It is my pleasure to present the 2009–10 Report on Plans and Priorities of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), a description of the department's roadmap for the coming fiscal year and a summary of the value that we will deliver to Canadians.
Our Government's vision for natural resources — improving the quality of life for Canadians by creating a sustainable resource advantage — drives all our activities. It is a vision that all stakeholders in natural resources can strive to attain, binding our collective efforts from coast to coast to coast. Our Government's role in fulfilling this vision is to orient our activities toward economic competitiveness, environmental responsibility, and safety, security and sound stewardship.
In Canada, natural resources are fundamental to the strength of our economy. In 2007 alone, the sectors generated more than 12 percent, or $155 billion, of Canada's gross domestic product and directly employed close to 900,000 people. Yet, as all Canadians are aware, the recent global financial crisis has unleashed a worldwide economic recession. Demand for, and prices of all natural resources have declined, and restricted credit is impeding needed investments. As demonstrated in Budget 2009 — Canada's Economic Action Plan — and in measures announced earlier, our Government has responded quickly and decisively to keep our economy moving and to protect Canadians. These measures will provide short-term economic stimulus and will also help achieve long-term goals for a prosperous, sustainable and secure future.
NRCan's role in this response includes short-term measures such as extending the ecoENERGY Retrofit for Homes Program to help more Canadian homeowners control their energy costs and contribute to the health of our environment. In addition, NRCan will support the federal Regional Development Agencies which are responsible for the delivery of the Community Adjustment Fund that will benefit communities, including those that are resource-dependent. For the long-term positioning of the energy industry, NRCan will work to implement the new Clean Energy Fund that will invest in promising clean energy technologies (e.g., carbon capture and storage). To help Canada's forest sector, the department will support the development of new technologies and pilot-scale demonstration projects (e.g., bio-refineries) and create new opportunities through market diversification.
Furthermore, NRCan will be working closely with other departments and agencies to implement important initiatives, including strengthening Canada's nuclear advantage, maintaining key Arctic research facilities, and extending the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit. Combined, these short-term and long-term initiatives will provide the natural resource sectors with opportunities to improve economic competitiveness and enhance environmental performance.
These targeted initiatives supplement and enhance NRCan's wide range of ongoing activities, from our work to increase the transparency and timeliness of the regulatory review of major natural resource projects, to supporting Canada's sovereignty in the North.
NRCan strives to deliver the highest standard of service to Canadians. The department is accessible to our major stakeholders, a champion of ideas and innovation, and accountable for the results it delivers on behalf of the Government of Canada. Through this approach, NRCan is creating a sustainable resource advantage for all Canadians.
The Honourable Lisa Raitt, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Natural Resources
OUR VISION
Improving the quality of life of Canadians by creating a sustainable resource advantage
OUR MISSION
To be a champion of sustainable development;
a world-class centre of knowledge on natural resources; and
a leader in policy and science
NRCan's goal is to create a sustainable resource advantage for Canadians, now and in the future. The department works to improve the competitiveness of Canada's natural resource sectors, which provide jobs and income for Canadian families across the country. The department strives to ensure that resource development takes place sustainably and advances Canada's leadership on the environment. NRCan also supports some of the most basic safety and security obligations a country has to its citizens through its knowledge and expertise on Canada's vast and diverse landmass.
NRCan has a responsibility to help create a more secure and sustainable resource future for Canadians. Energy, minerals, metals, wood and water, in one form or another, are integral to the daily lives of every citizen. And Canada is fortunate to have one of the largest, most diverse natural resource endowments in the world.
Ministerial Responsibilities – The Minister of Natural Resources is responsible for, or has responsibilities under, more than 30 Acts of Parliament. The core powers, duties and functions are set forth in the Department of Natural Resources Act, the Resources and Technical Surveys Act, and the Forestry Act. The remaining Acts set out the terms for the management of Crown lands and of Canada's natural resource policies, including energy and nuclear policy.
Today, however, it is no longer just about the resources. It is about transforming these resources into value-added products and keeping high-quality jobs in Canada. It is about producing and using natural resources in cleaner and greener ways. In short, it is about combining the resource base with people, knowledge, expertise, and systems (e.g., regulation, infrastructure) to improve the quality of life for Canadians.
