Related Link
Table of Contents
- Details on transfer payment programs
- Assessed Contribution to the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures
- Biologics Manufacturing Centre (BMC)
- Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program (CSTIP)
- NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)
- Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC)
- International Affiliations program
- International Astronomical Observatories program
- TRIUMF
- Gender-based analysis (GBA) plus
Details on transfer payment programs
Assessed Contribution to the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM)
Start date: Canada signed the Metre Convention and became a member state of BIPM in 1907.
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19
Link to departmental results:
- Scientific and technological knowledge advances
- Innovative businesses grow
- Evidence-based solutions inform decisions in Government priority areas
Link to the NRC’s program inventory:
- Core responsibility: Science and Innovation
- Program: Metrology
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The assessed contribution to the BIPM is an obligation accepted by Canada as a signatory to the international treaty known as the Metre Convention. By representing Canada on the international metrology stage through its affiliation with the BIPM and associated regional metrology organization Sistema Interamericana de Metrologia (SIM), the NRC can more effectively and efficiently respond to its mandated responsibility for maintenance of national measurement standards, as articulated in the National Research Council Act and the Weights and Measures Act.
Expected results
By maintaining international recognition in measurement science through its interactions with the BIPM and SIM, the NRC can continue to provide metrology research and services that help transform ideas into market-ready technologies that benefit Canadian society, the economy and the environment.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2021-22
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026-27
General targeted recipient groups
International organizations and foreign countries. BIPM is an annual assessed contribution reflecting Canada’s status as a State Party to the Metre Convention Treaty since 1907.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients
The NRC participates in the activities and meetings relative to the BIPM and associated regional metrology organization SIM. In 2022-23 the NRC was elected to the International Committee for Weights and Measures where it will play an important role in promoting worldwide uniformity in units of measurement.
The NRC provides professional expertise and laboratory facilities required to deliver its Metrology Program to achieve socio-economic impact for Canadian citizens and businesses.
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 forecast spending | 2023-24 planned spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2025-26 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | - | - | - | - |
| Total contributions | 659,000 | 659,000 | 659,000 | 659,000 |
| Total transfer payments | 659,000 | 659,000 | 659,000 | 659,000 |
Biologics Manufacturing Centre (BMC)
Start date: April 1, 2023
End date: March 31, 2033
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2022-23
Link to departmental results:
- Innovative businesses grow
- Evidence-based solutions inform decisions in Government priority areas
Link to the NRC’s program inventory:
- Core responsibility: Science and Innovation
- Program: Biologics Manufacturing Centre
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The objective of the contribution program is to support the operations of the not-for-profit that will:
- maintain and operate the BMC facility in a constant Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-readiness state to respond to pandemic and other health emergencies, ensuring surety of domestic vaccines and other biologics for Canadians
- operate the BMC facility in a safe and secure manner
- focus on maintaining pandemic and other health emergency preparedness, in non-emergency periods, support public interest projects not otherwise available and contribute to the domestic biomanufacturing sector’s GMP production knowledge and capacity
- serve as a foundational element for a broader system of federal capabilities and assets to respond to future pandemics or other health emergencies
Expected results
- Canada’s biomanufacturing and life science Research Systems and Talent Pipeline is strengthened by the BMC
- The BMC’s operations, management and governance reflects gender parity and labour market availability of other under-represented groups
- The biopharmaceutical industry and academia have opportunities to access a GMP-certified installation to produce and scale-up vaccines and other cell based biologic products
- The BMC contributes to Canada’s domestic supply of publicly available COVID-19 vaccines
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Timing of the first evaluation will be confirmed in the NRC 2023-28 departmental evaluation plan (DEP). DEP planning is currently underway.
General targeted recipient groups:
The sole recipient of this contribution is a not-for-profit corporation, Biologics Manufacturing Centre Inc., co-founded by the NRC and the Centre for Commercialization of Regenerative Medicine in December 2022.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients
The NRC engaged applicants to cofound the not-for-profit through a transparent process that included launching a call for proposals and establishing a selection committee to review and make a recommendation on the best suited organization. The eligible recipient was selected through that process.
An interim board of directors was appointed in 2022-23 to establish the corporate structure and systems of the new corporation, including appointing officers and establishing the permanent board of directors, which will oversee the corporation and its public-good mandate supporting the growth of Canada’s biomanufacturing capacity.
This will allow BMC Inc. to start conducting activities as a corporate body, transition BMC operational staff and records from the NRC to the new corporation, establish the necessary systems independent from the NRC, and solidify operations under a stand-alone structure. The NRC’s long-term role will be to provide effective oversight of the contribution and lease agreements between BMC Inc. and the NRC, and to ensure the realization of the BMC’s objectives.
