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Table 3: Details on Transfer Payments Programs (TPPs)

The following is a list by strategic outcome of Industry Canada’s transfer payment programs with transfers in excess of $5 million.

A Fair, Efficient and Competitive Marketplace

  • International Telecommunication Union, Switzerland

An Innovative Economy

  • Automotive Innovation Fund
  • Bombardier CSeries Program
  • Industrial Technologies Office — h2 Early Adopters Program
  • Industrial Technologies Office — Technology Partnerships Canada
  • Industrial Technologies Office — Program for Strategic Industrial Projects
  • Industrial Technologies Office — Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative

Competitive Industry and Sustainable Communities

  • Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program
  • Canadian Apparel and Textile Industries Program
  • Community Access Program
  • Computers for Schools
  • FedNor — Community Futures Program
  • FedNor — Eastern Ontario Development Program
  • FedNor — Northern Ontario Development Program
  • Grant to Brantford Brownfield
  • Ontario Potable Water Program
  • Structured Financing Facility

Details on Other Programs

  • Canada Small Business Financing Program

A Fair, Efficient and Competitive Marketplace


International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Switzerland
Start Date: 1932–1933 End Date: December 31, 2008
Description:
Canada is signatory to the ITU treaty agreement negotiated every 4 years at a plenipotentiary conference, in accordance with its treaty obligations of the ITU Constitution and Convention. Canada’s membership, contribution and standing in the ITU, and its involvement in related events, allow this country to achieve results internationally across a broad range of issues affecting radiocommunication, standardization and telecommunication development. Canada’s contribution to the ITU is commensurate with its international standing and commitment to the United Nations (UN) and UN specialized agencies.
Strategic Outcomes:
A fair, efficient and competitive marketplace
Program Activity: Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications (SITT) — Marketplace
Results Achieved:
Canada achieved results across a broad range of issues affecting the international management of radio frequency spectrum and satellite orbits, the efficient and timely production of international standards, and the facilitation of connectivity in developing countries to help bridge the digital divide to the benefit of Canadian users and producers of telecommunication services and equipment.
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Grants 6,099 5,929 6,808 6,808 5,762 1,046
Total Program Activity 6,099 5,929 6,808 6,808 5,762 1,046
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
The variance is due to the fluctuation in the exchange rate between Swiss francs and Canadian dollars.
Audits/evaluations completed or planned: An evaluation assessment of Industry Canada’s grant program and related activities for the ITU took place from December 2007 to March 2008. An evaluation by the Audit Evaluation Branch (AEB) was conducted between April and December 2008.

An Innovative Economy


Automotive Innovation Fund
Start Date: May 29, 2008 End Date: March 31, 2013
Description:
The Automotive Innovation Fund supports strategic, large-scale research and development projects in developing innovative, greener and more fuel-efficient vehicles.
Strategic Outcomes:
Science and technology, knowledge, and innovation are effective drivers of a strong Canadian economy
Program Activity: Industry Sector — S&T and Innovation
Results Achieved:
A Contribution Agreement has been entered into with 1 automotive company for up to $80 million to establish a leading edge, highly innovative flexible engine assembly plant and to create a North American Centre for Diesel and Advanced Powertrain Research and Innovation (the “Centre”) in Windsor, Ontario. The company’s total investment in the project is estimated to be up to $730 million by 2012 and is estimated to maintain up to 549 jobs in Windsor initially, with an opportunity to grow to 787 jobs if favourable market conditions exist.
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions - - - 9,000 9,000 (9,000)
Total Program Activity - - - 9,000 9,000 (9,000)
Comment(s) on Variance(s): Not applicable
Audits/evaluations completed or planned: A combined Results-Based Management and Accountability Framework (RMAF) and Risk-Based Audit Framework (RBAF) for the Automotive Innovation Fund was completed in 2008–09. A summative evaluation, managed by the Audit and Evaluation Branch of Industry Canada, is planned for completion in 2012–13.