The global economic downturn, dropping demand for natural resources and continued price volatility do not change this new reality. Indeed, they serve to sharpen it. Canada's success as a sustainable resource leader hinges on its ability to bring together the strengths of all of its assets through these difficult economic times – namely, its resource base, people and ideas, and systems. NRCan, as the primary federal partner in natural resources with the provinces, territories, corporations and others, is working hard to help deliver necessary economic stimulus. At the same time, NRCan is helping to position Canada for the future by improving its economic competitiveness, advancing its environmental leadership and enhancing the safety and security of Canadians.
NRCan is achieving these objectives in several ways. Through measures announced in Budget 2009, the department is supporting the Government-wide effort to stimulate the economy. For example, the two year expansion of the ecoENERGY Retrofit for Homes Program will improve the efficiency of over 200,000 homes, support jobs in the home renovation industry, reduce long-term energy costs for homeowners and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. As well, NRCan will support the federal Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) who are responsible for delivering the new Community Adjustment Fund, which will help create employment opportunities in communities affected by the economic downturn across Canada, including those depending on mining and forestry.
NRCan is also working closely with the forest sector to develop new technologies and products, diversify markets and support communities in transition. To these ends, Budget 2009 provided additional support for the development of new technologies and forest products and for the diversification of markets at home and abroad. In energy, NRCan is playing a pivotal role in developing breakthrough clean technologies, such as carbon capture and storage. The Clean Energy Fund, announced in Budget 2009, will invest significantly in green energy technologies to move Canada toward a low-carbon future. These and other measures will help keep high-quality jobs in Canada, drive innovation, and strengthen Canada's resource competitiveness – better positioning the country for economic recovery.
In addition, NRCan creates and shares vital scientific information. Its geoscience expertise has led to significant discoveries such as diamond and gas deposits in Canada's North. This expertise underpins the competitiveness of Canada's mining and energy industries and helps play a significant role in supporting Canada's United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) claim. Other NRCan work supports the development of green mining technology. This extends the life of existing mine sites and improves environmental practices. In addition, NRCan-led science related to natural hazards (e.g., earth quakes, tsunamis and wildland fires) results in better understanding and protection for Canadians.
As well, the department is the federal lead on nuclear energy policy. It works to maximize the economic and environmental benefits from this non-greenhouse gas emitting source of electrical power. Through a suite of ecoENERGY initiatives, NRCan also promotes energy efficiency, the production of renewable energy, and the development of new energy technologies. These are helping to create new green economic opportunities. These initiatives and others support the government's goal of having 90% of Canada's electricity generated from non-emitting sources by 2020.
To further facilitate responsible resource development, NRCan is also focused on strengthening Canada's regulatory system. It is working to improve the predictability, accountability and effectiveness of Canada's environmental regulations, most notably through the efforts of the Major Projects Management Office. This approach is essential to maximizing the economic benefits of Canada's natural resources while maintaining sound environmental stewardship for the well-being of all Canadians.
NRCan's goal is to create a sustainable resource advantage for Canadians by embracing the idea that economic competitiveness includes environmental leadership. In working collaboratively with other partners, the department's role is to help bring together the strengths of all of Canada's natural resource assets – its endowment of energy, forests and minerals, people and ideas, and systems – to achieve three inter-related strategic outcomes for Canadians: enhancing the economic competitiveness and productivity of the natural resource sectors so that they continue to contribute to the prosperity and social well-being of Canadians; making Canada a world leader in terms of environmental responsibility in the development and use of natural resources; and providing for the safety and security of Canadians within a natural resource context, as well as for the stewardship of Canada's natural resources and lands.
NRCan manages its program delivery through these three strategic outcomes, which have seven program activities. The program activities are divided into smaller groups of sub-activities and sub-sub-activities that are designed to achieve the expected results that collectively contribute to the realization of strategic outcomes.
