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The original version was signed by
The Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture)
Minister of Industry's Message
Section II – Analysis of Program Activities
Section III – Supplementary Information
Section IV – Other Items of Interest
As Canada's economy shows continued signs of growth following the global recession, the Harper government has a clear vision for Canada. We remain focused on creating jobs and economic growth in all regions of Canada. We remain committed to fighting protectionism, the number one impediment to global economic recovery. And we will continue to support science and technology as it drives innovation to improve quality of life for Canadians.
In the coming year, Industry Canada and its portfolio partners will seize the opportunities of the evolving global economy. We will set the conditions for industrial success by improving the policy we put in place, making strategic investments and supporting business-focused programs and services. We are working to remove impediments to competition and to create the best climate for international investment. Industry Canada will lead efforts in developing major policy initiatives to support Canada's digital economy and shape a whole-of-government strategy for federal tourism activities. The Department will also improve the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of its own operations and work with recovering industries and sectors to help assure a solid and prosperous future.
In 2011-12, the National Research Council Canada (NRC) will support federal priorities to increase innovation and productivity for sustainable, long-term economic growth. The NRC's aim is to bring timely technological solutions to the marketplace, in partnership with its clients, in areas of national importance such as health care, natural resources and climate change. The NRC will continue to stimulate the innovation activities of small to medium-sized businesses and collaborate with Canadian firms to develop and deploy technologies and market-oriented results.
And, as always, I will work with the Industry portfolio partners, the private sector and other governments to create the fundamentals for a strong and competitive economy.
It is my pleasure to present this year's Report on Plans and Priorities for the National Research Council Canada.
Christian Paradis
Minister of Industry and Minister of State (Agriculture)
As Minister of State for Science and Technology, it is my pleasure to present this year's Report on Plans and Priorities for the National Research Council Canada.
The economy remains our government's top priority. As Canada is still recovering from the global recession, we are focused on creating jobs and economic growth.
This is why we are supporting promising new research as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan: to create jobs, strengthen our economy and improve Canadians' quality of life.
Science is key to Canada's future economic growth. To remain at the forefront of the global economy, we must invest in the people and ideas that will produce tomorrow's breakthroughs.
Our investments through the National Research Council are helping Canada develop, attract and retain the world's best and brightest researchers. As a result, our country is strengthening its position as a leading destination for the world's top research talent.
In the four years since Prime Minister Harper launched the Government of Canada's science and technology strategy, we have achieved a great deal, for which we as Canadians can be proud.
From Iqaluit in the Far North to rural Saskatchewan, from Victoria to St. John's and from Quebec's Eastern Townships to Northern Ontario, there are thousands of researchers pursuing some of the most important questions of our time – all with the support and encouragement of the Government of Canada. Indeed, it is through the vital and ongoing efforts of organizations such as the National Research Council Canada that these Canadian researchers will remain on the leading edge of science and innovation for years to come.
Throughout 2010-11, I have seen first-hand the impact that the National Research Council is having on Canada. From support for entrepreneurship in Canadian small and medium-sized businesses through the Industrial Research Assistance Program to the outcomes of successful research and development partnerships, the National Research Council Canada is focused on bringing new products, processes and technologies to the marketplace for the benefit of Canadians. I am proud of the work that the National Research Council Canada has done, and I am looking forward to 2011-12.
This work, however, requires the ongoing engagement and support of our many stakeholders. As we move into 2011-12, I will continue to liaise with our university partners, the private sector and all Canadians to achieve the priorities laid out in this report.
Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)
The federal government is committed to building a competitive advantage for Canada with science, technology and innovation playing key roles. As Canada's federal research and technology organization, the National Research Council Canada is aligned with this commitment, having plans and priorities to build national strengths in areas of socio-economic importance to Canadians.
I was appointed to lead the National Research Council in April 2010. I am very proud to present my first Report on Plans and Priorities for tabling in Parliament.
In 2011-12, NRC will embark upon a new strategy with an outlook to 2031. NRC intends to more sharply focus its resources on key areas where Canada can be world-class and contribute to improving competitiveness and productivity. The end goal will be to enhance our country's innovation performance in support of our vibrant and prosperous society.
One of our core values is collaboration and partnerships. The coming year will see a strong emphasis on growing relationships across the country and around the world, such as building upon the recent success of the Canada-Israel summit in Toronto in 2010. Addressing some of the biggest challenges in healthcare, the environment, energy and information and communication technologies will require coordinated and collaborative efforts across governments, private industry, not-for-profits, and academia. As part of this coordinated effort, NRC will lead and participate in key federal S&T priority areas by developing and deploying value-added technology, by helping industry to grow its competitive edge in the global marketplace, and by addressing innovation challenges.
