Departmental Plan (DP) 2018‑19 - Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more

General information

Name of transfer payment program International Astronomical Observatories Program
Start date 1978
End date Ongoing
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2015-16
Link to department's Program Inventory Core Responsibility: Science and Innovation
Program: Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics
Description

Astronomy is a global science. The increasing cost of leading-edge observatories and the scarcity of ideal observation sites have led to a greater focus on international collaboration for large-scale astronomy projects which lead to advances in our knowledge and understanding of the universe.

NRC, in collaboration with other international bodies, provides financial contributions to support the management and operations of offshore ground-based observatories and their related facilities, including the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT), the twin telescopes of the Gemini Observatory and the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA). NRC participates in the oversight and direction of these facilities and their research capabilities. NRC also represents Canada in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) consortium for the pre-construction phase of the telescope. In 2015, Canada joined the international partnership to participate in the Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT). NRC, on behalf of Canada, provides both financial and in-kind contributions.

International agreements governing these observatories are long-term commitments that specify contributions to support preconstruction design and development, construction, operation and maintenance, capital improvements (e.g., development of new astronomical instruments and other facility upgrades) and decommissioning of the international ground-based observatories and their related facilities. In addition, they include commitments to support the university-based user communities to ensure a fair and progressive use of these observatories. NRC participates in the governance of these international facilities on behalf of the Canadian astronomy research community and provides appropriate support, including sophisticated data management services and instrumentation. Through NRC's financial and in-kind contributions, the Canadian astronomy community is assured merit-based access to these facilities with appropriate support.

Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Expected results
  • Canadian astronomers have access to leading-edge facilities and technology.
  • Qualified students and post-doctoral researchers have access to facilities to advance their training.
  • Canada plays a prominent role in international scientific endeavours.
  • Scientific benefit of telescopes to the Canadian and the global community is maximized through progressive science programs using leading-edge instrumentation.
  • Canadian industry has opportunities to participate in advanced scientific projects and opportunities to benefit from contracts and technology development.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2016-17
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2021-22
General targeted recipient groups Foreign States, intergovernmental organizations or corporations that operate international observatories that have entered into agreements with Canada (NRC) to support costs related to ground-based astronomical observatories. In the case of intergovernmental organizations, Canada and one or more foreign states are members. An eligible recipient can be a Canadian Crown Corporation or other delivery partner.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

NRC manages observatories established or maintained by the Government of Canada for the benefit of the Canadian astronomy research community, aligning its contributions to the priorities of the community's Long Range Plan for Astronomy and Astrophysics. NRC participates on the Boards which oversee the observatories to ensure that the science directions and programs of the facilities reflect Canadian strengths and interests. In addition, NRC ensures that these activities increase opportunities for Canadian researchers and firms to develop relevant instrumentation for the observatories. To carry out its roles effectively, NRC provides current information about each observatory to research community-based committees of scientists which provide expert advice on observatory operations and development. NRC provides extensive support to the user community through numerous services extending from administering the time allocation process for Canadian researchers through to delivery of science-ready data (through its Canadian Astronomy Data Centre).

Planning information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Forecast spending  2018–19 Planned spending  2019–20 Planned spending  2020-21 Planned spendingg 
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 20,219,299 134,588,229 25,418,393 21,903,501
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 20,219,299 134,588,229 25,418,393 21,903,501

The variance between the 2017-18 Forecast and the 2018-19 Planned Spending is due mainly to a reprofile request that was submitted by NRC for the 2018-19 Annual Reference Level Update. Due to project activity delays associated with Canada's contribution to the TMT. NRC reprofiled $76.1M from 2017-18 to 2018-19, in addition to $4.1M of TMT funding, which was lapsed in 2016-17. The remaining variance is caused by the revised funding profile of Canada's Participation in the Construction and Commissioning of the International Thirty Meter Telescope Observatory.