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 forecast spending | 2023-24 planned spendingFootnote1 | 2024-25 planned spending | 2025-26 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | - | - | - | - |
| Total contributions | 975,300 | - | 17,000,000 | 17,000,000 |
| Total transfer payments | 975,300 | - | 17,000,000 | 17,000,000 |
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program (CSTIP)
Start date: April 1, 2018
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grants & Contributions
Type of appropriation: Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2018-19
Link to departmental results
- Scientific and technological knowledge advances
- Innovative businesses grow
- Evidence-based solutions inform decisions in Government priority areas
Link to the NRC’s Program Inventory
- Core Responsibility: Science and Innovation
- Program: Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The NRC will initiate the development of the next set of challenge programs (round 3) with the selection of programs based on consultation with stakeholders and through peer review.
In 2023-24, the NRC will continue to support the 5 Cluster Support programs, and will launch 2 new Green Construction Challenge programs, delivering on Budget 2022 commitments.
In 2023-24, the NRC will continue to strengthen collaborations and advance its 8 Challenge programs and 5 Cluster Support programs across industry, academia and governmental levels to address issues of national importance related to the Canadian economy and quality of life, and to find solutions to some of Canada's important public policy challenges.
Expected results
- Enable new and potentially disruptive technologies to be developed with targeted collaborative groups.
- Strengthen collaborations across industry, academia and governmental levels to address issues of national importance related to the Canadian economy and quality of life, and to find solutions to some of Canada’s serious public policy challenges.
- Create stronger innovation ecosystems in specific sectors currently experiencing gaps.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable
(underway in 2022-23)
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable
General targeted recipient groups:
Academic organizations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); not-for-profits; Canadian government departments, agencies, crown corporations, research technology organizations; international organizations; social enterprises; Indigenous governments; individuals; non-Canadian recipients.
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients
For collaborative R&D initiatives, potential collaborators, stakeholders and eligible recipients are invited by the NRC to participate in designing the R&D focus as well as proposed projects intended to achieve outcomes for each specific initiative. External researchers are invited to work with the NRC’s researchers through a mix of directed and open calls where applicants will develop team proposals to compete for project funding. Projects are selected against criteria such as research excellence, impact, collaborations, and feasibility/probability of success.
For the Ideation Fund, annual open calls within the NRC are launched for individuals or small teams to submit proposals to conduct exploratory research with collaborators. Projects are selected against criteria such as: research excellence, innovation/creativity, deliverables, collaboration and feasibility. The streamlining of process will allow for a higher success rate for projects that make it to the full application phase of the selection process.
The NRC Outreach Initiative provides non-recurring grant funding to support a variety of outreach science or innovation-based events, conferences or symposia. As of 2021, the program was updated to be more transparent and accessible for applicants. Applications are now accepted on a semi-annual basis and details of the program can be found online. Projects are selected against criteria such as: research excellence and advancing science policy, NRC strategic alignment and reach of the initiative, STEM talent development and inclusion of under-represented groups, value and impact.
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 forecast spending | 2023-24 planned spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2025-26 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 30,829,779 | 34,010,000 | 32,950,000 | 37,050,000 |
| Total contributions | 10,070,433 | 2,800,000 | 3,000,000 | 3,000,000 |
| Total transfer payments | 40,900,212 | 36,810,000 | 35,950,000 | 40,050,000 |
NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)
Start date: Current terms and conditions effective as of May 31, 2019 (original program start date: April 1, 1965)
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2019-20
Link to departmental results
- Scientific and technological knowledge advances
- Innovative businesses grow
- Evidence-based solutions inform decisions in Government priority areas
Link to the NRC’s Program Inventory
- Core responsibility: Science and Innovation
- Program: NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
The program contributes to the growth and prosperity of Canadian SMEs by stimulating innovation, adoption and/or commercialization of technology-based products, services, or processes in Canada. This is done through:
- technical and related business advice and networking facilitated by a cross-Canada network of field professional staff
- cost-shared merit-based contributions
- contributions supporting employment of post-secondary graduates
Note: This program has the following streams: Contributions to Firms; Contributions to Organizations; and Youth Employment program.
NRC IRAP supports the placement of graduates in SMEs through its participation in the delivery of the Youth Employment program sponsored by Employment and Social Development Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy.
At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, NRC IRAP established a suite of 10 temporary subject expert teams to coordinate and accelerate support to Canadian SMEs who presented viable solutions to detect, prevent and treat COVID-19. Two teams continue to support projects to further technology development, capacity building and manufacturing scale-up in response to COVID-19.
The program aims to contain broad flexibilities to reflect the different needs and realities of a variety of recipients from various industry sectors. This includes the possibility of non-repayable contributions under appropriate circumstances where the benefits to Canada would be significant, and in keeping with international obligations.
Expected results
- Stimulation of innovation in SMEs in Canada
- Increased growth of innovative SMEs and creation of wealth for Canada.
