, 2013 in May 2024. resulting in omnibus regulatory amendments packages to improve efficiency and risk alignment.

Wildfire and Pest Management

The Department supported wildfire preparedness and response, and pest management by delivering resources, tools, infrastructure and programs to protect forests and community resilience. NRCan:

• Released the Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy in June 2024 in collaboration with the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers to reduce wildfire risks. The Strategy provides a vision for wildland fire prevention and mitigation, aimed at galvanizing whole-of-society engagement to reduce the adverse impacts of wildfires.
• Improved national forest mapping by producing an updated fuel type layer to support fire behaviour prediction. The data is publicly available through the National Forest Information System and to inform wildfire management and planning.
• Mobilized 2,113 personnel, including international firefighting resources, domestic resources, and personnel sent to the U.S. to fight fires through the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre. 23 air tankers and 10 birddog aircrafts were also mobilized.
• Invested $285 million over five years through the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative to enhance community-based wildfire prevention and mitigation, build and mobilize foundation wildland fire knowledge and establish the Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada.
• Invested $284 million over five years through the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate to support community-based wildland firefighting training and the procurement of specialized equipment for Wildfire Agencies.
• Advanced the development of WildFireSat, the first government-owned satellite mission designed to monitor active wildfires in Canada daily, and provide authorities with unprecedented wildfire intelligence in partnership with the Canadian Space Agency, and ECCC.
• Provided tools and information to manage pests such as spruce budworm, emerald ash borer and hemlock woolly adelgid in various forested landscapes. Delivered Phase Three of the Spruce Budworm Early Intervention Strategy program, safeguarding jobs and forest health in Atlantic Canada.

Results achieved

NRCan provided leadership in climate adaptation through research, funding programs, Indigenous-led initiatives, and support for forest and coastal resilience.

Climate Adaptation and Coastal Resilience and Planning

The Department shared research, launched new reports, and funded multiple projects to help communities, businesses, and coastal communities become more resilient. The Department also worked with stakeholders to improve emergency preparedness and planning in areas at risk from natural hazards.

• NRCan led essential science and provided knowledge products to support adaptation and resilience measures including For Our Future: Indigenous Resilience Report, the first Indigenous-led report on Canada’s National Assessment Process. The report explores how and why Canada’s climate is changing, the impacts of these changes and how country is adapting.
• Launched the next series of Canada in a Changing Climate: National Assessment Process reports, engaging with stakeholders to identify and prioritize key climate change issues for Canadians (to be released in 2026).Established the Assessment Advisory Committee to ensure products meet target audience needs.
• Supported the National Adaptation Strategy (NAS) with more monitoring infrastructure for earthquakes, landslides, wildfires, and tsunamis, improving real-time alert capabilities and emergency preparedness in high-risk regions. Advanced key objectives of the NAS Economy and Workers system, linked to the Government of Canada Adaptation Action Plan.
• Strengthened collaborative relationships related to the Climate Change Adaptation Platform, with federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as Indigenous partners and stakeholders.
• Signed 40 contribution agreements under the Climate Change Adaptation Platform to enhance the climate resilience of communities, businesses and natural resource sectors.
• Signed 21 contribution agreements under the Climate-Resilient Coastal Communities Program, including an Indigenous-led Project Stream to co-develop actions to reduce climate change risks on Canada’s three marine coasts and in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region.
• Co-funded the CoastAdapt platform to provide tailored resources for vulnerable coastal communities.
• The Natural Hazards and Climate Change Geoscience Program:
  • Published case studies in the eastern Arctic to support planning nearshore and underwater infrastructure, including a deep-water port in Qikiqtarjuaq.
  • Developed a method to map subsea permafrost conditions at scale to help prevent infrastructure failures due to degrading permafrost.
  • Conducted a geotechnical and tsunami hazard assessment for Kitimat and developed machine learning systems to predict coastal change rates.

Forestry Initiatives

NRCan advanced a series of forest-based climate solutions to increase forest resilience, contribute to global emissions reductions and assist in building Canada’s low-emission economy. NRCan:

• Continued to develop national models and tools through the Forest Climate Change program to assess forest vulnerability, make growth projections, and carry out carbon budgeting.
• Supported the planting of more than 150 million trees since 2021 through the 2 Billion Trees program (2BT). As of March 31, 2025, 2BT had agreements committed or under negotiation to plant 988 million trees over 10 years, representing approximately $2 billion in funding. 2BTalso:
  • Secured funding agreements with 11 provinces and territories, advanced funding for mass tree planting and habitat restoration, and launched a national monitoring framework to track climate benefits.
  • Funded over 70 Indigenous-led projects as of March 31, 2025, totaling over $450 million committed, and of that funding, $96 million spent.
  • Funded 143 projects in 2024-25; 24% of which were urban, and 32% of which were Indigenous led^{Footnote 14}. In 2024, funded organizations planted across 10 provinces, planting 66.9 million trees representing 240 species at more than 3,400 sites. Projects funded through the program have included habitat restoration; capacity building; support for species at risk; creation and restoration of forest ecosystems on lands damaged by wildfire, pests, and other disturbances; increased carbon capture and the creation of parks and green spaces in and around cities.

More information on Natural Resources Canada’s contributions to Gender Based Analysis Plus can be found in NRCan’s Gender Based Analysis Plus Supplementary Information Table.

More information on Natural Resources Canada’s contributions to Canada’s Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in our Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy

• Description
• Quality of life impacts
• Progress on results
• Details on results
• Key risks
• Resources required to achieve results
• Related government priorities
• Program inventory

Results achieved

NRCan advanced innovation in Canada’s natural resource sectors by investing in research, development and demonstration (RD&D), supporting clean technology deployment, and enhancing data and digital tools. These efforts accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies, improve regulatory processes, and strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness.

