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Section II – Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

This section provides information about NRCan's results structure (Strategic Outcomes and Program Activity Architecture), that reflects a horizontal approach to program delivery and fosters collective leadership across the department. More information about departmental programs and initiatives can be found at www.nrcan.gc.ca.

Planning Context

Canada is being impacted by external shocks that are directly affecting its natural resource sectors: a worldwide economic downturn, a sharp decline in the prices of many commodities, the decline in the availability of credit, and the global increase in financing costs. In this context, demand for Canada's resources has declined and the investment climate for new capital-intensive resource projects has deteriorated. These externally driven conditions must be considered as NRCan works to ensure the economic competiveness and sustainability of Canada's natural resource sectors.

Certain sectors are also facing other long-term, structural challenges. The Canadian forest industry has been adjusting to a number of global and domestic circumstances, including new low-cost competitors, shifting markets and investment, as well as increased input costs (e.g., wood and energy), and a high Canadian dollar. While currency values and energy costs have decreased more recently, the receding global economy – with declines in demand such as for housing and newsprint – has overshadowed any benefits that might have been realized. Firms have adjusted by cutting costs and production, resulting in job losses and community impacts. In the short term, firms need to withstand the recession; in the longer term, they need to be well-positioned to thrive and prosper in the recovery. Future competitiveness will include the development of a new operating model with diversified and expanded forest product markets.

In mining, known and easily accessible reserves in Canada are being depleted, making the development and use of advanced technologies in exploration, extraction and production ever more critical. Public geoscience is a particularly important contributor to the success of Canada's mining industry, with each $1 invested leading to $5 of industry exploration and $125 in mineral resources. Investing in new technologies, improving environmental performance, ensuring a competitive tax regime and enhancing the social license to operate will be integral to meeting challenges facing the mining sectors and securing new opportunities for Canadians.

Energy is a key input to the Canadian and global economy and it is the country's leading resource export. Yet the safe, secure and sustainable provision of energy presents many challenges. Over the long term, energy is at the nexus of a number of global risks – climate change, economic growth and geopolitical challenges. The International Energy Agency has identified the possibility of a sharp supply-side crunch in the coming decade, as investment in energy infrastructure and energy exploration fails to keep pace with the expected resurgence in demand. To address these economic and environmental challenges, Canada must work to unlock investment and innovation in cleaner energy technology with forward-looking regulatory frameworks. This response will support investment while providing incentives for industry to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase its environmental leadership.

A sustainable resource advantage requires activities directed toward ensuring that all Canadians are able to easily access knowledge of Canada's resources and landmass, as well as deploying this knowledge in innovative ways. NRCan aims to be at the forefront of improving and disseminating scientific understanding, and developing and supporting innovative technology options for the responsible lifecycle management (i.e., exploration, development, use, waste disposition) of energy, minerals, metals and forest products.

By understanding the context within which NRCan functions, the department will be better able to create a sustainable resource advantage for all Canadians.

Strategic Outcome 1: Economic Competitiveness

Program Activity 1.1: Economic Opportunities for Natural Resources

Program Activity Summary

This program activity is designed to promote innovation, investment and the enhancement of the competitiveness of Canada's natural resources and related industries through the provision of knowledge and tools, trade promotion and the removal of barriers, at home and abroad. This group of programs delivers policies, regulations and legislative work to manage federal responsibilities associated with Canada's oil, natural gas and electricity sectors, critical energy infrastructure protection, as well as oversight for statutory programs for the Atlantic offshore.

Planning Highlights

To achieve the expected results, NRCan plans to undertake the following key initiatives.

Competitiveness and Innovation: NRCan's objectives are to support enduring, sustainable and transformative change through economic competitiveness, and the preservation and enhancement of market access. This includes support for market diversification and the development of new technologies.

