Supplementary Information Tables: 2021–22 Departmental Plan National Research Council Canada

Ongoing

Contribution

Estimates

2018-19

Scientific and technological knowledge advances

Innovative businesses grow

Evidence-based solutions inform decisions in Government priority areas

Core Responsibility: Science and Innovation
Metrology

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 is able to more effectively and efficiently respond to its mandated responsibility for maintenance of national measurement standards, as articulated in the NRC Act and the Weights and Measures Act.

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.

2015‑16

Continuation

2020-21

International organizations and foreign countries. Bureau international des poids et mesures (BIPM) is an annual assessed contribution reflecting Canada's status as a State Party to the Metre Convention Treaty since 1907.

The NRC participates in the activities and meetings relative to the Bureau international des poids et mesures and associated regional metrology organization Sistema Interamericana de Metrologia (SIM).

The NRC provides professional expertise and laboratory facilities required to deliver its metrology program to achieve socio-economic impact for Canadian citizens and businesses.

Ongoing

Grants & Contributions

Estimates

2018-19

Scientific and technological knowledge advances

Innovative businesses grow

Evidence-based solutions inform decisions in Government priority areas

Core Responsibility: Science and Innovation
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program

Provides grant and contribution funding for external collaborators with complementary capabilities [e.g. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), post-secondary institutions and non-profit research organization]. The program comprises 1) NRC Collaborative Research & Development (R&D) initiatives – funding external collaborators working with NRC researchers on projects that make up a series of large-scale collaborative R&D programs in priority areas; 2) the Ideation Fund – funding external collaborators working with NRC personnel to encourage, test and validate transformative self-directed, exploratory research ideas; and 3) the Outreach Initiative – funding to support conferences, workshops, symposia or other outreach initiatives, in order to promote engagement of Canadians, particularly those in under-represented groups, interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Enable new and potentially disruptive technologies to be developed with targeted recipient 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.

Not applicable (new program)

Not applicable

2022-23 (five-year cycle)

Academic organizations, SMEs; Not-for-Profits; Canadian government departments, agencies, crown corporations, research technology organizations; international organizations; social enterprises; Indigenous governments; individuals; non-Canadian recipients.

During the Collaborative R&D program development phase, 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 then invited to work with NRC researchers to develop team proposals to compete for project funding. Projects are selected against criteria such as research excellence, impact, collaborations, and feasibility/ probability of success.

Collaborative R&D programs (i.e. four Challenge programs and five Supercluster Support programs) launched in 2019, are moving into the next phase of program life cycle where recipients are being engaged through open calls for proposals and capabilities.

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 being selected against criteria such as: research excellence, innovation/creativity, deliverables, collaboration and feasibility.

2017-18

The first NRC challenge posted in February 2018, to coincide with the Program launch.

Ongoing

Grant and Procurement

Estimates

The NRC received authority for the Innovation Science and Economic Development (ISED) led Ts&Cs for Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) grants in 2017–18 (January 2018).

ISC is an ISED-led program, with the NRC as one of twenty federal departments mandated to participate. Program results will be reported by ISED.

Within the NRC, this ISED-led program is administered by NRC IRAP.

ISC is a grant and procurement program that enables participating departments and agencies to support the scale-up of Canadian small 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 under-represented groups, such as women, Indigenous, youth, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ 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 research and development needs and thereby advance government priorities.

The expected results of the ISC Program are aligned with the priorities of the Innovation Skills Plan (ISC) to grow domestic small businesses in the innovation economy and deliver on three key areas for action:

• People and Skills: This program will help build a culture of innovation in Canada, where Canadians see opportunity to take smart risks and embark upon the paths of discovery that lead to entrepreneurship and inclusive growth. ISC 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, which can develop and grow the expertise of scientists, engineers, and business people, create high-quality jobs and retain talent in the country.
• Research, Technology, Commercialization: The ISC program offers small businesses the opportunity to find customers who are willing to design, develop, test and adopt their innovations; willing to support R&D and understand how collaboration helps advance and bring leading-edge technologies to market. As a result, the ISC will support the ISP by increasing the value spent on business-led R&D, as well as, increasing the number of research collaborations between industry and with 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. By being a marquee customer through ISC, the government will be supporting companies by increasing the number of firms achieving high growth and increasing the dynamism of the Canadian economy.

Not applicable

Not applicable

No firm date has been set for the first ISC program evaluation. ISED plans to lead an internal review of ISC in March 2020.

SMEs

As one of 20 participating federal government departments, the NRC submits challenges to ISED for posting. NRC IRAP works with NRC Research, branch and IRAP Leads to:

• Define and draft challenges for posting.
• Assess and select proposals for funding.
• Engage clients by developing and managing grants or contracts for proof of concept to prototype development.

September 1, 2018 (T&Cs renewal date; original start date: April 1, 1965)

Ongoing

Contribution

Estimates

2018-19

Scientific and technological knowledge advances

Innovative businesses grow

Evidence-based solutions inform decisions in Government priority areas

Core Responsibility: Science and Innovation

Program: NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)

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: 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 has the following streams: 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 and Skills Strategy (YESS).

