ARCHIVED - Environment Canada

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Contributions to support environmental and sustainable development initiatives

2. Start Date: August 1999

3. End Date: March 31, 2010

4. Description: The purpose of this class contribution is to enable Canadian groups, associations and organizations to become actively involved in environmental and sustainable development initiatives while accommodating regional ecosystem and socio-economic considerations. Contributions enable recipients to plan, manage and complete environmental and sustainable development initiatives at the regional or ecosystem level. This funding also serves to increase awareness and understanding of environmental and sustainable development issues and to encourage environmentally responsible action.

5. Strategic Outcomes

• Canada's natural capital is restored conserved and enhanced
• Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians
• Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste

6. Results Achieved: The progress made is reflected through the delivery of Environment Canada's programs and results reported in Section II of the 2008-2009 Departmental Performance Report. This class contribution facilitates access, on a national level, to existing knowledge, tools and methods for making good decisions on the environment and sustainable development that are appropriate, given the social, cultural and economic contexts.

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): This is one of the Department's class authorities. A number of projects implemented in 2008-2009 fell more correctly into the class "Contributions to support environmental research and development."

17. Audit Completed or Planned: Currently at the reporting stage; findings to be tabled internally to the Departmental Evaluation Committee in 2009-2010.

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Habitat Stewardship Contribution Program

2. Start Date: August 20, 2000

3. End Date: March 31, 2014

4. Description: The purpose of this contribution is to contribute to the recovery of endangered, threatened, and other species of concern, and to prevent other species from becoming a conservation concern, by engaging Canadians in conservation actions to benefit wildlife; and to enable non-governmental organizations, landowners, the private sector, Aboriginal organizations, educational institutions, community groups and other levels of government to plan, manage and complete projects that will achieve the program goal.

5. Strategic Outcome: Canada's natural capital is restored, conserved and enhanced

6. Results Achieved: From April 2008 to March 2009, the Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) contributed $11.9 million to 215 projects addressing terrestrial and aquatic species-at-risk issues in all provinces and territories. The HSP directed $46 million (HSP plus matching funds) to projects addressing both habitat conservation and threat mitigation issues. These stewardship activities benefited more than 350 species at risk designated by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). Activities such as monitoring, surveys and inventory work as well as the collection of traditional ecological knowledge, evaluation, and program planning and development activities directly involved more than 19 000 people, and 11 000 people participated in projects aiming at reducing or mitigating threats to species at risk. More than 1900 landowners participated in conservation activities leading to the protection of 24 200 ha of habitat through legally binding protection measures and to an additional 311 000 ha through non-binding protection measures. Moreover, 19 000 ha of habitat and 250 km of shoreline were improved, thanks to the involvement of 6000 people.

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): The first round of project proposals was undersubscribed. Approval of the second round of project proposals was delayed until late fall 2008 such that it became too late to implement the projects within the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Simplified approval processes and targeted promotion will lead to the full utilization of the funds in 2009-2010.

17. Audit Completed or Planned: Summative evaluation initiated in 2008-2009. Findings and recommendations to be available in June 2009.

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Contributions to EcoAction Community Funding Initiative

2. Start Date: 1998

3. End Date: March 31, 2010

4. Description: Provides financial support to non-profit organizations to undertake environmental projects that yield positive, measurable results and increase public capacity and awareness at the community level.

5. Strategic Outcome: Canada's natural capital is restored conserved and enhanced

6. Results Achieved: The not-for-profit sector is able to leverage funding from other partners, including provinces, territories, the private sector and other non-governmental organizations to deliver projects that produce real environmental results and engage Canadians in protecting the environment. On average, funded projects leverage contributions from partners worth $2.26 for every dollar invested by the Department.

Since the creation of the EcoAction program in 1995:

• 2070 projects have been completed, with EcoAction providing $65,386,605 in funding for these projects;
• projects have collectively reduced greenhouse emissions by approximately 3.0 Mt;
• 3.3 million kg of other air pollutants have been reduced;
• 7.5 million native plants, trees and shrubs have been planted;
• 112 710 ha of wildlife habitat have been enhanced or restored;
• 245 000 ha of riparian habitat or ecosystem have been created, restored, preserved or protected;
• 101 000 ha of habitat have been permanently protected;
• 3 million L of pesticides, fertilizers, toxic substances or hazardous waste have been diverted from use or reduced;
• 2 million kg of pesticides, fertilizers, toxic substances or hazardous waste have been diverted from use or reduced;
• 297 824 volunteers have been directly involved in projects; and
• 751 jobs have been created.

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): The 2008-2009 variance in contribution spending is a result of departmental funding delays.

17. Audit Completed or Planned: A program evaluation covering the 2004-2005 to 2008-2009 fiscal years was completed in 2008-2009, as required by Treasury Board for program renewal. The evaluation examined the program's relevance, success, cost-effectiveness, and design and delivery. Overall, the evaluation of the program was positive. Key findings indicated that the program is aligned with federal priorities; there is a continued need for the program; the program is successful in reaching its intended audiences; the program is working towards achieving its intended outcomes; the program provides good value for money (leveraging $2.26:$1); and has achieved high client satisfaction. The evaluation noted that some areas required improvement: addressing confusion among program staff on the decision-making process; improving program monitoring activities; and assessing the long-term impact of funded projects. The evaluation acknowledged that high administrative costs of the program are a result of program design and the focus on client service; however, some improvements could be made to increase cost-efficiency.