Overall, the department will continue to work with stakeholders on collaborative science and technology and strategic approaches, particularly related to mining and forestry, with a with a view to:

• Increase the number and originality of research ideas as well as the pace of commercialization through the renewal and relocation of the world-class CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory to the McMaster Innovation Park (Hamilton, Ontario);
• Contribute to the implementation of a pan-Canadian mining research and innovation strategy through the Canadian Mining Innovation Council;
• Develop equipment, expertise and scientific knowledge to increase Canadian exports and maintain and strengthen mineral and metal markets, investment, innovation and productivity;
• Develop pre-competitive, non-proprietary forest research to harness emerging and breakthrough technologies, including bioenergy, bioproducts and nanotechnology under the Transformative Technologies Program, delivered in partnership with FPInnovations;
• Create knowledge through collaboration between FPInnovations and NRCan's Canadian Wood Fibre Centre to maximize the forest value chain, from forest resource to market, and to develop new end-uses for wood fibre;
• Expand offshore market opportunities and promoting the environmental credentials of Canada's forest products through programs such as the Canada Wood Export Program and the Leadership for Environmental Advantage in Forestry Initiative; and
• Diversify domestic market opportunities by promoting the use of wood in the North American non-residential sector through the North American Wood First Initiative and improving the competitiveness of the secondary manufacturing wood industry by delivering a national research and technology transfer program under the Value to Wood Program.

New Discoveries of Mineral and Energy Resources: New discoveries in Canada's North will promote economic and social development. The five-year/$100-million Geo-mapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) Program will lead to the discovery of new northern energy and mineral resources. Moreover, energy and mineral resources are the principal economic drivers in many southern Canadian communities, but known reserves are declining. The Targeted Geoscience Initiative 3 – $5 million per year to 2010 – is working toward finding new base metal deposits around existing sites in Southern Canada.

Nuclear Energy Sector Renewal: Renewing Canada's nuclear energy sector will help to secure a safe, clean, long-term supply of energy. In this regard, NRCan will continue to support the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in its efforts to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of nuclear regulatory approval requests; will support Atomic Energy Canada Limited (AECL) in its efforts to renew research and development capacity and infrastructure and to develop the Advanced CANDU Reactor; 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; and will work with Health Canada to take steps to ensure that Canadians have a secure supply of medical isotopes.

Participation in High Level Events: In preparation for the Italian (2009) and Canadian G8 Leaders Summits (June 2010) and the World Energy Congress (September 2010), NRCan is working with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) on potential energy deliverables for Canada. These high-level events provide key opportunities for NRCan to advance Canada's interests in the natural resource sectors.

Benefits to Canadians

Natural resources have contributed to the development of Canada as a modern industrial society generating prosperity (e.g., jobs) and a higher quality of life for generations of Canadians. NRCan programs provide critical support to the forestry sector which is undergoing a significant transformation. They are also providing opportunities for the energy and mineral exploration and development industries (e.g., the Mackenzie Valley gas deposit), smaller exploration companies, service companies and rural and remote Canadian communities.

In 2007, Canada's natural resource sectors contributed 12.6 percent to real gross domestic product (GDP); accounted for over 6 percent of total employment; and were the source for over 43 percent of Canada's merchandise exports (in nominal terms). In terms of investment, Canada's natural resource sector enjoy on average between 20 percent and 25 percent of all capital investment; and accounts for over one-third of Canada's entire stock of foreign direct investment.

Program Activity 1.2: Natural Resource-based Communities

Program Activity Summary

This program activity is targeted on increasing Canada's knowledge of the impacts of the resource sectors' evolution on communities that substantially rely on resource-based industries, and on improving community-based capacity and knowledge for the development and pursuit of opportunities for new and value-added resource-based products and services.

This group of programs is designed to improve the social well-being of Canadians. It is concerned with promoting Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participation and improving skills, capacity and community stability.

Planning Highlights

To achieve the expected result, NRCan plans to undertake the following key initiatives.

Partnerships and Dialogue: NRCan is working collaboratively with the provinces and territories by creating a task team on the economy to assess the impacts of the economic downturn and the challenges created, and to track government and industry responses. The results of this joint work will be used to develop recommendations to the next federal, provincial and territorial meeting of energy and mines ministers in September 2009.

Collaborative Initiatives: Through its Forest Communities Program, NRCan will develop and share knowledge, tools and best practices, in areas such as innovative forest tenure arrangements, bioenergy and youth engagement in forestry through collaborative working arrangements and initiatives involving eleven community-level organizations, the Canadian Model Forest Network and other partners and stakeholders. NRCan will also work in partnership with Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, other federal departments, industry, Aboriginal organizations and provincial governments to enable Aboriginal communities to participate in, and benefit more fully from major sustainable forest-based economic opportunities across the country.

