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Section II - Analysis of Program Activities
by Strategic Outcome

This section provides information on programs that are critical to the realization of our Strategic Outcomes and priorities for 2012-13. NRCan monitors and tracks progress through quarterly reviews, which enables early detection of problem areas and, wherever possible, the implementation of corrective actions to deliver expected results in accordance to plans and budgets. NRCan will use its updated performance indicators to improve performance management and decision-making, and provide more accurate and balanced performance information to Parliament and Canadians. As a result, the commitments presented below will serve as the basis for the next Departmental Performance Report.

More information about these programs and initiatives, as well as supporting evidence from internal evaluations and audit reports, can be found on NRCan’s website.


Strategic Outcome 1 - Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors are Globally Competitive

Canada’s Natural Resource Sectors are Globally Competitive

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Canada is a major producer and exporter of natural resources. Being competitive in Canadian and foreign markets is imperative to the nation’s economic growth. The objective of this strategic outcome is to help Canada’s natural resource sectors become more globally competitive by adapting to the continuously changing conditions of success. This will be achieved by supporting the natural resource sectors to expand and diversify their markets to respond to the high demand from emerging economies, and diversify their product offerings to remain innovative and competitive. Major activities to achieve this include:

  • Increasing access to new and existing markets by contributing to the reduction of trade barriers and ensuring that regulations are up-to-date;
  • Maximizing productivity and diversifying markets by encouraging natural resources sectors to adopt new technologies and processes to develop new value-added products and explore new revenue streams;
  • Encouraging investments in the natural resource sectors by decreasing the risk of development and increasing knowledge on opportunities; and,
  • Developing and implementing system-wide improvements to modernize the federal regulatory system for major resource projects.

NRCan also administers the statutory programs for the Atlantic Offshore Accords, which provide that the benefits of revenues from the offshore should flow to provinces as if the resources were on land. The revenues collected by the Receiver General of Canada are paid to provinces (Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador).

For more information on NRCan’s plans and performance please visit www.nrcan.gc.ca/plans-performance-reports/home


Program Activity 1.1: Market Access and Diversification

Canada’s natural resource sectors face two key barriers to market access and diversification: 1) trade and policy barriers and 2) lack of awareness of Canada’s natural resource products. The objectives of this program activity are to break down those barriers and support natural resource markets by making information available to Canadians, supporting negotiations to reduce trade barriers, and ensuring that regulations are up-to-date. This helps maintain natural resource sectors’ access to existing markets and increases their access to new market segments.

What we are trying to accomplish and how we measure success
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets How it works
Natural resource sectors have increased access to markets and new market segments Natural resource sectors have access to markets and new market segments as defined by domestic exports of energy products, minerals and metal products and forestry products.  Favourable 10 year trend By measuring the levels of domestic exports of energy, minerals, metals, and forest products, NRCan will be able to assess the impact of its programs that are aimed at increasing exports and the overall health and competitiveness of the natural resources sectors. 
Canadian direct investment abroad Favourable 10 year trend The health and competitiveness of Canada’s natural resources industries can be measured by the level of investments that they make in foreign countries.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
28,258 28,257 28,252


Human Resources (FTEs)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
222 222 222


Planning Highlights

Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air QualityCanada’s natural resources and its associated products and technologies are an important source of wealth and employment for Canadians, and significantly contribute to Canada's export trade. To maximize and ensure Canada’s international standings, it is essential to diversify the export markets of our natural resources and realize the full range of global opportunities available to us. Bilateral and multilateral trade agreements in the mining, forest and energy sectors will help gain new market access. NRCan will also work at maintaining its long-established relationships with key trading partners and will continue to engage domestic partners in the articulation of Canada’s approach to the management of energy resources.

Commitments for 2012-13: Work bilaterally to strengthen key partnerships with growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region such as China, Japan and India (through, for example, the Canada-China Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation).

Pursue strategic bilateral engagement with the United States to strengthen our energy and natural resources relationship, notably through the Canada-US Energy Consultative Mechanism and the Clean Energy Dialogue.

Leverage multilateral fora to engage key partners and promote Canada as a reliable and responsible supplier of natural resources, for example through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development, and the International Energy Agency.

Work to enhance global market acceptance of Canadian energy and natural resources by acting to minimize discriminatory measures (e.g. European Union’s Fuel Quality Directive).

Support the forest industry’s market diversification activities in targeted offshore markets as well as in the US and Canada.

With the divestiture of the CANDU reactor division completed, NRCan is pursuing the second phase of the restructuring of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL). It will examine the long term future of AECL’s Nuclear Laboratories, including their mandate, governance and management structure. It will take into account views and interests expressed further to the Request of Expression of Interest issued in early February 2012, and third-party advice on key components.

NRCan is also collaborating with AECL to manage all pre-closing liabilities and obligations remaining from the sale to Candu Energy Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. Concurrently, NRCan will continue to support the efforts of AECL to ensure its infrastructure meets health, safety, security and environmental requirements.  

