ARCHIVED - Industry Canada

• Secure Canada's interests in the international regulation of the radio frequency spectrum and in international telecommunication regulation to protect Canadian interests in the access to the spectrum and satellite orbit resource as a means of contributing to the facilitation of communications across Canada, monitoring and protecting Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic and other remote areas through modern digital technologies, and for scientific, environmental, weather-related, transportation, public safety national and defence matters
• Provide leadership and focus in promoting the competitiveness of the Canadian telecommunication industry by working closely with Canadian stakeholders to obtain, inter alia, spectrum allocations at global ITU conferences, as well as to develop global standards which advance their product lines, technologies, services, and research and development (R&D) activities
• Work with other countries to harmonize policy and regulatory frameworks, to promote the interconnection and interoperability of global telecommunication networks and services, and to facilitate access to key markets for Canadian manufacturers and service providers
• Build effective consultation and information dissemination processes with Canada's key trading partners 

• Increase knowledge in quantum computing
• Create new opportunities for students to learn and to apply new knowledge
• Brand Canada as a place to conduct research in quantum technologies
• Position Canada to take advantage of the economic and social benefits of research

• Promote world-class excellence
• Focus on priorities
• Foster partnerships
• Enhance accountability

• Increase Canada's ability to carry out world-class scientific research and technology development
• Expand research and job opportunities for young Canadians
• Promote productive networks and collaboration among Canadian post-secondary educational institutions, research hospitals and the private sector
• Support economic growth and job creation, and benefit Canadians' health and environment through innovation

• Strengthen the preparation, attraction and retention of highly qualified personnel in Canada
• Encourage greater private sector and provincial government investment in basic research and development activities in Canada
• Build interdisciplinary research strengths in areas of special importance to the long-term scientific, economic and social development of Canada
• Encourage closer links between the research activities of Canadian researchers and international researchers

Results are reported back to Industry Canada on an annual basis.

• Development and establishment of a coordinated strategy for genomics research to enable Canada to become a world leader in areas such as health, agriculture, the environment, forestry and fisheries
• Provision of leading-edge technology to researchers in all genomics-related fields through regional Genome Centres across Canada
• Support of large-scale projects of strategic importance to Canada by bringing together industry, government, universities, research hospitals and the public
• Assumption of leadership in the area of ethical, environmental, economic, legal social and other issues related to genomics research (GE3LS), and the communication of the relative risks, rewards and success of genomics to the Canadian public
• Encouragement of investment by others in the field of genomics research

• Develop and establish a coordinated strategy for genomics research to enable Canada to become a world leader in areas such as health, agriculture, environment, forestry and fisheries
• Provide leading-edge technology to researchers in all genomics-related fields through regional Genome Centres across Canada
• Support large-scale projects of strategic importance to Canada by bringing together industry, government, universities, research hospitals and the public
• Assume leadership in the area of ethical, environmental, economic, legal, social and other issues related to genomics research (GE3LS) and the communication of the relative risks, rewards and successes of genomics to the Canadian public
• Encourage investment by others in the field of genomics research

• Broaden PI's research to combine insights from the full spectrum of physics
• Become the research home of a critical mass of the world's leading theoretical physicists
• Generate a through-flow of the most promising talent
• Become the second “research home” for many of the world's outstanding theorists
• Increase PI's role as Canada's focal point for foundational physics research
• Host timely, focused conferences, workshops and seminars
• Engage in high-impact outreach

Description
The Ivey Centre for Health Innovation and Leadership is a new initiative. Its objective is to become an internationally recognized centre dedicated to identifying, assessing and commercializing innovative technologies, systems and processes that will create real change for Canada's health care providers, patients and the health care system. It will use the federal funding to support the following costs: the Chair of Health Innovation, management and administration, demonstration projects undertaken by the centre over the next 5 years, and the annual Ivey Global Health Innovation Conference.