To support federal initiatives in cost-effectiveness and efficiency in 2011-12, we are also working on financial and management plans to strengthen decision-making processes, operational efficiencies, and long-term measures for sustainability. Ensuring effective and efficient leadership will enable NRC to realize success against its goals while investing public funds wisely.
Mr. John McDougall, President
The National Research Council Canada (NRC) bridges the innovation gap between early stage research and development (R&D) and commercialization, focusing on socio-economic benefits for Canadians and increasing national performance in innovation. A federal leader in technology
development, NRC supports the business sector in Canada to enhance innovation capabilities and capacity and become more productive in the development and deployment of innovative products, processes and services for targeted markets. With a presence in every province, NRC combines a strong
national foundation with international linkages to help Canada grow in productivity and remain globally competitive. To ensure a multi-disciplinary and integrated approach, NRC works in collaboration with industry, governments, and academia.
NRC is transitioning to a new strategy in 2011. This strategy forms the basis of plans and priorities for 2011-12 and beyond, and drives strategic focus in areas where NRC can make unique and compelling contributions:
NRC's strategic intent is founded upon a vision and mission designed to support federal science and technology (S&T) priorities.
NRC's success will ultimately be measured by the extent to which it is helping to build a globally competitive and prosperous Canada. NRC plans and priorities intend to generate long-term value in areas of importance to Canada by contributing to the following impact areas for our clients:
Under the National Research Council Act, NRC is responsible for:
NRC is a departmental corporation of the Government of Canada, reporting to Parliament through the Minister of Industry. NRC works in partnership with members of the Industry Portfolio to leverage complementary resources to promote the innovation of firms, to exploit synergies in key areas of S&T, to promote the growth of SMEs, and to contribute to the economic growth of Canadian communities. The government-appointed members of the NRC Council provide independent strategic direction and advice to the President and reviews organizational performance. The President provides leadership and strategic management and is responsible for the achievement of NRC's long-range goals and plans within the guidance of the NRC Council. Each of seven Vice Presidents is responsible for a portfolio of program activities composed of research institutes, initiatives, centres and/or a corporate branch. Beneath senior management, 26 Directors General and various committees are responsible for executing against plans and priorities to ensure successful achievement of objectives.
To fulfill its mandate, NRC's programs are aligned to achieve two Strategic Outcomes:
NRC's program activities directly support these strategic outcomes. NRC's current PAA, shown below, illustrates how activities are organized to achieve these desired results.
NRC's current PAA has been crosswalked to the new NRC strategy and is aligned with Government of Canada's Strategic Outcomes and federal priorities. As such, no major changes are anticipated for the immediate future. As NRC's new strategy is implemented, the NRC PAA will be reviewed to ensure continued alignment and contribution towards Canada's Strategic Outcomes.
Canadian Strategic Outcome | NRC Strategic Outcome | NRC Program Activity1 | NRC Sub-Activity |
---|---|---|---|
Strong Economic Growth | Advancements in innovative technologies and increased innovation capacity in targeted Canadian industries and national priority areas | Manufacturing Technologies |
|
Information and Communications Technologies and Emerging Technologies |
|
||
Industrial Research Assistance | |||
Healthy Canadians | Health and Life Science Technologies |
|
|
Clean and Healthy Environment | Energy and Environmental Technologies |
|
|
Innovative and Knowledge-Based Economy | Canadians have access to research and development information and infrastructure | National Science and Technology Infrastructure |
|
Scientific, Technical and Medical Information |
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
---|---|---|
690.836 | 618.5672 | 622.407 |
For an explanation of the annual variation in spending, please refer to the discussion of the spending trend in the Expenditure Profile subsection.