Commitments for 2012-13: Implement Government decisions with respect to the restructuring of Atomic Energy Canada Limited’s Nuclear Laboratories.

The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of bringing forward modernized nuclear civil liability legislation that aligns compensation with internationally-accepted levels. The new legislation would update the Nuclear Liability Act to ensure that an appropriate civil liability regime is in place that will serve the public interest in the unlikely case of a nuclear incident at a nuclear power plant or other nuclear installation subject to the legislation.

Commitments for 2012-13: Bring forward recommendations to modernize the nuclear civil liability legislation to align compensation with internationally accepted levels.


Program Activity 1.2: Innovation for New Products and Processes

Optimizing the use of Canada's natural resources and the processes by which they are developed would improve the productivity of the natural resources sectors and reduce its dependency on the sale of traditional natural resource products. The objective of this program activity is twofold: to maximize the productivity and to decrease our dependency on the sale of traditional products by encouraging natural resources sectors to adopt new technologies and processes to develop new products. This objective is achieved by conducting science, research, development, and demonstrations on new applications, technologies, processes, and products.

What we are trying to accomplish and how we measure success
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets How it works
Natural Resource sectors increase production of new products and processes as a result of NRCan information Number of new products and processes resulting from NRCan information. 5 (annual) NRCan undertakes and funds research activities to develop new products and processes, and disseminates this knowledge through various information channels. Measuring the uptake of this information and its use for new products and processes will enable the Department to assess the direct impact of its programs. By developing and offering new products and processes, the natural resources sectors will remain competitive in the long-term.
Research and development (R&D) expenditures in natural resource sectors as defined by total intramural R&D expenditures in energy, mining and forestry sectors. Favourable 10 year trend NRCan undertakes R&D activities to develop new products and processes in energy, mining and forestry. Measuring the trend in expenditures will enable the Department to measure and compare the level of R&D expenditures and activities over time.
Public and private sector organizations have increased cost-efficiency or productivity resulting from the integration of geomatics or geoscience policies, tools and frameworks Number of citations of cost-efficiency and productivity gains in public or private sector organizations. 5 (annual) NRCan provides integrated geomatics and geoscience information and tools with a view of increasing the efficiency and productivity of private sector organizations. By measuring the number of citations related to these two topics, the Department will be able to assess the impact of its programs and evaluate the uptake of its knowledge products.


Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
71,292 81,522 40,622

Human Resources (FTEs)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
319 319 309


Planning Highlights

To maximize the productivity of the natural resource sectors, NRCan’s CANMET Laboratories contribute – through partnerships and collaboration – to mining innovation in Canada. The current focus is on innovations that enhance the productivity, energy efficiency and competitiveness of Canada’s mines and reduce workplace health and safety risks.

Commitments for 2012-13: Undertake a demonstration of a continuous monitoring system for hoist ropes at the Iamgold Westwood project in Abitibi.  This innovative system will enhance the competitiveness and energy efficience of Canada’s deep and shallow mines and reduce workplace health and safety risks

Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air QualityFurthermore, NRCan supports the competitiveness of the forestry sector by encouraging industries to develop new value-added products and implement new technologies, thus enabling it to transform its products, markets and business models. Through the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation Program, NRCan works with eligible forest products companies to develop and implement new technologies and processes such as bioenergy, biomaterials, biochemicals and next-generation building products. These technologies make better use of forest fibre and by-products to create a more diversified, higher value product mix. The Department also leads the development of the forest sector innovation system by establishing partnerships and strengthening institutional arrangements with key players among forest research and development performers (FPInnovations and universities), funders (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council) and governments. The design of the system ensures the integration, alignment and coordination of the various organizations’ work. This will ultimately contribute to the competitiveness of the forestry sector. 

Commitments for 2012-13: Support the development and deployment of transformative technologies in the forest sector, including the development and implementation of five high-value Canadian forest products, processes and/or technologies by 2016.  

The emergence of mass-market distribution systems, such as mobile devices, has dramatically increased the demand for location-based data and technology. Geographic Information Systems and other location-enabled applications are dependent on standardized, up-to-date and accurate information. NRCan delivers architecture, standardization and application policies and expertise enabling the natural resources sector to create innovative applications and be more competitive.

Commitments for 2012-13: Deliver open data tools and technology that is user friendly and reusable such as customized data information catalogues to promote the competitiveness of Canadian industries and support productive investments.


Program Activity 1.3: Investment in Natural Resource Sectors

Investing in the development of natural resources is costly and risky due to the uncertainties related to the potential economic viability of natural resources. There are many factors to consider when deciding whether or not to develop a natural resource – such as investors and/or companies lacking knowledge on and, thus, being unaware of potential opportunities, or regulatory delays and uncertainty impeding the investment climate. The objective of this program activity is to encourage natural resource sector investment by either decreasing the risk of development, or increasing knowledge on opportunities. This objective is achieved by advancing federal system-wide regulatory improvements and providing funding and information on the factors that determine the potential economic viability of natural resources.