• Increase knowledge in Canada in the innovation and commercialization of health care technologies and processes suited to Canada's health care system
• Develop specialized talent with the requisite scientific and commercial knowledge needed to commercialize health care technologies, systems and processes
• Create a commercial model focused on driving innovation and commercializing ideas to achieve a return on investment and ensure that the most promising ideas are pursued and brought to the health care system as quickly as possible, and that they lead to the development of businesses, product lines and jobs
• Position Canada to take full and privileged advantage of the economic and social benefits of research in the field of health and related life sciences and technologies, including efficiency, cost savings and health care system improvements

• Increased investment in innovative and competitive aerospace, defence, space and security firms
• Collaborative partnerships in R&D between aerospace, defence, space and security industries and research institutes, universities, colleges and non-profit organizations

• Facilitate access to more than $1 billion in debt financing
• Increase awareness of CSBF Program among lenders, SMEs and intermediaries
• Continue communications with financial institutions to improve program delivery

Description
The Marquee Tourism Events Program (MTEP) is a 2-year Budget 2009 initiative that is intended to assist marquee tourism events to deliver world-class programs and experiences in support of tourism and the visitor economy. The MTEP makes non-repayable contributions in support of tourism events that take place in Canada.

Expected Results
The objective of the MTEP is to help existing marquee tourism events deliver world-class programs and experiences, thereby sustaining or increasing the number of tourists from within and outside Canada:

• Sustained or increased number of out-of-country and out-of-province tourists
• Sustained or increased tourism-related spending (e.g., spending on hotels and restaurants)
• Sustained or increased revenues for funded tourism events

Description
This program provides financing support to qualifying domestic and foreign shipowners to build or refit vessels in Canada in order to stimulate economic activities in the Canadian shipbuilding and industrial marine industry and to help position the industry to meet government procurement requirements.

Expected Results
Investments in support of the Canadian shipbuilding industry to help develop necessary critical infrastructure to position the industry for future procurement efforts

Description
This program promotes economic development and diversification in Northern Ontario and builds upon the assets and strengths of communities to maximize their full potential. Funding through transfer payments provides contributions to not-for-profit organizations and small and medium-sized enterprises in 6 priority areas: community economic development, information and communications technology, innovation, trade and tourism, human capital, and business financing support.

Expected Results
Communities in Northern Ontario are viable and businesses in this region are competitive.

* Budgets beyond 2011–12 are conditional upon program renewal.
** Funding variances are due to the sunsetting of funds allocated to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (Molecular Medicine Research Centre) by NODP in the amounts of $1.0 million for 2010–11, $0.3 million for 2011–12 and $0.2 million for 2012–13.

Description
This program supports community economic development and builds the capacity of non-metropolitan communities in Ontario to realize their full sustainable potential. Funding is made available through transfer payments that provide contributions to designated Community Futures (CF) organizations in Ontario in support of strategic community planning and socio-economic development, business services, repayable business financing through local investment funds, and community-based projects and special initiatives.

Expected Results
Communities in rural Northern Ontario are viable and businesses in the region are competitive.

* 2009–10 budget figures including budget/spending related to CF Southern Ontario projects up to August 13, 2009. The 2010–13 figures reflect only CF Northern Ontario projects and are conditional upon program renewal.

Description
The Economic Development Initiative will contribute to supporting an environment that allows individuals, businesses, youth and immigrants to thrive in the language of their choice and within their respective communities. SMEs will have improved access to opportunities and economic development projects in regional areas. The initiative will enhance the visibility of both official languages and increase Canadians' awareness of the competitive advantages afforded by linguistic duality.

Expected Results
New expertise is developed in official languages minority communities through innovation, diversification of activities, partnerships and increased support of small businesses.

* 2009–10 includes Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) portion of funding. 2010–11 to 2011–12 represents only Industry Canada's portion.

Description
The Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) is an economic stimulus initiative to create employment opportunities and support adjustment measures in communities impacted by the economic downturn. Budget 2009 identified $1 billion nationally over 2 years for the Community Adjustment Fund. In Ontario, the Community Adjustment Fund will provide $348.9 million over 2 years to support adjustment measures in communities affected by the global economic downturn. In 2009-10, $11.7 million in funding will be delivered in Northern Ontario.

Expected Results
Support adjustment measures in communities

Description
This program refurbishes surplus computers from federal government departments and private sector donors through contribution agreements to licensed delivery agents and distributes them, ready-to-use, to schools and not-for-profit learning organizations across Canada. Through a partnership-based national network, the program continues to meet the ongoing demand for adequate numbers of computers in Canadian schools and libraries to ensure that more young Canadians have access to the benefits of a knowledge economy and society. This program also provides work experience for youth through the Technical Work Experience Program (TWEP). Youth who have demonstrated skills achieved at the post-secondary level are provided with opportunities to work on innovative information and communications technology (ICT) projects in the context of computer refurbishment workshop activities. TWEP supports ICT projects, which enable participating youth to develop practical work experience in such areas as computer repair, refurbishment and software testing, as well as skills such as teamwork, time management, administration and other activities related to managing a computer refurbishment workshop.