Recommendations focused on improving program forms and tools, examining roles, responsibilities and processes, and improving the program's ability to demonstrate results. The program agrees with the recommendations. The action plan to implement these improvements was approved by the responsible senior management board.

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Contributions to Support Canada's International Commitments

2. Start Date: June 1999

3. End Date: March 31, 2010

4. Description: The purpose of this class contribution is to sustain and enhance Canada 's participation in international multilateral and bilateral environmental organizations, agreements and protocols; ensure that Canadian interests are represented in international forums relating to environmental issues; facilitate the participation of developing countries in global environmental and sustainable development issues; and build, strengthen and maintain Canada's links with the international community on global environmental and sustainable development issues.

5. Strategic Outcomes

• Canada's natural capital is restored conserved and enhanced
• Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians
• Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste

6. Results Achieved: The results achieved and progress made are reflected through program delivery. This class contribution facilitates access on a national level to existing knowledge tools and methods for making good policy decisions on the environment and health that are appropriate, given the social, cultural and economic contexts.

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): Opportunity to advance contribution agreements before the end of the fiscal year was available resulting in spending more than planned in this grants and contributions program.

17. Audit Completed or Planned: Currently at the reporting stage; findings to be tabled internally to the Departmental Evaluation Committee in 2009-2010.

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Contributions to support environmental research and development

2. Start Date: June 1999

3. End Date: March 31, 2010

4. Description: The purpose of this class is to stimulate, increase or improve scientific knowledge and information, to support the promotion and coordination of research and development in areas that support Environment Canada's objectives, such as wildlife, toxicology, climate change and atmospheric studies.

5. Strategic Outcomes

• Canada's natural capital is restored conserved and enhanced
• Weather and environmental predictions and services reduce risks and contribute to the well-being of Canadians
• Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste

6. Results Achieved: Environment Canada continued ongoing relationships with a number of Canadian universities on a wide variety of initiatives, resulting in increases in knowledge in atmospheric sciences, toxic chemicals, water and the impacts of pollutants on water, wildlife and the impacts of pollutants on wildlife.

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Harbourfront Centre Funding Program

2. Start Date: March 2006

3. End Date: March 31, 2011

4. Description: The primary objective of the Harbourfront Centre Funding Program (HCFP) is to provide operational funding support to the Harbourfront Centre until March 31, 2011. Such support will assist the Centre in covering its fixed operational costs. It will also facilitate its ability to leverage funding from other levels of government and pursue other revenue-generating strategies that will allow the organization to provide the general public with continued access to cultural, recreational and educational programs and activities in Toronto's Waterfront Area.

5. Strategic Outcome: Sustainable urban development and infrastructure renewal in the Toronto Waterfront Area

6. Results Achieved: 2008-2009 was a transitional year for the HCFP, since responsibility for the program was transferred from the Minister of the Environment to the Minister of Finance, as of October 30, 2008. The program fulfilled the planned results set out in Environment Canada's 2008-2009 Report on Plans and Priorities, since it provided a stable foundation for the Harbourfront Centre's administration and operations, and ongoing community access to the site and capital facilities. The Centre spent 100 percent of the $5 million federal contribution it received in 2008-2009 and remained open, providing community and cultural programming for the general public in Toronto Waterfront Area.

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): N/A

17. Audit Completed or Planned: A March 2009 on-site federal desk audit of the HCFP concluded that the funds were being spent according to the terms and conditions of the program.

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative

2. Start Date: April 2001

3. End Date: March 31, 2011

4. Description: The Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative is both an infrastructure and an urban renewal investment. The goals of the initiative include positioning Canada, Ontario and Toronto in the new economy and thus ensuring Canada's continued success in the global economy. This includes increasing economic growth and development opportunities, recognizing the intrinsic links between economic, social and environmental health, enhancing the quality of life in Toronto, and encouraging sustainable urban development.

5. Strategic Outcome: Sustainable urban development and infrastructure renewal in the Toronto Waterfront Area

6. Results Achieved: 2008-2009 was a transitional year for the initiative, since responsibility for it transferred from the Minister of the Environment to the Minister of Finance, as of October 30, 2008. Eleven projects receiving federal funding were completed and closed during 2008-2009. Most of these involved preliminary design, with the bulk of the construction expected to occur during the remainder of the initiative, which is currently slated to sunset on March 31, 2011. Projects that were completed and opened for public use during 2008-2009 include the Spadina Wave Deck to enhance pedestrian access to the Lake Ontario waterfront and the 3.6-hectare Cherry Beach Transitional Sports Fields in a brownfield area in Toronto's Port Lands district. Capital work is ongoing on several other projects receiving federal funding.