What we are trying to accomplish and how we measure success
Expected Result Performance Indicator Target How it works
Natural resource sectors have increased investment   New capital Investment in forest, energy, minerals and metals sectors Favourable 10 year trend New capital investments are related to the health and competitiveness of the natural resource sectors and the development of natural resources. As NRCan’s programs are aimed at facilitating investments, this measure will enable the Department to assess the effectiveness of its program.

Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
74,618 54,969 51,533


Human Resources (FTEs)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
492 466 466


Planning Highlights

NRCan continues to provide leadership to advance fundamental legislative, regulatory and policy improvements necessary to modernize the federal regulatory system for major projects. It also works to strengthen Canada’s reputation as an attractive place to invest. Through inter-departmental collaboration, NRCan also ensures timely, high-quality reviews of major resource projects.

Commitments for 2012-13: Continue to work with federal regulatory departments and agencies through the Major Project Management Office to develop and implement system-wide legislative, regulatory and policy changes to the federal regulatory system and improve the regulatory system for project reviews, including possibilities to better align federal and provincial processes

Through the Major Project Management Office, provide overarching management of the regulatory review of major resource projects, to ensure that reviews are timely and predictable, with appropriate consideration of social and environmental effects and meaningful consultation of Aboriginal groups.

Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air QualityNRCan supports investments in natural resources by providing key geoscientific knowledge and information to stakeholders, thereby facilitating exploration. Targeting Canada’s North, Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) provides the fundamental geoscience required to make strategic land-use and investment decisions. Furthermore, the economic development of communities is supported by the Targeted Geoscience Initiative 4 (TGI-4), which identifies potential new areas of mineral resources and uncovers deep or hidden mineral deposits in targeted mining communities across Canada. This program supports the economic development of established mining communities and enables investment in new, renewable energy resources.

Commitments for 2012-13: Through GEM and TGI-4, provide geoscience knowledge to support exploration that could lead to the discovery of mineral and energy resources, and deliver tools to help uncover deep hidden mineral deposits.

Release three reports and strategic assessments on offshore and new energy supply and deliver tools to uncover deep hidden mineral deposits.

Organize and lead 5 scientific workshops with exploration industry, provincial-territorial and academic collaborators to disseminate and share the latest Targeted Geoscience Initiative 4 research discoveries.

The Department also works to remove key barriers to mining development and ensures that mining is undertaken in a responsible manner. NRCan supports the industry by providing tax rulings and advice to the Canada Revenue Agency on the eligibility for various mineral-related tax incentives, with a view of reducing investment barriers. Information about the minerals and metals sector; including products such as Aboriginal mining toolkits, is also disseminated to support sound decision making and increase Aboriginal peoples’ understanding of the socio-economic opportunities and benefits of the mining industry.

NRCan is also a key player in promoting the Government of Canada’s Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy to ensure that Canadian companies bring economic, social and environmental benefits to the communities in which they work both at home and abroad. To this end, NRCan supports developing countries’ requests for assistance by providing policy advice on their mining governance framework, working bilaterally or through international fora such as the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Mineral, Metals and Sustainable Development.

Commitments for 2012-13: Work in collaboration with other departments and stakeholders to support responsible mining in the North and to realize socio-economic benefits for northerners.

Contribute to the implementation of Canada’s Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy for the Extractive Sector Abroad, and to the creation of the Canadian International Institute for Extractive Industries in order to safeguard Canada’s reputation and position Canadian companies as preferred partners for host countries and communities. 

To increase knowledge related to potential economic development opportunities, the Aboriginal Forestry Initiative facilitates, identifies and develops regional-scale, forest-based economic development opportunities in cooperation with Aboriginal communities across the country. Through pan-federal, regional and community-level partnerships, these investments help forest-based communities capitalize on emerging economic opportunities. In 2012-13, these strategic projects will focus on three major forest-based economic themes: bioenergy research and development; forest-based services to Government and industry; and value-added wood products. The objective is to build viable Aboriginal businesses and develop the knowledge and skills necessary for them to participate in and take advantage of employment opportunities in a transitioning forest sector.

Commitments for 2012-13: Implement 15 Aboriginal Forestry Initiative contribution agreements with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada and other federal departments to help Aboriginal organizations and businesses develop business opportunities.

Produce 5 Aboriginal Forestry Initiative knowledge products and tools such as techniques, reports and outreach publications that will enable Aboriginal communities to participate in and take advantage of forest economic opportunities.


Program Activity 1.4: Statutory Programs – Atlantic Offshore

This program activity is about monitoring and facilitating payment disbursal agreements and transfer payments under the Atlantic Offshore Accord Acts.

What we are trying to accomplish and how we measure success
Expected Result Performance Indicator Target How it works
Management of statutory requirements related to offshore petroleum in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador in a timely and efficient manner. Timeliness and accuracy of offshore payments Payment on time (100%) The Offshore Accords Act, managed by NRCan, provides that the revenues from the offshore petroleum are to flow to provinces within 48 hours.


Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
1,134,954 1,389,370 1,277,168


Human Resources (FTEs)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
0 0 0

Planning Highlights

The Atlantic Offshore Accords provide that the benefits of revenues from the offshore petroleum should flow to provinces as if it was on land. Revenues collected by the Receiver General of Canada are paid to the provinces of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. As the amounts credited to the Receiver General and paid out of the revenue fund are the same, there is no net liability incurred by the federal government should the payments to provinces increase.

Commitments 2012-13: Process offshore transfer payments to both Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador as required under the Atlantic Offshore Accord Acts in a timely manner.


Strategic Outcome 2 - Natural Resource Sectors and Consumers are Environmentally Responsible

Natural Resource Sectors and Consumers are Environmentally Responsible

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Energy use and natural resource development can have negative impacts on land, water and air, which can affect the well-being of current and future generations. NRCan works to ensure that natural resources are developed and used in an environmentally responsible manner by:

  • Encouraging and enabling energy consumers and producers to adopt cleaner and more efficient technologies, products, services and practices;
  • Encouraging academia, industry and the public sector to research, develop and demonstrate innovative solutions to resource development and environmental implications; and,
  • Enabling government departments, regulatory bodies and industry to understand the risks to our environment, assess environmental impacts and protect our resources.

For more information on NRCan’s plans and performance please visit www.nrcan.gc.ca/plans-performance-reports/home


Program Activity 2.1: Energy-efficient Practices and Lower-carbon Energy Sources

Canada’s energy markets are defined by consumption and production decisions; however, consumers and producers do not necessarily make decisions that minimize their impact on the environment due to several barriers including: 1) a lack of awareness of available options and their benefits, 2) insufficient capacity for adoption (e.g. regulatory frameworks, codes and standards, etc.) and 3) financial risk. The objective of this program activity is to address these barriers and encourage and enable energy consumers and producers to adopt cleaner and more efficient technologies, products, services and practices, thereby transforming the market. This objective is achieved through education and outreach activities, targeted incentives, and regulatory interventions that keep pace with technological changes.

What we are trying to accomplish and how we measure success
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets How it works
Energy Consumers and producers adopt environmentally responsible products and practices Canada’s total annual energy savings due to efficiency (difference between energy use without energy efficiency improvements and energy use with energy efficiency improvements; the units are petajoules [PJ]) Favourable 5-year trend in PJ saved (2006 baseline) Energy savings can be achieved through consumption and production choices. Measuring the annual energy savings over 5 years will allow NRCan to assess the effectiveness and direct impacts of its energy efficiency programs that include education, outreach and legislation.
Renewable electricity generation capacity in megawatts Favourable 5-year trend in megawatts
(2005 baseline)
Our programs support the development of renewable energy. By assessing the trend in megawatts of capacity, we will be able to measure the increase in renewable electricity generating capacity, which contribute to the reduction of GHG emissions. 
Biofuel production in Canada Favourable 5-year trend
(Baseline to be established)
Our programs support domestic biofuel production. By assessing the production trend, NRCan will be able to measure the effectiveness of its program.


Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
585,488 468,729 426,691


Human Resources (FTEs)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
318 316 316


Planning Highlights

Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air QualityThe transition to a cleaner energy mix is a long-term challenge that requires awareness and understanding of how clean energy production options fit within the broader energy system. NRCan provides advice, information and analysis on climate change and clean energy issues and ensures that Canadians and federal government decision-makers have information to support decisions on clean energy, climate change and other environmental issues that related to energy and the economy.

Recognizing the key role clean energy can play now and in the future – providing economic and environmental benefits to Canadians – NRCan works to encourage energy efficiency, increase the availability of renewable energy and support the development and use of cleaner fossil fuels and alternative fuels. Programs and initiatives focus on reducing GHG emissions from the natural resources sectors, increasing the production of low-impact renewable energy and improving energy efficiency in every sector of the economy, including homes, commercial and institutional buildings, vehicles and industry. NRCan also works to advance the Government’s commitment to support major new clean energy projects of national or regional significance, with a view of developing Canada’s extraordinary resource wealth in a way that protects the environment.

Commitments 2012-13: Advance Canada’s clean energy and technology interests at environmental and climate change-related international fora (e.g. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Clean Energy Ministerial process).

Support major new clean energy projects of national or regional significance, such as the planned Lower Churchill hydroelectricity project in Atlantic Canada as a means to advance clean energy.

NRCan also works to encourage and enable energy consumers and producers to adopt cleaner and more efficient technologies and practices. The ecoENERGY Efficiency initiatives will maintain the momentum to improve energy efficiency at home, at work and on the road. New labelling, benchmarking, training and information sharing tools will help Canadians make wiser energy decisions and improve energy performance in all sectors of the economy.

Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air QualityThe ecoENERGY for Alternative Fuels program is expected to increase awareness and use of alternative fuels through outreach and education, as well as by supporting codes and standards committees related to alternative fuels. The ecoENERGY for Biofuels program supports the production of renewable alternatives to gasoline and diesel, and encourages the development of a competitive renewable fuels industry in Canada by directly providing incentives to new and existing producers.