PA = Program Activity
| Planned Spending | 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spending | 1,466.7 | 1,643.6 | 1,111.3 |
| Statutory Programs – Atlantic Offshore | 2,409.3 | 1,412.9 | 844.6 |
| Total | 3,876.0 | 3,056.5 | 1,955.9 |
| 2009-10 | 2010-11 | 2011-12 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,513 | 4,472 | 4,181 |
The table below provides detailed information on the department's planned spending by program activity, expected results and alignment to the Government of Canada outcomes. The financial content of this report also contains planned spending related to the following NRCan initiatives approved since the preparation of Main Estimates in February 2009. These are: CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory Relocation — $14.7 million in 2009-10, $20.9M in 2010-11 and $16.6 million in 2011-12; and Renewable Fuel Regulation — $1.4 million in 2009-10 and $1.4 million in 2010-11. It also makes reference to spending announced in Budget 2009: ecoENERGY Retrofit Program — $150 million in 2009-10 and $150 million in 2010-11; Forest Market Diversification and Innovation — $70 million in 2009-10 and $100 million in 2010-11. The new Clean Energy Fund, also announced in Budget 2009, is not incorporated into NRCan planned spending as its program parameters and delivery mechanism were not fully determined at the time of the writing of this report.
| Performance Indicator |
|---|
| Contribution of natural resource sectors to the annual GDP |
| Program Activity (Main Estimates) |
Expected Results | Forecast Spending 2008-09 ($M) |
Planned Spending ($M) | Alignment to GoC Outcomes (or statutory obligations) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-2010 | 2010-2011 | 2011-2012 | ||||
| 1.1 Economic opportunities for natural resources | Competitive national and international markets, stable economic opportunity and investment in natural resources | 168.2 | 226.1 | 243.9 | 137.8 | Strong Economic Growth |
| 1.2 Natural resource-based communities | Increased knowledge, skills and capacity to benefit from the evolving natural resource economy within resource-based communities (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal) | 24.4 | 11.1 | 11.1 | 11.1 | Strong Economic Growth |
| Performance Indicators |
|---|
| Extent of NRCan knowledge in natural resources management and land-use decisions |
| Percent rate of Canada's environmental performance compared to other countries |
| Program Activity | Expected Results | Forecast Spending 2008-09 ($M) |
Planned Spending ($M) | Alignment to GoC Outcomes (or statutory obligations) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-2010 | 2010-2011 | 2011-2012 | ||||
| 2.1 Clean energy[1] | Increased energy efficiency, increased production of low-emission energy, and reduced environmental impacts associated with energy production and use | 516.3 | 708.3 | 900.8 | 597.7 | A Clean and Healthy Environment |
| 2.2 Ecosystem risk management[2] | Canada understands and mitigates risks to natural resource ecosystems and human health | 210.9 | 169.4 | 173.2 | 73.7 | A Clean and Healthy Environment |
| Performance Indicators |
|---|
| Extent to which the Minister's obligations are met |
| Rate in uptake of NRCan's information by users |
| Program Activity | Expected Results | Forecast Spending 2008-09 ($M) |
Planned Spending ($M) | Alignment to GoC Outcomes (or statutory obligations) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009-2010 | 2010-2011 | 2011-2012 | ||||
| 3.1 Adapting to a changing climate and hazard risk management[3] | Canada adapts to a changing climate and has the knowledge and tools to manage risks associated with natural hazards and hazards arising from human activities | 109.9 | 73.1 | 59.0 | 59.0 | An Innovative and Knowledge-based Economy |
| 3.2 Natural resource and landmass knowledge and systems[4] | Canada has the natural resource and landmass knowledge to contribute to the development of the country through maps, property rights, boundary management, statistics and integrated decision making, and plays a leadership role in federal/provincial/ territorial and international fora | 111.6 | 101.7 | 81.7 | 66.5 | An Innovative and Knowledge-based Economy |
| 3.3 Geomatics Canada Revolving Fund[5] | The demand by NRCan, other government departments and industrial clients for revolving fund products and services is met through full cost recovery | 1.9 (1.9) |
1.9 (1.9) |
1.9 (1.9) |
1.9 (1.9) |
An Innovative and Knowledge-based Economy |
| 4.1 Internal services | 176.7 | 177.0 | 173.9 | 165.5 | ||
| Sub-Total | 1,318.0 | 1,466.7 | 1,643.6 | 1,111.3 | ||
| Statutory Programs | ||||||
| 1.1 Economic opportunities for natural resources[6] | Competitive national and international markets, stable economic opportunity and investment in natural resources | 3,204.0 | 2,409.3 | 1,412.9 | 844.6 | Statutory Obligations |
| Total NRCan[7] | 4,522.0 | 3,876.0 | 3,056.5 | 1,955.9 | ||
NRCan has identified the priorities that are critical to the realization of its strategic outcomes (SO)[8] and expected results over the planning period. These priorities shape the department's integrated effort in the development of its policies, pursuit of its science and technology initiatives, and delivery of its programs towards the strengthening of the three key assets of Canada's sustainable resource advantage: resources, people and ideas, and systems.