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
---|---|---|
3,743 | 3,3754 | 3,375 |
Performance Indicator(s) | Target(s)5 |
---|---|
Average incremental number of new and improved client products as a result of NRC's R&D activities compared to non-clients | 0.6 by March 2012 |
Average incremental client R&D expenditures as a result of NRC's R&D activities compared to non-clients | $75,000 by March 2012 |
Average incremental client R&D full-time equivalents employed as a result of NRC's R&D activities compared to non-clients | 1.2 by March 2012 |
Program Activity | Forecast Spending ($ millions) 2010-11 |
Planned Spending6 ($ millions) |
Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | |||
Manufacturing Technologies | 127.789 | 126.551 | 111.916 | 112.174 | Strong Economic Growth |
ICT and Emerging Technologies | 77.183 | 69.534 | 40.223 | 40.364 | Strong Economic Growth |
Industrial Research Assistance | 290.850 | 139.146 | 134.013 | 134.601 | Strong Economic Growth |
Health and Life Science Technologies | 114.117 | 92.829 | 81.652 | 82.172 | Healthy Canadians |
Energy and Environmental Technologies | 35.746 | 34.633 | 27.995 | 28.137 | Clean and Healthy Environment |
Total | 645.685 | 462.6937 | 395.7998 | 397.448 |
Performance Indicator(s) | Target(s) |
---|---|
Proportion of surveyed S&T infrastructure users who report positively on the value of the NRC infrastructure used | 85% by March 2012 |
Program Activity | Forecast Spending ($ millions) 2010-11 |
Planned Spending ($ millions) |
Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | |||
National Science and Technology Infrastructure | 77.114 | 91.954 | 91.733 | 92.144 | An Innovative and Knowledge-Based Economy |
Scientific, Technical and Medical Information | 38.543 | 13.2099 | 13.080 | 13.253 | An Innovative and Knowledge-Based Economy |
Total | 115.657 | 105.163 | 104.813 | 105.397 |
Program Activity | Forecast Spending ($ millions) 2010-11 |
Planned Spending ($ millions) |
Alignment to Government of Canada Outcomes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | |||
Internal Services | 139.431 | 122.98010 | 117.954 | 119.561 | N/A |
The Government of Canada (GoC) recognizes the far-reaching implications of innovation and that Canada can and must do more to turn ideas into solutions that will address substantial issues, such as rising health care costs and environmental sustainability to improve economic competitiveness. Innovation – the conversion of ideas and
knowledge into commercially successful products and services – is a critical driver of increased productivity and domestic prosperity. In 2007, the Prime Minister announced Canada's S&T Strategy, Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage, in
recognition of the importance of innovation performance in building a sustainable, vibrant society. Through this Strategy, Canada is committed to make impacts in four S&T priority areas: Environmental Science and Technologies; Natural Resources and Energy; Health and Related Life Sciences and Technologies; and Information and Communications
Technologies (ICT).
Since that time, the GoC has increased its support for S&T in many areas including infrastructure, training and attracting talent, and supporting scientific excellence. As a result, Canada's scientists perform at world-class levels and Canada attracts some of the best and brightest minds in many
fields, leading the G7 in R&D performed in the higher-education sector as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP). Despite these successes, there remains room to improve Canadian performance in innovation.
Enhancing Canadian innovation and sustaining a place in the top 10 of global innovation producers is of great importance to the GoC. This will require coordinated and collaborative efforts from governments, private industry, not-for-profits, and academia, to bridge gaps and remove barriers within the innovation system. As part of this coordinated
effort, NRC will play a pivotal role by developing and deploying technology in S&T priority areas, by helping industry to grow its competitive edge in the global marketplace, and by addressing challenges in substantial national issues.
The key to our future will be for Canada to differentiate, not imitate. In 2011-12, NRC will focus its plans and priorities on building Canadian strengths in areas where it can make a difference.
Operational Priority 1 | Type | Links to Strategic Outcome(s) |
---|---|---|
To foster business innovation and increase productivity of key industrial sectors, such as ICT, and to support the economic growth and development of communities across Canada. | Ongoing | SO1 |
Why is this a priority?
|
Operational Priority 2 | Type | Links to Strategic Outcome(s) |
---|---|---|
To support and conduct R&D in areas of national importance such as energy, the environment, and health. | Ongoing | SO1 |
Why is this a priority? Economic growth, rising population levels, growing affluence, and urbanization are placing tremendous pressure on the worlds natural resources, the environment, and infrastructure. For example:
|
Operational Priority 3 | Type | Links to Strategic Outcome(s) |
---|---|---|
To provide integrated scientific support to enhance generation and commercialization of knowledge. | Ongoing | SO2 |
Why is this a priority?
|
Management Priority | Type | Links to Strategic Outcome(s) |
---|---|---|
To ensure effective program and organizational management for a sustainable organization. | Ongoing | SO1 and SO2 |
Why is this a priority?
|
NRC's risk mitigation plan for 2011-12 will address the highest risks identified in the NRC Corporate Risk Profile (CRP). Specifically, key mitigation plans will focus on:
NRC's forecast spending for 2010-11 is $900.7 million. Over the past three years (fiscal years 2007-08 to 2009-10), actual spending has averaged $820.0 million with Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP) and $773.3 million without CEAP. The planned spending for fiscal years 2011-12 to 2013-14, as indicated in the Spending Trend graph, reflects an overall decline in the budget. The decline is mainly due to the completion of initiatives funded under Canada's Economic Action Plan and the sun-setting of the Cluster Initiatives. The NRC will seek renewal of the Cluster Initiatives in March 2012 and until this is renewed, this item is not included in Planned Spending.