General information

Name of transfer payment program TRIUMF
Start date April 1, 1977
End date Ongoing
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2015-16
Strategic Outcome R&D infrastructure for an innovative and knowledge-based economy
Link to department's Program Inventory Core Responsibility: Science and Innovation
Program: TRIUMF
Description

TRIUMF is Canada's national laboratory for nuclear and particle physics, and accelerator-based science. The laboratory is one of Canada's key investments in large-scale research infrastructure. It provides world-class facilities for research in sub-atomic physics, accelerator science, life sciences and materials science. A consortium of 20 Canadian universities (12 full members and 8 associate members) owns and operates TRIUMF. TRIUMF receives its federal funding through NRC in five-year allocations via a contribution agreement. NRC plays an important oversight and stewardship role for TRIUMF on behalf of the Government of Canada. The NRC manages the Advisory Committee on TRIUMF (ACOT) and heads the Agency Committee on TRIUMF (ACT). Both ACT and ACOT engage in extended discussions with TRIUMF's management, ensuring that optimal investments are made on behalf of Canada's research community. In addition, representatives from the NRC are ex officio members of TRIUMF's Board of Management and Audit Committee. TRIUMF was allocated $267.3M in Budget 2014 and 2015 for base operations over the 2015 – 2020 period. Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Expected results TRIUMF will support the Canadian and international particle and nuclear physics community in alignment with the 2017-2021 Canadian Subatomic Physics Long Range Plan, as well as the laboratory's next Five-Year Plan (2020-2025), which is expected to be released in Fall 2018. Expected results are:
  • World-class science across TRIUMF's core programs.
  • Progress in completing the ARIEL facility, which will produce rare isotopes for science, business, and medicine.
  • Availability of global talent, and continued support for international research collaborations and partnerships.
  • Increased industry and community linkages for economic and societal benefit delivered to Canada.
  • Increased operational efficiency.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2013-14
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2018-19
General targeted recipient groups Non-profit organizations (TRIUMF)
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

NRC chairs the Agency Committee on TRIUMF (ACT), which includes the federal agencies that fund and oversee activities at TRIUMF, providing TRIUMF management the opportunity to present progress and discuss future directions for the facility.

NRC also manages the Advisory Committee on TRIUMF (ACOT), composed of international experts within disciplines that span the research and technology activities of TRIUMF. ACOT reports its findings to NRC and TRIUMF senior management twice annually, making recommendations on programs and management as well as reporting on the scientific and technological achievements of TRIUMF programs and facilities. Observer representatives from the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Canadian Institute of Nuclear Physics, and the Canadian Institute of Particle Physics ensure that TRIUMF's directions are well aligned with the research community's needs and that TRIUMF is working with all constituencies across the Canadian subatomic physics community. The Committee considers all aspects of the TRIUMF program, with a particular emphasis on science and technological issues to ensure the relevance, impact, and world-class standing of TRIUMF's activities.

Through NRC activities in ACT and ACOT, NRC maintains a close relationship with TRIUMF. Dialogue ensures that Government of Canada investments are optimal, and that NRC meets the needs of its recipient as well as provide a vehicle for feedback on the transfer payment management process.

TRIUMF has about 405 staff and students supported via the NRC contribution agreement. An additional 122 positions are supported through other sources for specific designated purposes, including temporary funds to operate new capital infrastructure. In total, TRIUMF provides training for more than 200 undergraduate, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows per year. TRIUMF has numerous programs aimed at young people, students, teachers, and the general public to ensure that as many as possible share the wonder of discovery and experience the excitement generated by one of Canada's premier laboratories. In addition, TRIUMF offers a suite of programs to aide in the growth and development of professional skills for its graduate students and postdocs.

Planning information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Forecast spending 2018–19 Planned spending 2019–20 Planned spending 2020-21 Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 54,572,800 55,262,800 55,162,800 19,277,000
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 54,572,800 55,262,800 55,162,800 19,277,000

NRC's continuing funding for TRIUMF is $19.3M. As announced in Budget 2014, NRC received $125.9M over 5 years ($25.2M annually from 2015-16 to 2019-20) in additional funding for contributions to TRIUMF. Furthermore, as announced in Budget 2015, NRC received an additional $44.9M over 5 years ($5.9M in 2015-16, $8.8M in 2016-17, $9.7M in 2017-18, $10.3M in 2018-19 and $10.2M in 2019-20) in additional funding for contributions to TRIUMF. In addition, NRC also received $0.4M annually over 5 years (2015-16 to 2019-20) from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council for contributions to TRIUMF. All this funding is sunsetting in 2019-20. All figures presented in the table includes the sunsetting funding.