Expected Results

• Distribution of computers to schools, libraries, and not-for-profit learning organizations at low or no cost
• Engagement of youth interns to assist in computer refurbishment and information and communications technology (ICT) skills integration
• Increased computer awareness knowledge and skills for youth

* For 2010–13, the program has approved funding in the amount of $3.4 million; an additional $0.6 million may be available to the program through the departmental reference levels. A request for these additional funds must be made on a yearly basis.

Description
The Community Access Program (CAP) provides affordable public access to the Internet and related information and communications technologies (ICTs) and applications; skills training; and delivery of public and private sector services and information to Canadians in need of this critical support. CAP sites across Canada contribute to the economic and social development of Canadian communities and their residents who face barriers to the use of ICTs. While CAP meets the access needs of all Canadians, a sizable portion of users live and work in rural and remote communities. CAP also provides work experience for up to 1,500 youth annually through placements at CAP sites throughout the country. Youth with demonstrated skills are afforded opportunities to work on innovative ICT projects by providing CAP site users with basic training in Internet use, accessing online government services, developing websites, and other web-related services. This enables them to develop practical work experience in training and promotion as well as other useful work-related skills such as teamwork, time management and administration. CAP is subject to program review and funding approval on an annual basis.

Expected Results

• Public access to the Internet for Canadians and communities to receive public and private sector services and information
• Youth interns are engaged to assist CAP site users in gaining information and communications technology skills
• Improved entry-level working skills for youth

* CAP is scheduled to end on March 31, 2010. The government is currently reviewing the future of the program and a decision is forthcoming.

Description
Through the Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians initiative, Industry Canada will develop and implement a strategy to expand and extend the availability of broadband coverage to as many unserved and underserved households in rural and remote areas as possible, beginning in 2009–10.

Broadband Internet access is viewed as essential infrastructure for participating in today's Internet economy, as it enables citizens, businesses and institutions to access information, services and opportunities that could otherwise be out of reach.

Expected Results
Broadband Canada: Connecting Rural Canadians is expected to expand broadband coverage to as many unserved and underserved households in Canada as possible, beginning in 2009-2010.

Description
The Ontario Potable Water Program provides financial assistance in the form of grants to specific small and rural Ontario municipalities that incurred increased costs in the development of their Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program drinking water projects.

Expected Results
Expected results for this program can be found in the Report on Plans and Priorities (RPP) for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

* Responsibility for this program was transferred to FedDev Ontario as part of Budget 2009; all future reporting on this program will be included in its RPP.

Description
The project is a brownfield remediation in Brantford, Ontario. The site is located between Mohawk and Greenwich streets with a total area of 50 acres. Once remediated, the land will be redeveloped according to a community design plan that includes residential development with some light commercial and a heritage/cultural component.

Expected Results
Expected results for this program can be found in the RPP for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

* Expected results for this program can be found in the Report on Plans and Priorities RPP for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Description
The Eastern Ontario Development Program promotes socio-economic development in Eastern Ontario that leads to business and job opportunities, sustainable self-reliant communities, and a competitive and diversified regional economy. Delivered through Community Futures Development Corporations in Eastern Ontario, the program makes funding available through transfer payments to provide contributions in 5 areas: business and community development, access to capital, skills development, retention and attraction of youth, and technological enhancement.

Expected Results
Expected results for this program can be found in the RPP for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

* Responsibility for this program was transferred to FedDev Ontario as part of Budget 2009; all future reporting on this program will be included in its RPP.

Description
Recreational Infrastructure Canada will provide funding to build and renovate recreational facilities such as arenas, swimming pools and other recreational facilities.

Expected Results
Expected results for this program can be found in the RPP for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

* Responsibility for this program was transferred to FedDev Ontario as part of Budget 2009; all future reporting on this program will be included in its RPP.

Description
The Southern Ontario Development Program supports the economic development and diversification of Southern Ontario communities. The program provides funding through contribution agreements to not-for-profit organizations and small and medium-sized enterprises in 6 priority areas: community economic development, information and communications technology, innovation, trade and tourism, human capital, and business financing support.