For information on our organizational votes and/or statutory expenditures, please see the 2011-12 Main Estimates publication. An electronic version of the Main Estimates is available on Treasury Board Secretariat's web site.
The federal S&T Strategy commits to translating R&D into technology-driven products and services in national priority areas, as well as increasing the innovation capacity of industry in Canada. NRC's Strategic Outcome 1 is aligned to deliver on these commitments. To contribute to sustainable long-term economic growth, NRC seeks to develop and deploy technologies that target the innovation needs of Canadians and that grow regional communities. Research is translated into tangible solutions for industry to help create an attractive business environment, to maximize the contribution of key industry sectors to Canada's economy, and to support long-term prosperity. Resources are provided to help SMEs engage in research and development activities, and compete more effectively in world markets. Strategic Outcome 1 is also geared towards improving quality of life in specific priority areas – health and wellness, a clean environment, and the sustainable development of Canada's natural resources. In support of the federal S&T Strategy, NRC conducts its activities in collaboration with other government departments, academia and industry, acting where NRC makes unique and compelling contributions towards solutions in substantial issues that will benefit Canadians.
Descriptions for all program activities falling under this Strategic Outcome can be found on Treasury Board Secretariat's web site.
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
Manufacturing industries in Canada have coordinated access to NRC's multidisciplinary research expertise and state-of-the art facilities to ensure they are at the leading edge of innovation | Percentage of surveyed clients who report that NRC's manufacturing technologies research and facilities helped advance their innovation capacity | 75% by March 2012 |
Financial Resources ($ millions) | Human Resources (Full Time Equivalents) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
126.551 | 111.91613 | 112.174 | 984 | 924 | 924 |
Manufacturing industries play an important role in Canada's economy, contributing approximately 13 per cent to Canada's GDP14. However, recent economic stresses have taken a toll. In 2002, the sector employed more than 2.3 million Canadians but by September 2010, manufacturers had shed some
580,000 jobs, representing more than one in four manufacturing jobs. While the recent federal economic stimulus has proved beneficial, recovery remains fragile. To improve sustainable profitability, manufacturers must focus on reducing costs, increasing efficiencies, adopting new technologies, and complying with standards and regulations to respond to consumer expectations and preferences.
Developing and adopting innovation advantages is widely recognized as the key to ensuring global competitiveness that will contribute to Canada's productivity and job creation.
NRC's expertise and world-class competencies in the areas of aerospace, automotive and construction enable it to provide targeted support and services to these high-impact industry sectors. These technology intensive sectors depend on innovation for their growth and competitiveness, thus benefiting from the resources and knowledge provided by
NRC. Activities at NRC are managed in a comprehensive way to ensure that scientific and engineering capabilities are brought together to work in collaboration with private and public partners to address both immediate and future needs. Research will be translated into tangible solutions for
industry that help create an attractive business environment, maximize the contribution of key industry sectors to the economy and support long-term growth.
Canada's aerospace industry is the fifth largest in the world with total revenues over $22.2 billion in 2009. It directly accounts for 79,000 jobs and indirectly for an additional 150,000 across Canada. The Canadian automotive industry is the world's third-largest exporter of automotive products and accounts for 16 per cent of North American vehicle production. Construction is one of Canada's
largest industry sectors contributing $69 billion to overall GDP (12.6 per cent). These major industry sectors contribute to national productivity, job creation, wealth, and prosperity. Innovation, and the development and adoption of new technologies are crucial to ensuring that these sectors continue to be successful and globally competitive.
NRC's plans and priorities in this program activity are intended to make strides in "green" manufacturing technologies and increase innovation capacities. Further, Canadian manufacturing SMEs are seeking market-oriented innovations but have limited capacity to invest in
R&D. NRC's nationwide capability allows it to conduct research to meet the R&D needs of SMEs across Canada. Domestic suppliers offering technology solutions will be better
connected to multinational assemblers, thus strengthening their viability in a highly competitive global market.
The general public will benefit from safer, more efficient, and more environmentally-friendly products and services that offer better value for money. Advances in construction technologies will make homes and industrial facilities energy- and water-efficient, while improving indoor air quality will bring benefits to Canadians – particularly those with respiratory diseases, which account for
9.5 per cent of all health care expenditures in Canada15.