See the main portion of the NRC's Departmental Plan for additional plans pertaining to NRC IRAP.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2021-22
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026-27
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 delivered by a network of over 260 industrial technology advisors (ITAs) located in approximately 105 communities across the country, who provide customized advice to growth-oriented technologically innovative SMEs. ITAs engage 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 between 8 and 15 members, with executive-level representation from across NRC IRAP's stakeholder community. This Board provides advice to NRC IRAP management and brings an external perspective on the strategic directions and management of the program.
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 forecast spending | 2023-24 planned spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2025-26 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | - | - | - | - |
| Total contributions | 439,385,320 | 468,703,684 | 410,614,000 | 394,514,000 |
| Total transfer payments | 439,385,320 | 468,703,684 | 410,614,000 | 394,514,000 |
Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC)
Start date: 2017-18, the first NRC challenge posted in December 2017, to coincide with the program launch
End date: On-going
Type of transfer payment: Grant and Procurement
Type of appropriation: Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: The NRC received authority for the Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED)-led terms and conditions for Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) grants in 2017-18 (January 2018).
Link to departmental results: ISC is an ISED-led program, with the NRC as one of 21 federal departments mandated to participate. Program results will be reported by ISED.
Link to the NRC’s Program Inventory: Within the NRC, this ISED-led program is administered by NRC IRAP.
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
ISC is a grant and procurement program that enables participating departments and agencies to support the scale-up of Canadian small and medium-sized businesses through early-stage, pre-commercial R&D. The program allocates a portion of departmental funding to:
- fuel the development and adoption of technological innovation in Canada
- grow Canadian companies through direct funding to support early stage, pre-commercial R&D, late stage prototypes, and to accelerate commercialization
- encourage procurement from companies led by equity deserving groups, such as women, Indigenous Peoples, youth, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ2+ and others
- foster greater industry-research collaboration through the release of challenges for solutions that address key Government of Canada priorities
- provide federal departments and agencies with opportunities to develop new capabilities to meet their R&D needs and thereby advance government priorities
Expected results
The expected results of the ISC program are aligned with the priorities of the Innovation and Skills Plan (ISP) to grow domestic small businesses in the innovation economy and deliver on 3 key areas for action:
- People and Skills: The ISC program will help increase the number of science and technology-related jobs in the Canadian economy by allowing small Canadian businesses greater access to government procurement.
- Research, Technology, Commercialization: The ISC will support the ISP by increasing the value spent on business-led R&D, and increasing the number of research collaborations between industry and research institutes.
- Companies, Investment, Scale-Up and Clean Growth: The ISC program will offer opportunities for Canadian companies to grow domestically, provide wins and gain experience to compete internationally.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: Not applicable
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Not applicable
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable – this is an ISED-led program
General targeted recipient groups: SMEs
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients
As one of 21 participating federal government departments, the NRC submits challenges to ISED for posting. NRC IRAP works with NRC research, branch and NRC IRAP leads to:
- assess and select proposals for funding
- engage clients by developing and managing grants or contracts for proof of feasibility to prototype development
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 forecast spending | 2023-24 planned spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2025-26 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 14,254,568 | 8,500,000 | 5,500,000 | 5,500,000 |
| Total contributions | - | - | - | - |
| Total transfer payments | 14,254,568 | 8,500,000 | 5,500,000 | 5,500,000 |
International Affiliations program
Start date: 1958
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12
Link to departmental results
- Scientific and technological knowledge advances
Link to the NRC’s Program Inventory
- Core responsibility: Science and Innovation
- Program: International Affiliations
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
Canada’s membership in international science and technology (S&T) organizations promotes international research and innovation, networking, advocacy, leadership opportunities as well as access to benchmarking possibilities, enabling Canadian science, technology, and industry to remain competitive.
Expected results
- Strengthen the NRC’s international profile and Canada’s role as a global leader in science, technology and innovation (STI).
- Reinforce Canada’s position as a global leader in integrative science-based policymaking.
- Nourish Canadian innovation and competitiveness by expanding market-oriented innovation possibilities for Canadian SMEs via international value chains.
- Contribute to Canadian STI leaders’ development via various opportunity channels and collaborations under the International Science Council’s umbrella. Reinforce inclusive approaches following the principles of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy.
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2019-20
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable
General targeted recipient groups
International organizations and foreign countries (foreign recipients which are international S&T organizations having 2 or more states as members. As well, non-foreign recipients are non-governmental Canadian delegates who attend related meetings hosted by these foreign recipients).
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients
Maintain continuing dialogue with representatives of each Canadian National Committee (CNC) in order to access ongoing priorities, benefits of the program and objectives for each international affiliation’s CNC.
The standardized annual program evaluation will keep track of Canadian participation in International affiliation events and membership on international affiliation committees, using developed program indicators.
Regular semi-annual advisory committee meetings guarantee continuous engagement and coordination from other government science departments and agencies. The Ad-hoc Membership Committee developed evaluation criteria for the membership and management of the International Affiliations funding Program. The EDI sub-committee ensures approach and decisions taken by the Advisory Committee respect the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.
