Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
Symbol of the Government of Canada

ARCHIVED - Natural Resources Canada - Supplementary Tables


Warning This page has been archived.

Archived Content

Information identified as archived on the Web is for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It has not been altered or updated after the date of archiving. Web pages that are archived on the Web are not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards. As per the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, you can request alternate formats on the "Contact Us" page.

Horizontal Initiatives


Name of Horizontal Initiative: Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Natural Resource Projects

Name of Lead Department(s): Natural Resources Canada

Lead Department Program Activity: Safety, Security and Stewardship – Natural Resource and Landmass Knowledge and Systems

Start Date of the Horizontal Initiative: October 1, 2007

End Date of the Horizontal Initiative: March 31, 2012

Total Federal Funding Allocation (start to end date): $150 million over 5 years

Description of the Horizontal Initiative (including funding agreement):

To respond to the recent growth in the number of major resource projects and move forward on commitments to create a more accountable, predictable and timely regulatory review process, the Government has allocated $150 million over five years to establish the Major Projects Management Office (MPMO) within Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and to increase the scientific and technical capacity of key regulatory departments and agencies.

The MPMO has been created to provide a single point of entry into the federal regulatory system for all stakeholders, to provide overarching management of the federal regulatory process for major natural resource projects and to lead collaborative research and policy analysis on short-, medium- and longer-term initiatives to further improve the performance of the regulatory system. New capacity funding provided through this initiative will ensure key regulatory departments and agencies are positioned to respond to the recent growth in the number of new major resource projects and will better enable departments to meet their legal responsibilities for Aboriginal Crown consultation associated with their regulatory decisions relative to major resource projects.

This will provide the oversight and capacity needed to address the issues affecting the performance of the federal regulatory system. In short, it will lay the foundation for a more predictable and accountable regulatory system that will improve the competitiveness of Canada's resource industries while ensuring careful consideration of environmental standards and technical requirements.

Shared Outcome(s):

Among the more tangible improvements resulting from this initiative will be the timeliness and predictability of the regulatory process. The environmental review and permitting of major resource projects is targeted to be reduced from upwards of four years to an average of about two years.

Other important outcomes from this proposal include:

  • a more accountable, predictable and timely regulatory review process that will facilitate investment and planning decisions and improve the competitiveness of Canada's resources industries;
  • high quality assessments of the environmental and social effects of resource development so that federal decisions in relation to projects safeguard the environment and promote sustainability; and
  • Aboriginal consultation responsibilities will be fulfilled in a more consistent, adequate and meaningful manner.

Governance Structure(s):

The Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Resource Projects has established a new governance framework for federal government departments and agencies to facilitate the effective, coordinated, and concurrent discharge of their statutory duties, functions and obligations related to the regulation of major resource projects. It encourages federal government departments to work together to identify areas where the consistency, efficiency and effectiveness of the federal regulatory system can be improved and to develop and implement system improvements. These activities are intended to improve the accountability, transparency, timeliness and predictability of the federal regulatory system for major natural resource projects.

The Minister of Natural Resources is the lead Minister for the Initiative. In collaboration with his counterparts in other regulatory departments, the Minister of Natural Resources will report biannually to Cabinet on progress made towards achieving the objectives of the initiative, and will report annually to Parliament and the public through NRCan's annual reporting requirements.

A Major Projects Deputy Ministers' Committee has been created to serve as the governance body for the implementation of the initiative. This Committee will provide direction for the resolution of project-specific issues and oversee the application of the Cabinet Directive. Membership on this committee includes the Deputy Minister of NRCan(Chair), the Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the Deputy Minister of the Environment, the Deputy Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the Deputy Minister of Transport, the Associate Deputy Minister of Industry, the President of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, the President of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Chair of the National Energy Board.

The MPMO has been established to provide overarching management of the federal regulatory system for major resource projects. It will achieve this by working with the federal regulatory departments / agencies to identify areas where the consistency, efficiency and effectiveness of the federal regulatory process can be improved and work with these departments and agencies to implement change. The MPMO will also provide support to the Major Projects Deputy Ministers' Committee, through the provision of data, analysis and other information.

To ensure effective communication with federal regulatory departments on key issues and to facilitate collaboration and cooperation, interdepartmental working groups have been established at the ADM, DG and working levels.