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

• Stimulation of innovation in SMEs in Canada.
• Post pandemic recovery and 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.

2017-18

Continuation

2021-22

Industry-related — For-profit businesses (SMEs) and Non-profit Organizations

NRC IRAP is a national program managed on a regional basis with over 265 Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) located in 110 points of service across the country, who provide customized advice to growth oriented technologically innovative SMEs. ITAs engage with firms over a period of time, creating a plan to work with the firm to support their plans for innovation and growth. Supports may be in the form of advisory services and/or financial support for innovative projects.

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 direction and management of the program.

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

1958

Ongoing

Grant

Estimates

2011-12

Scientific and technological knowledge advances

Core Responsibility: Science and Innovation

International Affiliations

Canada's membership in international science and technology (S&T) organizations promotes international market-oriented research and innovation, networking, advocacy, leadership and benchmarking opportunities as well as access to research and benchmarking possibilities, enabling Canadian science, technology, and industry to remain competitive.

• Enhance Canada and the NRC’s international visibility and Canada’s reputation as a global leader in science, technology and innovation (STI).
• Enhance Canadian influence and reputation as a global leader through contributions to interdisciplinary science-based global policy making.
• Contribute to Canadian STI leader development via opportunities for leadership development and leadership opportunities in supported organizations and International Science Council including implementing EDI approaches.
• Supporting Canadian excellence and competitiveness and increasing market-oriented innovation opportunities to Canadian SMEs and export growth via global value chains.

2015-16

Continuation

2020-21

International organizations and foreign countries. (Foreign recipients which are international S&T organizations having two or more states as members. As well, non-foreign recipients are non-governmental Canadian delegates who attend related meetings hosted by these foreign recipients).

In addition to the in-depth engagement of 2019-20, another series of bilateral discussions with Canadian national committees and Canadian program leads over 2020-21 ensured continued recipient engagement in the program. All were also evaluated through questionnaires and short interviews to assess performance and program direction.

Similarly, further progress is to be noted on the new cross government of Canada advisory committee, which now includes approved terms of reference and subcommittees to support EDI initiatives, nominations and awards and developing funding and assessments of Canadian national committees and Canadian program leads (CNCs).

In addition to consulting all CNCs on EDI and international activities and achievements, two tracks of outreach effort, to international peers and Canadian stakeholders, including potential new applicants, have begun with the intention of culminating in the effective participation of the Canadian delegation to the ISC General Assembly, scheduled for fall of 2021.

1978

Ongoing

Contribution

Estimates

2015-16

Scientific and technological knowledge advances

Innovative businesses grow

Evidence-based solutions inform decisions in Government priority areas

Core Responsibility: Science and Innovation

Program: Herzberg Astronomy & Astrophysics

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 Millimeter Array (ALMA). The NRC participates in the oversight and direction of these facilities and their research capabilities. The 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 Meter Telescope (TMT). The 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. The 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 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.

• 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.

2016-17

Continuation

2021-22

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.

The 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. 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 that 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).

April 1, 1977

Ongoing

Contribution

Estimates

2015-16

Scientific and technological knowledge advances

Innovative businesses grow

Evidence-based solutions inform decisions in Government priority areas

Core Responsibility: Science and Innovation

Program: TRIUMF

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. A consortium of 21 Canadian universities (14 full members and seven associate members) owns and operates TRIUMF.TRIUMF receives its federal operational funding through the NRC in five-year allocations via a contribution agreement. The NRC plays an important oversight and stewardship role for TRIUMF on behalf of the Government of Canada.

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

TRIUMF will support the Canadian and international particle and nuclear physics community in alignment with the current 2017–2021 Canadian Subatomic Physics Long Range Plan (LRP), the forthcoming 2022-2026 LRP, and laboratory’s own Five-Year Plan (2020–25).

In the second year of the new Five-Year Plan, TRIUMF will deliver impact across the three core dimensions of Science and Technology, People and Skills, and Innovation and Collaboration. TRIUMF expects to:

• Conduct world-class science across TRIUMF's core programs
• Support Canada and TRIUMF’s research communities in navigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Advance completion of the ARIEL facility and achieve the milestone of delivering new science from the CANREB facility
• Lead and participate in top-tier international research collaborations
• Provide hands-on training to students and early career researchers, as well as enable the exchange of global talent
• Support the development of new industry and community partnerships in pursuit of increased economic and societal benefits for Canada
• Streamline processes and improve operational efficiency

2018-19

Continuation

2022-23

Non-profit organizations (TRIUMF)

The 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.

The 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 the 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, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Canadian Institute of Nuclear Physics, the Canadian Institute of Particle Physics, the materials science community and TRIUMF’s user community ensure TRIUMF's directions are well aligned with the research community's needs and that TRIUMF is working with all its constituencies across Canada. 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, the NRC maintains a close relationship with TRIUMF. Dialogue ensures that Government of Canada investments are optimal, and that the NRC meets the needs of its recipient, as well as provides a vehicle for feedback on the transfer payment management process.