Expected Results
Expected results for this program can be found in the RPP for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

* Responsibility for this program was transferred to FedDev Ontario as part of Budget 2009; all future reporting on this program will be included in its RPP.

Description
The Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program uses a competitive process to provide funding assistance to municipalities for the construction, renewal, expansion or material enhancement of infrastructure that will contribute to improving the quality of life for Ontarians and to building the foundation for sustained, long-term economic growth in the 21st century.

Expected Results
Expected results for this program can be found in the RPP for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

* Responsibility for this program was transferred to FedDev Ontario as part of Budget 2009; all future reporting on this program will be included in its RPP.

Description
The Brain Research Centre (BRC) is a research facility that operates as a hub-and-spoke facility, with teams of neuroscientists (over 190 investigators) located at the University of British Columbia campus and in various locations in Vancouver. The Centre's structure and multidisciplinary approach is designed to bridge the gap between basic science and its clinical applications, while contributing in significant discoveries and development of effective new therapies.

Expected Results

• Provide infrastructure to enable and advance innovation research and commercialization in neurodegenerative diseases, multiple sclerosis, mental health and addictions, stroke, neurotrauma, and vision
• Develop and expand laboratories
• Develop an environment to foster collaboration, knowledge translation and commercialization opportunities
• Facilitate the development of neurotechnology enterprises and industrial partnerships
• Enabling translational training in clinical neuroscience

Summary of Annual Plans
BRC's activities relate to the construction of its building, which is scheduled to be completed in early 2012. The facility will encourage collaboration among basic and applied researchers and health practitioners to improve knowledge of brain diseases and, in turn, accelerate the introduction of new therapies and biotechnology ventures.

Description
The Canada School of Energy and Environment's (CSEE's) goal is to address the challenge of resource sustainability, while protecting environmental quality and addressing climate change. CSEE builds on capacity within the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta and the University of Lethbridge, located in the heart of Canada's energy sector. It brings together the best thinking in academia, industry and government for the economic, social and environmental benefit of all Canadians.

CSEE's 5 objectives are to:

• Create opportunities for national and international collaborations on policy issues
• Provide advice to industry, academia and government
• Coordinate research and academic programming
• Facilitate technology transfer and commercialization
• Facilitate the exchange of research findings and information and promote collaboration in the international community

Summary of Annual Plans
In 2010, CSEE will continue to undertake activities in support of its 5 key objectives:

• Hosting a number of conferences and round tables on climate change, carbon management and northern issues related to energy extraction
• Continue CSEE's support of government-led policy processes such as the Clean Energy Dialogue
• Facilitate technology transfer through its Proof of Principle competitions, offered twice a year
• Coordinate research and academic programming at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and University of Lethbridge
• Continue development of an interactive website to facilitate the exchange of research findings and promote collaboration

Description
The Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) is an arms-length, not-for-profit organization that was established to assess the state of scientific knowledge underpinning key public policy issues. Its founding members are the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. The Government of Canada provided a $30-million, one-time conditional grant in July 2005 from Budget 2005, which entitles the government to up to 5 assessments per year. All CCA assessments are undertaken by independent panels of qualified experts from Canada and abroad. Each assessment takes 12 months to 2 years to complete.

Summary of Annual Plans
The CCA published 3 assessment reports in 2009–10: The Sustainable Management of Groundwater in Canada (May 2009), Innovation and Business Strategy: Why Canada Falls Short (June 2009), and Better Research for Better Business (September 2009). In 2010–11 the CCA will complete 4 more assessments on research integrity in Canada, the state and trends of biodiversity science in Canada, and approaches to animal health risk. These assessments will not contain specific policy recommendations. Rather, they will report on the relevant science — identifying both what is known (or at least strongly supported by the existing evidence) and where there are gaps in our knowledge. Such findings will be relevant for policy decisions in cases where scientific factors play a significant role.

An independent performance (value-for-money) evaluation of the CCA's activities and projects during its first 5 years is due March 31, 2010. Results will be available for review and action during 2010–11.

Description
The Heart and Stroke Foundation Centre for Stroke Recovery (HSFCSR), affiliated with the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa, is developing a program of integrated, translational research that includes molecular biology, laboratory models and clinical studies that help pave the way for designing and testing post-stroke interventions and therapies more quickly. The Centre's primary research objective is to establish a program of excellence in brain recovery research that will be globally competitive and will have a realistic likelihood of leading to effective functional improvements after a stroke.