($ millions)
Federal Partner Program Activity (PA) Names of Programs for Federal Partners Total Allocation (from Start to End Date) Planned Spending for
2009-10
Actual Spending for
2009-10
Expected Results for
2009-10
Results Achieved in
2009-10
Natural Resources Canada
Natural Resource and Landmass Knowledge and Systems a. Major Projects Management Office $13,000,000 $4,737,000 $4,666,874

Lead the development and implementation of a consistent, whole of government approach to Aboriginal consultations;

Ensure the environmental assessment and regulatory review processes for major resource projects are integrated and well coordinated through the development of Project Agreements;

Increase the transparency and accountability of the federal regulatory review process through increased oversight and regular monitoring, tracking and reporting on progress against commitments in Project Agreements; and

Identify and implement process improvements to continue to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal regulatory system for major resource projects.

Following its second full year of operations, the MPMO is now overseeing the federal regulatory review process for more than 50 major natural resource projects representing approximately $100 billion in potential new capital investment.

To ensure a more effective and efficient project review process, the MPMO has introduced a number of important improvements, including:

  • Guidelines have been developed to improve process clarity, promote early engagement between project proponents, Aboriginal groups and regulators, and ensure a coordinated federal approach throughout the entire review process;
  • Service standards have been established, including target time lines for each major project review, reflected in interdepartmental project agreements provided to project proponents, and made available to the public (e.g., 2-year average target);
  • A new whole-of-government approach to Aboriginal consultation was successfully applied in the Groundbirch and Keystone XL pipeline projects
  • Performance of federal reviews for projects under the MPMO initiative is being publicly tracked and monitored to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

NRCan/MPMO also chaired monthly meetings of the Major Projects Deputy Ministers' Committee and supporting ADM and DG Committees to ensure timely resolution of project related issues and to advance new policies, procedures and analysis to further improve the performance of the federal regulatory system for major resource projects;

In addition, the MPMO has been leading federal efforts to identify opportunities to fundamentally improve environmental assessment and regulatory permitting processes as well as related Aboriginal consultation activities.  As a key first step, Budget 2010:

  • introduced targeted changes to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act that will improve the delivery of environmental assessments in Canada, allowing assessments to start sooner, reduce delays and duplication, and result in better assessments overall. 
  • announced the establishment of Participant Funding Programs for the CNSC and the NEB to support more timely and meaningful engagement of all Canadians in the public hearing processes.

As co-chair of the federal / provincial Regulatory Performance Improvement Working Group, the MPMO also worked in close collaboration with provincial governments to identify opportunities to improve the integration of federal and provincial processes. 

In collaboration with federal partners, pilot projects, such as the Line Creek Coal and Northwest Transmission Line delegation agreements with BC, were also implemented to improve integration with provincial regimes and the overall efficiency and effectiveness of project reviews.

Worked in collaboration with the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency for the successful creation and establishment of the Northern Projects Management Office.

 

Total NRCan $13,000,000 $4,737,000 $4,666,874    
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Environmental Assessment Support   $33,824,000 $8,400,000 $6,172,528

Support a whole-of-government approach to addressing strategic and project-specific environmental assessment issues, including supporting implementation of the major resource projects initiative;

Manage the federal environmental assessment process and related Aboriginal consultation activities for most major resource projects; and

Develop and deliver training and guidance in support of the initiative

Worked in collaboration with other organizations involved in the MPMO initiative to strengthen coordination of EAs federally (such as the coordination of federal participation in review panels), to integrate EA into the federal regulatory process more effectively and, in support of a ‘one-window” approach, to integrate Aboriginal consultation in EA process for major resource projects.

Led the federal environmental assessment process for major natural resource projects (with the exception of CNSC and NEB screening and comprehensive studies), and coordinated aboriginal engagement and consultation activities with the EA of these projects as mandated under the Cabinet Directive on Improving the Performance of the Regulatory System for Major Resource Projects and its Memorandum of Understanding.

Completed an Agency tracking and reporting tool (Project Repository) to improve the pre-EA and EA phases of the regulatory process. Implemented in July 2009 with additional improvements made in October 2009.

Delivery of internal training and guidance in support of matters relevant to the MPMO initiative to Agency staff (existing and new) in headquarters and in 6 regional offices including the EA Project Management course, the Engaging and Consulting Aboriginal Groups course, the maintenance of EA procedures and e-Guide for major resource projects.

Delivery, on a pilot basis, of adapted EA Project Management and Engaging and Consulting Aboriginal Groups courses to other federal organizations involved in the MPMO initiative.

Training on EA procedures and e-Guide for major resource projects also provided to all departments during fall 2009 workshops.