| Address climate change and air quality through clean energy | |
| The objective of this priority is to strengthen the sustainability of Canadian energy production and consumption. Under this priority, NRCan is administering the major new Clean Energy Fund, announced in Budget 2009, for substantial investments in the research, development, and large-scale demonstration of clean energy technologies. This includes carbon capture and storage, a promising technology with the potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from North America's vast endowment of conventional energy reserves, in particular oil sands and coal. The Government of Canada is coordinating this work with the Government of the United States for an integrated and cooperative solution to this issue of major importance to our two nations' economies, shared environment, and mutual security. The department will also continue the delivery of its key suite of ecoENERGY programs under the Government's broader ecoACTION plan. These programs range from support for building retrofits and vehicle initiatives, through to technology development, renewable power, and biofuels. The ecoENERGY Retrofit program – which supports home renovations that improve energy efficiency, and is of particular benefit to middle-income Canadians – was significantly enhanced in Budget 2009. Finally, and in partnership with Environment Canada, NRCan will develop the backbone of a federal climate change adaptation framework. | Previously Committed Priority |
| Linked to SO #2 & 3 | |
| Support forest sector restructuring and a healthy forest | |
| The objective of this priority is to support sustainable and transformative change of Canada's forest sector that will improve the long-term economic competitiveness and sustainable management of Canada's forests, while at the same time supporting the sector in the short term as it manages through the current global recession. NRCan will deliver on this priority with substantial new funding for FPInnovations – Canada's integrated forest products research institute – for the acceleration of a long-term research agenda focusing on the development of knowledge and technologies to transform the forest sector with new products and new end-uses for wood fibre. As a key contribution to this effort, NRCan will ensure that its own Canadian Wood Fibre Centre develops options and opportunities to improve the economic value of Canada's forest resources. NRCan will also make new substantial contributions to growing a broader portfolio of forest product markets, both at home and abroad, and will ensure that the environmental reputation of the sector reflects the reality of its strong record of sustainability. More broadly, NRCan will lead the development of a national forest innovation system and strengthen strategic linkages among key forest sector stakeholders. | Previously Committed Priority |
| Linked to SO #1, 2 & 3 | |
| Strengthen Canada's minerals, metals and materials industries | |
| The objective of this priority is to support the minerals, metals and materials industries by encouraging economic competitiveness, and environmental and social responsibility and by preserving and enhancing market access. As key elements of delivering on this priority NRCan will renew and relocate its world-class CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory to the McMaster Innovation Park in Hamilton, Ontario, and launch its Green Mining Initiative, including the demonstration of the transformation of organic waste into productive land for biofuel crops. More broadly, NRCan will continue to contribute to the implementation of a pan-Canadian mining research and innovation strategy through the Canadian Mining Innovation Council; support access to global markets for Canadian minerals, metals and materials based on transparency of rules and sound science; and work with key stakeholders such as the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada and the Mining Association of Canada, in promoting best practices and corporate social responsibility activities by the minerals and metals industry. Long-term support for this priority – by the renewal of Canada's mineral and metal resource asset base – will be delivered by NRCan via the minerals component of the Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) Program, and via the Targeted Geoscience Initiative 3 for existing base metal mining communities. | Ongoing Priority |
| Linked to SO #1, 2 & 3 | |
| Advance Canada's resource interests and sustainability efforts in the Americas and globally | |
| The objective of this priority is to leverage Canada's sustainable resource advantage for domestic and international economic growth, including short-term economic stabilization and recovery. NRCan will deliver on this priority by promoting and enhancing Canada's resource trade interests through programs such as Canada Wood Export and Leadership for Environmental Advantage in Forestry; and will provide support – together with the Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade, and the Canadian International Development Agency – to the National Roundtables on Corporate Social Responsibility and the Extractive Industries in Developing Countries. NRCan will also continue to work with its counterparts in the U.S. Administration on clean energy technologies (such as carbon capture and storage), energy efficiency standards, renewable fuels, energy infrastructure and regulation, and the assurance of North American clean energy security. | Ongoing Priority |