Summary of Annual Plans
HSFCSR will continue to implement its program of excellence in brain recovery research. This will involve:

• Generating research capacity through the recruitment of world-class personnel and providing them with the necessary tools to advance their research endeavours
• Fostering collaborations between researchers by providing the scientific leadership and creativity to focus on potential synergies, and seed funding to projects that stimulate collaboration
• Providing the necessary infrastructure to advance research, such as a patient database that provides for the gathering and pooling of patient information on different types of patients from multiple sources

Description
The Ivey Centre for Health Innovation and Leadership (Ivey Centre) is a new initiative, with the objective of becoming an internationally recognized centre dedicated to identifying, assessing and commercializing innovative technologies, systems and processes that will effect real change for Canada's health care providers, patients and the health care system. It will use the federal funding to support the costs of the Chair of Health Innovation, management and administration, the demonstration projects undertaken by the Ivey Centre over the next 5 years, and the annual Ivey Global Health Innovation Conference.

Expected Results

• Increase knowledge in Canada in the innovation and commercialization of health care technologies and processes suited to Canada's health care system
• Develop specialized talent with the requisite scientific and commercial knowledge needed to commercialize health care technologies, systems and processes
• Create a commercial model focused on driving innovation and commercializing ideas to achieve a return on investment, and ensure that the most promising ideas are pursued and brought to the health care system as quickly as possible and lead to the development of businesses, product lines and jobs
• Position Canada to take full and privileged advantage of the economic and social benefits of research in the field of health and related life sciences and technologies, including efficiency, cost savings and health care system improvements

Description
The Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (LKSKI) at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto will bring together research, education and clinical care with a commitment to knowledge translation in order to bridge the gap between research knowledge and health care practice. The Institute will initially focus on inner-city health, heart and lung disease, diabetes, nutrition, brain injury, and multi-organ failure, building on existing research teams of scientists, research coordinators, programmers and technicians.

Summary of Annual Plans
The major short-term focus of LKSKI is completing the construction of the LKSKI building. Research and education activities in the coming year include:

• Engaging with the community, patients, policy makers, media and the general public on issues related to health and health care
• The Applied Health Research Centre's solidifying its clinical trial infrastructure
• Training a broad spectrum of health care educators through evidence-informed programs
• Creating an environment where St. Michael's Hospital becomes a "living laboratory" — where we can bring research, education and patient care together in ways that capitalize on the potential of knowledge translation and quality improvement interventions, when applied in a rigorous manner

Description
The Life Sciences Research Institute (LSRI) is a partnership of Capital Health, Dalhousie University, and the IWK Health Centre. LSRI will provide open-concept research and incubator space for the Halifax region's growing life sciences and biotechnology sector and has the potential to create employment, attract investment, foster innovation and improve the quality of health care and life for people in the region.

Objectives

• Provide infrastructure to support excellence in research in life sciences
• Foster and encourage collaboration, partnerships and networks that will facilitate new and innovative approaches to life science challenges
• Provide an environment where knowledge translation and commercialization opportunities can flourish and lead to economic benefits
• Foster and promote outcomes from research to decision makers to improve health care and provide social benefits

Summary of Annual Plans
LSRI's main activity is the construction of the Life Sciences Research Institute, designed to become a focal point for research into, and the commercialization of, life sciences. Activities in 2010 also include developing partnerships with other organizations in order to further the life sciences sector, such as an agreement with InNOVAcorp to establish an incubation facility adjacent to the LSRI.

Description
The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation supports the research and dissemination of research findings in the humanities and human sciences, such as Canadian studies, history, international relations, journalism, law, peace and conflict studies, philosophy, political economy, political science, sociology, and urban and community studies.

Utilizing a peer-review process, the Foundation offers 3 types of awards: Scholarships awarded to doctoral candidates, Fellowships awarded to established researchers at Canadian universities, and Mentorships awarded to seasoned professionals who are able to counsel the Scholars. The Foundation also supports the Public Interaction Program, which communicates the work of the Foundation through conferences, lectures and symposia.

Summary of Annual Plans
In 2010, the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation intends to award 12 Mentorships, 15 Scholarships and 5 Fellowships. In addition, under its Public Interaction Program, the Foundation hosts events designed to facilitate knowledge dissemination, such as the Annual Trudeau Conference on Public Policy, the Trudeau Lectures, the Mentors-Scholars Retreat and the Summer Institute.