 


Bombardier CSeries Program
Start Date: September 2008 End Date: October 2015
Description:
In July 2008, the Government announced its intention to make a repayable investment of up to $350 million to Bombardier Aerospace for the research and development of new aircraft technologies related to the CSeries, a new 110–130-seat family of commercial aircraft. The research and development projects will support the Canadian aerospace industry’s goal of developing new technologies for the next generation of more fuel-efficient and safer commercial aircraft. The contribution is being provided by Industry Canada and is conditionally repayable.
Strategic Outcomes:
Science and technology, knowledge, and innovation are effective drivers of a strong Canadian economy
Program Activity: Industry Sector — S&T and Innovation
Results Achieved: The Contribution Agreements for the CSeries and Strategic Technologies projects were signed in March 2009. Bombardier is continuing to conduct R&D under these two projects. Funding was provided from FY 2008–09 funds.
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions - - - 46,174 39,661 (39,661)
Total Program
Activity
- - - 46,174 39,661 (39,661)
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
Bombardier’s research and development project is large and complex. Delays have occurred in ramping up R&D capacity due primarily to human resource issues.
Audits/evaluations completed or planned: A combined Results-Based Management and Accountability Framework (RMAF) and Risk-Based Audit Framework (RBAF) for the Bombardier CSeries Program was completed in 2008–09. A summative evaluation, managed by the Audit and Evaluation Branch of Industry Canada, is planned for completion in 2015–16.

 


Industrial Technologies Office — h2 Early Adopters Program (h2EA)
Start Date: October 9, 2003 End Date: March 31, 2008
Description:
This program provides funding support for new hydrogen technology demonstration projects. In doing so, it fosters the development and early adoption of hydrogen and hydrogen-compatible technologies into the marketplace.

The terms and conditions for this program expired on March 31, 2008.

Strategic Outcomes:
An innovative economy
Program Activity: Industrial Technologies Office
Results Achieved:
No results were achieved, as the program expired on March 31, 2008.
($000) Actual Spending
2006–07
Actual Spending
2007–08
Planned
Spending
2008–09
Total Authorities
2008–09
Actual Spending
2008–09
Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions 5,539 2,006 - - - -
Total Program
Activity
5,539 2,006 - - - -
Comment(s) on Variance(s): Not applicable
Audits/evaluations completed or planned: An evaluation of the h2 Early Adopters Program was completed by the Audit and Evaluation Branch in 2008–09.

 


Industrial Technologies Office —  Technology Partnerships Canada
Start Date: March 11, 1996 End Date: December 31, 2006
Description:
This program’s objective is to provide funding support for strategic research and development that will produce economic, social and environmental benefits to Canadians. Although Technology Partnerships Canada’s terms and conditions expired on December 31, 2006, and no further projects were contracted, there remain contribution agreements with companies that must be managed according to their specific terms and conditions.
Strategic Outcomes:
An innovative economy
Program Activity: Industrial Technologies Office
Results Achieved:
Investment in research and development activities in the aerospace, defence, environmental and enabling technology industries.
($000) Actual Spending
2006–07
Actual Spending
2007–08
Planned Spending
2008–09
Total Authorities
2008–09
Actual Spending
2008–09
Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions 295,251 256,553 195,250 213,379 198,813 (3,563)
Total Program
Activity
295,251 256,553 195,250 213,379 198,813 (3,563)
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
The difference between the Planned Spending and the Actual Spending corresponds to increased program spending authorized following Treasury Board approval of additional funding for this program. At the time of preparation of the 2008–09 Report on Plans and Priorities, Treasury Board approval had not yet been received and, as such, the Planned Spending did not reflect this funding.
Audits/evaluations completed or planned:
Summative Evaluation — by December 2011

 


Industrial Technologies Office —  Program for Strategic Industrial Projects
Start Date: October 3, 2005 End Date: March 31, 2011
Description:
The Program for Strategic Industrial Projects (PSIP) provides a framework within which a variety of larger strategic investments are administered in the Canadian automotive sector to broaden economic benefits, environmental improvements and sustainable industrial development.
Strategic Outcomes:
An innovative economy
Program Activity: Industrial Technologies Office
Results Achieved:
No new projects were contracted during 2008–09; however, company claim disbursements continued in technology adaptation and adoption activities in the automotive industry.
($000) Actual Spending
2006–07
Actual Spending
2007–08
Planned Spending
2008–09
Total Authorities
2008–09
Actual Spending
2008–09
Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions 41,444 99,006 87,510 39,913 39,913 47,597
Total Program
Activity
41,444 99,006 87,510 39,913 39,913 47,597
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
The variance between Planned Spending and Actual Spending is a result of amounts claimed by companies being lower than anticipated. The automotive industry is experiencing tough economic times during the present global recession.
Audits/evaluations completed or planned: An evaluation of the PSIP was initiated by the Audit and Evaluation Branch in 2008–09 and will be completed in 2009–10.