| Linked to SO #1 & 2 | |
| Support Canada's Arctic strategy and develop resource potential in the North | |
| The objective of this priority is to support the evolution of strong and dynamic northern regions. NRCan will deliver on this priority by stimulating investment in Canada's mineral and energy resources in the North via the Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals Program. The potential for extending Canada's energy resource base will also be pursued by NRCan research on the development potential of northern gas hydrates. In partnership with the departments of Fisheries and Oceans, and Foreign Affairs and International Trade, NRCan will also deliver the United Nations Commission on the Law of Sea Program for the delineation of Canada's continental shelf. Development of Canada's northern infrastructure will be supported by efficient regulatory review of significant projects such as the Mackenzie and Alaska natural gas projects. Finally, NRCan will work with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada and other federal departments on the creation of a new northern asset, the Canadian Arctic Research Institute. NRCan will also play a key role in supporting Canada's Vision for the North by making the case for satellite ground stations in the North. | Ongoing Priority |
| Linked to SO #1 & 3 | |
| Improve regulatory performance for major natural resource projects | |
| The objective of this priority is to ensure that Canada's sustainable resource advantage is enhanced by a stable, timely, well-coordinated and evidence-based regulatory process. NRCan will continue with the implementation of the Major Projects Management Office (MPMO) initiative to improve federal regulatory management, accountability, and timeliness. This activity include identifying and implementing improvements to the federal legislative and/or regulatory framework, as well as opportunities to improve harmonization with provincial processes. Of particular importance, the MPMO will develop and implement a whole-of-government approach to Crown-Aboriginal consultations. As part of its ongoing business, NRCan will also deliver environmental expert reviews to ensure that environmental impacts are identified and mitigated prior to projects proceeding. | Previously Committed Priority |
| Linked to SO #1, 2 & 3 | |
| Strengthen the Canadian nuclear industry | |
| The objective of this priority is to strengthen Canada's nuclear advantage. NRCan will deliver on this priority in partnership with key entities in the Minister's portfolio and other government departments. In particular, NRCan will support Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's (AECL) efforts toward the renewal of its research and development capacity and infrastructure and the development of the advanced CANDU reactor. NRCan will review AECL's structure to ensure that it is appropriate in a changing marketplace and positions Canada's nuclear industry to take maximum advantage of domestic and international opportunities. NRCan will also support the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in its efforts to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the regulatory approvals process. Together with Health Canada, NRCan will work to ensure that Canadians have a secure supply of medical isotopes. Finally, NRCan will continue to manage the Government of Canada's nuclear legacy liabilities. | New Priority |
| Linked to SO #1 & 3 | |
| Implement an integrated strategic framework and integrated planning and reporting | |
| The objective of this priority is to rejuvenate NRCan's capacity to support the Canadian sustainable resource advantage by implementing integrated, advanced management systems. NRCan will deliver on this priority through human resource renewal, implementation of an enduring NRCan Strategic Framework, adoption of advanced knowledge management and collaborative technologies and ensuring the seamless integration of its science and policy sectors. NRCan will also continue the implementation of its integrated planning and reporting processes and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its internal services (human resources, financial management, information management, information technology, systems and controls, real property management, security management, environmental management and procurement). | New Priority |
| Linked to SO #1, 2 & 3 | |
| Better integration and management of the natural resources portfolio | |
| The objective of this priority is to harmonize the Minister's diverse natural resources portfolio. To deliver on this priority, NRCan will strengthen, tighten and deepen formal portfolio administrative structures in ways that are appropriate for the roles, responsibilities, and requirements of all portfolio entities and for the Minister of Natural Resources (e.g., policy and operational initiatives, appointments and the parliamentary interface). | New Priority |
| Linked to SO #1, 2 & 3 | |
Given its role as the primary federal partner in natural resources, NRCan is actively managing a range of significant risks and opportunities. Under the current context, the immediate focus of attention is the risks created by the global economic recession while over the long term, improving competitiveness and sustainability are the key watchwords. These risks, and others pertaining to the delivery of NRCan's entire suite of priorities and on-going activities, are being closely monitored at the executive level.