Continue elevating Canada’s profile through engagement with international affiliations management and other countries’ international programs.
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 forecast spending | 2023-24 planned spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2025-26 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 625,000 | 560,000 | 560,000 | 560,000 |
| Total contributions | - | - | - | - |
| Total transfer payments | 625,000 | 560,000 | 560,000 | 560,000 |
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 departmental results
- Scientific and technological knowledge advances
- Innovative businesses grow
- Evidence-based solutions inform decisions in Government priority areas
Link to the NRC’s Program Inventory
- Core responsibility: Science and Innovation
- Program: Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
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.
The 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 Millimetre-submillimetre Array (ALMA). The NRC participates in the oversight and direction of these facilities and their research capabilities.
The NRC also represented Canada in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) consortium for the pre-construction phase of the telescope and signed a cooperation agreement in November 2021 to continue Canada’s participation in the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKOA). In 2015, Canada joined the international partnership to participate in the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT).
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. These agreements also include commitments to support the university-based user communities to ensure a fair and progressive use of these observatories.
The NRC participates in the governance of these international facilities on behalf of the Canadian astronomy research community and provides appropriate support, including advanced data management services and instrumentation. Through the 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: Evaluation of the NRC Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics (HAA) Portfolio completed in 2021-22
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026-27
General targeted recipient groups
Foreign states, intergovernmental organizations or corporations that operate international observatories that have entered into agreements with Canada (the NRC) to support costs related to ground-based astronomical observatories. In the case of intergovernmental organizations, Canada and 1 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
The NRC manages ground-based 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. The 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, the NRC ensures these activities increase opportunities for Canadian researchers and firms to develop relevant instrumentation for the observatories.
To carry out its roles effectively, the NRC provides current information about each observatory to research community-based committees of scientists which provide expert advice on observatory operations and development. The 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).
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 forecast spending | 2023-24 planned spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2025-26 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | - | - | - | - |
| Total contributions | 27,472,120 | 75,272,512 | 10,000,000 | 10,000,000 |
| Total transfer payments | 27,472,120 | 75,272,512 | 10,000,000 | 10,000,000 |
TRIUMF
Start date: April 1, 1977
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Contribution
Type of appropriation: Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-21
Link to departmental results
- Scientific and technological knowledge advances
- Innovative businesses grow
- Evidence-based solutions inform decisions in Government priority areas
Link to the NRC’s Program Inventory
- Core responsibility: Science and Innovation
- Program: TRIUMF
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program
TRIUMF is Canada's particle accelerator centre. 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.
An incorporated non-profit with charitable status, TRIUMF Inc. is owned and operated by a consortium of Canadian universities, with its core operations funded through 5-year contribution agreements. TRIUMF Inc. has its own governance and management team who operate and manage TRIUMF Inc. The NRC plays an important oversight and stewardship role for TRIUMF Inc. on behalf of the Government of Canada. The NRC, however, is not directly involved in designing and running the organization’s operations.
Recipients are not required to repay funds obtained under this transfer payment program.
Expected results
TRIUMF Inc. will continue to support the Canadian and international particle and nuclear physics communities in alignment with the 2022-2026 Canadian Subatomic Physics Long Range Plan, and the laboratory’s own 20-Year Vision and 5-Year Plan (2020-2025).
In the fourth year of the current 5-Year Plan, TRIUMF Inc. will deliver impact across the 3 dimensions of Science and Technology, People and Skills, and Innovation and Collaboration. TRIUMF Inc., in close cooperation with its member universities, expects to:
- conduct world-class science across TRIUMF's core programs
- continue to make advancements towards the completion of major infrastructure projects, specifically the Advanced Rare Isotope Laboratory (ARIEL) and the Institute for Advanced Medical Isotopes (IAMI)
- drive Canadian contributions in leading international research areas and major collaborations
- enable the training of students and early career researchers, as well as supporting the flow and exchange of global talent
- support the development of new industry and community partnerships in the pursuit of economic and societal benefits for Canada
- continue the pursuit of operational excellence across the laboratory
Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2022-23
Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation
Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2027-28
General targeted recipient groups: Non-profit organizations (TRIUMF)
Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients
The NRC chairs the Agency Committee on TRIUMF (ACT), which includes the federal agencies that fund and oversee activities at TRIUMF Inc., providing TRIUMF management the opportunity to present progress and discuss future directions for the facility.
The NRC also convenes the Advisory Committee on TRIUMF (ACOT), composed of international experts within disciplines that span the research and technology activities of TRIUMF Inc. The TRIUMF ACOT meets biannually and reports to the NRC. ACOT makes recommendations to the NRC and TRIUMF Inc. on programs and management, and reports on the scientific, technological and commercial achievements of the organization’s programs and facilities, helping to ensure TRIUMF Inc. discharges its responsibilities under the Contribution Agreement.