Advancing Clean Energy and Technology Innovation

NRCan invested in a wide range of RD&D projects to support the development and deployment of clean energy technologies that reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. NRCan:

• Invested over $180 million in 352 energy RD&D projects led by Canadian innovators, including $82 million in support for 153 R&D projects at labs and research centers across federal departments, accelerating the development of technologies and solutions in key priority areas such as battery innovation, transportation, smart grids, and energy-efficient buildings.
• Launched four new funding calls under the Energy Innovation Program (EIP) in renewable energy, mining decarbonization, clean fuels and national energy systems modelling.
• Demonstrated strong stakeholder engagement, with every $1 of NRCan’s funding leveraging $2.30 in contributors funds, exceeding the target of 1:1. Projects continued to advance technologies towards commercial readiness, with 60% of projects advancing one or more levels along the technology readiness scale, surpassing the 50% target.
• Supported proponents filed over 510 patents or other intellectual property rights, developed over 706 technical reports and publications, created 266 platforms and tools, and influenced 129 codes, standards and regulations, advancing critical knowledge.
• Published its Strategic Approach to Battery Innovation, which provides frameworks for determining the value of investments in battery innovation in recognition of the economic opportunities posed by battery innovation, performance and supply chains for Canada.
• Developed comprehensive Earth Observation Derived Status and Trends data describing changes in the Canadian landmass to support and speed up assessments of major projects in the Impact Assessment Framework.
• Collaborated with the Canadian Council on Geomatics and other stakeholders to review Canada’s spatial data infrastructure using UN criteria and engaged with geospatial data producers and users.
• Supported 318 cleantech innovators and adopters through the Clean Growth Hub’s single-window service, advancing clean technology across Canada in partnership with 17 federal departments and agencies. Since 2018, the Clean Growth Hub has served over 3,100 clients across all cleantech subsectors.
• Advanced the collection and sharing of socio-economic data to measure Canada’s clean economy and cleantech sector through the Clean Technology Data Strategy. The new provincial cleantech profiles under the strategy were released, offering tailored regional insights to inform program and policy design.
• Advanced projects through the Net Zero Accelerator that decarbonize large carbon emitters and grew clean technologies to accelerate Canada’s industrial transformation.
• Supported the Government’s decision to provide a $200 million federal contribution to the $6 billion Cedar LNG project under the Strategic Innovation Fund to enable development of the low-emissions intensity project that will be Canada’s largest Indigenous majority-owned infrastructure project, using clean, renewable hydroelectricity to liquefy natural gas for delivery to overseas markets.
• Collaborated with Transport Canada and AB and BC to develop and implement a joint workplan to evaluate the feasibility of the transit of ammonia by rail from AB and BC for marine exports, with regular engagements with industry.
• Worked with provincial and territorial governments to address the near-term competitiveness challenges facing Canada’s biofuel sector and to develop a longer-term vision for its growth.

Results achieved

The Department supported Canada’s clean energy transition by improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions, fostering the creation of sustainable jobs and enhancing affordability and reliability. These efforts contributed to economic competitiveness, and climate resilience.

Energy Efficiency for Homes and Industry

NRCan implemented programs to help Canadians and businesses reduce energy use and costs while improving affordability and comfort for Canadians.

Carbon Management and Investment Tax Credits

NRCan advanced several carbon management initiatives and provided expert guidance to support the implementation of clean technology investment tax credits. NRCan:

• Invested in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), including front-end engineering and design studies and RD&D projects, such as new capture and utilization processes, building CO₂ storage hubs and advancing offshore carbon dioxide capture and storage knowledge.
  • From 2022 to 2025, NRCan funded 99 new CCUS projects, that have generated over $168M of external investment or a leverage ratio of 1.40 for every NRCan dollar.
  • For example, under the Budget 2021 Commitment, NRCan funded the Front-End Engineering and Design Studies for the Pathways projects, including the 450km pipeline for CCS hub infrastructure in Alberta.
  • Preliminary results show that CCUS projects are on track to meet or surpass the performance targets. CCUS projects are generating and sharing new scientific knowledge, with 10 patents or IP having been filed, informed the development of 7 codes and standards, and resulted in over 100 peer review publication and technical reports, and have supported 194 jobs (job years of employment) in 2024-25.
• Worked with partners to create the National CCUS Assessment Framework, supporting software for strategic planning of CO₂ capture/removal, transport and storage infrastructure. This tool is being used by Canadian governments and industry to better understand the costs, GHG reductions, and increases in heat and electricity requirements for different CCUS and CO₂ removal scenarios.
• Collaborated with the governments of BC, NS and NL on shared priorities to advance and enable opportunities for CCUS industry development through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables
• Helped launch the joint Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation Gigatonne by 2030 Campaign, which aims to advance the Carbon Management Challenge goal and increase awareness of carbon management within the global clean energy community.
• Collaborated with Finance Canada, Privy Council Office and the Canada Growth Fund to develop options on the Pathways Alliance decarbonization project, based on engagements with industry and Alberta, providing expertise to Finance Canada and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for launching the CCUS-Investment Tax Credit (ITC) in June 2024.
• Worked with Finance Canada and the CRA to launch the Clean Hydrogen ITC and implemented legislated technical administrative role with CRA for launching the Clean Technology ITC.
• Continued to provide expertise and advice to Finance Canada related to refining proposed legislation for the Clean Electricity ITC and proposed amendments to the Clean Technology, CCUS, Clean Hydrogen and Clean Technology Manufacturing ITCs to expand their scope and applicability.
• Released the Progress Report on the Hydrogen Strategy for Canada and the Hydrogen Codes and Standards Roadmap and advanced offshore priorities in the Atlantic, including publishing an intentions paper on offshore CO2 storage in the sub-seabed.

Mining Innovation and Critical Minerals

Critical minerals are the building blocks for the green and digital economy, presenting a generational opportunity for Canada in exploration, research, extraction, processing, downstream product manufacturing and recycling. NRCan is committed to seizing this opportunity in ways that benefit every region across the country. The Department:

• Developed the Mine Permit Navigator, an online tool for receiving project-specific guidance on federal permits as the regulatory system evolves.
• Expanded fugitive mine dust research to new sites in the Abitibi region and Nunavut. The research has demonstrated that alternative dust monitoring devices improve our understanding of mine dust composition and dispersion around active and inactive mine sites, advancing best practices related to mine dust monitoring, mine dust predictive models, and cumulative impact research, all of which are components within the impact assessment process and evaluated by decision makers.
• Continued to develop a process flowsheet to recover scandium and rare earth elements from Canadian coal ash to develop a new domestic supply. The Department also developed a new process residue to reduce the use of ordinary Portland cement, which will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of cement production.
• Continued to develop a process to produce commercial-grade lithium oxide for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This R&D supports domestic supply, strengthens Canada’s role in the global battery supply chain, and improves flotation performance at low temperatures, enhancing lithium recovery and economic returns for Canadian producers.
• Improved the separation and high-purity recovery of critical metals (less than 1% unwanted materials), lowering costs, improving flexibility, and reducing waste and emissions. This research turns mining and industrial waste into a valuable resource, recovering battery metals using clean and efficient technologies.
• Continued to develop secondary mineral processing in Canada by re-processing mine waste and recycling of post-consumer waste.
• Expanded stakeholder engagement toward international partners under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy’s Global Partnership Initiative, including with the International Organization for Standardization of which CanmetMINING is active in research or collaborative discussions with 9 countries and the European Union.
• Advocated for Canadian interests in international codes and standards, particularly around supply chain traceability, environmental and social governance, and trade, through representation on domestic and international standard committees for rare earth elements, lithium and specialty metals like nickel and cobalt.