The Marine Renewable Energy Enabling Measures program will examine policy options for administering marine renewable energy in the federal offshore. Finally, the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program diversifies Canada’s energy mix by providing production incentives to producers of renewable electricity. This program has been instrumental in increasing the supply of renewable electricity, such as wind, biomass, low-impact hydro, geothermal, solar, photovoltaic and ocean energy to the electrical grid. It is contributing about 14.0 terawatt-hours of electricity to Canada’s total annual generation through 4,458 MW of capacity.

Commitments 2012-13: Increase Canada’s domestic alternative fuel production capacity to 2 billion litres of renewable alternatives to gasoline and 500 million litres of renewable alternatives to diesel by December 2012.

Support two codes and standards committees actively working on developing and updating codes and standards related to alternative fuels and support the establishment of two natural gas local support networks.

Contribute to 11.30 – 13.21 petajoules of energy savings through the ecoENERGY Efficiency initiatives.

Support training sessions on energy efficiency products and practices for 170,200 individuals in the transportation sector, 400 in the buildings sector, 500 in the housing sector, and 750 (including conferences and webinars) in the industrial sector.

Manage 104 contribution agreements under the ecoENERGY for Renewable Power program.

Produce a report about regulatory approaches to marine renewable energy management in other countries.


Program Activity 2.2: Technology Innovation

Solutions to the environmental challenges faced by the natural resource sectors require sustained efforts in research, development and demonstration because the current level of science and technology is inadequate to address these concerns. However, the natural resource sectors neither have all the necessary knowledge nor make the necessary investments in innovation due to the potential poor return on investment. The objective of this program activity is to encourage academia, industry and the public sector to research, develop and demonstrate innovative solutions to environmental challenges encountered in the natural resource sectors. This objective is achieved through the generation and dissemination of scientific knowledge, and the development and demonstration of new technologies.

What we are trying to accomplish and how we measure success
Expected Result Performance Indicator Target How it works
Stakeholders invest in research, development and demonstration to address environmental challenges Amount of stakeholder investments in research, development and demonstration (RD&D) to address environmental challenges. Favourable 5-year trend (2006 baseline) ($1.15B) NRCan conducts and provides funding for clean energy RD&D. Activities are undertaken in partnership with industry, academia and other governments to allow for risk and cost sharing, and to ensure that the research is relevant to the needs of the industry. Measuring stakeholder investment will allow NRCan to assess the relevance of its research activities.


Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
430,843 343,217 140,315


Human Resources (FTEs)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
759 759 742


Planning Highlights

Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air QualityNRCan works to advance the sustainable and clean development of Canada’s natural resources by fostering technology innovation to create and advance new energy knowledge and technologies that will enhance energy efficiency, increase the availability of renewable energy and support the development and use of cleaner fossil fuels and alternative fuels. Activities in research, development and demonstration support policy development, regulatory initiatives and technological advancement which may lead to the commercialization and market uptake of new technologies. Through the Program for Energy and Research Development, Clean Energy Fund and the ecoENERGY Innovation Initiative announced in Budget 2011, NRCan supports the research, development and demonstration of next-generation clean energy technology and systems to increase clean energy supply and renewable energy, advance cleaner fossil fuels technologies – including Carbon Capture Storage (CCS) - and improve energy efficiency within industry and end users.  

Commitments 2012-13: Undertake research projects to develop countermeasures for offshore oil spills, which will lead, amongst other things, to the development of oil spill response strategies tailored for the Arctic environment

Complete 10 small scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects; sign additional contribution agreements for large-scale CCS projects, including the Shell Quest project and Enhance the Energy Alberta Carbon Trunk Line project. 

Implement 1 pilot-scale pressurized oxy-fuel and gasification energy conversion system intended to achieve near-zero emission power and electricity generation lower costs and improve efficiency of CCS technologies.

Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air QualityNRCan’s research, development and demonstration activities support the Canadian nuclear, automotive and oil and gas industries to increase energy efficiency and safety in these sectors. For example, research is undertaken to develop new high strength steels for the material used for the transportation of oil and gas, which will increase the integrity of pipelines. Working closely with Canada’s industry and academia to ensure alignment with industry needs, NRCan is developing lightweight materials for the automotive sector that will lead to vehicles that are stronger and lighter, therefore safer, more energy efficient and will enable the use of clean energy sources (such as vehicle electrification). NRCan is also working on developing a high-efficiency next-generation of nuclear reactors.

Commitments 2012-13: undertake research and development projects to develop lightweight and other advanced materials that enable energy efficient vehicles, and to extend the life and reliability of existing nuclear reactor components supplied by Canadian companies.

Propose two new materials technologies developed or validated by NRCan to be used in pipeline projects to transport fossil fuels.

Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air QualityNRCan’s research, development and demonstration activities are focused on improving the mining sector’s environmental performance and productivity, ultimately enhancing its competitiveness and reducing the environmental risks and impacts of its activities. Through its Green Mining Initiative, and in partnership with industry, provinces and territories, NRCan works to develop green mining technologies and processes focused on footprint reduction, mine waste management, mine closure and rehabilitation, and ecosystem risk management. For example, research on energy efficient equipment, processes and ventilation for underground mining, such as automated ventilation systems and hybrid mining vehicles, will lead to cleaner air for mine workers and an overall improved environmental impact footprint for the sector.

Commitments 2012-13: Start an NRCan-led Canada-wide research initiative targeting advancement in mining technology such as the Electric (Li-Ion Battery) Service Vehicle.

Establish two agreements related to the development of clean processing methods for rare earth elements and alternative energy underground mining vehicles (batteries, electric and others).


Program Activity 2.3: Responsible Natural Resource Management

Greater knowledge of risks and environmentally-responsible practices could help to prevent and reduce the environmental impacts of natural resource development. The objectives of the program activity are to enable government departments, regulatory bodies and industry to assess these impacts to the environment and develop, monitor and maintain resources or clean-up wastes responsibly. These objectives are achieved through the provision of assessments and knowledge rooted in sound science, and waste management efforts in collaboration with provinces, federal agencies and municipalities.

What we are trying to accomplish and how we measure success
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets How it works
Public and private sectors establish practices to mitigate the environmental impacts to natural resources Number of public and private sectors' new/updated policies, regulations or other decision-making tools complete annually 3 (annual) Through its programs and activities, NRCan provides information on environmentally responsible practices and risks to the environment. The uptake of this information by public and private stakeholders shows that its use for environmental decision making is based on science. 
Federal Government implements waste management practices that meet modern standards for safety and environmental protection Number of contaminated sites where the environmental impacts are reduced Environmental impacts reduced at Whiteshell and Chalk River Laboratories, Glace Bay, Port Granby and Welcome waste management facilities, Port Hope and Northern Transportation Route sites (annual) NRCan characterizes contaminated sites and develops clean-up strategies in cooperation with local stakeholders and implementing agencies. Clean-up approaches meet federal and provincial regulatory requirements including those of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.


Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
234,547 260,332 38,364


Human Resources (FTEs)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
336 336 336


Planning Highlights

Theme III - Protecting NatureTo prevent and reduce the environmental impacts of natural resource development, NRCan contributes its expertise and science and technology to environmental assessments for all federally triggered or regulated projects/reviews as required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and Northern Regime. The Department also provides guidance to other government departments and regulatory bodies and contributes to the provision of science, the development of guidelines and the identification of best practices to address the environmental impacts of oil, gas and mineral exploitation. Ongoing activities include the assessment of potential impacts of pipeline construction and permafrost stability in the Arctic. 

Commitments 2012-13:  Provide mining policy/regulatory advice to support efficient environmental assessment processes within the timeline specified by the project agreements. 

Provide scientific, technical information, and advice on projects that require environmental assessment under the federal Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and northern resource management legislation.

Develop remote sensing methodologies to improve the analysis of flooded vegetation and assessment of ground deformation in the oil sands and permafrost in the North.  

Theme II - Maintaining Water Quality and AvailabilityOn the radioactive waste management front, the Department is working to mitigate the risks to the environment and human health through Radioactive Waste Management programs. The Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program implements a long-term 70-year strategy to deal with legacy decommissioning and radioactive waste liabilities at AECL sites. The Historic Waste Program deals with radioactive waste arising across Canada for which the current owner cannot be held responsible, such as in the Port Hope area of Ontario.

Commitments 2012-13: Undertake the construction of enabling facilities in both Port Hope and Clarington, as part of Phase II of the Port Hope Area Initiative program.         

Approve a remediation option for the clean-up of the Gunnar uranium mine and mill sites in Saskatchewan.

Produce an Integrated Waste Plan for Chalk River laboratories through the Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program.

Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air Quality Theme III - Protecting NatureNRCan conducts research as well as national assessments and monitoring to develop, synthesize and integrate scientific knowledge of Canada’s forest ecosystems. This knowledge is used by governments, industry, and non-governmental organizations to develop forest management practices and policies, to meet international reporting obligations, to form Canada’s negotiating positions on international environmental issues related to forests and to promote a science-based understanding of Canada’s forest management practices and the changes and condition of Canada’s forests.

Commitments 2012-13: Generate new knowledge products to support forest management practices, to mitigate options for the effects of climate change, and to address forest ecosystems integrity.

Theme II - Maintaining Water Quality and AvailabilityFinally, NRCan works with provincial and territorial partners to develop common standards and approaches needed to support standardization of methodologies required to assess and map Canada’s key (underground water). This will ensure that the management of Canada’s groundwater is sustainable and based on science.

Commitments 2012-13:Collaborate with provinces and territories to complete standardized assessments and mapping for an additional 7 interprovincial Canadian aquifers by March 2014.