Observer representatives from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and TRIUMF's user communities ensure TRIUMF's directions are well aligned with the researcher needs, and that the organization is working with all its constituencies across Canada. The Committee considers all aspects of the TRIUMF Inc. program, with a particular emphasis on science, technology and commercialization, to ensure the relevance, impact, and world-class standing of its activities.
Through oversight committees such as ACT, ACOT and quarterly reporting, the NRC maintains a close relationship with TRIUMF Inc. The NRC also maintains observer status on the TRIUMF Board of Governors and on its supporting bodies. These engagements ensure the NRC investments to the TRIUMF Inc. are optimal and the NRC has an appropriate mechanism to oversee the various aspects of the transfer payment to TRIUMF Inc.
TRIUMF Inc. has approximately 410 staff and students supported via the NRC's contribution agreement. An additional 138 positions are supported through other sources for specific designated purposes, including temporary funds to operate new capital infrastructure. In a typical year, the TRIUMF organization provides training for more than 200 undergraduate, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.
The TRIUMF organization has numerous programs aimed at young people, students, teachers, and the public to ensure as many people as possible share the wonder of discovery and experience the excitement generated by the laboratory. TRIUMF Inc. also offers a suite of programs to aid in the growth and development of professional skills for its graduate students and postdocs.
Financial information (dollars)
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 forecast spending | 2023-24 planned spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2025-26 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | - | - | - | - |
| Total contributions | 59,325,000 | 60,646,436 | 58,026,205 | 19,277,000 |
| Total transfer payments | 59,325,000 | 60,646,436 | 58,026,205 | 19,277,000 |
Gender-based analysis (GBA) Plus
Institutional GBA Plus Capacity
The NRC’s research benefits all Canadians, including multiple gender and demographic groups with intersecting characteristics. The NRC is using a GBA Plus lens to make its research more inclusive of equity deserving groups and to improve how the NRC’s research helps the lives of all Canadians.
Aligned with the Government of Canada’s renewed commitment to GBA Plus, the NRC will further integrate its use across existing organizational planning and program design, develop plans for data collection, and apply a GBA Plus lens for evaluation activities that are important to measuring outcomes and impact and informing further areas for continuous improvement.
As part of the GBA Plus governance structure, the NRC's Secretary General is fulfilling the role of GBA Plus champion for the organization and undertaking specific initiatives including continued representation on the Government of Canada’s Interdepartmental Working Group for GBA Plus and the GBA Plus Focal Point Network. Further, the Secretary General division will continue to develop and provide guidance to build awareness and knowledge for GBA Plus integration into program design, delivery and performance reporting.
In 2023-24, the organization will continue to build GBA Plus organizational capacity and sustain the practice of GBA Plus at the NRC by implementing initiatives in 3 areas:
NRC research
- The NRC will integrate GBA Plus principles into research activities, programs and operations to build and expand diverse Canadian STEM capacity in the various scientific fields and industry sectors the organization works with and supports, for example, conducting GBA Plus analysis as part of the design of new programs, and requiring applicants to include information on GBA Plus and EDI considerations in funding proposals.
- Efforts to integrate GBA Plus in NRC research programs will be directed at 3 levels:
- Program participation (ensure diversity among internal teams and external collaborators)
- Priority setting of research projects and activities (consider the expected impact on various groups)
- Program development and evaluation (identify the social, cultural, and economic environment in which the program’s outputs are intended to achieve impact)
- As part of the work to develop data collection plans, indicator options will be reviewed to determine the most appropriate measures to assess the impacts on gender and diversity, for example: market analysis (socio-economic impacts, access to technologies, regional impacts, including on Northern and Indigenous communities), stakeholder analysis and evaluations, team composition and selection, and client engagement strategies.
- In addition, university enrollment statistics and employer EDI data may yield insight into whether or not the participation of vulnerable groups in STEM disciplines is increasing. This data collection will be based on secondary sources at the national level, since any changes would be the result of efforts by all of government, not just one program or department.
- The NRC will ensure their Research Advisory Boards are as balanced and representative of the Canadian population as possible to ensure that diverse views are considered in research planning. Composed of representatives balanced across industry (including not-for-profit), academia and government, advisory boards provide strategic and independent advice on the overall strategic direction and priorities of each of the research programs. Representation of research advisory boards will continue to be monitored and adjusted as membership changes.
NRC funding for innovative small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs)
- NRC’s Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) has made efforts to diversify participation in its programs and build on work already underway to provide support to firms owned or led by women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized persons and persons with disabilities through a number of agreements with not-for-profit organizations. NRC IRAP uses an EDI lens when building its programs and policies for clients.
- NRC IRAP has a voluntary data collection process for clients to self-declare employment equity (EE) information about their business ownership, leadership and board composition.
- In 2023-24, NRC IRAP will continue collecting and analyzing data to understand how equity deserving groups are experiencing unintended barriers to NRC IRAP support, and to develop mitigation strategies to address these barriers.