 


Industrial Technologies Office — Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative
Start Date: April 2, 2007 End Date: March 31, 2012
Description:
The Strategic Aerospace and Defence Initiative (SADI) provides contributions to industrial research and pre-competitive development in the aerospace and defence sectors. Key objectives include encouraging research and development that will result in innovation and excellence in new products and services; enhancing the competitiveness of Canadian aerospace and defence companies; and fostering collaboration among research institutes, universities and colleges, and the private sector.
Strategic Outcomes:
An innovative economy
Program Activity: Industrial Technologies Office
Results Achieved:
Approved 9 new SADI projects valued at $395.4 million for innovative research and development investment activities, thereby enhancing competitiveness in the aerospace and defence industry. Developed collaborative partnerships with universities, institutes, and the aerospace and defence industry.
($000) Actual Spending
2006–07
Actual Spending
2007–08
Planned Spending
2008–09
Total Authorities
2008–09
Actual Spending
2008–09
Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions - 10,500 11,800 60,000 35,783 (23,983)
Total Program
Activity
- 10,500 11,800 60,000 35,783 (23,983)
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
The difference between the Planned Spending and the Actual Spending corresponds to increased program spending authorized following Treasury Board approval of additional funding for this program. At the time of preparation of the 2008–09 Report on Plans and Priorities, Treasury Board approval had not yet been received and, as such, the Planned Spending did not reflect this funding.

As for the variance between the Total Authorities and the Actual Spending, this is attributable to the program approving fewer projects than originally anticipated in its first year of operations in 2007–08, resulting in a lesser amount being disbursed.

Audits/evaluations completed or planned:
Internal Assessment 2009–10
SADI Management Assessment 2009–10
Implementation Review (end of 2009–10)
An audit will be undertaken by the Audit and Evaluation Branch in 2009–10.
Summative Evaluation — End of term (December 31, 2011)

Competitive Industry and Sustainable Communities


Canada–Ontario Infrastructure Program
Start Date: October 25, 2000 End Date: March 31, 2011
Description:

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

Strategic Outcomes:
Competitive industry and sustainable communities
Program Activity: Small Business and Marketplace Services and Regional Operations Sector — Economic Development
Results Achieved:
Set to end on March 31, 2009, the Canada–Ontario Infrastructure Program (COIP) has been extended until March 31, 2011, to facilitate the specific needs of projects that are yet to submit final claims as well as to ensure that projects that are not materially complete can reach completion.

The program has enabled Ontario communities to construct, renew and expand infrastructure, thereby building a foundation for sustainable communities and economic growth.

498 projects are funded under COIP with approximately 3.5% of projects still to be completed.
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities
2008–09
Actual Spending
2008–09
Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions 94,250 33,004 - 23,534 11,825 (11,825)
Total Program
Activity
94,250 33,004 - 23,534 11,825 (11,825)
Comment(s) on Variance(s): The variance is due to the fact that the program was scheduled to end March 31, 2009; however, the COIP agreement was extended to March 31, 2011.
Audits/evaluations completed or planned: Not applicable

 


Canadian Apparel and Textile Industries Program
Start Date: January 1, 2003 End Date: March 31, 2010
Description:
The objective of the Canadian Apparel and Textile Industries Program (CATIP) is to assist the Canadian apparel and textile firms with initiatives that will help to maximize productivity, identify high-value niche markets, improve e-commerce initiatives, enhance global marketing and branding strategies, and facilitate access to capital. The program has a firm component (private sector applicants) and a national initiatives component (not-for-profit industry associations that represent either the apparel or textile sectors on a national scale). The CATIP firm component was closed in 2005. Since 2004, the program has also had a production efficiency component (CANtex) targeted towards textile producers and, in 2005, introduced a transformative component for textile companies wanting to reorient at least a portion of their current textile production from lesser value-added products to higher value-added textile products targeted at growth niche markets.
Strategic Outcomes:
Competitive industry and sustainable communities
Program Activity: Industry Sector — Economic Development
Results Achieved:
The Textile Production Efficiency Component (knows as CANtex) has, since its inception, resulted in the approval of 390 projects representing $96.2 million of total project costs; 148 projects were approved by Canadian Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Industry Canada’s delivery partner for the Province of Quebec.

The National Initiatives Component (NI) has continued to assist apparel and textile associations with projects designed to introduce best practices in manufacturing and value chain development, exploit leading-edge technologies, and develop and implement global marketing strategies. Since the program’s inception, NI has supported close to 222 projects.