Benefits to Canadians

Almost 900,000 Canadians are directly employed in the natural resource sectors, making the sector the second-largest employer in Canada, and the largest private sector employer of Aboriginal peoples.

The natural resource sectors support many regions of Canada through the creation of jobs and economic opportunities. Hundreds of communities across Canada are directly dependent on forestry or highly reliant on the mining industry. NRCan is working with these industries to accelerate restructuring, develop new technologies and products, diversify markets and support communities in transition. The department is supporting the federal Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) in the delivery of the Community Adjustment Fund. It will also help monitor and assess the economic and regional impacts of the economic downturn.

Strategic Outcome 2: Environmental Responsibility

Program Activity 2.1: Clean Energy

Program Activity Summary

Energy production and use are the sources of the majority of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Canada: 85 percent of smog-causing nitrogen oxide emissions; 46 percent of acid rain-causing sulphur dioxide; and 80 percent of greenhouse gases come from the energy sector.

Addressing climate change and air quality through science and technology and adaptation is a priority for the department. This program activity is engaged in the development and delivery of energy science and technology, policies, programs, legislation and regulations to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollutant emissions and other environmental impacts associated with energy production and use.

Planning Highlights

To achieve the expected results, NRCan plans to undertake the following key initiatives.

Clean Energy Fund: To further support Canada's leadership in clean energy, the Fund, announced in Budget 2009, will invest in research and the development and demonstration of technologies that have the potential to significantly reduce GHG emissions from the production and use of energy, including through such technologies as large-scale carbon capture and storage.

Canada-U.S. Engagement: Building on the outcome of the successful discussions between Prime Minister Harper and President Obama and the announced Clean Energy Dialogue – via the DFAIT-led whole-of-government engagement strategy with the U.S. – NRCan will focus on collaborative efforts specific to clean energy technology research, development and deployment, particularly of carbon reduction technologies, including next generation coal-fired power such as demonstration projects of carbon capture and storage. Other areas of collaboration include energy efficiency, clean engines and biofuels.

Canada's challenges will be to secure U.S. cooperation on matters of energy security and environmental responsibility. NRCan's approach is to inform, influence and communicate Canada's position on natural resources by highlighting our advantages as a secure place for investment and partnerships. In collaboration with Environment Canada and DFAIT, NRCan has an opportunity to build on the Clean Energy Dialogue and move towards a pragmatic, results-based Clean Energy Partnership with the U.S. with the intention of enhancing North American energy supply and provision of clean energy services by:

• Cleaning our fossil fuels through joint investments in clean energy technology and demonstration;
• Optimizing energy S&T cooperation, research and development;
• Harmonizing of energy efficiency and clean energy performance standards;
• Collaborating on energy infrastructure improvements; and
• Deepening nuclear energy cooperation.

Advanced Materials and Technologies: CANMET Materials and Technology Laboratory will develop advanced materials, technologies and processes to improve energy efficiency and enable clean energy systems through:

• S&T focusing on clean, reliable and efficient power generation;
• S&T supporting Canada's participation in the treaty of the Generation IV International Forum to advance nuclear-based energy systems; and
• developing lightweight structural materials for next-generation vehicles.

ecoACTION Plan: NRCan contributes to the Government's ecoACTION Plan through renewable energy, energy S&T and energy efficiency initiatives and the suite of ecoENERGY programs.

ecoENERGY for Renewable Power Initiative: This initiative will continue to provide incentives to deploy up to 4,000 megawatts of clean electricity from sources such as wind, biomass, small hydro and ocean energy. It will encourage the production of 1.43 terrawatt hours of renewable electricity – enough to power about one million homes – and contribute to the Government's commitment to have 90 percent of Canada's electricity come from non-emitting sources by 2020.

ecoENERGY Technology Initiative: This initiative funds research, development and demonstration activities that support the development of the next generation of energy technologies required to breakthrough to emissions-free energy production and use. It will also generate the new scientific knowledge essential to support Canada's climate change approach, including providing the sound scientific and technical background for establishing meaningful codes and standards. Its work includes:

• Developing knowledge and technologies for the secure supply of affordable and cleaner fossil fuels;
• Promoting clean and efficient energy for the transportation sector;
• Advancing S&T for the efficient and environmentally friendly use of energy in new and existing residential, commercial and institutional buildings;
• Working with industry to develop and improve processes and technologies that improve energy and emissions performance;
• Developing and deploying technologies to create clean, reliable and efficient energy supply technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, which is a technology option — central to the government's climate change approach — that supports the growth of fossil fuel industries while reducing GHG emissions; and
• Striving to harness the availability of bioresources to produce bioenergy, biofuels, bioproducts and industrial bioprocesses.

ecoENERGY Suite of Energy Efficiency Initiatives: To promote programs and regulatory improvements and support continued progress in the energy efficiency of all sectors, and increased production and use of alternative transportation fuels in Canada:

• ecoENERGY for Buildings and Houses, which encourages both the construction and retrofit of more energy-efficient buildings and houses;
• ecoENERGY Retrofit, which offers financial support to retrofit homes (target is middle-income families and seniors), smaller buildings and industrial processes — this includes the $300 million provided in Budget 2009 for the two-year expansion of the program directed at homeowners;
• ecoENERGY for Equipment, which raises energy efficiency standards for a wide range of energy-using products;
• ecoENERGY for Industry, which accelerates energy-saving investments and the exchange of best-practices information within Canada's industrial sector;
• ecoENERGY for Fleets which reduces fuel use and GHG emissions in commercial and institutional fleets;
• ecoENERGY for Personal Vehicles, which provides Canadians with helpful tips and decision-making tools on buying, driving and maintaining their vehicles to reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions; and
• ecoENERGY for Biofuels, which provides operating incentives to producers of renewable alternatives to gasoline and diesel over the period 2008 to 2017.

Benefits to Canadians

NRCan is helping Canadians improve energy conservation and energy efficiency in every sector of the economy (e.g., homes, commercial buildings, vehicles); accelerate the development and market readiness of technology solutions to reduce environmental impacts associated with the production and use of energy; and increase the production of low-impact renewable energy.

These technologies and programs are not only providing environmental benefits to Canadians but are also encouraging Canada's clean energy industries to access rapidly growing international markets for new technologies, creating new jobs and economic growth while providing new technology choices for energy consumers to save energy and reduce operating costs.

Program Activity 2.2: Ecosystem Risk Management

Program Activity Summary

NRCan is home to a substantial, world-class community of ecosystem and geosystem scientific and technical experts. This program activity provides expertise to ensure that government-wide environmental policies, decision making, regulations and other protection measures pertaining to the natural resource sectors are based on sound scientific information. In addition, this activity reflects our continuing role in the provision of sound scientific advice to regulators to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of regulations such as the Metals Mines Effluent Regulations and other protective measures for projects as required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and other legislation.

Planning Highlights

To achieve the expected results, NRCan plans to undertake the following key initiatives.

Innovative New Technologies: Through its new Green Mining Initiative, NRCan will continue to conduct research to reduce ecosystem risks from mining and encourage and improve sustainable best practices. With the participation of the mining industry, federal government departments, provincial and territorial governments, regulators, academics and non-governmental organizations, this initiative will focus on four main research themes: footprint reduction; innovation in waste management; ecosystem risk management; and mine closure and rehabilitation. As part of this initiative, NRCan is:

• developing methods to transform mine waste sites into productive land for growing biofuel crops;
• continuing to develop scientifically based technologies and guidelines for the prediction, treatment, prevention and control of acidic drainage;
• conducting research to eliminate contaminated water; and
• developing methods to convert metallurgical slag (waste) into cement for backfill in mining.

Canada's Water Resources Management: Canada is increasingly reliant on groundwater for sustained quality of life. Pressures on water resources are increasing with urbanization, economic expansion and growing energy demands. As these pressures increase with time, governments will face a greater need for scientific advice in order to better manage Canada's groundwater supplies. NRCan's Groundwater Program is focused on producing a national groundwater inventory that will enhance Canada's capacity for informed groundwater decision making. Assessments have been completed for 12 of Canada's 30 key regional aquifers, and mapping will continue to help us to more fully understand this vital resource so that it can be better managed and sustained.