Supported MPMO-led initiatives aimed at working with stakeholders to identify opportunity to improve the regulatory system. (Fall workshop on the Draft Whole-of Government Strategy for Regulatory Improvement)

 

Environmental Assessment Development   $3,497,000 $874,000 $1,058,953

Support the implementation of this horizontal initiative focused on achieving improvements in the process, capacity, and associated Aboriginal consultations with respect to major resource projects;

Contribute to the ongoing development of policies, procedures and guidance materials for enhancing coordination and collaboration on high-quality, timely and predictable environmental assessment within the regulatory approval process; and

Contribute to the development of policies and procedures in support of the integration of Aboriginal Crown consultations in the environmental assessment and regulatory approval process.

Developed jointly with other organizations involved in the MPMO initiative procedural documents and templates to improve process clarity, promote early engagement between project proponents and regulators, and ensure a coordinated federal approach throughout the entire review process.

Established jointly with other organizations involved in the MPMO initiative policies and guidance materials for enhancing coordination and collaboration on high-quality, timely and predictable environmental assessment within the regulatory approval process, such as procedural guidance on comprehensive studies and multijurisdictional screenings (July 2009), and guidance on the timing of the posting of the Notice of Commencement for major resource projects (December 2009).

Ongoing development, jointly with other organizations involved in the MPMO initiative of new policies, processes, procedures and guidance materials on the integration of Aboriginal Crown consultations in the environmental assessment and regulatory approval process, such as a draft policy framework to guide the activities of the Agency as Crown Consultation Coordinator for major resource projects.

Internal Support   $10,004,000 $2,426,000 $2,798,232 Core support services are provided to support program delivery

Key national staffing processes completed.

New staff successfully integrated into the organization.

Accommodation required was completed.

Provided infrastructure support for Program Delivery.

Total CEAA $47,325,000 $11,700,000 $10,029,714    
Environment Canada
Biodiversity is conserved and protected Wildlife program $2,352,116 $466,159 $328,881

The efficiency and effectiveness of the Canadian Wildlife Service's regulatory role in major resource projects is improved; and

Guidance is developed to support Canadian Wildlife Service involvement in the EA process for major resource projects.

Draft policies related to the issuance of permits under the Species at Risk Act, the Canada Wildlife Act and the Migratory Birds Convention Act are under development.

Developed draft guidance documents to facilitate the incorporation of wildlife considerations in federal environmental assessment processes for major resource projects.
Water is clean, safe and secure Aquatic ecosystems are conserved and protected $614,683 $123,841 $133,429 EC's responsibilities associated with the International River Improvements Act are supported by standard operating procedures and policies for licensing.

EC’s responsibilities in the EA process associated with the International River Improvements Act (IRIA) for major natural resource projects are supported by guidance, processes and issues reviews, providing comments on hydrology, water quantity and water management.

The review of administrative procedures under the IRIA was undertaken and new regulations were drafted for departmental review. 

A preliminary review of water modelling tools was performed to gauge applicability for reviews of IRIA and MPMO projects.

Canadians adopt approaches that ensure the sustainable use and management of natural capital and working landscapes Environmental assessment and ecological monitoring $4,533,659 $868,975 $456,800

Environment Canada's participation in the Major Projects Deputy Ministers' Committee and associated governance structure is supported;

Departmental EA processes are streamlined to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the MPMOregulatory process for major resource projects;

Regional offices are supported in the delivery of streamlining priorities for major resource projects; and

Environment Canada's participation in the regulatory improvement initiative for major resource projects is well coordinated.

MPMO’s governance structure is supported through participation in the Major Projects Deputy Minister’s Committee and associated committees and working groups.

Departmental EA processes were streamlined, meeting established timelines and incorporating lessons learned from previous EA experience through workshops, post-project evaluations and contributing to operational policy statements.

Regional offices received dedicated support in the delivery of streamlining priorities for major resource projects through National Program liaison activities and coordination.

EC’s participation in the regulatory improvement initiative for major resources projects is well coordinated through the dedicated National Program liaison function, with defined responsibilities and regular updating on progress associated with the initiative and project agreements.

EC contributed to the interdepartmental impact analysis of Supreme Court decisions and supported related guidance on compliance

Risks to Canadians, their health and their environment posed by toxic and other harmful substances are reduced Risk management/ Risk mitigation and implementation $2,723,837 $562,122 $590,299

ECprovides input into the federal EA process for major resource projects through the provision of expertise;

Environment Canada's regulatory decisions related to Ocean Disposal permitting are timely; and

Environment Canada's involvement in the regulatory process for major resource projects is supported by guidance.

EC provided expert advice on major projects regarding disposal at sea, energy-related projects, mining projects and Metal Mining Effluent Regulations (MMER) for tailings impoundment areas.

Ocean Disposal permits were assessed within the 120 day service standard and requirements to shorten overall time required to process a permit were examined.