Overall, CATIP has funded 930 projects throughout the apparel and textile industries since its inception in 2003.

($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions 6,469 5,729 2,212 2,212 1,969 243
Total Program
Activity
6,469 5,729 2,212 2,212 1,969 243
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
The variance between planned and actual spending was primarily due to poor conditions within the economy, compounded by reduction of demand for export products, especially in the U.S. market, causing potential new applicants and recipients to experience financial difficulties. This in turn directly impacted on program demand and cancellation of a number of projects. Adjustments were made by signing additional projects.
Audits/evaluations completed or planned:
The Audit and Evaluation Branch completed an audit of CATIP in 2008. A final evaluation is planned for 2009–10.

 


Community Access Program
Start Date: October 1994 End Date: March 31, 2008
Description:
Community Access Program (CAP) was established under the government’s Connecting Canadians initiative to provide affordable access to the Internet and the services and tools it provides. The program’s goal was to have all Canadians and communities participate fully in the knowledge-based economy. CAP sites are located in schools, libraries, community centres and friendship centres, and they operate through partnerships with provincial/territorial governments and non-profit organizations. CAP also has a complementary youth component, the CAP Youth Initiative, which is funded through Human Resources and Social Development Canada's (HRSDC’s) Youth Employment Strategy (YES). For more information regarding YES, please see the Horizontal Initiatives table in HRSDC’s 2008–2009 Report on Plans and Priorities.
Strategic Outcomes:
Competitive industry and sustainable communities
Program Activity: Spectrum, Information and Telecommunications Sector — Economic Development
Results Achieved:
Industry Canada secured funding to deliver the Community Access Program (CAP) in 2008–09 and 2009–10. In 2008–09, 3,760 CAP sites were supported.
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions 25,534 23,622 12,763 23,375 23,375 (10,612)
Total Program
Activity
25,534 23,622 12,763 23,375 23,375 (10,612)
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
The variance is due to the fact that the planned spending only represents CAP, whereas the total authorities represent CAP as well as CAP Youth.
Audits/evaluations completed or planned:  An evaluation of CAP will be conducted by the Audit and Evaluation Branch in 2009–10.

 


Computers for Schools
Start Date: 1993 End Date: March 31, 2008
Description:
Starting in the 1993–94 fiscal year, Computers for Schools (CFS) was established to support the refurbishing of computers and related equipment donated by governments and businesses and distributing them across Canada to schools, libraries and registered not-for-profit learning organizations. CFS also delivers a complementary youth component, the CFS Youth Initiative, which is funded through Human Resources and Social Development Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES). This initiative assists youth between the ages of 15 and 30 years in obtaining information and communications technology (ICT) skills to better prepare them in seeking employment in the knowledge economy through internships in computer refurbishing centres across Canada providing support in activities such as computer repair, technical support and website design.
Strategic Outcomes:
Competitive industry and sustainable communities
Program Activity: Small Business and Marketplace Services and Regional Operations Sector — Economic Development
Results Achieved:
Industry Canada secured funding to deliver Computers for Schools (CFS) from 2008–13. In 2008–09, 65,766 computers were refurbished and delivered to schools and not-for-profit learning organizations.
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions 12,173 7,418 3,400 7,339 7,339 (3,939)
Total Program
Activity
12,173 7,418 3,400 7,339 7,339 (3,939)
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
The variance is due to the fact that the planned spending only represents CFS, whereas the total authorities represent CFS as well as CFS Youth.
Audits/evaluations completed or planned:  A review of the implementation of the program’s results-based management and accountability framework is planned for 2009–10.

 


FedNor — Community Futures (CF) Program
Start Date: 1986 End Date: October 2, 2010
Description:
The Community Futures (CF) Program supports community economic development and builds the capacity of non-metropolitan communities to realize their full sustainable potential. Funding is made available through transfer payments that provide contributions to designated Community Futures organizations in support of repayable business financing through local investment funds, strategic community planning and socio-economic development, business services, and community-based projects and special initiatives.
Strategic Outcomes:
Competitive industry and sustainable communities
Program Activity: Small Business and Marketplace Services and Regional Operations Sector — Economic Development
Results Achieved:
There were 1.98 dollars leveraged from other sources for every CF dollar invested. In addition, 3,195 businesses were created, expanded, maintained and strengthened in rural Ontario by Community Futures Development Corporations.
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions 20,261 20,816 21,360 21,452 21,452 (92)
Total Program
Activity
20,261 20,816 21,360 21,452 21,452 (92)
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
Not applicable
Audits/evaluations completed or planned:
An evaluation of the CF Program was completed in 2008–09. The Audit and Evaluation Branch will undertake an audit of the CF Program in 2009–10.