Description
The National Optics Institute (INO), located in Quebec, is a centre of expertise in optics and photonics, and works with businesses to help them find solutions and technology platforms to meet their needs. INO provides research and development support for clients, prototype production, technology transfer, and promotes innovative projects.

Summary of Annual Plans
INO's expected results include:

• Advanced research activities and technological development
• Increased technological transfers by 47% and spinoffs by 50%
• Increased business awareness for optics and photonics knowledge
• Increased business partnerships
• Created 200 new jobs at INO

INO will continue to work towards these goals through its pan-Canadian expansion with increased resources in the Ontario and Alberta offices.

6.6% of the procurement and materiel management staff has taken the formal training on Green Procurement (C215). It is anticipated that 60% of the staff will have completed the course by the end of 2010–11.

Reports will be requested from the Canada School of Public Service (CSPS) for tracking purposes.

Even though 0.01% of the acquisition cardholders have taken the Green Procurement formal training (C215), 25% have taken an in-house awareness training course on Green Procurement. This course will continue to be provided by Industry Canada.

Industry Canada will be tracking green procurement activities in the Integrated Financial and Materiel System (SAP) for control and reporting purposes. The current procurement procedures will be revised to accommodate the changes.

The calculations were made based on NCR paper purchases only. The information for the regions was not available.

The mandatory use of standing offers will continue to be followed by the Department. It is assumed that PWGSC is taking Green Procurement into consideration while setting up standing offers.

Print devices: Printers, copiers, scanners, faxes

The target ratio for the project is 1:8 over a 2-year period. The projected savings are estimated at $1.9 million/year at 100% implementation.

Total federal funding allocation (start to end date): $18 million

Description (including funding agreement)
BizPaL is a unique collaboration of federal, provincial/territorial and municipal governments working together in a new service delivery model to improve access to information on permits and licences needed from all levels of government to start or operate a business.

Integrated into local government websites or portals, BizPaL provides a single point of contact for entrepreneurs, enabling them to quickly learn which permits and licences they will need from municipal, provincial/territorial and federal governments.

Federal funding supports secretariat services, expansion and development of the service and the federal role. None of the participants (provinces/territories/municipalities) receive federal funds for the BizPaL initiative. They provide “in-kind” support in their respective jurisdictions. Provincial participants also contribute funds to a Specified Purpose Account to support basic operating costs in accordance with a cost-sharing formula based on population size.

Shared Outcomes

• Increased awareness of and access to business permits and licences from all levels of government
• Increased cost savings for businesses by avoiding involuntary non-compliance
• Support of government efforts to reduce the paperwork burden and red tape that face small business owners and operators

Governance Structure
BizPaL represents a shared governance model that involves participants from the federal, provincial/ territorial and local/municipal levels of government. Industry Canada manages the expansion and evolution of the BizPaL service and develops relationships among participating jurisdictions. A Steering Committee has been established with representation from each level of government to provide strategic direction and to ensure business directions and corporate initiatives align with those of the participants. A project managers' committee supports day-to-day operations and executes approved operational plans.

Although governance is shared through various participant committees, Industry Canada is accountable for the federal resources contributed to the BizPaL initiative. In addition, the Department is responsible for enlisting the participation of federal government departments in BizPaL and managing the National BizPaL Office.  

Planning Highlights
BizPaL's vision is to support entrepreneurs by providing quick and easy online access to government requirements. The overall plan to support this vision is captured through 6 themes outlined in the 2009–11 Strategic Plan: Population Coverage, Business Sector Coverage, Usage, Satisfied Clients and Partners, Technical Platform Sustainability, Long-term Service Sustainability. Key priorities and commitments associated with these themes will be further discussed in the “Results to be achieved by non-federal partners” section below.

Possible risks having a direct impact on the Strategic Plan could include:

• Jurisdictions withdrawing their membership, impacting the value delivered to clients
• Federal withdrawal of continued support
• Differing objectives and priorities of governments/changes in government directions

Integrated business permits, licences and information from all levels of government provide value to clients by enabling them to easily find permit and licence information pertinent to their business and location.

Expected Results
Integrated business permit and licence information from all levels of government provide value to clients by enabling them to easily find permit and licence information pertinent to their business and location.