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
Advancements in innovative technology solutions in emerging and ICT sectors | Revenue from service contracts and successful Intellectual Property (IP) transferred to emerging industry sectors | $2.0M by March 201216 |
Percentage of clients reporting positively on the impact of NRC R&D on client growth | 85% by March 2012 |
Financial Resources ($ millions) | Human Resources (Full Time Equivalents) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
69.534 | 40.22317 | 40.364 | 396 | 233 | 233 |
ICT and emerging technologies are becoming pervasive, enabling other technologies that significantly contribute to Canada's global competitiveness and economic development. ICT, in particular, is a critical enabler of growth, trade and commerce, travel
and global connectivity, value creation, and productivity.
NRC enables Canada's digital advantage by developing and deploying innovative technologies for industry. In today's world of large volumes of raw data, there is an urgent need to develop tools that convert data into usable knowledge. Enhancing productivity requires rapid extraction of real world information and representing it in meaningful and
useful ways – whether through 3D visualization, virtual or augmented reality, or text, video or voice applications. Through its focus on data and text mining, as well as information capture and storage techniques, NRC simplifies the analysis, interpretation and extrapolation of essential data
to assist in decision-making and knowledge discovery. NRC makes a major contribution to the Canadian ICT sector through three targeted activities: mission-oriented R&D across Canada, two community-based cluster
initiatives (the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre in Ottawa and the IT and e-business cluster in New Brunswick) and through NRC-IRAP.
Emerging technology sectors are synonymous with innovation, wealth creation and increasingly, quality of life. For example, ICT industries are among the largest performers of private sector R&D. In 2009, ICT sector R&D expenditures were $6.2 billion, representing 38 per cent of total Canadian private sector R&D expenditures. The worldwide ICT total industry revenue is expected to climb to nearly $7 trillion by 2017, with growth rates in the 8-10 per cent range. Recognized as a critical industry for Canada, the GoC is developing a Digital Economy Strategy for Canada. Priorities such as business adoption of digital technologies to boost productivity and enabling Canadian companies to supply digital technologies to the world, are anticipated priority areas that the government will focus on to create a "digital" Canada. The plans and priorities of this program activity seek to contribute to federal priorities. NRC's activities will train and attract HQP within this sector, while advancing the state of photonics, emerging nano-based technologies, systems and digital content and its underlying infrastructure. The result will be novel applications brought to market, increasing the growth and productivity of Canadian ICT firms.
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
SMEs in Canada have merit-based access to effective and efficient innovation support resulting in increased wealth | Average return in dollars to the Canadian economy (i.e. wealth creation in terms of increased sales and decreased cost) per dollar of Program cost | 7 by March 2013 |
Number of SMEs financially supported | 600 by March 2012 | |
Number of jobs financially supported | 2,500 by March 2012 |
Financial Resources ($ millions) | Human Resources (Full Time Equivalents) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
139.146 | 134.013 | 134.601 | 374 | 356 | 356 |
An innovative society is an entrepreneurial society. Indeed, Canada's business environment is composed of 99.8 per cent SMEs and is a major force in Canadian growth and prosperity. However, growth can be difficult for SMEs due to a multitude of contributing factors including business risk, lack of funding to move from research to development to commercialization, and challenges in accessing international markets, to name a few. Barriers to innovation vary by industry and market, translating into the need for tailored advisory services in addition to financial
support for R&D that is critical to SME growth.
As Canada's largest federal research and technology organization, NRC plays a key role in helping to move innovations to market. By virtue of its positioning, NRC has a strong relationship with various industry sectors, nationally and internationally. This provides an avenue to gather timely
intelligence on market forces and provide financial assistance in critical technology areas. For more than 60 years, NRC-IRAP has adapted and redefined itself to meet the needs of Canadian SMEs for technical and
business advisory services as well as financial assistance along the innovation process. NRC-IRAP has a growing international reputation and has been identified as a global best practice in providing innovation support to Canadian SMEs. With a broad suite of innovation services, NRC-IRAP is able to customize its offerings to help SMEs prepare for the future.
Through the three priorities above, Canadians will benefit from stronger, larger, and more innovative SMEs, increased commercial success of products and services developed by SMEs, more employment of HQP, increased operational cost-efficiencies within NRC-IRAP, and a high-level of program accountability. Through the support to SMEs, this program activity is clearly aligned with the GoC's priorities to provide economic benefits and value for money to Canadians and to position Canada among the world's most innovative countries. Since SMEs in Canada account for 99.8 per cent of businesses and employ one in every six Canadians, their success is critical for Canada's productivity growth which, in turn, leads to long-term economic prosperity and social well-being.