 


FedNor — Eastern Ontario Development Program
Start Date: October 12, 2004 End Date: March 31, 2009
Description:
The Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) promotes socio-economic development in Eastern Ontario that leads to business and job opportunities, sustainable self-reliant communities, and a competitive and diversified regional economy. Delivered through Community Futures Development Corporations in Eastern Ontario, the program makes funding available through transfer payments to provide contributions in 5 areas: business and community development, access to capital, skills development, retention and attraction of youth, and technological enhancement.
Strategic Outcomes:
Competitive industry and sustainable communities
Program Activity: Small Business and Marketplace Services and Regional Operations Sector — Economic Development
Results Achieved:
There were 2.90 dollars leveraged from other sources for every EODP dollar invested. In addition, 615 rural Eastern Ontario businesses and organizations were created, expanded, maintained or strengthened within the last year.
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions 9,600 9,400 9,600 9,600 9,600 -
Total Program
Activity
9,600 9,400 9,600 9,600 9,600 -
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
Not applicable
Audits/evaluations completed or planned: Not applicable.

 


FedNor — Northern Ontario Development Program
Start Date: April 1, 1996 End Date: June 30, 2011
Description:
The Northern Ontario Development Program promotes economic development and diversification in Northern Ontario. It builds upon the assets and strengths of communities to maximize the sustainable potential of Northern Ontario to succeed in the knowledge-based economy. Funding through transfer payments provides contributions to not-for-profit organizations, and small and medium-sized enterprises in 6 areas: information and communications technology, innovation, community economic development, business financing support, trade, and tourism and human capital.
Strategic Outcomes:
Competitive industry and sustainable communities
Program Activity: Small Business and Marketplace Services and Regional Operations Sector — Economic Development
Results Achieved:
There were 2.79 dollars leveraged from other sources for every NODP dollar invested. In addition, 3,376 Northern Ontario businesses and organizations were created, expanded, maintained or strengthened.
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions 36,859 37,184 40,800 40,800 40,800 -
Total Program
Activity
36,859 37,184 40,800 40,800 40,800 -
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
Not applicable
Audits/evaluations completed or planned: Not applicable.

 


Grant to Brantford Brownfield
Start Date: May 8, 2008 End Date: March 31, 2013
Description:
A one-time grant of $12 million to the Corporation of the City of Brantford to be used for the planned remediation of the Mohawk–Greenwich brownfield site. Brownfields are abandoned or underused land, often in urban areas, that formerly housed industrial or commercial facilities. Redevelopment of brownfield land is generally complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination, and by liability or financing issues related to the toxic contamination. There has been significant private sector interest in the Mohawk–Greenwich brownfield site from both developers and the environmental remediation industry; however, the project is not financially viable for the private sector without financial assistance from government.
Strategic Outcomes:
Competitive industry and sustainable communities
Program Activity: Industry Sector — Economic Development
Results Achieved:
Results achieved to date include:
  • Removal of underground storage tanks and remnant product
  • Removal of debris and hazardous materials
  • Removal of designated substances and de-designation of PCB site
  • Removal of on-site tenants
  • Management of on-site tenants (military museum)
  • Structural analysis of identified buildings
  • Review of all previous environmental site assessments (ESA) including rail line
  • Development of comprehensive remediation plan
  • Preparation of final development plan
  • Development and completion of a proposal call process to obtain a proponent to remediate and develop the site, together with the execution of all necessary agreements, which may include an agreement of purchase and sale under which the successful proponent would obtain title to the lands following their remediation
  • Demolition of remaining buildings after structural analysis
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Grants 12,000 9,085 404 11,596
Total Program
Activity
12,000 9,085 404 11,596
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
The variance is due to the reprofiling of funds at year end, which has been spread over a 3-year period.
Audits/evaluations completed or planned: Not applicable.