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): Due to the nature and environment in which the Initiative works (e.g. construction delays due to labour disputes and bad weather; challenges of getting all three levels of government to approve and sign certain contribution agreements), the entire budget was not spent within the fiscal year. All lapsed funding has been reprofiled to future years to be spent in its entirety.

17. Audit Completed or Planned: Evaluation completed; posted on Environment Canada's website at http://ec.gc.ca/doc/ae-ve/2008-09/638/toc_eng.htm. An external audit of the Western Beaches Watercourse Facility and an internal desk audit of the Port Lands Preparation Contribution Agreement were carried out in 2008-2009 as per the annual federally led tri-governmental audit plan.

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Grant to the Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology

2. Start Date: April 1, 2007

3. End Date: September 30, 2027 (the last appropriation by Parliament will be in fiscal year 2014-2015, with the last disbursement to Sustainable Development Technology Canada [SDTC] by March 31, 2017)

4. Description: The Foundation will provide grants with conditional repayment terms to eligible recipients for the establishment of first-of-kind, large, demonstration-scale facilities producing next-generation renewable fuels. These facilities must involve both non-conventional technologies and non-traditional feedstocks and be built in Canada, using representative Canadian feedstock. Selection will be based on an in-depth due diligence process developed to assess applications for funding using a roster of biofuels experts and a project review committee.

Since next-generation technologies are capital-equipment-intensive, they constitute a greater debt financing risk. The support provided by the NextGen Biofuels Fund will encourage the retention and growth of technology expertise and innovation capacity for next-generation renewable fuels production in Canada.

Of the $500 million in total funding, $200 million is statutory, with the remaining $300 million being appropriated funding spread over seven fiscal years, beginning in 2008-2009 and ending in 2014-2015.⁴

5. Strategic Outcome: Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste

6. Results Achieved: To date, SDTC has received one formal application for funding under the NextGen Biofuels Fund. SDTC is tracking approximately 100 companies as potential applicants both from Canada and abroad. Of these, four have expressed a strong interest in submitting an application in 2009.

The NextGen Biofuels Fund adopted a project assurance process based on best practices used by multinational companies. From end to end, there are seven phases and five decision gates. The Fund also assembled a roster of biofuels experts to assist with the in-depth due diligence exercises required to assess applications for funding. The Project Review Committee was created to support the review of applications. The SDTC Board of Directors approved the NextGen Biofuels Fund Evaluation Framework.

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): The variance is due to a statutory payment of $19.0 million issued over and above the planned $12.5 million included in Environment Canada's Main Estimates.

17. Audit Completed or Planned: No audit was planned or performed; performance will be assessed through the departmental Science and Technology Plan that is being completed.

Notes:

* Actual spending by SDTC was significantly less than the payments made to SDTC (based on the estimates provided in SDTC's Cash Flow Statements), because the anticipated payments to projects have been delayed (no new projects have been announced yet). The NextGen Biofuels Fund had an opening balance of $65.3 million, as of December 31, 2008. Accordingly, SDTC will have on hand the funds that it has estimated as its requirements for the period from January 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010.

** These grants are Environment Canada's portion of payments made to SDTC based on Cash Flow Statements received from the Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology. Funding is divided equally between Natural Resources Canada and Environment Canada.

1. Name of Transfer Payment Program: Vehicle Scrappage

2. Start date: April 1, 2007

3. End date: March 31, 2011

4. Description: The National Vehicle Scrappage Program will provide incentives to encourage Canadians to retire their old vehicles sooner than planned. These incentives will promote sustainable transportation and will provide Canadians with an opportunity to take concrete actions to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Strategic Outcome: Canadians and their environment are protected from the effects of pollution and waste

6. Results Achieved

• Retire Your Ride/Adieu bazou was launched in all provinces by the Clean Air Foundation, the national not-for-profit organization that is delivering the program with a network of local organizations.
• 17 000 vehicles were retired. Canadians chose among a suite of incentives as a reward for retiring their older (model year 1995 and earlier) vehicles, including transit passes, car share memberships, bicycle coupons, new vehicle discounts or $300 cash.
• Program results, including emissions reductions and selection of incentives, are tracked through a database that is updated daily as new program participants decide to retire their vehicles.
• Advertising and outreach activities by program delivery agents communicated the impacts of old vehicles on the environment and the reasons for Canadians to scrap them.
• A national code of practice for responsible recycling of vehicles was developed, printed and distributed to vehicle recyclers, who must adhere to the code to participate in the program.
• A baseline survey of owners of older vehicles was conducted to measure awareness of vehicle scrappage programs and the impacts of older vehicles on the environment.

16. Comment(s) on Variance(s): Actual spending in 2008-2009 was lower than planned due to a delay in program launch. Of the approved funding of $23 million, $12.8 million was reprofiled to fiscal years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011. 3.8 million of expenditures are reflected in the class "Contributions to support environmental and sustainable developmental initiatives", since the Department obtained permission to use the two authorities for this program for this year.

17. Audit Completed or Planned

• Joint audit and evaluation scheduled to begin in 2011-2012.
• Recipient audit planned to be completed in December 2009.