EC’s involvement in the regulatory process for major resource projects is supported by triage systems and Regulatory Impact Analysis development work for regulatory amendments for the MMER.

Processing time for MMER amendments were reduced by 60% since 2006.
Relations with other governments and partners are effectively managed in support of environmental priorities Inter-governmental and stakeholder relations $596,818 $122,302 $91,961

Regular, timely, and strategic advice is provided on consultation and engaging Aboriginal groups throughout the regulatory process for major resource projects; and,

Environment Canada's participation on the Crown Oversight Committee and associated working groups on Aboriginal consultation is supported.

Worked with MPMO on the development of a Crown record management system.

Provided advice and support on public participation and aboriginal consultations relating to major natural resource projects.

Developed a departmental public participation and aboriginal consultation policy.

Ensured Environment Canada participation on various aboriginal consultation working groups.
Strategic management support enables the department to meet its objectives Legal services $650,739 $141,844 $162,100 Timely legal advice and support on delivery of national EAprogram involvement in major resource projects is provided. Supported delivery of national EA Program by providing timely legal advice and support in areas including court challenges and specific project EA.
Internal Services Core Support Services $1,028,148 $214,757 $251,180 Core support services are provided to support program delivery. Core support services are provided to support program delivery.
Total EC $12,500,000 $2,500,000 $2,014,650    
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Habitat Management Habitat Management $34,041,800 $6,808,360 $6,296,195

Participation in the governance mechanism, e.g., Major Projects Deputy Ministers' Committee and supporting governance structures; and

Provision of DFO technical capacity in the areas of the Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act (SARA), Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) and Aboriginal consultation activities relative to DFO's regulatory decisions associated with major resource projects identified under this initiative.

Participated in the governance mechanism, i.e., Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee and other supporting governance structures;

Provided continuing advice and  input to the operationalization of the Initiative;

Provided DFO input to analyses of legislative/regulatory and policy issues associated with the federal regulatory system and development of the Strategic Framework and subsequent initiatives arising from that Framework;

Participated in the development of numerous Project Agreements; and

Provided DFO technical capacity in the areas of the Fisheries Act, Species at Risk Act (SARA), Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) and Aboriginal consultation activities relative to DFO's regulatory decisions associated with major resource projects identified under this initiative.

Legal Services Legal Services $958,200 $191,640 $83,508 Provision of Legal Services support to DFO to operationalize the initiative and relative to the Fisheries Act, CEAA, SARA and Aboriginal consultation issues associated with major resource projects identified under the initiative.

Provided legal advice and support of DFO’s participation in the governance mechanism, i.e., Major Projects Deputy Ministers’ Committee and other supporting governance structures.

Provided legal advice and support of DFO’s input to MPMO to operationalize the initiatives.

Provided legal advice and support of DFO’s input to MPMO analyses of legislative/regulatory issues and development of Strategic Framework and subsequent initiatives arising from that Framework.

Provided legal advice and support of various DFO work products including departmental guidance and procedures.

Provided legal advice and support to DFO departmental officials through monthly MPMO meetings.

Provided legal advice and support in of DFO’s participation in the development of numerous Project Agreements.

Weekly participation in the MPMO Legal Services Working Group and some half-day meetings.

Total DFO $35,000,000 $7,000,000 $6,379,703    
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Northern Land and Resources Northern Affairs Organization $6,600,000 $1,320,000 $1,473,657

Enhance capacity of the INAC NWT Regional Office to enable them to better meet their environmental assessment, Aboriginal consultation and regulatory responsibilities; and

Provide funding support to regulatory boards in the NWTto allow them to better meet their aboriginal consultation, regulatory permitting and environmental assessment responsibilities with respect to major resource projects.

For each of six environmental assessments, led INAC participation and technical input, and contributed to Crown consultation assessment and planning.

Inspection Reporting and Risk Assessment (IRRA) system was rolled out in April of 2009 which included three additional updates to enhance the system.

Developed collaborative policy frameworks through the continued work of the NT Region’s Consultation Advisory Group, the publication of a communications brochure aimed at informing industry and the public about s.35 Consultation and Provided support on most urgent consultation files.

Participation in national initiatives, work with treaty negotiation tables, and the establishment of a central records filing system for use nationally and regionally.

Funding provided was used towards participation in six different land and water Working Groups as well as establishing an electronic Public Registry for regulatory applications and approval processes.  Some environmental assessment boards used resources to develop a strategic and business plan, operating guides and regulatory procedures documents.  