Ongoing financial market disruptions and the global recession are negatively affecting Canada's natural resource sectors. Companies are facing an extended period of high borrowing costs and reduced availability of credit. At the same time, commodity prices remain volatile. Resource companies are laying off workers, suspending production and delaying major investments. These actions are dramatically affecting communities across the country.
Canada's forest industry has been undergoing major restructuring over the last few years due to increasing global competition, aging capital stock and increasing costs. The industry continues to struggle as the prices of its products have declined steadily. The global recession and in particular the collapse of the US housing markets is only exacerbating factors contributing to substantial job losses.
Since the middle of 2008, the prices for most metals and minerals have retreated at a pace and on a scale exceeding those of the period of 1929-33. This weakness in the prices of minerals and metals has resulted in reduced expenditures on exploration, the closure of mines, the reduction of output and the deferral of capital investment. These effects have resulted in layoffs and job losses in both mining and smelting with further cuts expected in the coming year.
The energy industry is not immune to the challenges and risks of the global economy. Canadian petroleum production is expected to decline due to decreasing global demand as well as general uncertainty. Capital spending in the oil and gas industry has declined, along with drilling activity. These pressures come at a time when the industry is facing increasing challenges related to the renewal and expansion of infrastructure, as well as improving environmental performance. Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions remain key areas of concern in the development of energy projects, with technology playing a critical role in addressing these risks.
The government is taking steps to address these risks through a suite of measures announced in Budget 2009. NRCan is working to implement several key measures that will provide immediate economic stimulus and promote the long-term competitiveness of the natural resource sectors. A major initiative for NRCan that will provide economic stimulus is the additional $300 million for the ecoENERGY Retrofit for Homes Program. This investment will help retrofit up to an additional 200,000 homes — stimulating consumer spending while maintaining and creating jobs (e.g., the home renovation and the energy audit industries). Through the provision of incentives, the program will improve the energy efficiency of the Canadian housing stock, thus saving money for homeowners and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The department will also support the federal Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) that are responsible for delivering the $1-billion Community Adjustment Fund announced in Budget 2009. This fund will address impacts and risks at the community level by fostering economic development and provide immediate stimulus for communities affected by the economic downturn across the country — including those that are resource-dependent.
Budget 2009 provides $80 million over two years to NRCan for the Transformative Technologies Program administered by FPInnovations, Canada's national forest research institute that focuses on the development of emerging and breakthrough technologies related to forest biomass utilization, nanotechnology and next generation forest products, and includes support for the NRCan-created Canadian Wood Fibre Centre. An additional $40 million will be provided to develop pilot-scale demonstration projects for new products that can be used in commercial applications. The Budget also provides NRCan with $40 million to help forestry companies market their innovative products internationally. An additional $10 million will support large-scale demonstrations of Canadian-style uses of wood for construction in targeted offshore markets and non-traditional uses of wood in domestic markets.
Budget 2009 also announced a $1-billion Clean Energy Fund that will support the research, development and demonstration of promising clean energy technologies, including technologies such as large-scale carbon capture and storage projects. This investment will support green jobs and help improve Canada's reputation as a clean energy superpower. The fund will better position Canada to meet climate change objectives and also maintain critical market access to the U.S.