Clean Energy Policy and Collaboration

The Department provided leadership in clean energy policy and intergovernmental and stakeholder collaboration. These efforts ensured alignment across jurisdictions and supported the creation of sustainable jobs. NRCan:

• Supported ECCC in setting the 2035 GHG emissions target of 45-50% below 2005 levels and co-chaired Climate Plan Implementation committees, tasked with overseeing measures under Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.
• Spearheaded the enactment of the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act in June 2024, followed by the establishment of a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council and Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, and commissioned research to support a more comprehensive information pool on sustainable.
• Established partnerships with individual provinces and territories through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables (Regional Tables), in collaboration with Indigenous partners and with input from key stakeholders to advance low-carbon opportunities in the energy and resource sector. Bilateral collaborative mechanisms under the rubric of the Regional Tables’ initiative were undertaken with 12 provinces and territories, including, in some jurisdictions, with Indigenous partners and key regional stakeholders.
• Created frameworks with jurisdictions that opted to collaborate via Regional Tables or other mechanisms to advance work aligned with their priorities. In 2024-25, collaboration frameworks for pursuing decarbonization were published in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in collaboration with Indigenous partners.
• Advanced intergovernmental dialogue and provincial-territorial partnerships on clean energy transition, decarbonization efforts, and sustainable resource development through data-driven analytics, leveraging regional models to assess economic, financial, and supply chain considerations for shared priorities.
• Released the BC Regional Table One-Year Progress Report, highlighting the unprecedented collaboration between the Government of Canada, the province and the First Nations Leadership Council. The report outlines progress in critical minerals, electrification, clean fuels, forestry, carbon management, and regulatory efficiency, with a strong focus on Indigenous economic inclusion and sustainable job creation.
• Implemented a modernized Portfolio Management Framework and chaired five Portfolio Agency Head meetings to strengthen policy coordination and engagement.

Safe Nuclear Energy and Clean Electricity

NRCan supported nuclear innovation and clean electricity development to meet net-zero goals. These efforts included funding, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. NRCan:

• Approved 165 deployment and capacity building projects under the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREP). These projects will add over 2,763 megawatts of new renewable energy generation capacity to the Canadian electrical grid, leading to annual GHG emission reductions of 3.1 Mt/year. SREP launched calls for proposals for utility-supported and Indigenous-led clean energy projects, and collaborated with PTs to identify regional priority electricity projects that reduce fossil fuel reliance and strengthen the grid.
• Funded 15 projects under the Enabling Small Modular Reactors program, including one Indigenous-led project, with proponents in ON, NB, QC, AB and SK, enabling collaboration between Canada’s nuclear industry stakeholders, advancing knowledge and understanding of SMR waste, SMR manufacturing, and fuel supply chains.
• Advanced discussions with provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, industry, and other key stakeholders through the Nuclear Energy Leadership Table (NELT) to align on nuclear energy priorities for Canada.
• Announced a preliminary financing agreement for the development of a new CANDU design and supported the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) with the site selection for the Deep Geological Repository.
• Held the Department’s first annual oversight meeting with the Radioactive Waste Collaboration Committee in January 2025, with representatives from major utilities, the NWMO and Atomic Energy of Canada, to advance long-term waste management and disposal plans and activities under the Integrated Strategy for Radioactive Waste (ISRW).
• Administered Electricity Predevelopment Program resources to support predevelopment activities in fossil fuel-based electricity dependent jurisdictions, particularly to support new nuclear energy developments.
• Convened negotiations and provided predevelopment funding for the NS-NB Reliability Intertie, which successfully reached financial close in March 2025. This transmission project is key to NS’ coal phase-out agenda and will improve the reliability of interprovincial power grids and support the integration of more renewable energy sources.
• Provided a federal loan guarantee to reduce the cost of refinancing the Maritime Link transmission line, mitigating impacts for NS ratepayers.
• Released Canada’s first Clean Electricity Strategy and supported the Canada Electricity Advisory Council’s work, producing a June 2024 report.
• Assisted the development of the Wah-ila-toos Indigenous Council’s landmark report, Kinship and Prosperity.

Offshore Renewable Energy and Transmission Infrastructure

The Department supported predevelopment and regulatory work for offshore and transmission projects. These efforts aimed to unlock renewable energy potential and improve grid reliability.

• Received Royal Assent for Bill C-49, an Act to amend the Canada-NL Atlantic Accord Implementation Act and the Canada-NS Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act. The Canada-NS version of the bill came into force on January 31, 2025, and the Canada-NL version came into force on June 2, 2025. This legislation will help unlock offshore renewable energy, to generate thousands of jobs while attracting billions in investment and creating new economic opportunities.
• Established the safety and environmental protection requirements for offshore renewable energy projects with the coming into force of the Canada Offshore Renewable Energy Regulations in December 2024; and advanced work to mirror the regulations in the Canada-NS and Canada-NL offshore areas.
• Launched the Offshore Wind Predevelopment Program in spring 2024 to support data collection, studies, and engagement activities to de-risk offshore wind development.
• Negotiated an agreement with PTs energy and mining ministers at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference 2025 to advance regulatory cooperation in order to accelerate resource development in the aftermath of the U.S. imposing tariffs on Canada.

Leveraging Wind Power and Battery Storage

The Lhu’ààn Mân N’tsi Project is an Indigenous-led demonstration of wind power and battery storage in the Kluane First Nation in Yukon Territory. The project uses 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 energy security.

A wind turbine overlooks Kluane Lake as part of the Lhu’ààn Mân N’tsi Project

Photo credit: Kluane First Nation

Results achieved

NRCan continued to enhance the sustainability of Canada’s natural resources by improving forest data, supporting ecosystem health, and integrating Indigenous knowledge into environmental stewardship.