Nuclear Waste Management: The Radioactive Waste Management programs are designed to mitigate risk to the environment and human health. These include the Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program, a 70-year long-term strategy to deal with legacy decommissioning and radioactive waste liabilities at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited sites, including the implementation of long-term solutions for the associated wastes, as well as ongoing efforts for the clean-up of historic wastes in the Port Hope (Ontario) area and elsewhere in Canada.

Forest Ecosystems Knowledge: Providing a basic understanding of Canada's forest ecosystems at both local and landscape levels ensures that maintaining economic competitiveness does not come at the cost of maintaining environmental integrity. This includes understanding the nature and extent of Canada's forests, their resilience to impacts — natural and human-induced — and forecasting the disturbances and impacts on them, particularly in view of a changing climate. In 2009-10, NRCan will continue to improve forest carbon scientific information and science-based modelling, reporting and policy advice, and will fulfill Canada's forest-related climate change reporting obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Benefits to Canadians

Canadians are concerned about environmental changes, air pollution, water quality and water use issues and the ensuing adverse effects on human health and quality of life. This program activity helps Canadians better understand the risks to ecosystems and the protection of critical resources, such as groundwater.

Strategic Outcome 3: Safety, Security and Stewardship

Program Activity 3.1: Adapting to a Changing Climate & Hazard Risk Management

Program Activity Summary

This program activity provides scientific knowledge and expertise on complex climate change adaptation issues that help the government, private sector and communities make policy and development decisions. Science-based information is also made available to reduce risks to Canadians and to support emergency response in the event of natural and human-made occurrences – such as earthquakes, magnetic storms and wildland fire – and to ensure that regulations related to potential hazards arising from human activities, such as explosives and fireworks, are evidence-based and enforced. In addition, the department provides science-based information to help Canadians mitigate and adapt to the potential effects of a changing climate.

Planning Highlights

To achieve the expected results, NRCan plans to undertake the following key initiatives.

Mining, Infrastructure and Explosives Safety and Security: Continue to optimize the safety and security of workers and the public through the effective regulation of the manufacture, storage, sale and possession of explosives and fireworks through a licensing and inspection program, as per the Explosives Act. Moreover, the department will improve the safety and security of Canadians by conducting research that leads to safer mining, and by improving the integrity of the pipeline infrastructure. The department will fully roll out the implementation of the Restricted Components Regulations by continuing enrolment of vendors of all chemicals restricted under the regulations and undertaking compliance and enforcement activities. NRCan will also move forward with a voluntary initiative with industry partners to strengthen explosives security so that access is limited to legitimate users.

Forest Disturbances: In 2009-10, NRCan will complete the delivery of the Federal Response to the Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) Initiative in British Columbia with efforts focusing on mitigating the environmental, economic and social impacts. Working in collaboration with the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers, the department will support completion of the first phase of the National Forest Pest Strategy (NFPS), which will provide a risk-based decision-making framework for dealing with native and alien forest pests in Canada. Efforts to combat the MPB will contribute to development of the NFPS and serve as a test case for the pest threat assessment model.

Adapting to a Changing Climate: Adapting effectively to a changing climate requires informed decision making by different levels of government, private sector entities and community organizations on complex adaptation issues that help address regional and sectoral priorities. NRCan's climate change impact and adaptation efforts are helping to ensure that adequate scientific knowledge is in place to move forward on the development and implementation of mechanisms for collaboration between the key players. NRCan is also working with other departments to develop a consistent, coordinated approach to climate change adaptation science and policy work. The department supports regional collaborative groups in their efforts to integrate adaptation considerations into their planning processes ($30 million over 3 years). NRCan is also developing tools to assess climate change impacts that others can use to prepare for a changing climate ($5 million over 3 years). Finally, the department is undertaking basic science in the North and across Canada to better understand the potential impacts of our changing climate.

Natural Hazards: Many parts of Canada are seismically active. The National Seismic Network monitors earthquakes as well as explosions under the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. NRCan conducts science related to tsunamis, geomagnetic storms, landslides and volcanic eruptions, knowledge that is essential to the safety of Canadians. The information generated is vital for emergency management, building code development, regulatory standards and monitoring nuclear tests. In the case of earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters, the first step in planning government relief operations is frequently the acquisition of satellite images to assess the damage. NRCan is a key player in the early acquisition of satellite images to respond to natural disasters, both in Canada and abroad through the United Nations.