 


Ontario Potable Water Program
Start Date: December 13, 2007 End Date: March 31, 2011
Description:
The Ontario Potable Water Program (OPWP) provides financial assistance in the form of grants to specific small and rural Ontario municipalities that incurred increased costs in the development of their Canada-Ontario Infrastructure Program drinking water projects.
Strategic Outcomes:
Competitive industry and sustainable communities
Program Activity: Small Business and Marketplace Services and Regional Operations Sector — Economic Development
Results Achieved:
To date, the OPWP is assisting 73 Ontario municipalities (36 in 2008–09) that incurred costs in the development of their Canada–Ontario Infrastructure Program drinking water projects. Projects were undertaken to stimulate economic activities that were delayed as a result of the municipality’s need to redirect funds to their Canada–Ontario Infrastructure Program project.
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Grants 2,159 29,100 29,100 10,371 18,729
Total Program
Activity
2,159 29,100 29,100 10,371 18,729
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
The variance is due to the reprofiling of funds at year end as a result of a change in cash flow projection.
Audits/evaluations completed or planned: Not applicable.

 


Structured Financing Facility
Start Date: September 31, 2001 End Date: March 31, 2011
Description:
This program provides financing support to qualifying domestic and foreign shipowners to build or refit vessels in Canada in order to stimulate economic activities in the Canadian shipbuilding and industrial marine industry and to help position the industry to meet government procurement requirements.
Strategic Outcomes:
Competitive industry and sustainable communities
Program Activity: Industry Sector — Economic Development
Results Achieved:
Investment in support of the Canadian shipbuilding industry to help develop necessary critical infrastructure to position the industry for future federal procurement efforts.
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Contributions 9,854 4,967 15,507 18,297 15,149 358
Total Program
Activity
9,854 4,967 15,507 18,297 15,149 358
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
The variance was a result of expected potential projects not materializing.
Audits/evaluations completed or planned: An audit of the Structured Financing Facility (SFF) was completed in 2008 by the Audit and Evaluation Branch (AEB). The SFF program is currently undergoing an implementation review by the AEB.

Details on Other Programs


Canada Small Business Financing Program1
Start Date: 1961 End Date: Ongoing
Description:
The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBF) is a key federal financing program for small business. It helps small and medium-sized business get access to adequate financing. It also helps fill a gap in the range of financing instruments available to these small businesses, which otherwise have difficulty qualifying for financing that meets their needs.
Strategic Outcomes:
Competitive industry and sustainable communities
Program Activity: Small Business and Marketplace Services and Regional Operations Sector — Economic Development
Results Achieved:
Loans made:
  • A total of 7,846 loans, representing $916.4 million, were made to small and medium-sized enterprises under the CSBF Program in 2008–09.

Claims paid:

  • In 2008–09, 1,979 CSBF claims totalling $106.4 million, 23 SBLA claims totalling $0.6 million and 105 Capital Leasing Pilot Project claims totalling $3.9 million were paid.
($000) Actual Spending 2006–07 Actual Spending 2007–08 Planned Spending 2008–09 Total Authorities 2008–09 Actual Spending 2008–09 Variances Between Planned Spending and Actual Spending
Total Other Types
of Transfer
Payments
81,283 100,259 81,715 110,339 110,339 (28,624)
Total Program
Activity
81,283 100,259 81,715 110,339 110,339 (28,624)
Comment(s) on Variance(s):
The 2 major factors contributing to the adjustment were:
  • The planned spending forecasts did not predict changes in the lending practices of financial institutions. The March 31, 2008, update to the expense forecasting model revealed changes in some lending practices, which resulted in higher-than-expected claims.
  • The model also did not factor in unforeseen economic shocks and circumstances, such as the economic slowdown in Canada and around the globe.

Significant Evaluation Findings and URL(s) to Last Evaluation(s):
In 2004–05, the CSBF program underwent an evaluation led by the Audit and Evaluation Branch covering the 5-year period from April 1, 1999, to March 31, 2004. The evaluation concluded that the program was still relevant to the needs of small business, there are no viable alternatives to it, and there is minimal overlap between this program (CSBF) and other federal initiatives to support access to financing by small businesses.

Independent research and an outside evaluation of the CSBF program under the direction of a public–private sector committee, based on a results-based management and accountability framework, was completed to support this review.

The next review of the CSBF Program, covering the 5-year period from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2009, is currently underway and must be tabled in Parliament by March 31, 2010.


1 Industry Canada is responsible for the Canada Small Business Financing (CSBF) Program. This program does not provide grants and contributions, so it is not reported in the table Details on Transfer Payments Programs.