Forest Monitoring, Cumulative Effects and Fibre Solutions

• Published 61 peer-reviewed knowledge products, improving access to national forest data and understanding of how forest management affects ecosystem services. These tools will help connect forest soil conditions with the benefits forests provide.
• Advanced satellite-based forest inventory methods and tools to track forest recovery after wildfires. These methods supported national reporting and improved understanding of forest trends.
• Developed 26 knowledge products that addressed forest recovery, land-use planning, and wildlife protection under the Cumulative Effects Program.
• Integrated Indigenous collaboration in seven projects focused on caribou habitat and land-use impacts. These efforts supported environmental stewardship and reduced unintended consequences from development.
• Supported 35 diverse projects to drive innovation in the forest sector through the Fibre Solutions program. Key areas of focus included improving fibre traceability, boosting forest productivity, and accelerating digital transformation. The program also enabled robust knowledge exchange through 149 technology transfer activities and the creation of 94 knowledge and technology transfer products, engaging stakeholders across Canada and globally. These collective efforts played a vital role in advancing the bioeconomy and modernizing forest management practices.

More information on Natural Resources Canada’s contributions to Gender Based Analysis Plus can be found in NRCan’s Gender Based Analysis Plus Supplementary Information Table.

More information on Natural Resources Canada’s contributions to Canada’s Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in our Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

NRCan continued to drive innovation through digital transformation, AI, and advanced research to improve operational efficiency and scientific accuracy. The Department made progress on AI by contributing energy and technical expertise to review the proposed Canadian AI compute projects, as part of an ISED-led working group. NRCan also collected data on AI use among Canadian clean technology firms, as part of the Clean Technology Data Strategy.

Digital Accelerator

The Digital Accelerator, through AI and machine learning, improved data access and environmental monitoring.

• Completed six projects, including water feature extraction and flood risk mapping using images from the RADARSAT Constellation Mission, and assessing long-term water quality trends and climate change hot spots in Canadian watersheds.
• Conducted Open Science and Data Platform and Clean Growth Hub updates which improved client experience and data accessibility.
• Co-organized an AI-Quantum Workshop and multiple Community of Practice events, Co-led the Public Service Data/AI Challenge, gaining recognition for digital leadership. The winning project improved data availability for the Canada Greener Homes initiative.
• Initiated an internal assessment to identify AI opportunities related to operational efficiency and productivity.

• Description
• Quality of life impacts
• Progress on results
• Details on results
• Key risks
• Resources required to achieve results
• Related government priorities
• Program inventory

Results achieved

This section outlines NRCan’s efforts to strengthen Canada’s critical minerals value chains, promote transparency, support the forest sector amid global challenges, enhance employment equity and support youth employment.

Critical Minerals Development and Investment

The Department advanced Canada’s leadership in critical minerals through strategic funding and project development, focused on critical mineral value chains.

• Announced $764 million as of March 2025 for 113 projects under the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy. In the first year of the Strategy, Canada saw a 15% increase in the domestic production of critical minerals. Several projects were identified focused on opening important mineral regions (such as Northwest BC for copper) as well as processing opportunities.
  • Allocated $303 million for 31 projects and $1.5 million for 18 Indigenous grants (part of the overall totals) through the Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund for pre-construction, construction, and Indigenous capacity-building and participation in infrastructure projects.
  • Announced $81.3 million in investments, including $58.8 million for 10 projects (part of the overall totals) under the Critical Minerals Research, Development and Demonstration Program to advance the commercial adoption of critical mineral processing operations and technologies, reduce energy and carbon intensity, and improve resource optimization and waste reduction through circular economy principles.
• Partnered with the Saskatchewan Research Council to advance a domestic R&D initiative to strengthen Canada’s capacity to process locally mined critical minerals.
• Advanced research and innovation initiatives, driving progress in Canada’s critical minerals and quantum sectors, supporting sustainable development, exploration effectiveness, and cutting-edge technologies.
  • Through the Critical Minerals Geoscience and Data Initiative, 58 R&D activities and 18 contribution agreements signed with PTs supported responsible critical mineral development, resulting in over 180 scientific deliverables, including six national-scale mineral potential datasets and a new geological map compilation to promote and accelerate responsible development of critical mineral resources in Canada.
  • Through the Targeted Geoscience Initiative, 51 R&D activities, research grants for academic and not-for-profit research organizations—advanced mineral exploration across Canada by applying scientific expertise and emerging technologies. Results also include 17 quantum research products, training on quantum sensors, and the first geological trial of a quantum diamond magnetometer on an uncrewed aircraft.

International Partnerships and Market Access

NRCan built global alliances to support competitiveness and promote Canadian expertise.

• Championed critical minerals priorities in multilateral events, including Canada’s G7 Presidency with a Critical Minerals Action Plan, and engaging with the IEA, OECD, Minerals Security Partnership, Conference on Critical Minerals and Materials, and International Seabed Authority.
• Signed a collaboration agreement with Argentina on critical minerals and mining sustainability to support responsible resource development.
• Initiated work with Ukraine to assess geological data and explore joint projects. The focus was on rare earth elements and titanium, strengthening investment potential.
• Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Indonesia and a joint statement with Italy on critical minerals cooperation and critical minerals and critical raw materials respectively.
• Hosted a Conference on Critical Materials and Minerals in Ottawa to promote alignment amongst G7 + Australia countries on critical minerals policy and trade.

Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act

The Department ensured accountability and supported market access through transparency initiatives.

• Worked with the Extractive Sector Transparency Measures Act (ESTMA) and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to help Canadian diamond producers access EU markets by implementing the diamond certification program for the G7 ban on Russian diamonds.
• Published new ESTMA substitution determinations for the U.S., U.K., and Switzerland, and amended those for the EU and Quebec.
• Validated over 1,390 ESTMA reports disclosing $161 billion in payments to over 1,300 payees in 91 countries. This reinforced Canada’s leadership in extractive sector transparency.
• Chaired 10 EITI Board Validation Committee meetings.

Forest Sector Competitiveness and Innovation

NRCan supported the forest sector through policy, funding, and innovation to address trade and geopolitical challenges.