TRIUMF has approximately 430 staff and students supported via the NRC’s contribution agreement. Roughly 130 additional positions are supported through other sources for specific designated purposes, including temporary funds to operate new capital infrastructure. In total, TRIUMF typically 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 aid in the growth and development of professional skills for its graduate students and postdocs.

The NRC will continue to formalize its GBA+ framework, accountability and reporting mechanisms. While the NRC does not have a specific GBA+ policy or statement of intent, GBA+ is part of the NRC’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy.

The NRC has integrated GBA+ into many areas of its operations to assess potential impacts of its policies, programs, and initiatives on diverse groups. The intent is to use the framework to help ensure an inclusive approach from ideation through to outcome measurement.

In keeping with this approach, the NRC is:

• Integrating GBA+ into annual operational plans at the research centre and program level to help in applying GBA+ to existing and new R&D initiatives, program design, and monitoring and evaluation;
• Including GBA+ in NRC programs, such as NRC IRAP and the Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program (Challenge Programs). GBA+ and EDI strategies are expected to be developed and updated on an evergreen basis;
• Using a GBA+ lens as part of its formal evaluation of the effectiveness of NRC programs and initiatives;
• Carrying out training and other capacity building initiatives with Program Directors and Planners across the organization; and
• Incorporating a GBA+ lens into a pilot project to renew select internal NRC processes.

The Responsibility Centre for GBA+ was established in the Secretary General’s division and the Secretary General fills the role of GBA+ champion for the NRC.

• In alignment with the Gender Results Framework, the NRC conducts GBA+ analysis on Cabinet documents (e.g. Memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board submissions and budget two-pagers), as well as during program design and in the evaluation of initiatives.
• The NRC’s Five-Year Strategic Plan, launched in 2019, includes employment equity targets for all research centres, corporate branches, and NRC IRAP. These targets would see each business unit achieve at least labour market availability for each of the under-represented groups (women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities) by 2024.
• The NRC continues to build capacity and expand awareness of GBA+ across the organization. To date, this has included policy employees, the NRC planning community, and Program Directors. In addition to refreshing this training, this effort will be expanded to include Vice-President and Director General offices.
• NRC Human Resources monitors and tracks statistics on under-represented groups, as well as women in STEM. To support these efforts, the NRC has created a streamlined set of EDI standards and performance indicators, and established a regular routine for reporting on EDI progress, which will continue.
• An EDI Community of Practice is being set up within the NRC to bring together employees with roles that touch on EDI to share information and promote cooperation.
• The NRC has two mandatory online courses for all staff in areas related to EDI, including a fundamentals course and unconscious bias training. A mandatory course on managing bias in hiring was created for all supervisors, and moving forward, plans are in development for training in targeted areas of the organization.
• The NRC has established a clear internal portal for EDI information, tools and resources; made progress in ensuring that diversity and inclusive language are reflected in NRC images, posters and materials; adopted inclusive practices such as land acknowledgements in formal gatherings; and supported the formation of grassroots networks and communities (e.g. LGBTQ2). Moving forward, the NRC is analyzing the organization’s needs/approach to address anti-racism/discrimination, including providing additional training and awareness to address racism, and leveraging work underway in the federal public service, including the Black Federal Employee Caucus to provide tools to employees.
• The NRC has implemented and intends to implement further programs and initiatives with a specific focus on women researchers and students from employment equity designated groups. The recently launched mentoring program for women in STEM careers will continue as an important component of NRC’s efforts to support women in STEM at the NRC.
• The NRC has an Action Plan in place to assess and improve accessibility of NRC premises, with a goal of compliance by 2021. In addition, the NRC is working on a multi-year plan to comply with the Accessible Canada Act.
• GBA+ commitments are included in the NRC’s operational plans to assess potential impacts of its policies, programs, and initiatives on diverse groups. The intent is to use the framework to help ensure an inclusive approach from ideation through to outcome measurement.

• The NRC National Program Office is collecting EDI data on applicants for the New Beginnings Initiative. This collection of EDI data will be expanded to the full suite of NRC research programs.
• The NRC is including GBA+/EDI considerations in Ideation Fund proposals. Challenge and Supercluster Support programs must also have a GBA+ plan and framework.
• The NRC’s new Environmental Research Strategy has a GBA+ annex. Researchers developing projects in fields related to the environment are encouraged to use these tools to increase the impact of research on diverse groups.
• A new NRC Challenge Program on quantum sensing is engaging with the Rotman School of Business Institute for Gender and the Economy at the University of Toronto for a thorough, professional GBA+ analysis. The findings from this analysis will inform the GBA+ approaches for other research work at the NRC.

• NRC IRAP is implementing an active recruitment system to build a diverse and representative workforce, working with partners to showcase NRC IRAP as an employer of choice, and continuing to build EDI into development and advancement opportunities.
• NRC IRAP is also working to remove barriers to growth for small and medium-sized companies led by under-represented groups, implement a data collection tool and corresponding business practices to track the diversity of NRC IRAP’s client base, and participate in the Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy ADM Committee.