- NRC IRAP will also continue to provide support to Employment and Social Development Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, through placing graduates within SMEs to improve young professionals’ access to quality employment in their field of study. NRC IRAP will continue to focus on providing quality employment opportunities to women in STEM, as well as recent graduates with disabilities.
The NRC workplace
- Strengthens the pipeline for Canadian industry, academia and other STEM employers and improve the workforce representation within traditionally under-represented fields by hiring and training students, highly qualified personnel and early career STEM professionals from equity deserving groups in order to improve the quality of scientific and technical outputs produced by a diverse workforce.
- Continues to collect, measure and monitor NRC representation compared to Canadian Labour Market Availability (LMA) estimates for each of the 4 designated equity deserving groups as well as specific EE Occupational Groups. Continue to prioritize the identification of high potential employees from designated groups to help address gaps and enable the advancement of equity deserving group members.
- Continues to implement the NRC’s current Workforce and Workplace EDI Strategy to increase representation of equity deserving group members, implement a management sponsorship program for racialized and Indigenous Peoples, deliver the NRC Accessibility Strategy developed in 2022-23, and enhance the measurement capacity to drive EDI programming and monitor progress. The NRC will also conduct an employment systems review to inform a refreshed EDI strategy, and develop an approach and lead the consultative process for the development of its pay equity plan.
- Conducts a review of NRC employment systems with a view to identifying systemic barriers. The results of this review will inform the development of a refreshed NRC EDI Workforce and Workplace Strategy for implementation beginning in 2024-25. Through a suite of initiatives, the refreshed strategy will aim to build a diverse and representative NRC workforce, and foster an open, accessible, inclusive, and anti-racist work environment and culture across NRC workplaces.
- Consults diverse groups and networks to ensure that their needs and views are considered, and that potential impacts are assessed in the development and improvement of NRC strategies, processes, programs and policies, including the development of the new NRC Strategic Plan and the refreshed NRC EDI Strategy.
- Promotes internal tools and resources to increase awareness and understanding. Encourage staff participation in equity and diversity training, including courses on respect in the workplace and unconscious bias to help foster an inclusive and respectful environment.
Highlights of GBA Plus results reporting capacity by program
Targeted initiatives for GBA Plus data collection
The NRC will continue to work with the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) in 2023-24 to leverage their collaborative statistical program on Business Innovation and Growth Support (BIGS) with Statistics Canada. The BIGS database covers government support to enterprises linked to the Linkable File Environment (LFE) of Statistics Canada to better understand performance and conduct impact assessments for growth and innovation-related programs.
The NRC will be part of TBS’ ongoing research project of “Understanding BIGS beneficiaries”. The project will allow NRC access to aggregate data to improve the understanding of the business ownership and workforce composition (e.g. majority women-owned enterprises and proportion of female employees) of enterprises supported by specific NRC programs. This information will enable programs to understand how certain equity deserving groups based on gender, age and immigrant status may be disproportionately impacted, and to determine strategies to mitigate these impacts.
Given that data collection for NRC IRAP firms is currently a non-mandatory, self-declaration model, gender and diversity data that is statistically significant for reporting on the program's impacts is not readily available. The collection and reporting of client information is dependent upon the client's access to information about the diversity of their companies, their leadership and executive teams and staff. NRC IRAP will take action to assist clients in developing an EDI plan which will empower clients to better understand their EDI footprint and in turn enable NRC IRAP to measure program impact on equity deserving groups.
The NRC’s evaluations of programs scheduled to be initiated in 2023-24 will include an examination of EDI populations within the specific research centre/ program workforce as well as distribution across the various employee subgroups (researcher, management, administrative) and levels. Further, to ensure the perspectives of diverse populations are heard, the evaluation projects will also include diverse populations in key informant interviews, peer review committees, and surveys. GBA Plus success stories, if identified, could also be included as case studies.
GBA Plus data collection will remain a priority for NRC’s research projects by trying to identify the key challenges in collecting data and strategies to overcome them. A specific example is the NRC’s Aerospace Program work, along with the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, Transport Canada and the Canadian Transportation Agency, to conduct participatory and human-centered research designed to support a more inclusive and usable door-through-door travel experience for Canadian seniors.
As Canadians age, the frequency with which they use transportation, including air travel, decreases. It is imperative to understand what barriers this demographic faces and how to remove them. The team will focus on gathering and analyzing extensive data on user requirements to provide evidence-based innovative design (e.g. technology, tools, products), policy, and regulatory recommendations focusing on those with a wide and significant impact.
Another example is the NRC’s Metrology program which will focus on GBA Plus training for its project managers to ensure that barriers in research outcomes are identified and addressed. The program will focus on GBA Plus analysis of the 3 priority areas of health, climate and quantum/digital technologies to ensure the research work in those areas consider the full impact of those who will benefit from its outcomes.