Benefits to Canadians

The challenge of sustainable resource development and use is the balance of economic growth, social needs and the maintenance of a healthy environment. Through these and other key initiatives, the department is helping Canadians develop the tools and knowledge needed to adapt to climate change. Moreover, NRCan-led science provides a greater understanding of natural hazards, facilitating government response in time of crisis and informing the development of long-term mitigation strategies.

Program Activity 3.2: Natural Resource and Landmass Knowledge and Systems

Program Activity Summary

This program activity carries out the Minister's obligation to provide a property rights infrastructure on all lands for which the department has this responsibility, along with the provision of, and access to, accurate and precise geographic information on the Canadian landmass. This program activity also provides relevant, accurate, timely and accessible knowledge with a view to increasing collaborative efforts with other jurisdictions in key areas – e.g., regulatory efficiency, promotion of innovation – to generate improved approaches to shared issues, and advance the interests of all the natural resource sectors both domestically and at the international level.

Planning Highlights

To achieve the expected results, NRCan plans to undertake the following key initiatives.

Forest Sector Innovation System: The future competitiveness of the Canadian forest sector is grounded in a redesigned, consolidated and coordinated national forest innovation system. NRCan is actively supporting the consolidation of the national forest research institute FPInnovations, which integrates Forintek, the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada, Paprican and the NRCan-created Canadian Wood Fibre Centre. In 2009-10, the department will focus on strengthening partnerships with the university community. The result will be greater focus and coordination among key research organizations on the national research and development priorities that are needed to drive innovation and transformation in the forest sector. The recently announced Forest Sector R&D Initiative, led by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada in collaboration with NRCan and FPinnovations, is an example of the efforts already being undertaken to bring academic researchers, FPInnovations, industry and government scientists and engineers together in support of forest sector priorities in areas such as energy and chemicals from forest biomass; integrated value maximization; next generation building solutions; next generation pulps and papers; and novel bioproducts from forest biomass.

Maintenance of Canada's Boundaries: To exert sovereignty, a country must properly define and manage its boundaries. The rules of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea present Canada with an opportunity to extend our sovereign rights over the seabed and its resources beyond the 200-mile limit. To take advantage of this opportunity, Canada must map the full extent of its continental shelf. NRCan is working with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), the Department of National Defence and international collaborators to collect and interpret the necessary data, and is cooperating closely with DFO and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in preparation and defence of Canada's claim. The department houses Canada's Surveyor General – who delivers NRCan-legislated responsibilities to manage property surveys including the maintenance of their associated official records on Canada Lands – and jointly manages and maintains, under treaty, the Canada-U.S. boundary in cooperation with the U.S. government. NRCan is also completing the topographic mapping of the North giving Canada complete national coverage, as well as updating the most popular topographic maps in Southern Canada and undertaking efforts to make Canada a major player in the satellite data reception field. In addition, NRCan is working with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and other departments on how science and monitoring, logistical support from the Polar Continental Shelf Program and northern satellite ground stations could contribute to the creation of a Canadian Arctic Research Institute.

Regulatory System for Major Natural Resource Projects: The Government has allocated $150 million over five years (starting in 2007) to establish the Major Projects Management Office (MPMO) within NRCan and to increase the scientific and technical capacity of key regulatory departments. The MPMO provides overarching management of the federal regulatory review process for major natural resource projects and operates in close collaboration with other federal regulatory departments and agencies to develop and implement innovative new approaches to continually improve performance. The MPMO provides a single window into the federal regulatory system for all stakeholders and supplies strategic policy advice and support to the Major Projects Deputy Ministers' Committee, which has been established to provide broad oversight and direction for federal regulatory activities pertaining to major resource projects. Through the department's Legislated Environmental and Resource Assessment (LERA) Service, independent authoritative earth science information is provided to support informed decisions for protected areas under federal legislation. LERA also undertakes over 50 project reviews of environmental assessments of development projects each year to ensure that adverse environmental impacts are identified and can be mitigated prior to projects proceeding.