The Government will need to remain flexible in its approach to addressing the negative impacts of the recession while steering a clear course to recovery. To remain responsive to the fluid economic situation, NRCan is tracking and assessing mill and mine closures, project investment delays and the associated employment and community impacts. In addition, the department is working collaboratively with industry, provinces and other federal departments on related issues such as further measures to support workers and natural resources companies.
Beyond the risks to Canada's resource sectors arising from the global recession, and the specific measures in Budget 2009 that are being implemented to address these risks, NRCan is actively engaged in the monitoring and management of a range of other risks and opportunities with the potential to affect its priorities, and on-going activities. These include: the potential for delays or cost pressures associated with the renewal and relocation and renewal of the world-class CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory to the McMaster Innovation Park (Hamilton, Ontario); the monitoring of the production of medical isotopes from the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor, in cooperation with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited; and the time constraints, and technical and operational challenges of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) program for delimiting the outer limits of Canada's Arctic and Atlantic continental shelf.
NRCan plans to spend $3,876.0 million in fiscal year 2009-10 to support its role to enhance the responsible development and use of Canada's natural resources, including energy, forests and minerals and metals. Included in this amount is $2,409.3 million in planned spending for the Atlantic Offshore Accords statutory payments. The Accords provide that the benefits of revenues from the offshore should flow to provinces as if the resources were on land and direct that these revenues be collected by the Receiver General for Canada, with a like amount to be paid to the provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia). As the amounts credited to the Receiver General and paid out of the Revenue Fund are the same, there is no net liability incurred by the federal government as a result of the increase in payments to the provinces. The graph illustrates the following key points:
The chart below reflects the allocation of NRCan's planned spending by program activity for the 2009-10 fiscal year. The statutory payments under the Atlantic Offshore Accords make up the largest portion of the funding. These payments fall under the Economic Opportunities for Natural Resources program activity but are shown separately due to the large dollar value and the legislated nature of the payments.
Expected results under this program activity are competitive national and international markets, stable economic opportunity and investment in natural resources. The Clean Energy program activity has the next highest planned spending. Spending under this program activity promotes increased energy efficiency, increased production of low-emission energy and reduced environmental impacts associated with energy production and use. The balance of the planned spending for the remaining program activities is less than 5 percent of the total budget in each case.
| Voted or Statutory Items | Truncated Vote or Statutory Wording | Main Estimates ($M) 2008-09 |
Main Estimates ($M) 2009-10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1[9] | Operating expenditures | 762.9 | 700.3 |
| 5[10] | Grants and Contributions | 437.9 | 457.0 |
| (S) | Minister of Natural Resources – Salary and Motor Car Allowance | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| (S) | Contributions to Employee Benefit Plans | 54.6 | 53.2 |
| (S) | Infrastructure costs relating to the exploration, development, production or transportation of oil and gas in the offshore area of Nova Scotia[*] | 0.5 | 1.4 |
| (S) | Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board[*] | 6.0 | 7.2 |
| (S) | Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board[*] | 2.9 | 3.4 |
| (S) | Payments to the Nova Scotia Offshore Revenue Account[*] | 407.3 | 351.5 |
| (S) | Payments to the Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Resource Revenue Fund[*] | 670.6 | 2,045.9 |
| (S)[11] | Grant to the Canada Foundation for Sustainable Development Technology | 0.0 | 20.0 |
| (S) | Geomatics Canada Revolving Fund - Operational expenditures - Respendable revenue |
1.9 (1.9) |
1.9 (1.9) |
| Main Estimates | 2,342.8 | 3,639.9 | |
| Adjustments | |||
| - Supplementary Estimates Appropriated | 38.6 | ||
| - Supplementary Estimates Statutory | 2,140.6 | ||
| - New Items and Announcements | 236.1 | ||
| Total Planned Spending | 4,522.0 | 3,876.0 | |
* Pursuant to the Atlantic Offshore Accords, NRCan makes payments to the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia (see notes under Expenditure Profile). This increase reflects the latest forecast of offshore-related revenue that the federal government expects to collect over the planning period.