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
Canadian health and life science industries have greater access to effective and innovative technology solutions | Revenue from successful IP transferred to Health & Life Science industries | $5M by March 2012 |
Percentage of respondents from the health and life science industrial collaborators who respond positively on value of NRC innovative contributions | 85% by March 2012 |
Financial Resources ($ millions) | Human Resources (Full Time Equivalents) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
92.829 | 81.65218 | 82.172 | 695 | 622 | 622 |
Canadians are increasingly concerned about their health and access to care. One underlying issue is the financial sustainability of the health care system. Total costs are estimated to be $191.6 billion in 2010, representing 11.7 per cent of GDP. Furthermore, changing demographics and a growing global population are expected to have an impact on health care costs, demand, and access. For example, although Canada's population in 2005 was younger than that of most G8 countries, it is expected to age more rapidly in the coming years as a direct result of the baby boom following the Second World
War. By 2031, seniors are anticipated to comprise between 23 and 25 per cent of our total population. By 2050 the global population is expected to reach 9 to10 billion people. Such changes will have an impact not only on our health system but also on our standard of living. For example, global food requirements are expected
to double but with less arable land, water, and fertilizer.
NRC is positioned to help tackle these substantial issues by working with partners across industry, government, and academia, bringing a multi-disciplinary and integrated focus to the development of timely and cost-effective solutions. NRC has world-class competencies across Canada in the
life sciences field that can be leveraged to develop and bring to market integrated approaches to improve health care, reduce health care costs, and increase agricultural productivity and food security.
NRC's Health and Life Sciences program activity focuses on the health of Canadians and the growth of key industrial sectors. To best address the needs of our aging population and increasing health care costs, NRC efforts are geared towards prevention, early diagnosis, and cost-effective
treatments. Knowledge and technology developed from our activities will be commercially exploited to ensure a positive impact on the health and wellness of Canadians and to support a thriving health care sector. Such activities will also support the growth of Canadian pharmaceutical, medical device, and nutraceutical/functional food companies by helping to reduce the financial risks associated
with early stage discoveries and improving the viability and valuation of therapeutic leads.
Our life sciences expertise in agriculture will address the growing global and domestic food requirement. NRC's plans and priorities will focus on supporting Canada's agriculture sector, thus enabling us to maintain our export position and contribution to GDP, currently in the range of $87.9 billion (8.8 per cent) per year.
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
Collaborative contributions on improving sustainability of Canada's natural resources and protection of Canada's environment through innovation | Percentage of responding collaborators who respond positively on the value of NRC contributions to natural resource sustainability and environmental protection innovations | 85% by March 2012 |
Financial Resources ($ millions) | Human Resources (Full Time Equivalents) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
34.633 | 27.99519 | 28.137 | 295 | 246 | 246 |
To maintain our standard of living and well-being, Canada must address the critical challenges faced in environmental sustainability and climate change. The issues are well known: air quality, water quality and availability, and the protection of our natural resources. For over 20 years now, sustainable development has been promoted as a means of bridging economic and ecological goals. The
journey toward truly sustainable development and decision-making has become a key foundation of public policy here at home and around the globe. Developing technologies that lead to sustainability is about safeguarding Canada's future and improving the quality of life for Canadians.
NRC is collaborating and partnering with other governments, industry and universities – combining strengths and capacities through a multidisciplinary, internationally collaborative approach – to build the critical mass needed to address sustainability challenges and support national needs. This program activity combines efforts
from across NRC to address clean energy, climate change, and the "green" needs of industry and society. NRC will focus on technology development aligned with federal S&T Strategy priorities and other government initiatives – in
particular, complementary initiatives at Natural Resources Canada. Several initiatives are planned for 2011-12, some of which are outlined under other program activities. These include energy conversion and storage, energy efficiency, green buildings, water quality, and sustainable agriculture.
Canadians face a delicate balance between environmental issues and economic and social considerations. A large proportion of Canada's economic output is exported, and 40 per cent of those exports are energy-intensive, resource-based commodities such as oil and natural gas20. Innovative technologies are a key input in support of ensuring
long-term sustainable progress on the integrity of Canada's environment and resources, while also ensuring a strong economy and the general well-being of Canadians. Pressures to deal with rising energy demands and costs and climate change all provide opportunities for future innovation in clean and sustainable technology. The global shift towards technology development to address the environment
and protect our natural resources will benefit our country and our standard of living while creating opportunities for economic growth.