Strategic Outcome 3 - Canadians have Information to Manage their Lands and Natural Resources, and are Protected from Related Risks

Canadians have Information to Manage their Lands and Natural Resources, and are Protected from Related Risks

[text version]

By providing knowledge on Canada's lands and natural resources, NRCan enables informed decision making, facilitates the responsible development and management of our natural resources and land, and ensures the safety and security of Canadians and the management of risks associated with natural and man-made hazards. This is achieved by:

  • Enabling the government, communities and the private sector to reduce the risks from natural and man-made hazards by providing regulation and knowledge, fulfilling legislated responsibilities, and ensuring capacity and undertaking climate change impacts and adaptation research and analysis to develop a greater understanding of the issues.
  • Providing clearly-defined legal boundaries to support sovereignty, interprovincial-territorial lands administration and effective property rights system in Canada.
  • Providing authoritative geographic infrastructure and fundamental geospatial information on Canada’s landmass in order to support the Canadian public and stakeholders in location-based decision-making.

For more information on NRCan’s plans and performance please visit www.nrcan.gc.ca/plans-performance-reports/home


Program Activity 3.1: Protection for Canadians and Natural Resources

Natural resource development and military activities, and changes in the environment pose risks to human, natural resource and infrastructure health. Without the appropriate coordination for and knowledge on the management of these risks, the impacts would be severe. The objective of this program activity is to enable other government departments, communities and the private sector to manage these risks to human, natural resource and infrastructure. This objective is achieved by providing regulation and knowledge, fulfilling legislated and regulatory responsibilities, and ensuring capacity.

What we are trying to accomplish and how we measure success
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets How it works
Risks to natural resource sectors, infrastructure and human health are safely managed Number of climate change risk or related assessments completed on natural resources and infrastructure 4 (annual) Our programs provide information on climate change adaptation and natural hazards. The use of this information by stakeholders to complete natural resources and infrastructure assessments will allow the Department to assess the effectiveness of its programs. 
Number of active collaborations with the public and private sector that manage risks to human population, natural resources and infrastructure health 3 collaboration agreements (annual) Multi-jurisdictional discussions are required to manage risks to human health and infrastructure. By assessing the number of collaboration agreements, the Department will be able to measure the potential number of practical adaptation measures being implemented.


Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
56,020 56,723 56,740


Human Resources (FTEs)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
569 569 569


Planning Highlights

Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air QualityHow Canada responds to the changing climate and manages risks from natural and human-induced hazards has a significant impact on the safety and security of Canadians. By developing a greater understanding of hazards such as wild land fire, forest insects and disease pests, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, geomagnetic storms, tsunamis and nuclear & radioactive incidents, NRCan facilitates government response in times of crisis. This is done by providing quick and clear information to Canadians and stakeholders and informing the development of long-term mitigation, prevention and adaptation strategies. Working directly with provinces, territories, other government departments and industry, NRCan provides information, knowledge and tools required to analyze climate-related risks, vulnerabilities and opportunities. To this end, the development of the Adaptation platform will bring together governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to share information, experience and expertise to generate new information and insights to identify opportunities for adaptation, including infrastructure and development planning.

Commitments 2012-13: Enhance the framework for pest risk analyses by producing a peer-reviewed publication to outline optimal strategies and tactics for dealing with emerald ash borer infestations in urban areas that will assist provincial governments and regulatory agencies to mitigate the impacts of this invasive species, and by organizing workshops with entomologists of provinces affected by Mountain Pine Beetle to present final results of insect population modelling research that will help manage and minimize damage to forest resources in other communities in Canada.

Organize a National Wildland Fire Conference to exchange fire knowledge amongst forest sector stakeholders to inform policies to better manage wildland fire and reduce its impacts on Canadians.

Produce 4 new geohazard assessment and risk management guidelines.

Complete the implementation of a robust information system based on Canadian commercial “cloud” technology to ensure rapid delivery of earthquake information to Canadians.

Deliver a national adaptation platform that will provide a forum on which to build and exchange knowledge on the impacts of climate change in order to better equip natural resources sector decision makers to implement adaptation strategy.

Pursue climate change geoscience activities related to infrastructure design in the North.

NRCan also regulates, licenses and inspects the manufacture, storage, sale and possession of explosives and fireworks with a view of ensuring the safety and security of Canadians. NRCan also acts as the Certifying Agency for the Canadian Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Personnel Certification Program. The certification of individuals on NDT allows for the ongoing inspections and tests on new product quality, equipment condition and infrastructure reliability, which help prevent failures in nuclear power, aviation, transportation, oil and gas, petrochemical plants and anywhere else where public safety or the environment could be significantly impacted.

Commitments 2012-13: Issue 1700 explosives licences and certifications.

Complete 65% of planned inspections for licensed explosive factories and magazines.

Maintain a minimum of 4800 Canadians holding one or more valid non-destructive testing certifications issued by NRCan.