Responsible Federal Stewardship Lands and Economic Development – Environmental Management $3,400,000 $680,000 $256,343

Enhance the capacity of INACregional offices to enable them to better meet their environmental assessment, Aboriginal consultation and regulatory responsibilities; and

Provide funding support to First Nations communities to build capacity to better equip them to coordinate and to participate in major resource development projects

HQ provided regions with FTE/0&M capacity funding (Saskatchewan, Alberta and Ontario) to support participate on project teams.

HQ and Regions reviewed and provided input on all MPMO Project Agreements. 

HQ and Regions reviewed Project Descriptions and provided input on Environmental Impact Statements in which the department was a Responsible Authority.

HQ participated in the regulatory improvements initiatives and managed / supported the MPMO program.

$270K in G&C was in a frozen allotment, pending the adoption by TBS of INAC’s RMAF/RBAF. These funds were declared surplus due to the inability to utilize the funds so late in the fiscal year when the funding was finally released.

Total INAC $10,000,000 $2,000,000 $1,730,000    
Transport Canada
Transportation Safety and Security   $3,365,555 $864,421  

To participate in the various governance mechanisms for the MPMO;

TC (headquarters and regional staff) to participate in working groups to assist with the creation and approval of key documents, processes and tracking systems required to operationalize the MPMOoffice; and

TC to participate in projects in the MPMOprocess.

 

TC participated in various governance mechanisms established for the MPMO initiative, or that are aiding the MPMO initiative including the Director General, Assistant Deputy Minister and Deputy Minister Committees, and the Environmental Assessment Project Committee [EAPC]);

TC (headquarters and regional staff) participated in interdepartmental working groups to assist with the creation and approval of key documents, processes, and tracking systems required to operationalize the MPMO initiative; and,

TC maintained a headquarters MPMO committee in order to ensure that new MPMO processes are applied internally in as efficient a manner as possible and that advice to the Associate Deputy Minister is provided in a timely and coordinated manner.

Transportation Policy Development and Infrastructure Programs   $1,813,090 $448,991 Note: Actual spending transferred from this Program Activity Area to the Sustainable Transportation Development and the Environment program. TCto develop procedures for and participate in consultation with Aboriginal groups TC has created an Aboriginal Consultation Unit in both HQ and in the regions to assist in implementing Aboriginal consultation for MPMO projects.  TC has also developed Interim Aboriginal Consultation and Accommodation Guidelines, tools and training materials.  Finally, TC liaises with the MPMO and other government departments in developing a whole-of-government approach for Aboriginal Consultation.
Sustainable Transportation Development and the Environment   $5,413,592 $1,341,515  

To participate in the various governance mechanisms for the MPMO;

TC(headquarters and regional staff) to participate in working groups to assist with the creation and approval of key documents, processes and tracking systems required to operationalize the MPMO office;

TCto work on departmental processes to ensure new MPMO processes are applied in an efficient manner internally; and,

TCto participate in projects in the MPMO process.

TC participated in various governance mechanisms established for the MPMO initiative, or that are aiding the MPMO initiative including the Director General, Assistant Deputy Minister and Deputy Minister Committees, and the Environmental Assessment Project Committee [EAPC]);

TC (headquarters and regional staff) participated in working groups to assist with the creation and approval of key documents, processes and tracking systems required to operationalize the MPMO initiative;

TC maintained a headquarters MPMO committee in order to ensure new MPMO processes are applied internally in as efficient a manner as possible, and that advice to be provided to the Associate Deputy Minister is provided in a timely and coordinated manner;

TC HQ held monthly teleconferences with regional staff to ensure smooth implementation of the initiative; and,

Funding received was used in order to increase capacity for technical review of environmental assessments (EAs) and other key aspects of carrying out EAs for major resource projects.

Internal Services   $3,407,763 845,073  

TCto hire lawyers to increase capacity to deal with legal issues associated with the regulatory process across the country; and

To support corporate involvement.

TC has engaged their legal services staff for review of various MPMO documents; and,

Legal services staff applied a portfolio approach to deal with legal issues associated with the regulatory process across the country.
Total TC $14,000,000 $3,500,000      
Total $131,825,000 $31,200,000      

* Totals do not equal the total allocation under the initiative (i.e.; $150 million over five years) due to changes that have occurred in departmental Program Activity Architectures since the beginning of the initiative

** Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency: $1,400,000 of the planned spending was reprofiled to the next fiscal year resulting in a small surplus of $270K in 2009-10. 

Comments on Variances:

Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable):

Contact information:

Mr. Philip Jennings
Assistant Deputy Minister
Major Projects Management Office
Natural Resources Canada
155 Queen Street, 2nd Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4