NRC is well positioned to play an important role in supporting environmental and social integrity, while in parallel supporting Canadian firms in their quest to succeed in global markets. NRC's structure and extensive networks combine nation-wide technical excellence with the ability to
provide industrial support at the provincial, municipal and remote community levels. NRC will play a vital role in the deployment of technologies across several value chains, triggering economic activity that will support an increase in the global reach of Canadian firms and the reduction of green house gas emissions as a net result.
NRC plays a vital role in Canada's innovation system by providing, maintaining, and advancing national infrastructure and standards. Through NRC, Canadian firms can access an array of national facilities and programs designed to help them conduct fundamental research as well as take new
products and technologies to market. As part of NRC's mandate, the National Science and Technology Infrastructure Program operates and administers national astronomical observatories in addition to maintaining measurement standards in support of domestic and international trade. The Scientific, Technical and Medical Information Program provides
access to scientific and medical information, a fundamental requirement for achieving an innovative and knowledge-based economy.
Descriptions to all program activities falling under this Strategic Outcome can be found on Treasury Board Secretariat's web site.
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
Canada's national science and technology facilities are up-to-date and accessible to Canadians in accordance with federally legislated and assigned mandate and/or evolving national needs | Percentage of surveyed clients reporting positively on their perceived value of NRC R&D infrastructure used | 85% by March 2012 |
Number of Canadian users of major NRC science infrastructure | 1,200 by March 2012 |
Financial Resources ($ millions) | Human Resources (Full Time Equivalents) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
91.954 | 91.733 | 92.144 | 284 | 284 | 284 |
NRC provides critical S&T infrastructure to support Canadian excellence in R&D, for today and into the future. NRC will continue to work with academic, industry and government partners to ensure that national S&T facilities remain up-to-date and accessible to Canadians in accordance with its federally legislated and assigned mandate and/or evolving national needs.
NRC has a role in ensuring a long-term vision for Canada in the development of leading-edge science and technology. Through NRC, Canadian user communities access an array of national facilities and programs designed to allow them to conduct frontier scientific research. In addition, NRC develops the measurement standards that allow these scientific innovations to be commercialized. There are several specific intended program benefits.
Program Activity Expected Results | Performance Indicators | Targets |
---|---|---|
High value information that advances research and innovation in the areas of science, technology and health/medicine | Percentage of clients who reported that NRC Canada Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (NRC-CISTI) information services contributed to advancing their research and development, technology commercialization or planning and decision-making. | 85% by March 2014 |
Financial Resources ($ millions) | Human Resources (Full Time Equivalents) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
13.209 | 13.080 | 13.253 | 90 | 90 | 90 |
This program activity responds to three interlinked issues: providing the most relevant information to support the R&D of technology solutions and their deployment to industry; making research outputs accessible to increase their value; and finding efficiencies in providing library services within government. Scientific, technical and medical/health (STM) information is essential to the R&D process. Researchers are spending more time searching for relevant information as the volume of electronic content steadily increases. NRC provides efficient and effective tools and services to get to the most relevant information in all areas of national importance. Canadian taxpayers are increasingly concerned with seeing the results of their investment in science, and NRC is making Canadian research outputs, including published results and data sets, more accessible through vehicles such as the NRC Publications Archive.
Canadians benefit from an effective R&D process and the successful deployment and commercialization of technology solutions in areas of national importance. This program activity is critical to providing timely and relevant information to Canadian researchers and entrepreneurs – information that supports research activities and contributes to the efficient use of research funds. The return on federal research investment is increased when research outputs are made available to current and future generations of Canadian researchers as a basis for further discovery and innovation. Offering NRC Library Services to other government departments allows resource utilization to be optimized through economies of scale and sharing of expertise, while providing improved, streamlined service delivery. Canadians benefit from the reduction in overall costs and the increase in effectiveness of federal library expenditures.
Description of internal services can be found on Treasury Board Secretariat's web site.
Financial Resources ($ millions) | Human Resources (Full Time Equivalents) | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 | 2011-12 | 2012-13 | 2013-14 |
122.980 | 117.954 | 119.561 | 625 | 620 | 620 |
The year 2011-12 will be a pivotal year for NRC as we embark upon a new organizational strategy. This strategy defines the strengths of NRC, focusing programs in areas where NRC can differentiate and make compelling impacts to federal S&T priority areas. Through the transition, NRC will implement a five-year plan with clearly defined priorities and performance commitments each year that will put NRC on track to reach its desired end state. Underpinning NRC's success will be sound business practices that will support the needs of programs, activities and operations. Specifically in 2011-12, internal service priorities will be based upon key guiding principles: focus; sustainability; communication; and shared values.
