ARCHIVED - Industry Canada - Supplementary Tables

Name of Recipient: Brain Research Centre 

Start Date: February 28, 2008

End Date: March 31, 2012

Total Funding ($ millions): 15.0

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

BRC’s main research goals are to:

• obtain new knowledge about the functioning of the human brain in both health and disease, use this knowledge to promote new treatments and diagnostics for brain diseases, improve the learning capacity of the human brain, and prevent the declines that impede graceful aging;
• provide an environment in which students can obtain top-quality education and training; and
• develop industrial partnerships and new company spinoffs that can generate employment and wealth in the Canadian economy.

Program Activity: Government Science and Technology Policy Agenda in Partnership with Key Stakeholders

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient:

In 2009–10, BRC:

• completed the schematic design phase of the translational research facility, and

• continued construction of the new facility.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient: The compliance audit to be completed in 2010–11 will provide the project review.

Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient: A compliance audit of the Brain Research Centre is scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2010.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.brain.ubc.ca/

Name of Recipient: Canada School for Energy and the Environment (formerly known as The Canada School of Sustainable Energy)

Start Date: March 7, 2008

End Date: March 31, 2014

Total Funding ($ millions): 15.0

Description: Canada School of Energy and Environment (CSEE) is a unique virtual institute, building on capacity within the University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, and the University of Lethbridge, and located in the heart of Canada’s energy sector. CSEE’s goal is to address the challenge of resource sustainability, while protecting environmental quality and addressing climate change, and to consolidate the best researchers, academics and technologists into a single coordinated centre to become the global leader in integrated research, policy and technology for the natural resources and energy sectors. It brings together the best thinking in academia, industry, and government for the economic, social, and environmental benefit of all Canadians. By doing so, it offers global solutions to common challenges.

Program Activity: Government Science and Technology Policy Agenda in Partnership with Key Stakeholders

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: In 2009–10, the CSEE launched the first two rounds of its proof-of-principle competitions, with 7 and 9 projects selected respectively. Results of the third round are expected in 2010.

CSEE also hosted its inaugural conference, The Search for a Canada–U.S. Climate Accord: The Road to Copenhagen, which was attended by policy-makers, industry leaders and government officials. The conference was designed to produce concrete ideas and solutions to guide domestic and international development on climate change and to deal with the scientific issues related to climate change.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient: A compliance audit to be completed in 2013–14 will provide the project review.

Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient: A compliance audit of the Canada School of Energy and Environment is scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2013.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.canadaschoolofenergy.com/

Name of Recipient: Council of Canadian Academies

Start Date: July 2005

End Date: 2015

Total Funding ($ millions): 30.0

Description: The Council of Canadian Academies (CCA) is an arm’s-length, not-for-profit organization that was established to assess the state of scientific knowledge underpinning key public policy issues. Its founding members are the Royal Society of Canada, the Canadian Academy of Engineering and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.

The Government of Canada provided a $30-million, one-time conditional grant in July 2005 from Budget 2005, which entitles the government to up to 5 assessments per year. All CCA assessments are undertaken by independent panels of qualified experts from Canada and abroad. Each assessment takes 12 months to 2 years to complete. 

Program Activity: Government Science and Technology Policy Agenda in Partnership with Key Stakeholders

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: The CCA published 3 assessments in 2009–10. In April 2009, it completed Innovation and Business Strategy: Why Canada Falls Short, sponsored by Industry Canada. In May 2009, it completed The Sustainable Management of Groundwater in Canada, sponsored by Natural Resources Canada, and Better Business for Better Research, sponsored by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. Each of the assessments has been used by its sponsor to inform policy development. 

• Innovation and Business Strategy: Why Canada Falls Short is contributing to ongoing policy development in the area of business innovation within Industry Canada, and will inform the review of federal research and development support announced in Budget 2010. 

• The Sustainable Management of Groundwater in Canada report has helped reposition NRCan’s Groundwater Geoscience Program and has improved communication and dialogue across jurisdictions responsible for water-resource management in Canada. 

• The Better Business for Better Research report has provided valuable input to discussions with stakeholders in management, business and finance research. 

• Four additional assessments are in progress: The State and Trends of Biodiversity in Canada, Research Integrity in the Canadian Context, Integrated Testing of Pesticides and Approaches to Animal Health Risk Assessment.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient: As per its funding agreement commitments, a 5-year external evaluation was performed by an independent expert panel and published by the CCA. It provided long-term, strategic recommendations for the organization. The External Evaluation Panel's review found that the CCA is delivering on the objectives set out in its founding documents and incorporated into the funding agreement and has added value in informing public debate and decision making.

Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient: A compliance audit conducted as of March 31, 2007, identified areas where amendments to the funding agreement were recommended to better reflect the original intent. The funding agreement was subsequently amended to clarify spending limits, ensure that limits on investment holdings reflected current Department of Finance Canada guidelines, and to ensure that the process for establishing assessment panels and associated budgets and timelines spelled out in the agreement better reflected actual requirements and practices.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.scienceadvice.ca

Name of Recipient: Heart and Stroke Foundation Centre for Stroke Recovery

Start Date: March 7, 2008

End Date: March 31, 2012

Total Funding ($ millions): 15.0

Description: The Heart and Stroke Foundation Centre for Stroke Recovery (HSFCSR), affiliated with the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa, is developing a program of integrated, translational research that includes molecular biology, laboratory models and clinical studies that help pave the way for designing and testing post-stroke interventions and therapies more quickly.

The Centre’s primary research objective is to establish a program of excellence in brain recovery research that will be globally competitive and will have a realistic likelihood of leading to effective functional improvements after a stroke.

Program Activity: Government Science and Technology Policy Agenda in Partnership with Key Stakeholders

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: In 2009–10, the HSFCSR achieved the following:

• It recruited 11 new members to its research program.

• It funded 38 individual projects related to stroke and stroke recovery, grouped into 3 research areas (Physical Rehabilitation, Cognitive Rehabilitation, and Cellular and Molecular Therapy).
• The Rehabilitation Affiliates Program is now fully in place, including the establishment of 4 affiliate sites with an enrolment of 157 patients, which carried out 50 follow-up visits from patients, and provides ongoing support to HSFCSR-related research studies in stroke recovery and rehabilitation.
• A preliminary plan was completed for the Stroke Patient Recovery Research and its implementation is ongoing. The database will be a comprehensive repository of information relevant to most HSFCSR projects, enabling its researchers to address many questions related to stroke recovery.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient: The compliance audit to be completed in 2010–11 will provide the project review.

Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient: A compliance audit of the HSFCSR is scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2010.

URL to Recipient's Site: heartandstroke-centrestrokerecovery.ca/ 

Name of Recipient: Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute (St. Michael’s Hospital)

Start Date: March 13, 2008

End Date: March 31, 2011

Total Funding ($ millions): 15.0

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

The Institute’s main objectives are to generate knowledge about the:

• biological mechanisms underlying health and disease;
• application of fundamental research to improve the understanding and treatment of human disease;
• best methods of preventing disease and providing health care;
• social, economic and policy determinants of health;
• best methods of partnering with the wider community to generate policy-relevant research and ensuring greater health equity; and
• best methods of educating fundamental researchers, health professionals and managers.

Program Activity: Government Science and Technology Policy Agenda in Partnership with Key Stakeholders

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: In 2009–10:

• the LKSKI completed structural work for the entire building in August 2009; mechanical and electrical work in the facility is ongoing;
• St. Michael's Hospital completed its LKSKI fundraising campaign in November 2009, reaching 100% of its target.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient: The compliance audit to be completed in 2010–11 will provide the project review.

Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient: A compliance audit of the LKSKI is scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2010.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.stmichaelshospital.com/knowledgeinstitute/ 

Name of Recipient: Life Sciences Research Institute (Dalhousie University)

Start Date: February 19, 2008

End Date: March 31, 2011

Total Funding ($ millions): 15.0

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

The Institute’s objectives are to:

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

Program Activity: Government Science and Technology Policy Agenda in Partnership with Key Stakeholders

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: In 2009–10, the LSRI achieved the following:

• Construction of the 2 building towers that make up the new state-of-the-art facility, targeted to be completed by March 2011, is ongoing and on schedule.
• Structural work related to the facility was completed.
• InnovaCorp has signed a 20-year lease agreement with Dalhousie University and will occupy 1 of the 2 towers and provide incubation space for the life sciences and biotechnology sectors.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient: A compliance audit to be completed in 2010–11 will provide the project review.

Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient: A compliance audit of the LSRI is scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2010.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.lsri.ca/ 

Name of Recipient: Montreal Neurological Institute

Start Date: March 3, 2008

End Date: March 31, 2010

Total Funding ($ millions): 15.0

Description: The Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) is a teaching and research institute of McGill University in which multidisciplinary teams of researchers work to generate fundamental information about the nervous system and apply that knowledge to understanding and treating patients with neurological diseases. Over 80 faculty members contribute their world-class research and clinical strengths in multidisciplinary teams of investigators, trained in fields such as neurology, neurosurgery, cellular and molecular biochemistry, engineering and psychology.

Program Activity: Government Science and Technology Policy Agenda in Partnership with Key Stakeholders

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: In 2009–10, MNI:

• continued to support ongoing research programs likely to have a significant translational or commercial impact by expanding its core facilities in translational health research;
• developed strategies to enhance nerve regeneration after injury and reduce chronic pain, programs characterizing cell biological dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease and abnormal brain growth in autism;
• continued programs that aim to accelerate innovation in brain imaging and disease diagnosis;
• carried out public and media events to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Neuro, which is a joint collaboration of the MNI and the Montreal Neurological Hospital that supports research in neuroscience and provides state-of-the-art treatment to patients with neurological conditions.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient: The compliance audit completed in 2009–10 provided the project review.

Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient: A compliance audit was conducted on the Institute in 2009–10, which found that the MNI was in compliance with the requirements of its funding agreement with Industry Canada. It included recommendations to provide greater clarity and more information in its annual reports.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.mni.mcgill.ca/ 

Name of Recipient: Precarn Incorporated

Start Date: April 1, 2005

End Date: March 31, 2010

Total Funding ($ millions): 20.0

Description: Precarn is Canada’s national organization for the development and commercialization of intelligent systems and robotics. In the Precarn model for commercializing research and development, a private sector technology developer enters into a formal collaborative agreement with Precarn. This agreement incorporates a commercialization plan and a marketing strategy for the technology under development.

Program Activity: Government Science and Technology Policy Agenda in Partnership with Key Stakeholders

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient:

• Over the 5-year funding period ending March 2010, Precarn contributed to 4 new start-ups, funded 57 projects, and expanded its network of contacts to over 4,000 researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders. 
• With its federal contribution of $15 million for project funding to the program, Precarn leveraged an additional $39.7 million from private sector partners for total expenditures of $54.7 million during this period.
• Precarn was provided with a lump-sum conditional grant of $20 million in Budget 2005 in the first year of the period 2005–10. No target for annual program spending or authority was stipulated with the grant. Program funding for each year is contracted with companies on a case-by-case basis following a peer-reviewed request-for-proposals process to select the projects with the greatest potential benefit for Canada. As a result of this competitive process, Precarn’s annual program spending is not determined in advance but by the number and size of successful projects approved each year.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient: A summative evaluation for the 5-year funding period was completed March 31, 2010. Most of the 7 program objectives were met, including those related to commercialization, technology adoption, and highly qualified persons. Exceptions were the objectives of maintaining national communities of interest and increased understanding of trends. These objectives were considered less successful by participants, largely owing to resource constraints on Precarn. 

In a recent evaluation, most project participants indicated that they experienced an increase (completed projects) or anticipate an increase (ongoing projects) in sales as a result of their Precarn project — approximately 70% of developers in the survey obtained new revenue sources, roughly 65% hired new employees, 55% filed for patents, and 55% attracted new investment. 

The economic impact of technology developers supported by Precarn was analyzed using a quantitative model. The Precarn program project expenditures of $15.0 million, plus company expenditures of $39.7 million, resulted in $54.7 million of total project expenditures. This is expected to result in $400.2 million in future sales for Precarn-funded companies (in addition to first customer), and $1.26 billion in future sales for other Canadian companies that have benefited from Precarn-funded technology (diffusion).

Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient: Audited financial statements for 2009–10 will be submitted with the Annual Report, due by July 31, 2010.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.precarn.ca

Name of Recipient: Trudeau Foundation

Start Date: March 31, 2002

End Date: Ongoing

Total Funding ($ millions): 125.0

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

Program Activity: Government Science and Technology Policy Agenda in Partnership with Key Stakeholders

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: In 2009–10, the Trudeau Foundation:

• awarded 5 Trudeau Fellowships (including its first Trudeau Visiting Fellowship prize), 15 scholarships and 10 mentorships; and
• held its annual conference (with a focus on Canadian cities), its annual Summer Institute, and offered its Trudeau Lecture Series as well as numerous other events under the Public Interaction Program throughout the year.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient: An evaluation was completed in 2008–09 with the next one scheduled for 2013–14. The 2008–09 evaluation indicated that the program was meeting its objectives.

Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient: No audit has been conducted as per the funding agreement.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.trudeaufoundation.ca 

Name of Recipient: The National Optics Institute 

Start Date: February 19, 2008

End Date: March 31, 2011

Total Funding ($ millions): 15.0

Description: The National Optics Institute (INO), located in Quebec, is a world-class centre of expertise in optics and photonics, and works with businesses to help them find solutions and technology platforms to meet their needs. INO provides research and development support for clients, prototype production, technology transfer, and promotes innovative projects. In the last 5 years, INO has generated earnings of $141 million, has created 20 new optics and photonics spinoffs, and has made 28 technology transfers to industry.

Program Activity: Government Science and Technology Policy Agenda in Partnership with Key Stakeholders

Summary of Results Achieved by the Recipient: In 2009–10, INO:

• signed agreements with ABB Bomem, Pavemetrics, LeddarTech, Century Epitech (China), the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada and the Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics (China), and research partnerships with ALPhANOV(France) and BLZ (Germany) for the exchange of researchers;
• made progress towards achieving the expected results of its funding agreement by creating 2 spinoffs and 1 technology transfer in 2009–10, and expanding its activities outside of Quebec with 2 full-time employees in Ontario, 1 in Alberta, and 1 in Montréal; 
• increased its number of employees from 208 at the beginning of the funding agreement in 2008 to 225 employees as of March 31, 2010.

Comments on Variance(s):

Significant Evaluation Findings by the Recipient: The compliance audit to be completed in 2010–11 will provide the project review.

Significant Audit Findings by the Recipient: A compliance audit of INO is scheduled to be completed by September 30, 2010.

URL to Recipient's Site: www.ino.ca/en-ca/