Program Activity 3.2: Landmass Information

NRCan provides clearly-defined legal boundaries, a robust property system framework, authoritative geographic infrastructure and fundamental geospatial information on Canada’s landmass. Without these frameworks, negative impact will result to the Canadian economy, environment and standard of living. This program activity delivers Canada's regulatory system for Canada Lands legal surveys, the fundamental geodetic reference system, earth observation and mapping information. Together, these support the Canadian public, other federal departments and levels of government, the private sector and academia to carry out a variety of decisions founded on location-based information, such as land transactions, commercial/industrial development, transportation and logistics. This information enables effective management of Canada’s natural resources and lands including opportunities for collaboration across jurisdictions (i.e. cross-border planning, regulatory efficiency), which advances the interests of Canada’s natural resources sectors, both domestically and at the international level.

What we are trying to accomplish and how we measure success
Expected Results Performance Indicators Targets How it works
Public, private sectors and academia use trusted, reliable, accurate, Government of Canada geo-information for decision-making and research Number of public, private sectors and academia using landmass information 6 large federal departments/ agencies (annual) Our programs provide information on Canada’s landmass - legal boundaries, property system framework, authoritative geographic infrastructure and fundamental geospatial information. By assessing the number of public, private sector and academic institutions using NRCan landmass information, we will be able to measure the relevance and accessibility of the information produced.
Client satisfaction or benchmarking results on Canada's legal boundary framework for effective governance, economic and social development Positive trend on bi-annual client satisfaction surveys (rotational amongst key client groups: Aboriginal, Other Government Departments, Industry) (Baseline years ending 2012-13) (annual) Our programs impact land use, elections planning, emergency preparedness and response, transportation and real estate. By surveying our client groups - Aboriginal groups, other Government departments and industry - we will be able to assess client satisfaction with NRCan’s data.


Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
48,117 45,270 43,611


Human Resources (FTEs)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
416 416 410


Planning Highlights

Theme I - Addressing Climate Change and Air QualityNRCan provides accurate, location-based data and information used to manage Canada’s natural resources and lands. The Department’s programs support open access of geomatics information such as maps, geodetic reference points and satellite imagery. NRCan is also conducting surveys to determine the limits of Canada’s continental shelf. This data will support Canada’s submission to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea by the 2013 deadline. This submission will define the extent of the continental shelf in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans where Canada may exercise its existing sovereign rights over the exploration of the natural resources of the seabed beyond the customary 200 nautical miles.

Theme III - Protecting NatureMany socio-economic and environmental decisions, such as land use planning and sustainable resource development would generate inconsistency, disputes or turmoil without authoritative geographic information. This fundamental information enables the effective management of Canada’s natural resources and lands. Moreover, opportunities for collaboration across jurisdictions can improve emergency preparedness and response (i.e. cross-border planning, regulatory efficiency) thereby advancing the interests of Canada’s natural resources sectors both domestically and internationally.

Commitments 2012-13: In partnership with Public Safety Canada and Defence Research and Development Canada provide geospatial data and expertise to deploy more widely the Multi-Agency Situational Awareness System.

Develop a Federal Geospatial Platform to provide accurate geospatial and geosciences information, in support of Canada’s land use management and emergency response capabilities.

Provide scientific data and analyses required to finalize Canada’s submission to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to extend our sovereign rights on the Atlantic and Arctic continental margins.

NRCan is fulfilling Canada’s obligations for demarcating the boundaries of land claim parcels. As uncertainties around Aboriginal treaties and rights can negatively affect the investment climate and competitiveness of natural resources sectors, NRCan’s location-based information facilitates land transactions and collaboration across jurisdiction. The Department conducts boundary surveys of Aboriginal settlement lands, in accordance with Canada’s obligations under the land claim legislation and treaties. The Department also maintains the Canada/US international boundary.

Commitments 2012-13: Complete 100% of annual land claim survey obligations as defined in the legislation and agreements for the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut, and for First Nations Land Management in southern Canada.

Finally, the Polar Continental Shelf Program delivers efficient and cost-effective logistical support to researchers in the Canadian Arctic, such as air and ground transportation, equipment, fuel and accommodations.

Commitments 2012-13: Collaborate with the Department of National Defence (DND) in the construction of additional accommodation and hangar space at the Polar Continental Shelf Program facility in Resolute to allow DND to base its Canadian Forces Arctic Training Centre.

Collaborate with Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development and other partners on the development of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station and the establishment of a centre of excellence for arctic science logistics in Resolute.


Program Activity 4.1: Internal Services

This program activity regroups three areas which assist NRCan in delivering on its mandate and priorities: governance and management support, resource management services, and asset management services. The key to the effectiveness and efficiency of this program activity is the ability of internal services to adjust and respond to evolving business priorities and requirements. This will allow the Department to better align its priorities to those of Canadians, its activities to its priorities, and its resources to its activities. It will also increase NRCan’s capacity to monitor the financial and non-financial performance of its activities and programs.

For 2012-13, NRCan continues the implementation of the previously-established four corporate directions: asserting our policy leadership, mobilizing our science, transforming our business and managing our human capital. These will ensure that the Department further develops its capacity, responsiveness and resilience to maximize its contribution to the Government of Canada and to Canadians.


Financial Resources ($ thousands)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
147,720 146,892 143,270


Human Resources (FTEs)
2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
1063 1063 1063