• Advocated for Canada’s market access, including engagement on the EU deforestation regulation and softwood lumber discussions with the U.S.
• Drafted a strategy with GAC and ESDC to support forest-reliant communities facing rising softwood lumber duties.
• Produced significant results stemming from the Department’s suite of forest sector competitiveness programs, including, the Forest Innovation Program, Investments in Forest Industry Transformation, Green Construction through Wood, Indigenous Forestry Initiative and the Global Forest Leadership Program (GloFor):
  • Allocated $22.7 million in funding to research organizations to facilitate the development of new bio-based projects and technologies to improve the sustainability and productivity in Canada’s forest sector, including innovations in waste management, low/zero emission transportation, and pulp mill effluent treatment.
  • Provided $48.5 million to 20 new projects, totaling $330.9 million in innovation investments to diversify the forest sector with value-added products, including a first-of-its-kind biomass-fueled supercritical CO₂ turbine system that converts forest residue and sawmill waste into electricity, biochar, and renewable heat.
  • Provided $17.3 million to 24 projects, totaling $720.6 million in investments to support innovative wood building solutions, capacity building, and improved codes and standards for wood-based construction. A funded project includes the construction of a 3-storey school in the Treaty 6 Territory of the Métis Nation (SK) that will demonstrate the use of mass timber for educational facilities using both new and reclaimed mass timber as the primary building material.
  • Funded Indigenous-led projects on revegetation of ancestral lands that have been severely impacted by recent wildfires, as well as local fuel mitigation and timber processing for ecological benefit, revenue, and community safety.
  • Funded practical, industry-led research on technical requirements affecting offshore exports, including conformance of strength properties of some Canadian structural lumber with Japanese product standards, and opportunities for meeting current UK building standards and phytosanitary requirements.
  • Funded participation in the development of international technical standards that affect Canadian solid biofuel exports, such as standards for facilities that do physical and mechanical testing of wood pellets, and standards for safe handling and storage of wood pellets.
  • Supported international forest-related projects and co-led an action area of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership to promote Canada’s sustainable forest management credentials and wood innovation.
  • Advanced international wildland fire management, including support for the FAO Global Fire Management Hub and global response to requests for wildland fire assistance.

Building Skilled Natural Resources Work Force

NRCan invested $15.6million to de-risk hiring youth in green jobs through the Science and Technology Internship Program – Green Jobs.

• Created 653 green jobs and training opportunities for youth aged 15-30 in the natural resources sector, surpassing the target of 480.^{Footnote 38} Jobs were created across all provinces and territories, with 17% of youth coming from Northern, rural, and remote communities.
• Enabled employers across the natural resources sector to hire youth, with about 79% of placements in the clean technology sector and 43% of employers were small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Attached youth to the labour market, with 78% of participants employed/self-employed after participating in the program and 13% returned to school.
• Increased the participation of youth from employment equity groups. Of the 653 green jobs and training opportunities created, 81% of youth were from at least one employment equity group, including: 51% women, 28% Indigenous youth, 27% racialized youth, 14% youth with disabilities.

Results achieved

Results highlight NRCan’s efforts to expand Canada’s global trade presence and support the transition to a net-zero economy. The Department exceeded its engagement targets and led multiple international initiatives to promote Canadian energy, forest products, critical minerals, and clean technologies.

Economic Security and North American Relations

The Department addressed trade risks and informed the ongoing evolution of Canada-U.S. relations through the advancement of strategic analysis and engagement.

• In the aftermath of the US tariffs, negotiated an agreement involving PTs Ministers of Energy and Mines to advance regulatory cooperation, remove duplication, and focus on building projects quickly.
• Informing Canada’s response to U.S. tariff measures through details analysis of tariffs and countermeasures to natural resources sectors.
• Supported the Canada-U.S. Relations Cabinet Committee, informing the development of trade measures to respond to American tariffs, providing data and analysis on markets dynamics, risks and opportunities, and engaging stakeholders.
• Facilitated ministerial missions to Washington and cross-border industry engagement, helping shape discussions with the new U.S. administration and informing public and media discourse.
• Advanced preparations for the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, ensuring robust and well informed Departmental positioning.

Strategic Missions and Partnerships

The Department engaged globally to boost trade and investments in natural resources and position Canada as a top supplier of critical minerals, energy, forest products, and clean technologies.

• Over 80 international engagements were completed, more than double the target of 40, positioning Canada as a preferred investment destination and supplier of choice for critical minerals, energy, and related technologies. These engagements supported the development and expansion of trade and investment in natural resources, and included activities such as bilateral visits to enhance international collaboration, as well as participation in various multilateral fora where the Department works to ensure that Canada’s priorities are reflected in discussions and outcomes.
• Trade missions were conducted across Asia, the Indo-Pacific, Europe, and emerging markets, positioning Canada as a preferred supplier of forest products, critical minerals, energy, and innovative clean technologies, technologies, helping diversify trade relationships.

Leadership in Energy Transition and Multilateral Engagements

The Department supported Canada’s climate commitments and international leadership through multilateral forums, domestic policy alignment, and advanced key policy initiatives through targeted participation and coordination. NRCan:

• Showcased Canada’s leadership of an inclusive energy transition at COP29 and contributed to Canada’s positioning and endorsement of three key COP29 Presidency energy pledges.
• Collaborated with ECCC to set the 2035 greenhouse gas emissions target under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act and Canada’s Biennial Transparency Report. NRCan also supported responses to the 2024 CESD audit under the Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, providing transparency on NRCan’s decarbonization policies and programs.
• Partnered with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Renewable Energy Agency to support global electricity system decarbonization.
• Launched the NRCan Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP), a five-year initiative to deliver developing country focused solutions that will help partner institutions establish policies, systems and technology solutions that are more just, resilient, and responsive to challenges around sustainable natural resources management and climate change.
• Led Canadian participation in CERAWEEK 2025, developing relationships with key industry players, and promoting Canadian energy to a largely U.S. audience.
• Led Canadian delegations to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, participated in Canada’s delegation to the IAEA’s Eighth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, and participated in the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency’s Roadmaps to New Nuclear conference.
• Engaged with GAC and ECCC to advance three leaders’ initiatives ahead of G7 Summit and supported engagements through roundtables with industry, provinces and territories, and core Deputy Minister groups.
• Initiated work by the IEA to develop a novel mapping tool to identify areas of overlap between renewable projects, critical mineral mining, and biodiversity hotspots / conservation priorities to support efficient and effective policy development to meet global targets for energy, climate, and biodiversity.
• Demonstrated support for Ukraine through diplomatic and industry engagements, expertise in programming to assist in evolving energy needs and opportunities, including leading a 28-company delegation to the Rebuild Ukraine Conference in Poland. NRCan coordinated provincial engagement and facilitated donations and knowledge sharing to support Ukraine’s energy reconstruction.
• Collaborated with two Korean government labs under the Indo-Pacific Strategy on low-carbon energy technologies that support trade diversification.