Total Allocation for All Federal Partners (from Start to End Date)

Total Planned Spending for All Federal Partners for 2010–11

Results to be achieved by non-federal partners (if applicable)
Key priorities, commitments and results to be achieved by non-federal partners pertaining to each strategic theme are as follows:

Population Coverage
In 2009–10, participating jurisdictions will use resources to continue to recruit new provinces/territories and local governments and introduce the BizPaL service as a way to service a larger Canadian population base.
Results: Increase in the number of jurisdictions that offer the service so that 80% of the Canadian population has access to the service in 2010–11.

Business Sector Coverage
Current implementation of business sectors by jurisdiction will be investigated to identify gaps and beneficial additions.
Results: Additions will be made to ensure that BizPaL contains permit and licence information for business sectors that are most represented by Canadian industry. Measures will be used to assess the percentage of Canadian businesses that are covered by the sectors offered in the BizPaL service.

Usage
Marketing and promotion activities will be used to target the Canadian business sector. Beneficial additions/changes to content will be made to improve the quality of the service and to enrich the information on government requirements that is offered to business clients. Measures will be used to assess the annual utilization of the service.
Results: Increase business clients' awareness of the BizPaL service and improve relationships with the business community.

Satisfied Clients and Partners
Continuous improvement and service expansion activities.
Results: Enhanced client experience and higher satisfaction and the delivery of an exceptional service. Measures will be used to assess both client and partner satisfaction levels.

Technical Platform Sustainability
Resources will be dedicated to investigating and implementing enhancements to the technical platform. Measures will be used to assess the technical provider's capacity to meet service level standards, and ultimately, to assess whether sufficient resources are in place to support the long-term sustainability of BizPaL.
Results: Ensuring the sustainability of the BizPaL service.

Long-Term Service Sustainability
Research on client needs, system requirements, service requirements and collaboration needs will be used to develop a future plan for the service as well as to enhance and sustain the current governance model.
Results: Investigative capacity will be used to develop a long-term vision for BizPaL beyond 2011.

Contact Information
Executive Director, Service Delivery and Partnership
Small Business and Marketplace Services Sector

Lead Department

Industry Canada

Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency

Western Economic Diversification Canada

Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Total federal funding allocation (start to end date)

$216.6 million (since 1995)

$6.8 million (since 2000)

$223.4 million (total)

Description (including funding agreement)
The Canada Business Network (CBN) was established to improve service to small business and start-up entrepreneurs by providing a comprehensive first stop for information on government services, programs and compliance requirements from federal and provincial/territorial levels of government.

On behalf of the Government of Canada and its partners, the CBN delivers a host of information products and resources through a variety of channels across Canada (Internet, in-person, telephone). Through its collaboration with the provinces and territories, information products and resources are supplemented by jurisdictionally relevant content — providing a truly client-centred, integrated information service.

Shared Outcomes

• Improved access to business-related information
• Improved client usage of business-related information
• Effective program delivery

Governance Structure
The CBN is managed on behalf of the Government of Canada by the following managing partner organizations: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and 2 sectors of Industry Canada: the Regional Operations Sector (ROS) and the Small Business and Marketplace Services Sector (SBMS).

The Director General Managing Partners Committee oversees program policy and service delivery strategies. The CBN Operations Committee, composed of representatives of the managing partners and service centre managers, operationalizes policy. This committee coordinates and resolves shared operational issues in matters related to training, reporting, marketing, communications and web content development.

Planning Highlights
As part of the funding renewal effort carried out in 2008, the CBN updated its mission and introduced a new service delivery strategy. Key features include an integrated web presence, a new telephone management strategy, increased marketing and outreach activities and updated service standards.

Implementation of the new strategy will start in 2009–10 and continue through 2010–11.

Canada Business Network (Entrepreneurial Economy)

Canada Business Network (Entrepreneurial Economy)

Canada Business Network (Entrepreneurial Economy)

Canada Business Network (Entrepreneurial Economy)

Expected Results
SME use of government business-related information, programs and services, and facilitated compliance for business

Total Allocation for All Federal Partners (from Start to End Date)

Total Planned Spending for All Federal Partners for 2010–11

A Base Funding

$15,000,000

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

N/A

Contact Information
Executive Director, Service Delivery and Partnership
Small Business and Marketplace Services Sector