ARCHIVED - National Research Council Canada

Strategic Outcome: Canadians have access to research and development, information and infrastructure

Program Activity: National Science and Technology Infrastructure

Name of Transfer Payment Program: 1. Contributions to International Telescope Programs

Start date: 1978 (Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT))

End date: December 2012 (US National Science Foundation in support of Gemini)

Description: NRC, in partnership with other international bodies, provides financial contributions that support the management and operations of four international, offshore observatories and their related facilities (2 telescopes for Gemini Observatory, 66 for Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA)), and participates in the oversight and direction of the facilities and research. Astrophysics research and development requires large, costly and very precise telescopes and related instruments situated in areas that will provide ideal viewing conditions. It is beyond the capacity of individual organizations or even countries to support the costs of developing and maintaining the facilities required to conduct forefront astrophysics research, thus it is necessary for public sector organizations, through international partnerships, to support this research and development. NRC is a critical participant in the international astronomical community and through our international collaborations work is ongoing for Canada's Long Range Plan for Astronomy (LRP).

Expected results:

• Facilitated access to forefront facilities and technology for Canadian astronomers, permitting the Canadian research community to perform at world-class level; and
• A prominent role for Canada in international scientific endeavours, as a member of G8 and the Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD).

Strategic Outcome: Canadians have access to research and development, information and infrastructure

Program Activity: National Science and Technology Infrastructure

Name of Transfer Payment Program: 2. Contribution to the University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, Carleton University, L'Université de Montréal, Simon Fraser University, University of Toronto, and University of Victoria operating a Joint Venture known as TRIUMF

Start date: April 1, 1977

End date: March 30, 2010

Description: The Facility for Sub-Atomic Research (TRIUMF), is Canada's national laboratory for nuclear and particle physics, and one of Canada's key investments in large-scale research infrastructure. It provides world-class facilities for research in subatomic physics, life sciences, nuclear medicine and materials science. A consortium of seven Canadian universities own and manage the operations of TRIUMF. TRIUMF receives its federal funding in five-year allocations via a Contribution Agreement from NRC. NRC plays an important oversight and stewardship role for TRIUMF, providing funds to the facility on behalf of the Government of Canada via a contribution agreement. TRIUMF has five-year funding of $222 million for the 2005-2010 period. TRIUMF is currently seeking renewed funding for its new Plan, covering the period 2010-15.

Expected results:

• Facilitated access to the forefront facilities of TRIUMF and at at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), permitting the Canadian research community to perform at world-class level; and
• A continued prominent role for Canada at the forefront of international science, as a member of G8, OECD, and NATO.

Strategic Outcome: Advancements in innovative technologies and increased innovation capacity in targeted Canadian industries and national priority areas

Program Activity: Industrial Research Assistance

Name of Transfer Payment Program: 3. Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)

Start date: April 1, 2008

End date: March 31, 2013

Description: This program provides a range of technical and business-oriented advisory services, as well as financial support for small and medium-sized (SME) Canadian businesses engaged in research and development of technological innovations. The program is important for enabling enterprises to generate significant economic activity for Canadian industry by augmenting the capacity and capability of enterprises to innovate and commercialize. Financial support is provided through a transfer payment program delivered by a cross-Canada network of more than 250 professionals, including over 230 Industrial Technology Advisors (ITAs), and located in approximately 100 communities. The field staff of professionals, recognized for their scientific, technical, engineering, business expertise, and knowledge of SMEs, provides clients with customized value-added advice, information, referrals and financial assistance. They work with clients at all stages of the innovation-commercialization continuum, including: project development; access to technical assistance, financial, business, marketing or management advice; access to competitive technical information; patent searches; and access to local, regional, national or international linkages. NRC-IRAP Innovation Network Advisors (INAs) represent and promote NRC-IRAP in the community innovation system and build effective regional innovation system relationships for the benefit of SMEs. This includes working with organizations that receive NRC-IRAP contributions as well as with other organizations to facilitate the implementation of multi-sector, multi-partner initiatives that are relevant to SMEs regionally and nationally. As well, the program supports the placement of graduates in SMEs through its participation in the delivery of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES).

Expected results:

• SMEs in Canada have merit-based access to effective and efficient innovation support resulting in increased wealth.