Results achieved

NRCan advanced a more inclusive and sustainable resource economy. The Department also strengthened Indigenous engagement and economic participation in natural resource projects through funding, partnerships, and international collaboration.

Indigenous Reconciliation and Regulatory Coordination (Nòkwewashk)

NRCan supported Indigenous participation in resource development, expanded economic opportunities, promoted international engagement, and advanced reconciliation by upholding the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.

Supporting Regulatory Processes

The Department supported regulatory reviews and Indigenous engagement for major projects, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to inclusive and coordinated resource development.

• NRCan supported the Canada Energy Regulator’s (CER) hearings for the Taylor to Gordondale Pipeline and Sunrise Expansion projects through participation in the Federal Review Team.
• As federal lead on the trilateral Regulatory Coordination, Indigenous Engagement, and Economic Inclusion Working Group, monitored regulatory processes and the Indigenous engagement approach for the Pathways Alliances’ proposed carbon capture and storage project, and engaged directly with impacted Indigenous groups.

Indigenous Economic Inclusion

NRCan advanced Indigenous economic participation in resource development through targeted funding, inclusive engagement, and support for Indigenous-led clean energy and infrastructure initiatives.

• Supported the Canada Indigenous Loan Guarantee Corporation, a subsidiary of the Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), in launching the Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program (ILGP), with up to $5B in loan guarantees, first announced in December 2024 through the Fall Economic Statement. The ILGP was subsequently doubled to $10billion in March 2025 and expanded to include infrastructure, trade, and transportation projects.
• Launched Investment Analysis and Due Diligence capacity funding (up to $11.4 million) to support Indigenous groups making informed investment decisions about equity ownership opportunities and worked closely with CDEV to launch the ILGP portal and to process the program’s first loan guarantee.
• Released a “What We Heard” report reflecting engagements on the National Benefits-Sharing Framework from 2023 to 2024 involving more than 130 Indigenous organizations, PTs, and stakeholder groups.
• Launched Clean Fuels Fund 2.0 with a stream for Indigenous-led projects. The first intake of the program is funding 10 agreements with Indigenous-led companies worth almost $55 million.
• Led the preparation of a GIC decision package for the Northern Pipeline Agency, enabling TC Energy to complete a shareholders’ agreement supporting Indigenous economic development.
• Delivered $29.7 million in funding for Indigenous participation in resource projects via the Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees (IMAC) and the Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships program.

Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committees

The Department maintained Indigenous leadership in oversight, capacity development, and policy engagement for major energy projects through renewed support.

• In collaboration with Indigenous partners and the CER, supported IMAC for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project by obtaining $44 million in funding to renew both IAMCs for three years, which includes $10.5 million in annual Grants and Contributions funding to support the continued Indigenous inclusion in project oversight, direct support for community capacity through training, and the provision of advice to government to include Indigenous priorities and perspectives in federal policy initiatives.

Regional Energy and Resource Tables

NRCan strengthened Indigenous engagement in energy and resource planning through new regional tables, capacity-building agreements, and collaborative partnerships across PTs.

• Launched the Nunavut Regional Table in May 2024, in which Inuit partners are taking a leading role in shaping discussions from the outset.
• Engaged in various capacities with 31 Indigenous nations, governments, and organizations through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables. Twenty-four agreements were established with Indigenous groups in 2024-25 to enhance capacity and support their participation in the initiative, totaling $2.9 million across 10 provinces and territories.

International and Events

NRCan promoted Indigenous economic and energy leadership by facilitating participation in international trade missions and co-hosting a global workshop on equitable energy transitions for Indigenous, rural, and remote communities.

• Facilitated Indigenous business participation in international trade and investment missions to key markets, to increase investor confidence, promote Indigenous partnerships, and attract investment in Indigenous-owned companies, workers, and communities.
• Co-hosted an Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Working Group workshop in Lima on creating fair energy transitions in Indigenous, rural, and remote communities. Two Indigenous representatives participated to showcase effective approaches, lessons learned, and emerging opportunities related to Indigenous engagement for energy transition and sustainable growth.

Indigenous Natural Resources Partnerships Program

The Department strengthened Indigenous participation in natural resource development by funding capacity-building agreements that supported training, employment, and business opportunities across multiple regions and sectors.

• In 2024-25, established 11 contribution agreements and provided $19.3 million in capacity development funding for Indigenous participation in natural resource projects, that:
  • Aided in securing a three-year drilling contract in Ontario, representing a significant revenue-generating opportunity for two First Nations.
  • Supported training and employment opportunities in the critical mineral sector for Nunavummiut and Inuit Nunangat.
  • Supported an Alberta-based environmental-related Indigenous organization in developing an educational information series for Indigenous communities to actively participate in the critical minerals supply chain by building foundational knowledge, increasing community interest in critical minerals careers, partnerships with industry, and business opportunities.

Implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act

NRCan advanced Indigenous inclusion in resource development by engaging with partners, promoting safety and equity for Indigenous communities, and supporting Indigenous languages and cultural representation.

• Led an engagement session with Indigenous partners to seek input on potential options on consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples as it relates to the implementation of the UN Declaration Act Action Plan measure 32 (i.e. the measure on developing guidance on engaging with Indigenous peoples on natural resources projects to obtain free, prior and informed consent).
• Engaged with Indigenous, industry and federal partners on the development of a strategy addressing MMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice on Resource Development and UN Declaration Act Action Plan Measure 12 to increase safety and equitable benefits while mitigating harm towards Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQIA+ people in resource development.
• Promoted Indigenous languages and cultures by appointing a new Inuit Advisor to the Geographical Names Board of Canada, and by updating ISO standards to better reflect the diversity of Indigenous languages.

More information on Natural Resources Canada’s contributions to Gender Based Analysis Plus can be found in NRCan’s Gender Based Analysis Plus Supplementary Information Table.

More information on Natural Resources Canada’s contributions to Canada’s Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in our Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy.

