Supplementary Information Tables: 2022–23 Departmental Plan National Research Council Canada

Canada signed the Metre Convention and became a member state of BIPM in 1907

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: Metrology

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 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.

2021–22

Continuation

2025–26

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.

The NRC participates in the activities and meetings relative to the BIPM and associated regional metrology organizationSIM.

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
Program: 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 organizations]. 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

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.

For NRC 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 NRC 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 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.

September 1, 2018 (terms & conditions 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).

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.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, NRC IRAP established a suite of ten temporary Subject Expert Teams to coordinate and accelerate support to Canadian SMEs who presented viable solutions to detect, prevent and treat COVID-19. NRC IRAP supported projects to further technology development, capacity building and manufacturing scale-up in response to COVID-19.

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

• 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.

2017–18

Continuation

2022–23

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

NRC IRAP is a national program managed on a regional basis delivered by a network of over 265 Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs) located in approximately 110 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 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 the 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.

2017–18

The first NRC challenge posted in December 2017, to coincide with the program launch.

2021–22

Grant and Procurement

Estimates

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

ISC is an ISED-led program, with the NRC as one of 20 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 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 under-represented groups, such as women, Indigenous peoples, 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 R&D needs and thereby advance government priorities.

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 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; 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, 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. As 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

The Internal Audit Directorate at ISED is conducting an advisory review of the ISC program.

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 NRC IRAP leads to: 

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

1958

Ongoing

Grant

Estimates

2011–12

Scientific and technological knowledge advances

Core Responsibility: Science and Innovation
Program: International Affiliations

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.

• 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 in solidifying interdisciplinary science-based global policy making to increase impact.
• Contribute to the development of Canadian STI leaders via opportunities for leadership development and leadership opportunities including implementing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) approaches.
• Increasing market-oriented innovation opportunities for Canadian SMEs and export growth via global value chains to ensure Canadian excellence and competitiveness.

2019–20

Continuation

2025–26

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).

Regular interactions via email and at least one meeting per year with representatives of each Canadian National Committee (CNC) have established a process that allows for the ongoing assessment of evolving priorities, benefits of the program to participants and needs for each international affiliation's CNC.

Each CNC also completes an annual reporting questionnaire, in a standardized format, to facilitate program evaluation. In addition, the program indicators have been updated to track Canadian participation at international affiliation events as well as membership on international affiliation committees and executives; these updated indicators better represent the effectiveness of the program and individual affiliations.

To increase impact for Canada, an ongoing dialogue has been established with Canadian CNCs not funded by the Grants for International Affiliations to coordinate activities and input to international initiatives and nominations.

The Advisory Committee for the program meets semi-annually, drawing on cross government science departments and agencies and deploying expertise to leverage Canadian international science objectives. Regular, frequent interactions ensure continuous engagement and coordination. Two sub-committees have been formed to address criteria for funding of CNCs and to support EDI initiatives.

In addition, engagement with international affiliations management and other countries' international affiliation programs has intensified. This will continue to increase Canada's profile and opportunities for Canadian researchers, as well as to coordinate efforts – for example efforts to address EDI.

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 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 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.

Evaluation of NRC Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics (HAA) Portfolio completed in 2021–22.

Continuation

2026–27

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 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).

April 1, 1977

Ongoing

Contribution

Estimates

2020–21

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. An incorporated non-profit with charitable status, TRIUMF is owned and operated by a consortium of Canadian universities, with its core operations funded through five-year contribution agreements. 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 TRIUMF's own Five-Year Plan (2020–2025).

In the third 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 recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Advance completion of the ARIEL facility and continue to deliver science from the new CANadian Rare isotope facility with Electron Beam ion source (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 convenes and oversees the Advisory Committee on TRIUMF (ACOT), an expert panel composed of international experts within disciplines that span the research and technology activities of TRIUMF. ACOT meets biannually, and reports to the NRC and shares its findings with TRIUMF senior management. ACOT makes recommendations on programs and management, and reports on the scientific and technological achievements of TRIUMF programs and facilities, helping to ensure TRIUMF discharges its responsibilities under the Contribution Agreement.

Observer representatives from the Natural 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. The NRC also maintains observer status on the TRIUMF Board of Governors, as well as other governance bodies. Dialogue ensures investments are optimal, the NRC meets the needs of its recipient, and 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. An additional 128 positions are supported through other sources for specific designated purposes, including temporary funds to operate new capital infrastructure. In a typical year, TRIUMF provides training for more than 200 undergraduate, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. TRIUMF 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 also offers a suite of programs to aid in the growth and development of professional skills for its graduate students and postdocs.