Collaborative programming (i.e., Challenge and Cluster Support programs)
The NRC’s National Program Office (NPO) will continue to work to improve GBA Plus data collection and encourage self-declaration of researchers participating in projects under the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program (CSTIP) and peer reviewers evaluating projects. All CSTIP Challenge programs will continue to be co-developed through significant stakeholder engagement with GBA Plus considerations factored into program design.
Furthermore, all CSTIP proposal templates will continue to request information on GBA Plus considerations and recipients will be asked to report back on their GBA Plus strategies. The NRC’s NPO is currently collecting information on the EE representation of NRC employees working on a subset of CSTIP programs and is working on an underlying system that can expand to all CSTIP programs while also finding a secure way to collect data on NRC-funded collaborators in 2023-24.
The NPO will conduct analysis with available data to look for insight into areas which are disproportionately underrepresented in order to proactively seek out means for filling these gaps. Small Teams Initiatives and Ideation Fund proposals will continue to be reviewed to ensure GBA Plus considerations have been properly addressed and included in the proposal design.
Specific GBA Plus initiatives that will be implemented by collaborative programs in 2023-24 include the following:
- The Advanced Manufacturing Cluster Support program has integrated GBA Plus into 2 collaborative projects within the METALTec industrial R&D group to build and expand diverse Canadian STEM capacity. The program will monitor the progress of more than 15 students participating in the projects with the objective to training highly qualified personnel and improving the quality of scientific and technical outputs produced by a diverse workforce. The students are under guidance of the universities and co-supervised by the NRC.
- Initiatives under the Aging in Place Challenge program will continue to focus on enhancing safety and facilitating the inclusion of persons with disabilities and older Canadians in public transportation systems and to maintain their mobility in general.
- The Cell and Gene Therapy Solutions Challenge program will use a GBA Plus lens in the development of a universal cell product which could be the basis for generating cell therapy products for broad use. The project will aim to collect multiple donor samples and collect information about sex and ethnicity such that results obtained from different cell sources can be studied, and the impact in designing a universal cell product can be understood from the lens of differences in ethnic and genetic backgrounds.
- Over its 7-year timeframe, the Ocean program led by OCRE will compile available data on identity factors across internal research teams within the NRC, within collaborator teams applying for funding for contributions to the program, and in the management framework providing governance and oversight of the program.
- The OCRE program will continue monitoring participant data to uncover equity-deserving groups over the life of the program, and on a regular frequency, to identify opportunities and strategies to enhance participation more broadly as needed. These monitoring and gap assessment activities will be extended to include highly qualified personnel (students, postdoctoral fellows) working within the NRC, within collaborating centers, and recipients of grant funding awards through the Ocean program’s grants and contributions mechanism.
Indigenous engagement
The NRC is committed to building relationships with Indigenous researchers, innovators and communities to bridge western and Indigenous knowledge systems, and to create new knowledge that can be brought to bear on the critical issues of our time. Aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, the NRC will continue to build intercultural competency as a first step towards long-term relationships with First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples.
The key mobilizing body for this work is the NRC’s Indigenous Engagement Network, which continues to grow in membership and prominence. The network will be supporting the Indigenous Engagement strategy and reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis rights holders.
As part of Phase 3 onboarding for the Government of Canada Indigenous Procurement Strategy to award a minimum of 5% of the total value of contracts to Indigenous businesses by March 31, 2025, the NRC is targeting a minimum of 3% of the total value of its contracts to Indigenous businesses by the end of 2023-24.
Building on recommendations included in 2021-22 evaluations of several NRC research programs, efforts focused on Indigenous engagement include the following:
- The Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics program will move from consultation to empowerment for local Indigenous communities, and actively work with local First Nations communities in British Columbia to include Indigenous knowledge and training opportunities for students.
- The Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering program will implement actions as part of its new engagement strategy that includes a section specific to Indigenous right holders.
- The Aquatic and Crop Resource Development program will define the aspects of sustainability in the marine and agri-food sectors where its best positioned to have an impact, and will integrate the needs of remote, northern and Indigenous communities in its strategic plan.
Led by the NRC’s Digital Technologies (DT) program, the Canadian Indigenous Languages Technology (ILT) project has collaborated with Indigenous communities and language experts to develop technologies that contribute to revitalization of Indigenous languages. A subproject under the ILT, the Speech Generation for Indigenous Language Education actively recruited a diverse, representative project composition and was successful in hiring 4 Indigenous team members.
Following this success, the program’s model of building trust with Indigenous collaborators to attract talented Indigenous recruits will continue in 2023-24, and DT will continue to actively highlight its success on Indigenous languages via media communications and external talks, to help highlight the whole NRC as a choice employer for EDI candidates.
The NRC’s Energy, Mining and Environment program (EME) will participate in the Indigenous Recruitment Initiative, led by the Engineering division, and ensure that all EME hiring posters include specific information for the recruitment of Indigenous Peoples with corresponding data tracked in collaboration with corporate HR.