• Description
• Progress on results
• Resources required to achieve results
• Contracts awarded to Indigenous business

• Spending
• Funding
• Financial statement highlights
• Human resources

Graph 1 includes the following information in a pie chart

The budgetary performance summary table above provides for the following:

• Main Estimates for 2024-25;
• Total authorities available for use in 2024-25, reflecting the authorities received including in-year funding as reported in the Public Accounts of Canada; and
• Actual expenditures from 2022-23 to 2024-25, as reported in the Public Accounts of Canada.

Actual spending for 2023-24 was $3,467 million, a year-over-year increase of $926 million (36%) from 2022-23 actual spending. This increase is mainly due to:

• Incremental spending of $723M in grants and contributions for programs aimed at Green Homes (including Oil to Heat Pumps), Clean Fuels Fund (CFF), Smart Renewable Electrification Pathways (SREP), Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP), 2 Billion Trees (2BT) and Electricity Pre-Development Program. These programs experience increased spending as they mature in the program lifecycle, more contributions agreements are signed and as applicants continue to seek reimbursement for eligible expenses.
• Increase of $182M in Statutory Vote, specifically attributed to the Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Resource Revenue Fund. The fund recorded an increase in royalty payments, as well as increased forfeitures of security deposits for exploration and drilling activities.
• NRCan serves as an intermediary, facilitating the flow through of applicable funds to the Province of Newfoundland.

These increases in spending were partially offset by reduced spending due to:

• Sunset of programs such as Emissions Reduction Fund (Vote 10), Expanding Market Opportunities and Mountain Pine Beetle.
• Reduced funding profile for NRCan’s Investment in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) Program, Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC), Green Infrastructure and Green Construction through Wood (GC Wood).

Actual spending for 2024-25 was $4,420 million, a year-over-year increase of $953 million (27%) from 2023-24 actual spending. The increase is mainly due to:

• Incremental spending of $610M in grants and contributions for programs aimed at Greener Homes (including Oil to Heat Pumps), Electricity Pre-development Program (EPP), 2 Billion Trees (2BT) and Energy Efficiency. These programs experienced increased spending as they mature within their program lifecycle, additional contribution agreements are signed, and as applicants continue to seek reimbursement for eligible expenses.
• Increase of $348M in Statutory Vote, specifically attributed to the Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Resource Revenue Fund. The fund recorded an increase in royalty payments and Corporate Income Tax as a result of increased production levels at the Hibernia and Hebron offshore oil fields. NRCAN serves as an intermediary, facilitating the flow through of applicable funds to the Province of Newfoundland.

These increases in spending were partially offset by reduced spending due to:

• Reduced funding profile for NRCan’s Investment in Smart Renewable Electrification Pathways (SREP), Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP) and Clean Fuels Fund (CFF).

The decrease of $434 million between planned spending of $5,551 million and total authorities of $5,117 million in 2024-25 is primarily attributed to the $757 million decrease tied to the Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Resource Revenue Fund. Statutory payment obligations under these accords tend to fluctuate significantly as they are largely driven by oil and gas prices, production levels and anticipated corporate income taxes related to offshore operations.

This decrease is partially offset by in-year funding received for the capitalization of Greener Homes, Smart Renewable Electrification Pathways, Indigenous Advisory Monitoring Committee, as well as several other programs.

Of the $5,117 million total authorities in 2024-25, NRCan spent $4,420 million. The $697 million in unspent funding is primarily driven by several programs that encountered challenges due to ongoing disruption in downstream supply chains, impacting labour and infrastructure requirements, lower than expected uptake by Provinces and Territories, and demand driven nature of some projects which affects timing of reimbursement requests from applicants. To mitigate the impact on program delivery, a significant amount of the unspent funding will be requested for reprofile or carried forward into future years to ensure that funding will continue to be available to support the projects.

The Finances section of the Infographic for Natural Resources Canada on GC Infobase offers more financial information from previous years.

The overall decrease of $1.37 billion from 2025-26 to 2027-28 mainly reflects the planned sunsetting of programs.

The Finances section of the Infographic for Natural Resources Canada on GC Infobase offers more detailed financial information related to future years.

Graph 2 includes the following information in a bar graph:

Planned spending in Voted authorities from 2025-26 to 2027-28 is declining due to previously approved reference level changes.

Planned spending in Statutory authorities shows a variation from 2025-26 to 2027-28 mainly due to the Atlantic Offshore Accounts. Statutory payment obligations under these accords are largely driven by oil and gas prices, production levels and anticipated corporate income taxes related to offshore operations. The planned spending is based on the Department's economic modeling forecasts prepared in the fall of 2024.

Consult the Public Accounts of Canada for further information on Natural Resources Canada departmental voted and statutory expenditures.

The 2024–25 planned results information is provided in NRCan’s Future-Oriented Statement of Operations and Notes 2024–25.

The variance of $666.8 million between the planned and actual net cost of operations before government funding and transfers is mainly attributed to less than planned spending in the following programs: Newfoundland and Labrador Statutory Offshore Accounts and Critical Mineral Infrastructure Fund program.

Total NRCan expenses of $4,403.4 million in 2024-25 consist of $3,263 million in transfer payments, mainly related to other levels of government under Globally Competitive Natural Resource Sectors and to Industry under Innovative and Sustainable Natural Resources Development, along with $1,140 million in other operating expenses. The NRCan total net revenues of $24 million in 2024-25 mainly include re-spendable revenues from research; testing and analysis activities; issuance of licenses, permits and certificates under the Explosives Act and Explosives Regulations; revenues associated with the Geomatics Canada Revolving Fund; and revenues from the Environmental Studies Research Fund (ESRF).

The increase of $909.8 million in the net cost of operations before government funding and transfers in 2024-25 is mainly explained by an:

• Increase of $453 million in transfer payments to Industry mainly attributed to Contributions in support of Home retrofits and the Electricity Pre-Development Projects.
• Increase of $419 million in transfer payments to Other levels of government as a result of an overall increase mainly attributed to payments of offshore royalties as well as other programs such as Contributions in Growing Canada’s Forests-2 Billion trees, Contributions in support of Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a changing climate and Contributions in support of Energy Efficiency.
• Increase of $40 million in transfer payments to Non-profit organizations as a result of an increase of $98 million in various programs including Contributions in support of Energy Efficiency, Contributions in support of the Forest Innovation Program, and Contributions for Growing Canada's Forests - 2 Billion Trees. This is offset by a $58 million decrease in Contributions in support of Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways.