The NRC is continuing to formalize its GBA Plus framework, accountability and reporting mechanisms. While the NRC does not have a specific GBA Plus policy or statement of intent, elements of the NRC's EDI Strategy align with GBA Plus principles.

The NRC's Secretary General Division holds the Responsibility Centre for GBA Plus within the Policy, Strategy and Performance Branch. The NRC has resources dedicated (in part) to developing, delivering and promoting GBA Plus within the organization, including a GBA Plus Focal Point. The NRC is represented on the Government of Canada's Interdepartmental Working Group for GBA Plus and the GBA Plus Focal Point Network.

The NRC has integrated GBA Plus 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 Plus into annual operational plans at the research centre and program level to help apply GBA Plus to existing and new R&D initiatives, program design, and monitoring and evaluation;
• Including GBA Plus in NRC programs, such as NRC IRAP and the CSTIP programs (Ideation, Challenge and Cluster Support programs). GBA Plus and EDI strategies are expected to be developed and updated on an evergreen basis;
• Using a GBA Plus lens as part of the NRC's formal evaluation of the effectiveness of NRC programs and initiatives; and
• Carrying out training and other capacity building initiatives on-demand across the organization.

Human Resources

3.5 full-time equivalents (representing a portion of many positions across the NRC).

Planned initiatives

The NRC has integrated GBA Plus/EDI approaches into a large cross-section of its day-to-day thinking and operations. These initiatives concern organizational activities, research directions, and NRC IRAP activities.

• 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.
• Led by NRC Human Resources, the NRC also refreshed its EDI strategy recently, including initiatives to help the NRC hire diverse talent; support the career development and advancement of diverse talent; foster an inclusive, accessible and anti-racist culture; address barriers in policies and systems; and enable sustained, measureable progress through governance and accountability.
• In addition, 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. Moving forward, the NRC is analyzing the organization's needs/approach to address anti-racism/discrimination, including providing additional training and awareness, and leveraging work underway in the federal public service to advance EDI, including strategies for recruitment and retention.
• The NRC's Five-Year Strategic Plan, launched in 2019, includes employment equity (EE) targets for NRC business units. Targets at the business unit level are designed to help the NRC achieve its overall representation goals. As part of its new EDI Strategy, the NRC is updating its representation and hiring goals to move toward full representation of all designated EE groups (women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities).
• The NRC continues to build capacity and expand awareness of GBA Plus across the organization. To date, this has included policy employees, the NRC planning community, and Program Directors. Outreach and training efforts continue and are available upon request. In October 2021, close to 200 NRC employees tuned in to an internal Women in Science and Innovation panel discussion on GBA Plus to learn more about the process and how it is applied within the NRC.
• 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 is required for all supervisors, and moving forward, plans are in development for training in targeted areas of the organization (e.g., executives, enabling functions).
• 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. In 2020–21, the NRC launched a mentorship pilot focused on women in STEM that informed the creation of the broader Mentoring@theNRC program, which tailors mentor and mentee matches based on several criteria including equity-deserving groups.
• The NRC has undertaken a review of its state of readiness for the implementation of the Accessible Canada Act with a view of developing a comprehensive implementation strategy by December 2022.

• For its research programs, the NRC requires EDI commitments and GBA Plus implementation in CSTIP (Ideation, Challenge and Cluster Support programs) program and project proposals. The NRC also considers language in calls for proposals to promote different and varied partnerships, and recognizes diverse attributes in teams when reviewing projects. Researchers developing projects under these programs are encouraged to use GBA Plus tools to increase the impact of research on diverse groups and are provided workshops on integrating EDI and GBA Plus into proposals within NRC. Projects reviewers are also asked to take a course on "Bias in Peer Review."
• In addition, for the Ideation New Beginnings program in which NRC employees are the main applicants, the NRC collects EDI stats on NRC employees who applied to program and who were successful. Reviews of proposals are done "blind" so that reviewers cannot see who has submitted the proposal. The intent of this approach is to identify gaps, investigate, implement change, and look for impact.

• NRC IRAP will continue to evolve its client focused initiatives to help remove barriers to growth for firms led by under-represented groups by providing targeted support through its Contribution to Organization funding mechanism and develop tools to support SMEs in assessing, developing and operationalizing a plan to foster the progression of their EDI maturity journey. It will also continue to amplify recruitment activities to attract, retain and advance a more diverse workforce, leveraging modern recruiting tools and recruitment marketing techniques, while refining organizational design to meet evolving program delivery requirements in order to further efforts to support an empowered world-class workforce.