Accessibility
The NRC’s National Science Library (NSL) offers a range of information-related services to the public and other libraries. Services include online access to digital content through NRC's publicly available repositories (i.e., NRC Publications Archive and the Digital Repository), a searchable catalogue and information discovery platform, and reference/interlibrary loan services with other libraries. The NSL is committed to open science and open government principles in making its research outputs accessible through its repositories.
The NSL will continue to implement its GBA Plus data collection plan in 2023-24 to ensure participation of equity deserving groups and to understand the benefits to diverse groups. Data will be collected on specific GBA Plus initiatives in the form of qualitative evidence of NSL’s accomplishments and impacts on diverse groups.
The NSL will undertake the following efforts to increase accessibility and inclusion in its systems and portals:
- Add land acknowledgements on the Federal Science Libraries Network portal
- Digitize NRC annual reports going back to 1917 and ensure all reports going forward are made available in digital format
- Surface the digital repository items in Summon (Search discovery) to make them more widely accessible
- Participate in the Canadian Shared Print Network’s federal documents print preservation program
- Enhance accessibility within the Library Portal
Outreach and engagement
The Grants for International Affiliations (GIA) program, managed by the NRC’s International Affiliations program, has a target of 100% of funded organizations that have programs to support equity, diversity and inclusion. The program engages with representatives of each Canadian National Committee (CNC) responsible for specific international affiliations to assess evolving priorities, most valued benefits of the program to participants and understand the needs of each CNC.
To facilitate evaluation, each CNC submits a mandatory annual performance review questionnaire that includes requests for input on efforts to follow EDI principles. The input covers information on the creation of opportunities for women, young researchers and/or equity deserving groups. The Program will continue to engage with the CNCs managing international affiliations to better gauge impacts and plans, and ensure continued recipient engagement in the program.
This will inform the Canadian STI management community of the science diplomacy needs of Canadian practitioners in light of track records of international affiliations, and the associated level of required support. The International Affiliations program will also continue to track and monitor representation of diverse views in its advisory committee and selection process, and its next evaluation scheduled for 2025-26 will provide further insights on the benefits experienced by equity deserving groups.
The NRC’s Aerospace program is a founding member and supporter of the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) consortium, a not-for-profit organization which promotes collaborative innovation to accelerate growth of the Canadian ecosystem for air mobility. As part of its activities, the CAAM consortium runs annual events to promote the participation of diverse groups, including women, 2SLGBTQ2+ and Indigenous Peoples in this rapidly-growing field.
The Aerospace program will continue participation in these events. Using its own internal and external communications platforms, such as the NRC website and social media, the Aerospace program will continue to publish profiles of the talented women in its workforce as part of its overall effort to promote more diverse participation in the STEM disciplines that are central to its research and technical activities.
The NRC’s Advanced Electronics and Photonics program will continue to participate in career fairs targeting equity deserving groups, send young and female researchers to fairs and ensure panels for events are diverse and/or include a member of the targeted equity deserving group.
The Digital Technologies program will continue to increase its participation in outreach activities (e.g. the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), Vector Institute, and Canadian AI job fairs) that are focused on recruitment, especially in fields like AI where attracting sufficiently diverse pool of candidates is challenging.
Developing Canadian STEM capacity
The NRC has integrated GBA Plus into its operations through the training of students and highly qualified personnel, in order to improve the quality of scientific and technical outputs produced by a diverse workforce. By hiring students and early career STEM professionals from equity deserving groups and providing them with practical training opportunities, the NRC is helping to strengthen the pipeline for Canadian industry, academia and other STEM employers and improve the workforce representation within traditionally under-represented fields.
The NRC’s programs will continue efforts to develop equity in workforce representation and will continue to collect data on the composition of its workforce with regard to the 4 equity deserving groups. Data on representation rates is more accurate if all employees self-identify, therefore programs will continue to promote and encourage the use of self-identification for existing staff and new hires.
The NRC will continue to pursue new hires with an EDI lens, working with HR to advertise both broadly and at targeted populations, implementing its hiring targets for equity deserving groups, and collecting data to measure the proportion of newly hired staff from the 4 designated groups.
Across NRC programs, EDI considerations will be applied in hiring practices to reduce unconscious biases and increase representation such as:
- establishing diverse hiring committees to ensure NRC research programs have diverse input in the hiring process, for example adding representation of at least one designated group member on all hiring boards
- using the Inclusive Hiring Checklist for hiring actions
- working with HR to target diverse groups in hiring actions
- adding text in hiring posters to encourage applications from equity deserving groups
- ensuring job postings are bias free and mention flexible work arrangements where feasible
- sending direct notifications of job openings to specific groups and associations (i.e., Women in STEM, Indigenous student groups, LinkedIn groups such as Women of Color)
- giving preference in hiring to candidates that self-declare as belonging to one or more equity deserving groups