The chart presenting NRCan’s actual expenses by type for 2024-25 is available on the NRCan website.

Total NRCan liabilities of $1,674 million include $1, 506 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities. The overall increase of $352.4 million is mainly attributable to a larger volume of contribution funding leading to an increase in payables at year-end and contribution holdbacks.

Total NRCan net financial assets of $1,560.5 million mainly consist of $1,539 million due from the consolidated revenue fund (CRF), which represents amounts that may be disbursed without further charges to the NRCan authorities.

Total NRCan non-financial assets of $361.6 million mainly consist of $356.6 million of tangible capital assets.

The Departmental net financial position, which is the difference between the total non-financial assets and the Departmental net debt, increased by $20 million. This increase is mainly due to an increase in tangible capital assets.

Figures reflected from 2022-23 to 2024-25 represent utilized FTEs at year-end.

Increase from 2022-23 to 2024-25 is driven by investments in programs listed above.

For 2025-26 to 2027-28, the figures represent total Planned FTEs to support NRCan approved program activities.

Decrease from 2025-26 to 2027-28 is mostly driven by previously approved reference level changes.

Appropriate minister(s): The Honourable Tim Hodgson, P.C., M.P.

Institutional head: Michael Vandergrift

Ministerial portfolio:

• Atomic Energy of Canada Limited;
• Canada Energy Regulator;
• Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission;
• Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board;
• Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board;
• Northern Pipeline Agency; and,
• Energy Supplies Allocation Board (inactive)

Enabling instrument(s):

• Department of Natural Resources Act;
• Resources and Technical Surveys Act, and,
• Forestry Act.

Year of incorporation / commencement: 1994

Natural Resources Canada
580 Booth Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0E4
Canada

Email: media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

Website(s): https://natural-resources.canada.ca/home

appropriation (crédit)

Any authority of Parliament to pay money out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

budgetary expenditures (dépenses budgétaires)

Operating and capital expenditures; transfer payments to other levels of government, departments or individuals; and payments to Crown corporations.

core responsibility (responsabilité essentielle)

An enduring function or role of a department. The departmental results listed for a core responsibility reflect the outcomes that the department seeks to influence or achieve.

Departmental Plan (plan ministériel)

A report that outlines the anticipated activities and expected performance of an appropriated department over a 3-year period. Departmental Plans are usually tabled in Parliament in spring.

departmental priority (priorité)

A plan, project or activity that a department focuses and reports on during a specific planning period. Priorities represent the most important things to be done or those to be addressed first to help achieve the desired departmental results.

departmental result (résultat ministériel)

A high-level outcome related to the core responsibilities of a department.

departmental result indicator (indicateur de résultat ministériel)

A quantitative or qualitative measure that assesses progress toward a departmental result.

departmental results framework (cadre ministériel des résultats)

A framework that connects the department’s core responsibilities to its departmental results and departmental result indicators.

Departmental Results Report (rapport sur les résultats ministériels)

A report outlining a department’s accomplishments against the plans, priorities and expected results set out in the corresponding Departmental Plan.

Full-time equivalent (équivalent temps plein)

Measures the person years in a departmental budget. An employee's scheduled hours per week divided by the employer's hours for a full-time workweek calculates a full-time equivalent. For example, an employee who works 20 hours in a 40-hour standard workweek represents a 0.5 full-time equivalent.

Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) (analyse comparative entre les sexes plus [ACS Plus])

An analytical tool that helps to understand the ways diverse individuals experience policies, programs and other initiatives. Applying GBA Plus to policies, programs and other initiatives helps to identify the different needs of the people affected, the ways to be more responsive and inclusive, and the methods to anticipate and mitigate potential barriers to accessing or benefitting from the initiative. GBA Plus goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences to consider other factors, such as age, disability, education, ethnicity, economic status, geography (including rurality), language, race, religion, and sexual orientation.

government priorities (priorités pangouvernementales)

For the purpose of the 2024–25 Departmental Results Report, government priorities are the high-level themes outlining the government’s agenda as announced in the 2021 Speech from the Throne.

horizontal initiative (initiative horizontale)

A program, project or other initiative where two or more federal departments receive funding to work collaboratively on a shared outcome usually linked to a government priority, and where the ministers involved agree to designate it as horizontal. Specific reporting requirements apply, including that the lead department must report on combined expenditures and results.

Indigenous business (entreprise autochtones)

For the purposes of a Departmental Result Report, this includes any entity that meets the Indigenous Services Canada’s criteria of being owned and operated by Elders, band and tribal councils, registered in the Indigenous Business Directory or registered on a modern treaty beneficiary business list.

non-budgetary expenditures (dépenses non budgétaires)

Net outlays and receipts related to loans, investments and advances, which change the composition of the financial assets of the Government of Canada.

performance (rendement)

What a department did with its resources to achieve its results, how well those results compare to what the department intended to achieve, and how well lessons learned have been identified.

performance indicator (indicateur de rendement)

A qualitative or quantitative measure that assesses progress toward a departmental-level or program-level result, or the expected outputs or outcomes of a program, policy or initiative.

plan (plan)

The articulation of strategic choices, which provides information on how a department intends to achieve its priorities and associated results. Generally, a plan will explain the logic behind the strategies chosen and tend to focus on actions that lead to the expected result.

planned spending (dépenses prévues)

For Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports, planned spending refers to the amounts presented in Main Estimates. Departments must determine their planned spending and be able to defend the financial numbers presented in their Departmental Plans and Departmental Results Reports.

program (programme)

An Individual, group, or combination of services and activities managed together within a department and focused on a specific set of outputs, outcomes or service levels.

program inventory (répertoire des programmes)

A listing that identifies all the department’s programs and the resources that contribute to delivering on the department’s core responsibilities and achieving its results.

result (résultat)

An outcome or output related to the activities of a department, policy, program or initiative.

statutory expenditures (dépenses législatives)

Spending approved through legislation passed in Parliament, other than appropriation acts. The legislation sets out the purpose and the terms and conditions of the expenditures.

target (cible)

A quantitative or qualitative, measurable goal that a department, program or initiative plans to achieve within a specified time period.

voted expenditures (dépenses votées)

Spending approved annually through an appropriation act passed in Parliament. The vote also outlines the conditions that govern the spending.