Benefits to Canadians

Fostering innovation, skills, science and technology is of paramount importance in creating a Canadian competitive advantage while protecting the environment. NRCan is supporting increased development in the resource sectors through the creation of a more accountable, predictable and timely regulatory review process. It is also playing a vital role in fulfilling the Government of Canada's Arctic strategy and supporting to economic development in First Nations communities.

Program Activity 3.3: Geomatics Canada Revolving Fund

Program Activity Summary

The Geomatics Canada Revolving Fund (GCRF) was established under Appropriation Act No. 3 in 1993-94. The fund allows Geomatics Canada to shift the costs from taxpayers at large to specific users who benefit directly from the goods and services provided.

This revenue retention mechanism gives Geomatics Canada the ability to recover full costs from Canadian customers and the freedom to charge market prices for international clients. It presents the opportunity to provide an increasing volume of products and services in response to the needs of Canadian clients, as well as supporting the Canadian geomatics industry through the knowledge and expertise necessary to be competitive in the international market.

Program Activity 4.1: Internal Services^[12]

Program Activity Summary

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations. These groups are: Management and Oversight Services; Communications Services; Legal Services; Human Resources Management Services; Financial Management Services; Information Management Services; Information Technology Services; Real Property Services; Material Management Services; Acquisition Services; and Travel and Other Administrative Services.

Planning Highlights

Renewing NRCan is a department-wide initiative to change the way we work as a department, how we fulfill our mandate, and how we serve the Canadian public. The implementation of NRCan's Strategic Framework is the cornerstone of this major renewal effort. The objective of the Framework is to create an integrated, knowledge-based and results-oriented organization to be achieved through a "one department" approach to planning and reporting, collective leadership, and innovative collaboration and information sharing across the department and with stakeholders in pursuit of common goals.

To support, contribute to, and set the direction of the department's ongoing renewal agenda within the context of the Strategic Framework, three main initiatives have been undertaken: HR Renewal, Knowledge Management and Collaborative Technologies, and the integration of Science and Policy.

HR Renewal: In response to unprecedented human resource and talent management challenges, NRCan has adopted and will deliver on a comprehensive talent management approach, supporting the Clerk's public service renewal action plan. The approach focuses on revitalizing current employees' skills and competencies and recruiting new talent in order to maintain a diverse and talented workforce equipped to deliver results for Canadians now and in the future.

Knowledge Management and Collaborative Technologies: NRCan's mission of becoming a world-class centre of natural resources expertise will continue to be achieved through the implementation of a knowledge gateway. Innovations in collaborative technology such as the NRCan Resource Wiki are already in place to enable NRCan employees to more efficiently preserve, share, integrate and leverage the department's most valuable asset, its knowledge. NRCan will continue to promote and focus on collaborative approaches through the use of technology and information management innovation. Moreover, NRCan will develop approaches to identify, preserve and transfer mission-critical knowledge held by people, notably those about to retire.

Integration of Science and Policy: In pursuit of closer alignment to common objectives and synergy, the department continues efforts to integrate science and policy. NRCan will capitalize on research results and focus on facilitating communication of these results to policy makers who need to understand and integrate this vital information. Moreover, the department is developing a science and technology strategy that aims to create a competitive Canadian advantage in entrepreneurship, knowledge and skilled people.

In addition to the core themes of Renewing NRCan, there are other management practices that will be areas of focus in the planning period.

Financial Management: Within the renewal context, NRCan will also be moving toward the provision of improved financial information, internal controls and systems to inform and strengthen decision making within the department.

Real Property: The NRCan real property portfolio of custodial buildings has an average age of 46 years. NRCan will be focused on addressing significant real property challenges. The department is well positioned to develop solutions through the implementation of an effective real property management framework in support of program and service delivery.

Ministerial Portfolio Coordination: The department recently created the Public Affairs and Portfolio Management Sector to create formal administrative structures tailored to specific portfolio roles, responsibilities and requirements. The implementation of these new structures will serve to complement and build upon the existing responsibilities within the department and portfolio agencies in order to further strengthen the relationships and outcomes.

Benefits to Canadians

These changes are reinforcing NRCan's standing as a world-class centre of knowledge and expertise in a changing world. They are strengthening the department's capacity to provide concise and integrated advice to senior levels of government on the pressing issues of the day. They are enhancing NRCan's ability to provide Canadians with relevant information about the country's vast resource base and landmass.

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