General information

Name of transfer payment program Industrial Research Assistance Program ( IRAP )
Start date April 1, 2013
End date Ongoing
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2012-13
Strategic Outcome Canadian businesses prosper from innovative technologies
Link to department's Program Inventory Core Responsibility: Science and Innovation
Program: Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Description

The Program contributes to the growth and prosperity of Canadian small and-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) by stimulating innovation, adoption and/or commercialization of technology-based products, services, or processes in Canada. This is done through: 1) technical and related business advice and networking facilitated by a cross-Canada network of field professional staff; 2) cost-shared merit-based contributions; and 3) contributions supporting employment of post-secondary graduates. This Program uses funding from the following transfer payments: Contributions to Firms; Contributions to Organizations; and Youth Employment Program (YEP).

NRC IRAP supports the placement of graduates in SMEs through its participation in the delivery of YEP sponsored by Employment and Social Development Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES).

Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.

Expected results
  • Stimulation of innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada.
  • Increased growth of innovative SMEs and creation of wealth for Canada

See the Main portion of NRC's Departmental Plan for additional plans pertaining to NRC-IRAP.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2017-18
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continuation
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2022-23
General targeted recipient groups Industry-related — For-profit businesses (SMEs) and Non-profit Organizations
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients

NRC IRAP is a national program managed on a regional basis with over 240 Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) located in approximately 100 communities across the country, who provide customized advice to technologically innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ITAs are engaged with client SMEs throughout the entire contribution management process, from building project proposals through to project completion.

At the end of their funded project, recipients are required to complete an online Post-Project Report. This assessment captures information on the recipient's experience with NRC IRAP and, along with published service standards, is used by the program to develop continuous program improvements.

NRC IRAP has an Advisory Board composed of 10 to 12 members from the industry sector and industry associations. This Board provides advice to NRC IRAP management and brings an external perspective on the strategic directions and management of the program.

NRC IRAP is actively engaged with Treasury Board Secretariat Grants and Contributions Reform. Participation in workshops and constant alignment with recent Treasury Board Secretariat policy and guidelines has enabled the program to steadily move toward principles such as a Recipient Engagement Strategy.

Planning information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Forecast spending 2018–19 Planned spending 2019–20 Planned spending 2020–21 Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 187,014,000 187,014,000 177,014,000 177,014,000
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 187,014,000 187,014,000 177,014,000 177,014,000

This table includes $20.0M as announced in Budget 2017 ($10.0M in 2017-18 included forecast spending and $10.0M in 2018-19 planned spending). The funding, under the Renewed Youth Employment Strategy, has the objective to deliver one thousand jobs for youth in each fiscal year for a total of two thousand jobs over the two years.

General information

Name of transfer payment program Canada Accelerator and Incubator Program ( CAIP )
Start date October 1, 2013
End date March 31, 2019
Type of transfer payment Contribution
Type of appropriation Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions 2013-14
Strategic Outcome Canadian businesses prosper from innovative technologies
Link to department's Program Inventory Core Responsibility: Science and Innovation
Program: Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)
Description The CAIP is a 5-year non-repayable contribution program, aimed at establishing a critical mass of outstanding business incubators and accelerators that can develop innovative, high-growth firms, which themselves represent superior early-stage investment opportunities.
Expected results
  • Early-stage firms have access to innovation support services.
  • Early-stage firms improve investment readiness.
  • Wealth creation in Canada.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation 2016-17
Decision following the results of last evaluation Continue and pursue identified opportunities to strengthen program delivery
Fiscal year of planned completion of next evaluation 2018-19
General targeted recipient groups Non-profit Organizations
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients CAIP supports SMEs' access to best-in-class business accelerators and incubators with the goal of helping these organizations expand their overall service offerings. Organizations were selected based on CAIP specific eligibility criteria and selection guidelines. CAIP is a direct result of extensive consultations, undertaken by Finance Canada in 2012, which revealed that, in addition to the availability of venture capital, entrepreneurs also require access to specialized innovation resources to succeed.

Planning information (dollars)

Type of transfer payment 2017–18 Forecast spending 2018–19 Planned spending 2019–20 Planned spending 2020-21 Planned spending
Total grants 0 0 0 0
Total contributions 24,195,885 17,095,791 0 0
Total other types of transfer payments 0 0 0 0
Total program 24,195,885 17,095,791 0 0

The decrease in 2018-19 Planned Spending is explained by the sunsetting of the program in 2018-19.