The future-oriented financial highlights presented within this RPP are intended to serve as a general overview of NRC's financial position and operations. They are prepared on an accrual basis to strengthen accountability and improve transparency and financial management. More detailed future-oriented financial statements can be found on NRC's Web site.
Future-oriented Condensed Statement of Operations For the Year (Ended March 31) |
% Change | Future-oriented 2011-12 |
Future-oriented 2010-11 |
---|---|---|---|
Total Expenses | N/A | 860.0 | N/A |
Total Revenues | N/A | 160.0 | N/A |
Net Cost of Operations | N/A | 700.0 | N/A |
The following tables are located on Treasury Board Secretariat's web site:
http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/N-15/index.html
NRC's Main Estimates 2011-12 http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/est-pre/20112012/me-bpd/toc-tdm-eng.asp
Government of Canada's Strategic Outcomes http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ppg-cpr/frame-cadre-eng.aspx
http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ic1.nsf/eng/00857.html
Key Small Business Statistics July 2010 http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/sbrp-rppe.nsf/eng/rd02493.html
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/clusters/index.html
National Health Care Expenditure Trends 1975-2010, CIHI at http://secure.cihi.ca/cihiweb/products/NHEX%20Trends%20Report%202010_final_ENG_web.pdf
Statistics Canada Population Projections for Canada at http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/91-520-x/00105/4095126-eng.htm
http://www4.agr.gc.ca/AAFC-AAC/display-afficher.do?id=1261159658146&lang=eng
Changing Currents: Water Sustainability and the Future of Canada's Natural Resources, at: http://www.nrtee-trnee.com/eng/publications/changing-currents/summary-changing-currents-eng.php
http://nparc.cisti-icist.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/npsi/jsp/nparc_ab.jsp
http://cisti-icist.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/services/cisti/pubmed-central-canada/index.html
http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/reports/corporate-publications.html
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/rpp/2011-2012/info/info-eng.asp
[Footnotes]
1 Internal Services not shown
2The $72M difference in planned spending between FY11-12 and FY12-13 is largely due to the sunsetting of Technology Cluster Initiatives ($66.7M, up for renewal in March 2012) and anticipated savings in collective agreements ($4.1M).
3 All FTEs are forecasted based on personnel cost planning as at December 2010, unless otherwise noted.
4 The difference between FY11-12 and FY12-13 is largely due to the sunsetting of Technology Cluster Initiatives, which is up for renewal in March 2012.
5 All targets are cumulative relative to April 2010, unless otherwise presented (ratios, for example).
6 Planned spending reflects best estimates of spending to year end.
7 The $183M difference between FY10-11 and FY11-12 is largely due to Canada's Economic Action Plan initiatives, which will be completed by March 31, 2011 ($145M). The remaining difference is due to a forecast reduction in Genomics Research & Development Initiative ($6M for NRC through a reallocation within the Initiative envelope) and the Indoor Air Initiative ($2M), and a variety of factors such as government-wide budget management measures ($1.1M), anticipated revenue decline from spinoff of the NRC Research Press ($5.9M), and anticipated internally-realized budget management measures ($21.3M).
8 The difference in planned spending from FY11-12 to FY12-13 is due to the sunsetting of Technology Cluster Initiatives program ($66.7M), which is up for renewal in March 2012.
9 The difference between FY10-11 to FY11-12 is largely due to adjustments in follow up to Strategic Review.
10 The difference between FY10-11 to FY11-12 is largely due to the completion of Canada's Economic Action Plan stimulus funding activities, including $10.36M for the Modernizing of Federal Labs and $2.4M for the Accelerated Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan.
11 Statistics Canada, 2007.
12 Canadian Institute for Health Information October 2010 annual report.
13 The difference between FY11-12 and FY12-13 is due to the Technology Clusters Initiative program, which is up for renewal in March 2012.
14 Statistics Canada, as a percentage of 2009 GDP total.
15 Canadian Institute for Health Information, 2004
16 Target and date were advanced to 2012 as the PAA target was out of date.
17 The difference between FY11-12 and FY12-13 is due to the Technology Clusters Initiative program, which is up for renewal in March 2012.
18 The difference between FY11-12 and FY12-13 is due to the Technology Clusters Initiative program, which is up for renewal in March 2012.
19 The difference between FY11-12 and FY12-13 is due to the Technology Clusters Initiative program, which is up for renewal in March 2012.
20 Environment Canada, 2007